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From Clare to Connemara
Days 1 – 3
Your trip begins with a leisurely sojourn in Ennis,
the colorful capital of Co. Clare on the River Fergus. The
day is yours to explore the mediaeval lanes and streets in
search of history, music and fun as you set your clock to
“Irish time.” • Our adventure truly commences
as we head for our two-night stay in Doolin,
a world-renowned hotbed of traditional Irish music situated
on the beautiful Clare coast. Pedal to the awe inspiring Cliffs
of Moher, one of Ireland’s most incredible natural wonders.
Millions of years of geologic time are revealed as the cliffs
drop almost 700 vertical feet straight into the ocean. •
Discover over 6,000 years of history as you cycle around Black
Head with sparkling ocean panoramas everywhere you look, and
through the heart of the Burren, Clare’s unique limestone
landscape. Because this magical region is filled with so many
megalithic monuments, ring forts, castles, caves, and amazing
botanical life, our hidden route includes guided visits to
several such sites.
Days 4– 5
Take a journey back in time as we board the ferryboat to Inis
Mór, the largest of the three
Aran Islands. You’ll learn of the island’s ancient
past as one of the world’s most important centers of
learning and Christian pilgrimage. We’ll visit Dun Aonghasa,
Europe’s finest Celtic stone fort, and many other important
historic sites on a guided bike ride. • The following
day we depart for Co. Galway. Once on land, we’ll cycle
into the wild heart of Connemara, bound for the picturesque
town of Clifden,
the “capital of Connemara,” for a two-night stay.
The majestic mountains and waterways of the region form a
backdrop for some of the most spectacular bicycle routes on
the entire journey.
Days 6– 7
Your free day in Clifden
offers limitless possibilities for exploration. Ride the breathtaking
Skye Road, visit Connemara National Park, pedal through the
world famous Roundstone Bog, or set off on foot to explore
the local landscape. • In the shadow of the Twelve Bens
and Maamturk Mountains we pedal on through Connemara, pausing
at Kylemore Abbey in the Kylemore Valley and riding along
Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Then
passing into “Joyce’s Country,” where lovely
loughs lie in ancient glens amidst towering peaks, we arrive
in Cong, principal film locale for The Quiet Man. (Our own
home place overlooks Lough Mask a few miles away.) From there
it’s a short journey to our destination, a comfortable
bed and breakfast in the heart of Galway’s city
centre, for a two-night stay.
Days 8– 9
Immerse yourself in Ireland’s loveliest city, Galway,
with a day to explore as you please. You could experience sensory overload as you
discover the lively mix of Galway’s narrow, Old World
streets and modern-day charm. But don’t worry, we’ll
direct you to Galway’s best offerings prior to our celebratory
farewell banquet. • If it’s time to go home, then
after breakfast we’ll see you safely to Shannon for your
final departure. (If you’re asking “So soon?” then
our mission has been accomplished). Of course we can always
help you plan further exploration of Ireland on your own
or on another Planet Earth Adventures tour.
Prices and
dates…
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