Sunday Business Post - July 8, 2007
by Ruth O'Connor

Holiday Clinic: A rural cycling adventure

THE CANDIDATES: Sean from Boston and his three friends (in their 40s)

THE CHALLENGE: a weeklong cycling tour in Ireland. Flying to Paris and returning to Boston, business class.

THE REQUIREMENTS: Sean and his friends are travelling to France in the autumn to see Ireland play in the Rugby World Cup.

At the end of the tournament, they plan to tour Ireland and would like to do a week-long cycling tour in a scenic part of the country.

Sean writes: ‘‘We know all about the weather and will be kitted up with wet gear, but we want to hire some good road bikes. Accommodation suggestions would also be welcome.”

OPTION ONE - DINGLE PENINSULA
The group could go on an independent cycling tour of the Dingle Peninsula. Go Visit Ireland offers a variety of tours.

However, this locale may prove busier than others at this time of year. Independent touring also gives the group more flexibility.

The Dingle Peninsula is renowned for its scenery, archaeological sites, great pub scene and traditional Irish language and music.

This seven-day tour takes in Killarney, Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Inch beach and Dingle Bay. The cycle will take in Dingle town, with its good supply of restaurants - and the added attraction of Fungi the Dolphin.

It will then travel to Slea Head, the Blasket Islands and the Conor Pass, with an overnight stay in Castlegregory and back to Killarney for the last night. Each day’s cycling covers approximately 20-30 miles, and the tours run from Saturday to Saturday.

The tour price includes seven nights’ accommodation in Bord Failte approved guesthouses, seven full Irish breakfasts, luggage transfers each day, 21 speed touring bikes (2007 models), carriers, mudguards, panniers and detailed notes and maps of the route.

The company also provides telephone back-up should an emergency arise. Cyclists should provide their own wet gear and helmets.

Total cost: the tour costs €615 per person sharing; single supplement of €189.Train fares from Dublin to Killarney cost €70 for a monthly return ticket.

Business class one-way to Boston with Aer Lingus costs from $1,614 in September. Return flights from Dublin to Paris with Aer Lingus cost from around €55, travelling between September 6 and 30.

Contact: call 066-9762094 for details or log on to www.govisitireland.com. Visit www.aerlingus.com for flight details.

OPTION TWO - CAUSEWAY COAST AND GLENS OF ANTRIM
Iron Donkey offers guided and independent tours around Ireland and Britain. Its tour of Antrim is one of the most popular routes in the North and offers fantastic scenery.

The tour is a round-trip from Ballymena, taking in Agadowey, Bushmills, Ballycastle and Cushendall. The Giant’s Causeway, miles of sandy beaches, the Sperrin Mountains and the nine Glens of Antrim can all be seen, as can the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, weather permitting.

The tour includes seven nights’ B&B and can begin on any day of the week, making this a flexible option for the group. Detailed route-maps, directions and information about destination and staging towns en route are also provided.

Transfer of luggage can be arranged if desired, and emergency back-up is provided.
Accommodation is generally in family-run guesthouses and B&Bs. The bikes are all high-spec hybrid or road bikes.

Total cost: the tour costs €495 per person sharing (single supplement is €140).

Bike hire costs an additional €140, and luggage transfer costs €220 for four riders for the week. Flight details as above.

OPTION THREE - CONNEMARA, MAYO AND GALWAY
Irish Cycling Safaris has a cycling tour of the Connemara/ Galway/ Mayo region beginning at the end of September.

It’s a popular route, so the guys would want to move quickly on this option.
However, the company covers a wide variety of destinations around the country, and offers both self-led and guided tours.

The company takes up to 20 people on each tour, covering 30-40miles per day. The group trips are a great way to meet other tourists and swap stories over dinner at the end of the day.

A group guide accompanies the cyclists in a van which can offer the occasional break from the saddle if cyclists are feeling tired.

This route takes in the village of Cong, Lough Mask and Westport; moving on between Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.

The tour will take Sean and his friends to Kylemore Abbey and the beautiful seaside towns of Clifden and Roundstone.

Halfway through the week, there is a day set aside for relaxation and rest.
The price includes seven nights B&B in good quality B&Bs or guesthouses, hire of 21-speed Trek T30s, guide and luggage transfers and all necessary information.
Group tours run from Saturday to Saturday. Evening meals are not included in the price.
Total cost: the Connemara/ Mayo/ Galway Safari costs €630 per person sharing. Flight details as above .