Ireland  Bike Tour Reviews (page 2)

  • Treasures of the Donegal Coast
    (5/5) Island Chick August 29, 2019

    Amazing way to celebrate my 50th Birthday! Exceeded my expectations!

    · Treasures of the Donegal Coast

    Perfect way to see the Donegal Coast and rural countryside of West Ireland. Local operator Shemass was awesome! Accommodations were all very nice and innkeepers very helpful!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Dublin and West Ireland
    (4/5) MarcieB August 23, 2019

    The Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland is not to be missed!

    · Dublin and West Ireland E-Bike Tour

    There were two dates for the E-bike tour (Dublin and West Ireland). . . July and August. We selected the August date and packed rain/wind gear . . . just in case! When we received the advanced brochure for the trip, it was in English and the bike tour company was indicated: Rotalis ~ Die Radreise Manufaktur. Hmmm, I thought. An e-bike tour of Ireland by a German outfitter will probably be a mixed group of English and German speakers. That was true, up to a point. Of the thirteen members of the group, eleven were German speakers and we were the two English speakers. Several in the German group told us they take Rotalis trips on a regular basis and wondered how we had ended up in a predominately German tour. The good news is that I understand some conversational German. Although attempts were made to converse with us in English, among themselves it was natural to speak their own language. The Dublin city guide assumed everybody spoke German and off we went. My husband and I had to return to the hotel within 15 minutes because it was a bit overwhelming for me to try and translate all the architectural/historical details the guide was providing. She felt badly to see us go and said she could have provided an English translation, but she was providing a lot of information and we felt we would have slowed down their pace.

    So, other than the language issue, I would highly recommend this tour if the number of English speakers could bring the ratio to 50-50. The two guides (a driver/chef/mechanic and the tour guide/mechanic/group leader) were extremely helpful and always spoke to us in English.

    The E-bikes had already served several groups and were beginning to show some signs of wear. Chains would periodically fall off and need attention and some of the hand brakes were only working on one side. At one point, they ended up renting an additional bike for my husband in Clifden so he could continue riding. They mentioned that 2020 would bring a new fleet of e-bikes. With Bosch components they were pretty impressive as far as ease of use and power choices were concerned.

    Staying two nights in three different locales was fabulous. The food, snacks and activities were always locally sourced and culturally authentic. The pacing was good, the stops were timely and the adventures unforgettable! I don't think any of us will forget the turbulent little ferry ride to Inishmore in the Aran Islands. Yes, there was some rain, some wind and some challenges, but we all made it and made some new friendships.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 3-10, 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was our 10th Biketours.com
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • Ten Germans and two Americans . . . somewhere in Western Ireland! (photo by MarcieB)
    • A sumptuous snack beachside. From fresh fruits and veggies to seafood pates, hearty breads and wine/beer/water, we were well served. (photo by MarcieB)
    • Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden was worth a visit. (photo by MarcieB)
    • The Rosleague Manor Hotel was home to Tyson, a very friendly black lab. The food and ambiance were wonderful. (photo by MarcieB)
    • The day we wore all our wind/rain layers to get from point A to point B. (photo by MarcieB)
    • The Killary Sheep farm demo included watching Jess run the sheep from paddock to pen, a shearing demo, bottle feeding the lambs and our group enjoying our snack in the shearer's shed. (photo by MarcieB)
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe August 24, 2019

      Marcie - thanks kindly for the review. We're glad you enjoyed the tour despite the language issue. You never quite know what the make-up of a group tour will be, but it always makes things interesting! The guides on this tour are always bilingual and able to provide an English version of the information - don't hesitate to utilize it! Thanks also for noting about the e-bikes and their imminent replacement. We're so glad you enjoyed your trip overall, and we LOVE the photos, thanks for posting them! And, 10 BikeTours.com tours, WOW! Thank you!

    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Ireland’s West Cork
    (5/5) Sylvie and Chris August 15, 2019

    Beautiful Ireland

    · Ireland’s West Cork on Tranquil Lanes Following the Coast

    Best and healthy way to discover the beauty of Ireland and meet the irish people and their gentleness. Don was very accommodating and kept the tour fitting our level. The hotels were comfortable and the food delicious.

    What was the date of your tour?
    12t to16 august
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • On the way to Baltimore (photo by Sylvie and Chris)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
    (5/5) Maria N August 15, 2019

    Trip of my dreams

    · Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

    The perfect way to experience Ireland! Everyone have to do it!

    What was the date of your tour?
    30/07-06/07
    How many tours have you completed?
    one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Ireland’s West Cork
    (3/5) u d i July 4, 2019

    Lovely landscape shame most of the cycling is on asphalt with fast cars ..

    · Ireland’s West Cork on Tranquil Lanes Following the Coast

    We had great time riding at CORK area, the weather was on our side also. everything was green and blooming, we all had e-bikes which was a great descision to do since first 3 days we traveled more than 70KM each day.accomodation was very good and so was the food, especially fish and sea food, we also had one night stay at a lovely castle fron 16th century on the atlantic beach.since most on the track was dedicated to the West Atlantic Way and many parts of it on the N71 we changed it and went deep into the countryside which was eaven nicer, plenty of fields and woods as we went up and downhill.it is advisable to change parts of the route to offroad routs.

    What was the date of your tour?
    june 16 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    this is our 8th
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with young kids
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • Photo 1 (photo by u d i)
    • Photo 2 (photo by u d i)
    • Photo 3 (photo by u d i)
    • Photo 4 (photo by u d i)
    • Photo 5 (photo by u d i)
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe July 5, 2019

      Thanks kindly for your feedback. We're so glad to hear that you were able to improve your experience by altering your route. And thank goodness for e-bikes; they truly are a game changer! Love that you had wonderful weather, food, and accommodations. Thanks again for the review (and the pictures).

    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 2/5 Route selection
  • Highlights of the Highlands
    (5/5) erinling May 27, 2019

    Just Get the E-bike

    · Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike

    Amazing way of seeing the countryside. County Donegal is gorgeous. Killybegs to Glencolmcille to Glenties were my favorite rides. I began day 1 of my journey on a hybrid bike thinking "I'm in shape, I can do this." WRONG. The terrain is very hilly and the hybrids heavy, so just go ahead and get that e-bike. Seamus was incredibly friendly and helpful and worked with me if a problem arose. All of the B&B hosts were great, though Letterkenny's was certainly my least favorite. My only regret is being too concerned about making good time and not taking more opportunities to hop off and hike around more.

    What was the date of your tour?
    30/04/19 - 05/05/19
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Ireland’s West Cork
    (5/5) jdwright November 19, 2018

    Incredible trip!

    · Ireland’s West Cork on Tranquil Lanes Following the Coast

    There is no better way to see a country than on a bike. The scenery was incredible and breath-taking. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and helpful!

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 15-24, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was our first
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • We made it! (photo by jdwright)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Treasures of the Donegal Coast
    (5/5) margaret63 September 29, 2018

    A cycling adventure

    · Treasures of the Donegal Coast

    It was great to be cycling on the scenic backroads of county Donegal. The daily mileage was not too long so that we could do short recommended side trips or not be out too long if the weather was less than ideal. Staying 2 nights in Carrick allowed us to have our free day to enjoy a pedal to Slieve League. Staying 2 nights in Ardara meant we could pedal out to the Maghera strand to see the beach and caves and still have energy for the Corner Pub and listen to great Irish music.
    Seamus was very helpful & explained the trip details thoroughly.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 6-13, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
    (4/5) Chris 77 September 6, 2018

    Good tour of the Atlantic coast

    · Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

    What was the date of your tour?
    Aug. 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    14
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Sleepy Hollow Cyclist September 6, 2018

    Cycling Enchanted Ireland Coastal Roads

    · Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

    A wonderful, weeklong ride along beautiful backroads and small seaside villages of Ireland's rugged and enchanted Connemara coastline, with stops in appealing small towns. Everything was perfect - even with many days of "Irish Mist".

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 12-20, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
    • Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
    • Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
    • Blackberries, Cycling Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Connemara Lazy Days
    (5/5) Karen54 August 5, 2018

    Best Week in Ireland

    · Connemara Lazy Days Cycling

    We had a wonderful week long bike trip in Connemara. The scenery was amazing, the equipment was great and the lodging was fanastic. This is the best way to see Ireland! Our support team provided us with maps, and great places to stop along the way and amazing detours. They also called us on rainy days to see if we wanted to hitch a ride, but the weather never stopped us. It was a little rainy and windy sometimes, but our trip was in early May. We highly recommend this tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • First day of cycling - just outside Clifden (photo by Karen54)
    • Photo 2 (photo by Karen54)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Ireland’s West Cork
    (5/5) Jimmie July 13, 2018

    The Magic and Majesty of West Cork

    · Ireland’s West Cork on Tranquil Lanes Following the Coast

    I had been around Ireland three times, by tour bus, by car, and by bicycle. There is only one way to see Ireland…and that is by bike…and that is under the direction of our tour director, Don, who created and coordinated our incredible tour around West Cork. Having been to many countries around the world, I would rate undeveloped, magical, wild West Cork as the most beautiful scenery that I have ever seen. It was made more so by the fact that we were cycling and could take it in slowly.
    It is very hard to keep the superlatives about Don to a minimum. As a person, he is warm, supportive, motivating, and professionally efficient with a dash of mischievousness thrown in. The hotels that Don booked for us were all first class, which is what we needed after a day of cycling. At our first meeting in Kinsale, he went over the whole tour and gave us all the maps that we would need, and a very detailed description of the route and its highlights each day to be received via email the morning of the ride. It was a great advantage to have Don pick up our luggage from the hotel after we were launched for the day and have it in place when we arrived at our destination. He kept track of us along the route, and we often came upon his parked car on the side of the road, whereupon he would hop out and enthusiastically tell us how well we were doing, and fib a little about the hills to come !
    Don was continuously excited telling us about the scenery that we would see and the highlights along the way. His enthusiasm was contagious and motivated our tired legs to move forward once more. My partner and I chose to do a self-guided tour, but at the hotels we would catch up with another group of four who had cycled in many other countries. To a person, they agreed that Don’s was the best.
    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Thank you Don.
    Respectfully,
    Jim and Janice

    What was the date of your tour?
    Jun 14,2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Darcyb July 1, 2018

    Not to be missed!

    · Ireland’s West Cork on Tranquil Lanes Following the Coast

    The perfect way to experience Southern Ireland! The tour exceeded our expectations in every way.
    Don, the tour operator, went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best possible tour and even adjusted our itinerary because of weather to optimize the experience The meals, especially the seafood along the coast, were delicious. If you take the tour, take the upgrade and stay in the castle one night.
    The route is along the southern part of the Wild Atlantic Way and is incredibly beautiful. Because we were following the rugged coastline in some sections there were a few challenging hills, although Don tried to convince us that they were just “wee bumps”. We would highly recommend this trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 17
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • Cycling up to Mizen Head (photo by Darcyb)
    • Colourful Kinsale (photo by Darcyb)
    • Mizen Head (photo by Darcyb)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Treasures of the Donegal Coast
    (5/5) Cyndi2838 May 2, 2018

    Fabulous ride in Ireland

    · Treasures of the Donegal Coast

    What a great time we had riding the Irish coastline. Hilly and beautiful, the ride was so fun. Relaxing and really experiencing Ireland

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Highlights of the Highlands
    (4/5) Faye October 2, 2017

    A very good trip

    · Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike

    The trip was generally great, as we were lucky with the weather. The B&B's were generally very good, particularly the one in Glenties. All of the B&B owners were helpful and friendly and the breakfasts were great. The B&B that we stayed at in Donegal was not as good- the bed was uncomfortable, the curtains didn't block out the light, and the toilet didn't flush very well.

    Great to have an electric bike for those hills, and a GPS to navigate!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 15 to 22nd, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
    (5/5) frank September 21, 2017

    Amazing way to experience a the Ireland West Coast!

    · Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

    We were absolutely blown away by the scenery, the service and the nice friendly people we met at each stop. The local pubs were huge fun, the cycling was challenging enough but with enough time to stop and breathe in the countryside. Bring bike lights if you stay in a local pub past dark. I recommend high vis clothes because you are on busy roads occasionally. The bikes were ok, serviceable hybrids, and able to meet the demands. The B&B's chosen by the company were excellent, friendly and helpful.
    This was an amazing experience and far surpassed our expectations.

    What was the date of your tour?
    09/11/2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Treasures of the Donegal Coast
    (5/5) Steve M September 13, 2017

    Beautiful scenery!

    · Treasures of the Donegal Coast

    Routes were very good, scenic and mostly back roadshows. We found the terrain challenging though the daily Milage was reasonable.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept. 6
    How many tours have you completed?
    Many 20+
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Connemara Lazy Days
    (5/5) PKinGeorgia August 17, 2017

    Beautiful Connemara

    · Connemara Lazy Days Cycling

    This was a great trip that I took on the roads of western Ireland with my 14 year old son. We had good maps and bicycles and the B & Bs were excellent. I recommend it highly to people like us who are not the most physically fit, but enjoy the outdoors.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 17 - 21
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • Photo 1 (photo by PKinGeorgia)
    • Photo 2 (photo by PKinGeorgia)
    • Photo 3 (photo by PKinGeorgia)
    • Photo 4 (photo by PKinGeorgia)
    • Photo 5 (photo by PKinGeorgia)
    • Photo 6 (photo by PKinGeorgia)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection