Bike Tour Reviews  Treasures Of The Donegal Coast


Treasures of the Donegal Coast

COUNTRY: Ireland

7 nights
5/5 (14)
Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours Client favorites
Rider Level: Active Electric bike tours Client favorites

5/5 (14)
7 nights

Self guided from EUR € 1230

Self-guided:
Mondays: Apr 29-Sep 23, 2024

Description:
This cycling tour takes you along one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the world. Make your way along the coast, where every turn will leave you awe-struck with ever-changing panoramas. You'll visit unique ancient sites on this cycling…

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  • Treasures of the Donegal Coast
    (5/5) Carol 6 months ago

    2nd Ireland west coast tour - love this country

    Really enjoyed this tour and Ireland by Bike does a great job of providing clear maps and detail on each leg of the journey to explore. The county is beautiful with an amazing variety of landscapes from cliffs to valleys to amazing remote beaches. Hotels and their proprietors were all terrific, made if especially nice to stay extra nights in some.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by Carol)
    •  (photo by Carol)
    •  (photo by Carol)
    •  (photo by Carol)
    •  (photo by Carol)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 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
  • (5/5) Stu Davidson September 13, 2022

    Time to enjoy Ireland!

    We opted for a customer 12 day option, with an extra day (well, a 13 day option?). The extra day was special for 2022 - with stories of airlines canceling flights. We wanted to be sure we arrived in time for our tour!
    Ireland by Bike (the tour operator) delivered our bikes a day earlier, effectively extending our tour, and provided an extra route! I thought that was a very thoughtful surprise. We found that Ireland has lots or wonderful, thoughtful, friendly people, which made our tour enjoyable and low stress.
    I rode a hybrid bike and certainly noticed the tour routes were not flat; my wife had an ebike and climbed hills faster than I did. We both loved the varied terrain. Doing the tour self-guided let us set our own pace with no pressure.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    10+
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by Stu Davidson)
    • 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) Nancy Tiernan August 31, 2022

    Beautiful, friendly country

    Ireland is a lush and gorgeous country, and Donegal especially so. This trip is well planned to maximize the scenic and minimize time on busy roads. Our local coordinator, Seamus, was responsive to our needs along the way, quickly showing up to make what would be a critical bike adjustment for the day’s ride.
    Our self-guided group of four senior citizens - very FIT senior citizens! - had 3 hybrid bikes and one e-bike. Although the distances were shorter per day than we did on the Slovenia bike trip three years ago, there were lots more hills in Donegal. I was VERY glad to have the e-bike, and my mighty mates envied me…

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 22-29
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 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
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Anne Stanek August 31, 2022

    Gorgeous views most of the time!

    We had a wonderful trip. Seamus was a super introduction to Donegal -such a friendly person who gave us a clear and detailed introduction to the bikes and the trip. The map and instructions were clear. Our bikes were comfortable and worked well - although the hills were intense and constant. I have done six previous bike trips with a standard bike but I would have opted for an E bike on this one had I known how difficult the hills were going to be! One of our group of four did opt for an E bike and she was very happy she did so! The routes were quiet and mostly on back country and farm roads. There always seemed to be beautiful or serene views. There were several very interesting side trips. The accommodations were very comfortable. The breakfasts were great. The pubs and music were such fun. And everyone we met was friendly and sunny (the Irish people are "always sunny on the inside despite the weather," so someone said and it seems to be true!). It did rain a lot - but it was always a gentle and warm rain. With rain gear it was quite manageable. I would highly recommend this trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    Six others
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • St. John's Point (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • Cill Charthaigh - Derrylahan (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • Silver Strand Beach (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • Sliabh Liag (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • Kilcar (enroute to Teelin Harbor) (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • 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) Gretchen Jones August 8, 2022

    Stunning trip through the coast of Ireland

    This was my fourth bicycle trip in Europe and was one of my favorites. We used ebikes which made the entire trip enjoyable and manageable (altogether, we rode about 130 miles and had just under 10K feet of climb). Scenery was unsurpassed. Just stunning. Area is very remote. Accommodations were fine but nothing special (except the beginning/ending B&B). We did self guided and directions/Garmin were impeccable. Just a great way to see Ireland

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    9+
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 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) Chrisdrew October 9, 2019

    Incredible Trip

    We travelled from Dublin to Donegal with high hopes and this trip turned out to exceed the expectations.Seamus who met us in Donegal has outlined a trip that gets better as each day passses. The openess of the green Ireland countryside along the N. Atlantic is spectacular. The towns en route are quaint & very picturesque (Donegal, Killybegs, Carrick and Ardara). The tour is hilly but very manageable with lots of great places for picturea and stops. Definitely do the breakouy day trips with the 2 night stays in Carrick in Ardara-we worth it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 22-October 1
    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
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • Photo 1 (photo by Chrisdrew)
    • Donegal (photo by Chrisdrew)
    • Photo 3 (photo by Chrisdrew)
    • 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) Island Chick August 29, 2019

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

    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
    • 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) margaret63 September 29, 2018

    A cycling adventure

    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
    • 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
  • (5/5) Cyndi2838 May 2, 2018

    Fabulous ride in Ireland

    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
    • 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
  • (5/5) Steve M September 13, 2017

    Beautiful scenery!

    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
    • 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
  • (5/5) Martha July 20, 2017

    So lovely! There were so many times during the week we said "THANK YOU SEAMUS" for finding the lovely tiny roads along spectacular scenery.

    This was the perfect bike trip: BEAUTIFUL rides (THANK YOU SEAMUS!), comfortable places to stay with welcoming hosts and great food spots each town.
    Bikes were perfect. The roads were bike friendly. The people welcoming. The side trips added adventure, history and new views.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 15-23, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 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) bluewindows October 19, 2016

    Well wasn't that fun!

    My wife and I decided to try our first biking vacation in Ireland. As we're both over 60 we found the hills to be a bit challenging at times. But when we needed a rest we'd just stop and be amazed at the views in every direction. From our first ride around Lake Eske to the cliffs near Carrick to the descent towards Ardara, we enjoyed all the memorable stops on our adventure. As another writer encouraged, try to catch some local music. Just excellent!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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) PennyDreadful October 1, 2016

    Lovely and Idyllic Trip!

    Such green vistas, amazing coastal scenery, contrasted by the ubiquitous sheep splashed with color (never did manage to get a satisfactory picture of their markings), happy cows and Justin Bieber-looking Shetland Ponies. Fantastic side trips to solitary beaches & caves, a rowing trip to a ring fort island. Make sure to stay out late one night and marvel at the local and family feel of the music-makers at the pubs.
    Recommend the trip in late May, we had almost perfect weather.

    What was the date of your tour?
    late May
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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
    • Photo 1 (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • Photo 2 (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • a beach literally all to ourselves (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • caves! (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • so many happy sheep (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • Photo 6 (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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) emma June 7, 2016

    Amazing adventure!

    This was a great trip for 2 friends to take together! It was my first bike trip ever and I can't wait to go on another! The bikes were comfortable enough for me to ride without padded shorts and there was a lot of flexibility in extending or taking short cuts most days, to accommodate how we were feeling. It was great to feel active every day! Some of the hills were a challenge but we always made it. I commute to work on a bike in San Francisco but don't do any longer rides. The food was excellent and we had great luck with the weather. The trip was a great mix of beautiful scenery, small town charm, and history/culture. I highly recommend it!

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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