East to West
self-guided cycling tours Ireland – cycle across the entire island of Ireland C2C
We are starting our self-guided bike tour on the East Coast in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. Its vibrancy, nightlife and tourist attractions are renowned. Even though it is by far the biggest city in Ireland, its center is, however, relatively small and can be navigated by foot, with the attractions being in close proximity to each other.
You are the cycling through Ireland’s Ancient East. Located in the ‘heart’ of Ireland, the Midland Region encompasses the counties of Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath. The landscape of the Midland Region is diverse, dominated by the River Shannon and its callows along the western boundary, interspersed with lakes, wetlands, bogs, agricultural lands and eskers throughout the central area, the upland area of Slieve Bloom Mountains to the south and the rolling landscape of the Barrow and Nore valley to the south east. This is an ancient landscape with plenty of attractions along the quiet back-roads.
Our self-guided cycling tour finishes in Galway. Frequently called Ireland’s most Irish city, this coastal metropolis is a place where Celtic culture and literature have long thrived, often in the traditional Gaelic language. Galway won the acclaim to be the European Capital of Culture in 2020. That’s Galway – different, special and never, ever predictable.
Self-guided Cycling Tour Itinerary
DAY
1
DAY
2
You start the cycle leaving Dublin behind heading West on relatively minor roads to Cellbridge and from there to Kinnegad for the night. You pass by Taghadoe Abbey and Round Tower along the cycle route. (63km/40mls climb: 387m)
DAY
3
Cycling through the middle of Ireland, featuring expansive boglands. on quiet backroads you are heading for the main town of Offaly – Tullamore. Along the way you will cycle to Belvedere House Gardens and Park, a magnificent 160 acre Lakeside estate with fully restored Georgian Villa, Victorian Walled Garden, naturalistic designed 18th century parkland punctuated with Romantic follies including the largest in Ireland the Jealous Wall as a side trip. This is a relatively short cycle giving you the time to schedule a visit to Tullamore Dew Whiskey Distillery. The guided tour blends audiovisual and traditional storytelling to explain the story of the unique Irish Whiskey. (48km/30mls climb: 265m)
DAY
4
You continue to head due west to arrive at the river Shannon, the biggest and most important of all Irish rivers. Here you will detour to visit Clonmacnoise monastic site, founded in the 6th century. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. From there you head to Banagher located on the banks of the river for the night. (71km/44mls climb: 257m)
DAY
5
And the bicycles will take you further west to today’s target the town of Loughrea, located on Lough Riach. The Cathedral is where one can see Irish Craftsmanship and Art at its highest level – it is a treasure house of arts and crafts of a Celtic revival. Along the way you may have lunch in Portumna, one of East Galway’s prettiest towns. Portumna Castle & Gardens and the Dominican Friary are worth a visit within the town.
(25km/16mls 174m or 65km/41mls 445m)
DAY
6
Today’s target is Galway, the historic and bustling university city on the West coast of Ireland. The cycling will bring you through Clarinbridge famous for its oysters, celebrated here each September with a festival. (48km/30mls climb: 255m)
DAY
7
Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey. There are direct buses back to Dublin from Galway, or there are also trains to Dublin.
Map
Price 2024
Off-peak €1,300pps; €1,400pps July and Aug
€400 single room supplement; solo traveller surcharge available
Level
easy to moderate
Starting Dates 2024
depending on travel restrictions – normally April – Oct
Included
Luggage transfers
Bicycles
Stevens hybrid bicycle (upgrade to road bicycles or electric assist bicycles are available)
Accommodation & Meals
6 nights guesthouses, B&Bs, and hotels inclusive of 6 breakfasts
Miscellaneous
Detailed daily route notes, maps, and route notes, gpx files, personal meet and greet, emergency support
Arrival Location
Dublin
Departure Location
Galway City
Tour Accommodations
This self-guided cycling vacation is using comfortable, homely B&B and guesthouse accommodations along its route. At the end of each cycling day you will arrive to a warm welcome, a hot shower, and a comfortable room with all the mod cons to revive you before you head out to enjoy a sumptuous dinner. If you prefer you can opt to upgrade to 4* hotel accommodations that offer spa facilities and you can book massages and enjoy sauna and whirlpools, or a relaxing swim.
Seadew House
Sea Dew is a purpose built, four star, Bord Failte approved Guest House, providing guests with a high standard of comfort, located only 5 minutes walk from Tullamore town center. Complimentary WiFi.
St. Judes
An elegantly restored 1920’s family run luxury guesthouse, in a peaceful and tranquil setting. Very proud of using only the finest local produce in the sumptuous breakfasts they supply.
Gallery of Tour Pictures