IOM Classic TT & Wild Atlantic Way Motorcycle Tour

Day 2 

• Bike orientation – We take time to make sure you are comfortable on your bike, have the correct riding gear and understand the routes on our Sat Navs. It’s good to get to us early as this will take the best part of 2 hours.
• Our route today takes us down the side of Wicklow mountains and visits Co. Carlow, Waterford and into Kinsale where we overnight.
• Kinsale is the Gourmet capital of Ireland – a beautiful seaside town with French influenced architecture and streetscapes.

Day 3  

• Today’s ride is enchanting and spectacular which we hope will leave you with indelible memories of your trip to Ireland.
• The route along Inchigeelagh by Lough Allua and onto Gougane Barra is the enchanting part of the ride.
• Head south towards Ballickey and into Glengarrif before heading out onto the Beara Peninsula.  We ride on the southern coast of the peninsula and then head over the famous Healy Pass. On a clear day you can get some spectacular views, however it’s a narrow twisty mountainous route so care is needed. For riders wishing to stay on the beaten path, you can short circuit the ride by heading onto the Caha Pass.  
• The final riding route brings you to the famous Molls Gap, then into the Black Valley. So called because it was the last place in Ireland to receive electricity!
• Then your route takes you to the iconic Gap of Dunloe and by Kate Kearney’s Cottage
• Your final destination is a short ride away to LemonRock in Killarney, where you will overnight in The Brehon 4 Star hotel.
• Relax in the Angasana Vitality suite (complimentary) or book ahead for a well earned spa treatment.

Day 4  

• Your route starts out on the famous Ring of Kerry, which is a “must do” on every visitors list while in the South West of Ireland. We ride the Ring in a clockwise direction so that you ride with the sea on your left and in the opposite direction of the coaches – it’s the perfect way to see the Ring of Kerry!
• Riding with Kenmare Bay on your left, you’ll pass through Parknasilla and then we divert up to see Staigue Fort.  Back onto the ring for Coomakista Pass which offers fantastic views over Kenmare Bay
• The Skellig Ring scenic drive starts in Waterville  and takes in the wonderful Valentia Island accessed by bridge from the picturesque Portmagee and Ballinskelligs.
• Valentia Island – The Valentia Island Tetrapod Footprints are the most extensive of the four Devonian trackways in the world.  Riding down the island you’ll reach Knightstown where you can take a short ferry ride to Reenard Point back onto the mainland – with options for excellent lunch breaks in either town.
• Cahirsiveen, Mountain Stage, Kells Bay, Glenbeigh – these are famous parts of The Ring of Kerry. You can switch off your intercoms and enjoy the spectacular views in silence!
• Killorglin – Home to the famous annual Puck Fair. Puck Fair, (‘poc’ being the Irish for a male goat) is one of Ireland’s oldest fairs. The “Queen of Puck”, traditionally a young school girl from one of the local primary schools, crowns the goat “King Puck“. It takes place each August 10th. The goat is released unharmed!
• Dingle – Truly a gem of a town!  Dingle is famous for its pubs and music nightlife and Fungi the dolphin!  Our optional rest day stay’s a second night in Dingle. There’s lots to see and do!
• Overnight in Dingle, Co. Kerry (4 star)

Day 5  – 285 Km

• Slea Head – Start early as this route is very popular with tourists! The Slea Head Drive is a circular route beginning and ending in Dingle, that takes in stunning views on the western end of the peninsula.
• The Conor Pass is the highest mountain pass in Ireland, and provides the most dramatic and scenic way of entering or leaving Dingle. This narrow, twisting road runs between the town of Dingle and Kilmore Cross on the north side of the peninsula on through Castlegregory. It’s a lovely biking route but take time to stop and look back at the views! You’ll pass through Blennerville which was the main port of emigration from Co. Kerry to North America during the Great Famine.
• Tarbert to Killimer Ferry – We prefer this route instead of riding up through Adare and Limerick, which we will see on the way home. You cross the Shannon Estuary leaving Kerry and crossing into Co. Clare. Here you will appreciate one of the many wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way, with ever changing scenery.
• The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with a magical vista that captures the hearts of one million visitors every year and are a Signature Discovery Point in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. They stretch for 8km as the crow flies, along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland and reach 214m (702 feet) at their highest point. Evening is the best time to view the Cliffs, in our experience, as the sun sets west over the Atlantic.
• Overnight in Kinvarra or Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare (depending on hotel availability). This is a very busy spot (and deservedly so!) in high season, so we often have to juggle between hotels to accommodate all our guests. We do the stressing so you don’t have to!
• 3 Star accommodation

Day 6 – 250 / 280 Km 

• Ballyvaughan / Kinvarra to Westport
• Blackhead Lighthouse – more noteworthy for the moon like landscape which slopes down to the Atlantic than for the lighthouse itself, it’s a serene spot to savour.
• The Burren National Park – The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. You can spend hours riding around here – it’s landscape is very different to other parts of the Wild Atlantic Way.  We like to visit the Burren Smokehouse (it’s not what you think!) and the set location for Fr. Ted, where Mrs. Doyle lookalikes still serve cups of tea!  Ah go on, go on, go on!!
• Roundstone, Connemara – it’s a very picturesque village by the sea, and have a great selection of restaurants and gourmet food pubs.
• Visit to Matt Molloy’s pub, in Westport – Matt Molly is a member of the famous Chieftains – where live traditional musicians play 7 nights a week in an authentic intimate setting. Not to be missed!
• Overnight in Westport, Co. Mayo (4 star) Westport is a regular winner of Ireland Tidiest Town and is truly a gem to visit.

Day 7 – 220 Km

• Newport nestles on the shore of Clew Bay which is famous for its 365 islands and is a pleasant seaside resort and part of an attractive and unspoiled coastline.
• Mulraney – acclaimed as Ireland best small tourist town, a European Destination of Excellence – it is a superb stop for taking a walk on the beach and enjoying the spectacular views.
• Achill Island – Achill has a long history of human settlement and there is evidence that Achill was inhabited as many as 5,000 years ago. Megalithic tombs and promontory forts testifying to this can be seen at Slievemore, along the Atlantic Drive and on Achill Beg Island.
• Kildamhnait Castle is a 15th century tower house associated with the O’ Malley Clan, who were once a ruling family of Achill. Grace O’ Malley, or Granuaile, the most famous of the O’ Malley’s was born in Clare Island around 1530. Her father was the chieftain of the barony of Murrisk. The O’Malleys were a powerful sea faring family, who traded widely and refused to submit to English rule. Grace became a fearless leader and gained fame as a sea captain and pirate.
• Ballina, situated on the famous River Moy, is Mayo’s largest town.
• Enniscrone – 5km of safe, clean golden beaches. For eight decades people have come to bathe in hot sea water and seaweed renowned for its therapeutic qualities. Look out for the eclectic glamping village which plans to offer quirky accommodation in a range of vehicles, including London Taxis or 747 jet!
• Overnight in Beach Bar Guesthouse. Evening dinner included at the Beach Bar.

Day 8 – 287 Km 

• Heading East towards Sligo town up through Strandhill where you can stop for a nice coffee or an ice cream
• Onwards with the Atlantic Ocean in view towards Ballyshannon and Donegal Town.
• Take the time to visit Slieve League, noted as being the highest sea cliffs in Ireland over 600m sheer drop into the ocean.
• Follow the coast road onwards to Glencolumbkille and Glengesh Pass, which is Donegal’s answer to the Stelvio Pass, except more beautiful!
• The route takes you up as far as Gweedore and into Glenveagh National Park
• Finally ride down through Church Hill and into Letterkenny for your evening and a well earned rest.
• Overnight in 3 or 4 star hotel

Day 9 – 256 Km

• Departing from Letterkenny, you’re riding north to the Innisowen Peninsula, which is home to the most northerly part of Ireland – Malin Head.
• We’re taking the eastern side of  the peninsula and meeting the short ferry to Greencastle. The ferry will take you into Northern Ireland where the speed signs are now in Miles per Hour – so be warned!  You’ll also need some Sterling currency for your few days in Northern Ireland.
• The coast road takes you over to Portstewart and Portrush, home to the famous North West 200 Road Races – you’ll be riding on the famous circuit, but mind your speed!
• You are right beside the Giants Causeway and the very spectacular Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, which you can cross.
• Next on the route is a visit to the iconic Dark Hedges, which is so famously featured in “Game of Thrones”
• Head back northeast to Ballycastle, which brings you through winding country roads until you join the coast road at Cushendall.
• The next 30 or so miles will have you riding along the wonderful Antrim coast road where on a clear day you can see across to Scotland, which is only 25 miles across the Irish sea.
• Continue on down through Carrickfergus, which lends its name to the famous Irish ballad, and then a short stretch of motorway brings you into Belfast City
• Overnight in Belfast City 4 star hotel 

Day 10 

Departure ferry time is 11:45 arriving in Douglas, Isle of Man at 14:30 in the afternoon.

Overnight for 3 consecutive nights in a Douglas 3 star hotel, ideally located on the main promenade. You’ll be smack bang in the centre of all the Classic TT excitement. 

Day 10, 11 & 12 at Isle of Man Classic TT Races

Arrive by ferry to IOM at 14:30 which gives us a little time to head over to the Jurby Festival, for the annual festival of classic racing bikes. Well worth a visit.

Junior Classic TT Race Day

Good opportunity to ride the mountain course and visit the Isle of Man Motor Museum.

Day 13

Depart IOM by ferry to Dublin, arriving Dublin 10:00am

We arrive back in Dublin early so we have a good opportunity to ride some of the best roads on the east coast, and stop for a mid morning breakfast.  

Known as the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow is home to the Dublin biking fraternity, who favour these roads for their superb riding.

• You’ll make slower time over the next few miles as the scenery is beautiful and the roads are twisty!
• Cross over the Wicklow mountains through The Sally Gap – you are now riding in the Wicklow National Park.  This is a favoured riding ground for motorcyclists and you’ll understand why when you get there!
• Follow the beautiful roads down through Glendalough (pronounced Glendalock), Roundwood and Aughrim.

Ride to Trim and relax and enjoy your final night in Trim Castle Hotel. 

Depart

Enjoy breakfast in Trim Castle Hotel before packing up for the return home. We can organise your airport transfer to Dublin Airport, a short 45 minutes from Trim town.