Game of Thrones Motorcycle Tour of Ireland

DAY 2 – 285 Km – approx Overnight Dingle

• The Ring of Kerry – 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!
• Within minutes of leaving our door, you will pass the beautiful Ladies View and ride onto the spectacular Molls Gap and on wards to Kenmare.
• 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 night life 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

Day 3  – 285 Km – Overnight Doolin/Ballyvaughan

• 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 Doolin 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 4 – 250 / 280 Km – Overnight Westport

• Ballyvaughan / Doolin 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 Atlantci 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 (3 star) Westport is a regular winner of Ireland Tidiest Town and is truly a gem to visit.  

Day 5 – Riding Optional – Rest Day  – Overnight Westport

• Westport is a superb location to either rest up and soak up the atmosphere of this town, or ride out and explore the many local scenic rides.

Day 6 – 220 Km – Overnight Aughris Head, Sligo

• 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 Eurpoean Desitnation 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 – There are 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 9 – 245 Km  Overnight Ballintoy – 2 nights

• 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”

• We stay in this area of Balintoy for 2 nights to explore. Gracehill House, Mary McBrides, The Fullerton Arms – all host the Game of Thrones Doors and are within easy reach.
• Motorbike racing enthusiasts are only a stone’s throw away from Ballymoney, home to Joey Dunlop’s “Joey’s Bar”

220Km North Antrim, Balintoy to Kilkeel, Co. Down

• Our route today follows the North East coastline, when on a fine day you can see across the Irish Sea to Scotland. 
• This scenic coastal route takes you through Cushendun, home to Mary McBrides Bar
• Next onto to Ballygally Castle where another Door awaits!  
• Our route continues by skirting Belfast City and down along the eastern side of Strangford Lough, where we visit the Fiddler’s Green in Portaferry.  A short ferry ride across the mouth of Strangford Lough brings us to to The Cuan in Strangford and onwards to Newcastle, home to The Percy French, yet another home of the Door of Thrones.
• Our final stop for the day is in Kilkeel – the largest fishing village in Northern Ireland.

Distance 150Km

Our ride today is shorter allowing you plenty of time for a relaxed start and riding down around Carlingford Lough and into Co. Louth.

As you ride through Ireland’s Ancient East, you will have time to stop off at Newgrange Visitors Centre and learn about the passage tombs which dates back to 3200BC 

A stop at Slane Castle in Co. Meath is well worthwhile for a relaxing lunch and you can also take a tour of the Castle while you are there to get a glimpse of how the other half live!

Our final stop is in Trim, Co. Meath, a heritage town and home to St John’s Castle, the largest Norman Castle in the British Isles, and which was the filming location of Braveheart – well worth a visit.

• We will meet you at your hotel to collect the bikes and riding gear and wish you farewell!
• Trim is a short distance from Dublin City – which has a regular bus service to the city centre.
• Alternately, you can get a 40min taxi ride direct to Dublin Airport.