Backroads Ireland, 10-Day Activity Holiday from €1,410

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Point 1: Galway to Connemara

This busy day, full of ever-changing landscapes, begins with a walk though the woods, into the picturesque village of Cong, with its historic Abbey. After our visit, we’ll explore and enjoy lunch in the heritage town of Westport, situated in the shadow of Ireland’s holy mountain - Croagh Patrick. Afterwards, we head out along the shoreline of stunning Clew Bay, learning of the Pirate queen Gráinne Ní Mháille as we travel towards magnificent Connemara, with its dramatic valleys and magical landscapes. Here, you'll have the option to walk or pedal the stunningly desolate Doolough Valley, studded with dark lakes and overhanging waterfalls, on the way to Killary Fjord. We spend the remainder of the day with a visit to the Gothic fantasy of Kylemore Abbey, shimmering in its lakeside setting, where you can explore the magnificent castle, Gothic church and Victorian gardens.

Point 2: Connemara to The Aran Islands

We begin our day with a visit to Ireland's only fjord, where you can either walk the ancient Famine track along the shore, or opt to kayak in its pristine waters. Following our activities, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the lonesome Inagh Valley (or, if you have the energy, it makes for a stunning cycle!) towards the south Connemara coastline, where we take to the waves for a boat ride out across Galway Bay to the magical Aran Islands. Unlike most tourists, we’ll spend the night on Inis Mor, immersed in the community of the island. As the tourist boat sets sail from the harbour in the late afternoon, we’ll explore the vast web of stone walls and ancient ruins on bike and foot, experiencing the timelessness of island life. Tonight, we’ll stay amongst the community, in local guest houses, and go in search of traditional music in one of Inis Mor’s three pubs.

Point 3: Aran Islands to Galway

After our night experiencing the culture and traditions of 'Island life', we'll explore the history and terrain of this arid landscape on foot or bike, where our walking and cycling trails are bounded only by the shore. We visit Europe’s most impressive promontory fort, Dun Aengus, an ancient stone fort perched perilously on the 100ft towering cliff edge. After lunch, we take to the waves again, heading back though Galway Bay to south Connemara, where we hug the scenic coastline, passing through colourful villages in the Connemara Gaeltacht as we go. We’ll end our day with a walk or cycle along Galway’s famous Salthill Promenade, and through Claddagh Village into the bohemian city of Galway, with its many historic buildings, lively street entertainers and colourful pubs.

Point 4: Galway to Ennis

Departing Galway City, we take the scenic route along Galway Bay and into the wild and arid landscape of the Burren National Park, stopping in at Kinvara’s local farmer’s market en route. Cyclists have the option to cycle the Black Head Coastal Route to Doolin, whilst walkers can enjoy the stunning views out over Galway Bay, stepping along the Burren Way. Meeting in Doolin for lunch provides the perfect opportunity to sample some fabulous Irish ‘pub-grub’ before visiting the Cliffs of Moher for a stroll along Ireland’s most spectacular cliffs, to enjoy the stunning views and teeming birdlife. The afternoon takes us though a myriad of Co. Clare’s small towns and villages, discovering Celtic crosses, deserted abbeys and ancient ruins as we go. Tonight, we stay in county Clare, home of traditional Irish music, where you can choose to mingle with the locals over creamy pints and traditional tunes or join us on an optional excursion to Bunratty Castle for a medieval banquet. 

Point 5: Ennis to Dingle

The pretty, thatched cottages of Adare are our first stop today, before heading on to the Dingle Peninsula. Keen cyclists can opt for a long, hard cycle up the Conor Pass, to be rewarded with amazing views out over the peninsula, whilst the remaining group will enjoy a scenic drive along the rugged Dingle Peninsula, with its wild mountains and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Ireland can boast. In the afternoon, stunning walks and cycles take us out onto the most westerly point of Europe, Slea Head, where you'll view the famed Blasket Islands from across the Sound. Today you’ll have the option to stop and take in numerous Celtic and Christian heritage sites along the way, or spend some time soaking up the atmosphere in charming Dingle Town. We stay on the Dingle Peninsula tonight, where you can seek out traditional music in its famed pubs.

Point 6: Dingle to Ring-of-Kerry (Killarney)

We begin this fun-packed day with a visit to Muckross Estate and Killarney National Park, where you can choose to walk or cycle the shores of Muckross Lake to Torc Waterfall or take an optional visit into the magnificent 19th century Muckross House. Alternatively, you can experience Killarney National Park from a different perspective, on an optional kayaking trip out onto its magical lakes. Following a scrumptious picnic lunch in the shadow of the 15th century Ross Castle, we begin our afternoon's adventures in open boats, crossing over the tranquil lakes to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. Once on dry land again, we'll enjoy a leisurely walk through the ruggedly beautiful Gap of Dunloe (approx. 7kms) to Kate Kearney's Cottage - a traditional pub that marks the trail’s end.

Point 7: Ring-of-Kerry to West Cork

Today, we explore the spectacular coastal scenery of the Ring of Kerry, taking one of the most scenic walks in Ireland along the old Mass Path, which forms part of the Kerry Way. The path brings us out on the sand dunes above Derrynane beach. Here, on a fine day, you can take a dip in the Irish Atlantic, or, if the tide is out, you'll be able to cross over the beach to Abbey Island, where you’ll find the remains of a 10th century abbey and the local cemetery. We continue on to the heritage town of Kenmare for lunch, with time to explore the colourful market town and the nearby Bronze Age stone circle. In the afternoon, we discover the art of Irish cheese making traditions at Manning’s Emporium and sample some local cottage varieties, before heading out onto Sheep’s Head, where, without a doubt, sheep outnumber people on this secluded peninsula. One of the quietest and most remote parts of Ireland, Sheep’s Head possesses a tranquil beauty where we can enjoy our trails in picturesque solitude. When the sun sets, you have the option to join us on a starlight kayaking trip, where, if we’re lucky, we may experience the beauty of bio-luminescence around us while we paddle, marvelling as the waters glow with a thousand tiny lights!

Point 8: West Cork to Cork City

Romantic, rural Ireland is epitomised as we creep along the Cork coastline, passing through the many colourful towns and villages as we go. Walks and cycles take us along the craggy coastline and through the verdant hills of West Cork, past abbeys and ancient ruins, into the picture-perfect postcard town of Kinsale. Known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, we’ll be sure to arrive in plenty of time for a leisurely lunch and lots of photos, before heading up to the magnificent Charles Fort. Standing guard over the sheltered bay, Charles Fort is considered one of the most well-preserved 17th century star-shaped forts in Europe. After our visit, we end our day in vibrant Cork City, known as the Venice of Ireland. You have the option to see Cork from a different perspective, on an optional guided evening paddling tour of the city along the River Lee, before you venture out to discover this exciting, thriving capital of the south.

Point 9: Cork City to Kilkenny

Departing Cork for the ‘Sunny South East’, we begin our day’s touring with a trip to an old favourite, the famed Blarney Castle. Prepare to hang upside down and receive the ‘gift of the gab’ as you kiss the Blarney Stone! We’ll then follow the pilgrims' footsteps to the pretty seaside village of Ardmore, where it’s said that St. Declan brought Christianity to Ireland even before St. Patrick! It boasts a beautiful 5km cliff walk, along part of a longer walking trail known as ‘St. Declan’s Way’, which ends at the old monastic site and round tower. We follow our visit with a cycle along the spectacular Copper Coast in Waterford. In the afternoon, we enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle along the meandering Barrow River, between St. Mullins and Graiguenamanagh, or you can join an optional paddling trip on the tranquil river instead, before enjoying a well-deserved pint in ones of Graigue’s extraordinary traditional pubs. We rest our heads in Ireland’s finest medieval city, the seat of Irish political power in the Middle Ages, which has left its mark on the town with a majestic riverside castle, charming architecture and a medieval cathedral.

Point 10: Kilkenny to Dublin

We begin our day with a scenic drive through the lush landscape of County Carlow and into Wicklow, stopping at Ireland’s oldest working woollen mills, in the pretty village of Avoca, where we learn of the time-old tradition of weaving. We then make our way along the valley, into the ancient monastic ruins of Glendalough, meaning ‘valley of the two lakes’. We take a visit to the famous Glendalough Monastic Settlement to learn about ‘the land of saints and scholars’, before taking a walk along the lakeside to the picturesque Poulanass Waterfall. We finish our day with a spectacular scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains National park, over the Sally Gap, where those who fancy pedalling will be rewarded with a breath-taking cycle back down towards Dublin.

We Include ~ No Hidden Extras!

• 10-day activity holiday with an experienced tour leader
• 8 nights' hotel accommodation in 3-4* hotels
• 1 night in local guest house accommodation on the Aran Islands
• All entrance fees for guided visits, as outlined in the itinerary
• Bike hire, with fully equipped bicycle, helmet and accessories
• Stunning walks each day, with route notes & maps
• Exhilarating bike-rides each day, with route notes & maps
• Picnic lunch in Killarney National Park  & Waterford Copper Coast Park
• Breakfast each morning
• All our buses are fitted with drinking water tanks, to refill your water bottles, as well as a fruit basket and cookie jar to refuel along the way!
• All ferries, tolls and taxes
• Heaps of fun along the way!

Included Activities & Excursions ~

• Cong Abbey visit
• Kylemore Abbey visit
• Walk or cycle Doo Lough Valley
• Walk Killary Fjord
• Cycle Lough Inagh Valley
• Return boat to Aran Islands
• Dun Aengus Fort visit
• Walk or cycle Inis Mor, Aran Island
• Cycle Black Head Coastal Route or walk the Burren Way
• Walk or cycle Salthill Promenade, Galway
• Visit Kinvara's Farmers Market
• Visit the Cliffs of Moher and entrance to the Atlantic Edge Exhibition Centre
• Slea Head walk or cyle
• Open boat ride across Killarney lakes to the Gap of Dunloe
• Visit Torc Waterfall
• Walk or cycle Muckross Lake, Killarney National Park
• Walk the Gap of Dunloe
• Ring of Kerry
• Valentia Island
• Mass path walk in Derrynane Park
• Kenmare heritage town
• Irish Farmhouse Cheese discovery and tasting
• Walk or cycle on Sheep's Head Peninsula
• Walk or cycle the back roads of west Cork
• Visit 17th Century Charles Fort, Kinsale
• Visit Blarney Castle and Stone
• Walk Ardmore coastal path to St. Declan's monastic site
• Cycle Copper Coast Geopark in Waterford
• Walk or Cycle the Barrow Towpath, Graiguenamagh
• Visit Avoca Woolen Mills Visit Glendalough monastic settlement
• Walk Glendalough lakes to Poulannass Waterfall
• Cycle the Sally Gap in Wicklow National park

We Don't Include ~ Giving You The Choice!

• Optional* activities, as outlined below
• Lunch & dinner, as outlined in the itinerary
• Transport to tour meeting point
• Any additionally requested pre- or post-tour services
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses

Optional Activities & Excursions ~

• 3-hour kayak in Killary Fjord with a kayaking supplier = €50
• 3-hour kayaking tour of Killarney lakes = €50
• Medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, including dinner, wine and entertainment = €60
• Dolphin boat trip, Dingle = €16
• Starlight kayaking in west Cork = €50
• Irish Home Cooking class at a farmhouse in Cork = €40
• Paddling on the river Barrow by canoe = €45
• Tour of Cork City by kayak on the river Lee = €50

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour is available on the following dates:

All of our tours are subject to a minimum amount of bookings - if you can see a green tick to show the tour is guaranteed to run, this means we have already met the minimum amount of bookings required.