Day 1 We meet up in the center of Belfast, after an introductory meeting we have dinner together.
Day 2 A Sustrans Cycle path guides us out of Belfast along the coast to Carrickfergus and its famous 12th Century castle. We then head inland to avoid the Sunday drivers and up into the mountains before descending to the first of the Antrim Glens with beautiful views of the ocean below . That night we stay in the quiet seaside village of Glenarm.
Day 3 In the morning we cycle back up into the hills and see Sperrin mountain. It is here where legend has it that St Patrick spent his youth in captivity as a pig farmer before escaping back to England only to return as a Bishop to convert Ireland to Christianity. We then return to the coast for lunch in a seaside Hotel. The days cycle takes in the beauty of Antrim not only in its coastline but also in its famous and stunning Glens. Slowly but surely we make our way along the coast to the village of Cushendall where we base ourselves for two nights.
Day 4 Heading inland again, we cycle through two of the most spectacular Glens of Antrim before returning back to Cushendall for another night in this lovely village.
Day 5 In the morning we explore the pretty and less visited Glenaan more thoroughly and then return to the coast for lunch in Cushendun. In the afternoon comes one of the highlights of the week, a breathtaking cycle along the coast road to Ballycastle passing along green fields dotted with sheep , while you look out over beautiful views of Scotland and the Mull of Kintyre, just across the sea.
Day 6 One attractive option on the rest day is to take the ferry to explore Rathlin Island, which is some five miles out in the Atlantic.
Day 7 We cycle along the coast where we can visit the famous Carrickrede rope bridge and then along to view the hexagonal rock formations at the Giants Causeway. From there we head to the village of Bushmills where we can visit the famous Whiskey distillery. The tour finishes off with a transfer back from Coleraine to Belfast city for a final night together.
Day 8 After a hearty breakfast, like all good things the tour ends!
Distances: The average cycling distance is an easy 30m (45km) with longer routes being available each day.
Starting times:
Each of the tours start with a meeting of the group at 6.30pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train and bus station. This is only a meeting point, typically the group will be staying in nearby guesthouses. The guide is able to return to the meeting place at 9.30pm again that evening. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct clients to their first nights bed & breakfast accommodation.
For those arriving unexpectedly late they can phone our office number in Dublin and the guides’ mobile phone number will be on our answering machine.
The bicycles:
We supply 21 speed hybrid touring bikes for the tours.
Repair equipment, helmets (for guided tours only) and front handlebar pannier bag are available for each client.
Clients are required to take due care of any rented equipment (includes bike, panniers, tool kits and helmets), we reserve the right to charge for any damages caused due to loss or negligence.
Distances:
The average cycling distance is an easy 30 – 40 miles (48- 64 km) with longer routes being available most days. The safaris are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but the tours are not suited for children under 13 years of age.
There are a number of hills on the route but you have all day to do the cycling. You will be provided with a more comprehensive route description and map at the start of the tour. There is an option each day for a variety of longer routes. With the exception of the roads in and out of Killarney, the traffic on the route should be quite light. You should however cycle carefully at all times, especially when going downhill.