Ireland Bike Tour Reviews
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★★★★★ Heidy December 3, 2015Beautiful Scenic Bike Tour
· Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
The perfect way to experience Ireland! My husband and I biked this tour in September 2014 and were totally taken away by beautiful Connemara region. Along the way, we enjoyed beer and seafood in local pubs and a smoked mackerel and champagne in Ballynahinch Castle. The bicycles were in good condition and the accommodation in B&Bs was fine for us. The hosts were friendly, the facilities clean and the Irish breakfast huge and delicious. I bought us all the rain-gear I could find, but we did not need it once. Some mornings were foggy but it only added to the charm of the countryside.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ Tzee September 11, 2016
Beautiful Ireland West Coast Bicycle Trip
· Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
A great way to experience this wonderful region of Ireland. My wife and I decided on a late August tour and weren't disappointed, but be prepared for changeable weather each day, from rain and clouds to sunny and warm. Definitely rent some panniers to hold rain gear, jacket, etc. The bicycles performed well and we cycled through all the gears in the hilly countryside.
The Connemara Tour staff were friendly and very helpful.
Many of the B&Bs had fabulous views out to the sea and mountains and all rooms were comfortable and near town centers or other points of interest.- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 21-28
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ Keats October 18, 2016
Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland
· Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
My wife and I greatly enjoyed our tour along Ireland's west coast. The slow pace allowed for many stops, great views, and meeting locals in B and B's and pubs. Mostly on back roads, we encountered very little traffic, and even when we did, the local drivers were well aware of us, slowed until they could safely pass, or expressed appreciation when we pulled over to let them pass. Our longest days were 45 and 38 km, and the rest closer to 30 km. We were in pretty good condition for the tour, though we do not bike these distances regularly, and felt comfortable with them each day, albeit a little saddle sore.
Weather was cool and cloudy, so good for cycling, and only occasional showers for which we were well prepared with rain gear. The bike were in good condition, and geared appropriately for the hilly terrain. Tools for adjusting seats and gear shifters were provided, and we made use of them. We would have preferred to sit more upright on the bikes, but this was not possible since handle bars could not be raised. With this exception, the bikes were comfortable. We rented one pannier between the two of us for rain gear and extra clothing.
Wind was occasionally a factor, especially when facing west toward the Atlantic, but as soon as we headed east or northeast, it was at our back and an asset.
The B and B hosts were friendly and helpful with advice. Most were well located near pubs for dinners, and all provided very hearty and tasty breakfasts. The pubs along the way were great for a generous bowl of seafood chowder and a beer--a good energy boost on cool days, as well a spots to dodge occasional showers.
The scenery was spectacular along the route, including seascapes and pristine beaches, lakes, farms, sheep, Connemara ponies, donkeys, the 12 Bens mountains, and small, friendly towns.- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept. 19-Oct. 1
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- 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
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★★★★★ hapberly November 6, 2016
Awesome tour of the West Coast!
· Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
This bike trip was a great way to see the beautiful country in western Ireland. The route was easy to follow and there was a lot to see. I would highly recommend it.
We had only one day of rain, and two windy days. Those were probably the hardest days, because of the weather, not the route. Be sure to pack rain gear. We chose to stay in the bed and breakfasts, which I highly recommend. Most of the bed and breakfast were great, the hosts very friendly. It gave us a chance to get to know locals and ask lots of questions about what we were seeing.
Most of the bed and breakfasts were located near the town and pubs. The pubs had great food and friendly locals. We were not disappointed with any of the food on our trip. We saw lots of sheep, donkeys, cows, mountains, and the ocean.
The bikes provided were great, the maps and other information was also very easy to use and follow.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ katrien August 11, 2017
Admiring nature while cycling with kids in Connemara.
· Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
We did this trip with our 3 children (6-12 years) and we loved every minute of it. The bikes were great, the maps and organisation really good. It did not feel that "lazy", with trips of 50 km and lots of wind and activities along the way. Nice were: the beaches, islands, pubs, abbey, sheep farm and swimming pool in one hotel. We all fell in love with the nature of this piece of the world!
- What was the date of your tour?
- juli 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ 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
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★★★★★ 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
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★★★★★ Christine Wilson 7 months ago
Stunning self guided trip through Connemara
· Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
Cycling was the perfect way to see Ireland. We loved everything about it..our accomodations, the locations, landscapes and the food! The first day was the most challenging of the cycling days with the hills & terrain. My only suggestion is to confirm your bike size is correct. Mine was a medium upgraded hybrid bike which should have been a small. The bike was to big & heavy making the first day's ride more challenging for me, but I wouldn't have traded my experience of riding that day for anything! I did receive the correct size bike for the remainder of the trip. We had three exceptionally beautiful clear days and two very rainy days, which we were prepared for since we brought rain gear suggested for the trip. We had a true experience of Ireland weather! I would definitely recommend this cycling trip for anyone who is looking for an amazing adventure!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ Tim and Priscilla August 22, 2022Best Ebike trip ever: Irish countryside with adult children
· Dublin and West Ireland E-Bike Tour
We just wanted to thank you. Our recent Ireland ebike tour with Stephano as guide and Sarah as driver/picnic arranger was too perfect for words. Although the guides spoke in German and in Italian, Stephano also spoke exceptionally well in English. We were worried due to reading another guest review and as the other 10 bikers were Swiss or German. However, half of the guests also spoke English. We connected well and had a most enjoyable time with a lovely group of strangers that got along amazingly well. Our hotels were wonderful and varied from a charming inn to a mansion - and all very clean and lovely. The food was simply the best at each place of lodging, and included. We especially enjoyed the amazing picnics the two guides arranged for us so we could bike on the most scenic roads with numerous cows, sheep, horses and boats etc - and not worry about where to eat. Stephano was exceptionally knowledgeable and happy, sharing interesting history along our route and equal kindness for all the guests. He was an expert biker and made 30-40 miles of biking up and down hills easy and fun - and, we were on terrific ebikes. He encouraged us to stop whenever we wanted, and we did, to take many photos along the way. Sarah as the driver brought extra bikes in case we needed them (we did not) and prepared amazing picnics in lovely shady spots, as well as had our luggage waiting in our rooms at each inn upon arrival. They worked as a seamless team and were happy everyday not letting us know how much work they did behind the scenes making sure our bikes were all in tiptop shape. We stayed 2 nights at each inn/hotel as we came in a night earlier to Dublin to see the Book of Kells. However, the biking on quiet lanes and the ferry with hike on Inishmore (Aran Island) was more beautiful than we expected or we can describe. The weather was sunny everyday - in Ireland! But we were prepared with rain gear just in case too. We could not have asked for a better trip for our two adult kids and us (ranging in age from 40 - 70.) The trip had 14 guests (ages 19 -81) and two well experienced guides. So much fun! Ireland is so beautiful. I would highly recommend this trip, and hope to ebike with Stephano and Sarah again.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is the first guided ebike tour we have gone on. We love biking, and recommend bringing padded bike liners/pants. ;D
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ Alpskier November 14, 2015The Rugged Beauty of the Emerald Isle
· Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike
Highlights of the Highlands was one of my favorite trips. The affable local tour operator met us at our b&b in Donegal Town and told us what to expect. Bikes were great and the b&b lodgings were solid, including a satisfying breakfast. To be sure, the ride has parts that are truly rigorous, including a couple of long, steady inclines. And most of the ride follows low-trafficked roads, first along the rocky coast and later inland through national parks. The Irish were most welcoming and so were the pubs. But the beauty is in the land, resplendent vistas, hours of riding through glacial valleys. It was a pretty cool thing to ride through a pack of sheep. We road in the summer. Expect changeable weather, a bit chilly and rainy. Needless to say, bring a camera!
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- 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
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★★★★★ Julane April 28, 2016
A Most Excellent Adventure in Donegal County
· Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike
From stunning scenery to quiet roads and a variety of climbing challenges, from lovely B&B’s and gracious hosts/hostesses to charming villages, from dependable bikes to near-perfect cue sheets and maps, Seamus Gallagher, owner of Ireland by Bike, has planned an adventure we will remember for years to come.
- How many tours have you completed?
- Europe-16; USA-7; Canada-1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ cdreby July 25, 2016
Our first bike tour
· Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike
It was harder than expected with many more steep hills than described but the B&B's at the end of each day were a welcome reward. We had wet weather for most of our tour however, the beauty and the variety of the landscape came through the clouds and damp weather. Seamus was very helpful and fixed any problem we had right away.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 10-17 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ 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
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★★★★★ Katya Spielberg 9 months ago
Fantastic Introduction to Ireland Countryside
· Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike
A wonderful way to experience Donegal County in Ireland!! In spite of high winds 2 days and some rain most days, the beauty of the landscape and the loveliness of the Irish people made it one of my all-time favorite bike trips. Moreover, the customer service provided by Ireland by Bike was top notch -- from the maps and GPS to the history and daily recommendations provided, everything was made easy and accessible. Definitely appreciated the e-bikes given the number of hills and strong breezes on the coastline!! The quality of the B&B's did vary by location, but all were clean and hosts were friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend to my friends and family!!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ John Maxfield 8 months ago
Beautiful Irish coast and fabulous cycling roads
· Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike
This was an outstanding tour! The coast of County Donegal was breathtaking, and the roads / routes well chosen, with clear directions using both maps and GPS. I would suggest adding a longer mileage option for the circuit ride (Day 4) from Glenties; I did part of the circuit twice to get in a full day of cycling while my wife enjoyed the beach, waiting for the tide to go out for our walk to the island.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ Don j July 10, 2016Great cycling through beautiful countryside
· Ireland’s West Cork on Tranquil Lanes Following the Coast
Beautiful countryside, great cycling for riders of all abilities, very helpful outfitter, excellent hotels and meals.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Summer 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- Over 15
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ Jani S September 8, 2016
Amazing support!
· Ireland’s West Cork on Tranquil Lanes Following the Coast
Beautiful views every day! If we had any questions or problems, our host was always just a phone call away. We were very well cared for! I loved having the evening meals also included at the hotel where we stayed. After a long day of biking it was nice to be able just relax without having to go out in search of a Pub or restaurant for dinner.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 15, 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- 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
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★★★★★ Kiwi July 30, 2017
Personalized package
· Ireland’s West Cork on Tranquil Lanes Following the Coast
Amazing 7 days Every day great views, luxury hotels, gourmet food, friendly caring people. Don our local host.was always very professional, on time, clear instructions and full of inspiration. Nothing was a problem for him. You set your own pace but Don, turned up to rescue you if required. He made sure you did not miss out on any of the highlights. Likewise if you needed a more challenging route he could deliver that as well. (But I didn't need that service!!!). Thank you Don, for so many good memories.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- Nil
- 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
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★★★★★ 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
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★★★★★ 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
