The Round Ireland Motorcycle Tour

Day 2 – Medieval town of Kilkenny (215 km)

• 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. Optionally we can go over everything the day/evening before. 
• Start off your tour by enjoying some riding routes through the lush meadows of Co. Meath and head eastwards to the Dublin & Wicklow mountains. The Wicklow mountains are known as the Garden of Ireland which will be evident when you arrive there.
• Highlights include Glendalough, Glenmalure & Wicklow Gap

Day 3 – The Gourmet Capital of Ireland (185 km)

• Riding country roads, passing through Clonmel, and stopping off at Lismore Castle, it’s a relaxing ride which should bring you into Kinsale in ample time to explore the time and choose your restaurant for the evening.
• Kinsale is the Gourmet Capital of Ireland!

Day 4 – The Haven Coast & Beara Peninsula (174km)

• Today’s ride is enchanting and spectacular which we hope will leave you with indelible memories of your trip to Ireland.
• Leaving Kinsale, we’ll skirt some beautiful coastal towns and villages, join the Wild Atlantic Way. You will pass through beautiful villages such as Glandore, Baltimore, Skibbereen, Crookhaven before riding the Healey Pass on Beara Peninsula – the first of the 3 Peninsulas.

Day 5 – The Ring of Kerry (214km)

• Today you’ll discover your second of three peninsulas, the Ring of Kerry!
• The Ring of Kerry 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! 
• Today you can switch off your intercoms and enjoy the spectacular views in silence!
• Todays highlights: Beallach Beema Pass, Molls Gap, Cahirsiveen, Mountain Stage, Kells Bay, Glenbeigh, Coomakista Pass, Valentia Island 
• It’s a quick ride to the 4 star hotel & spa, The Brehon. Enjoy their spa or try the Lemonrock cocktail at the bar!

Day 6 – Kerry Highlands 

• Ride through ancient woodlands unchanged since the last ice age, winding roads through high mountain bog lakes and the outstanding Kerry Highlands and high passes few tourists ever find.
• Dingle – Truly a gem of a town! Dingle is famous for its pubs and music night life and Fungi the dolphin! There’s lots to see and do!
• Overnight in Dingle, Co. Kerry (4 star)

Day 7 – The Cliff Coast (285 km)

• On today’s ride you’ll encounter some incredible coastal riding, high mountain passes and cliffs! 
• Here’s a sneak peak:
  • 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! 
  • Tarbert to Killimer Ferry – 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 Kinvarra, (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 8 – The Bay Coast (250 – 280 km)

• On your ride today you’ll encounter the beautiful Burren National Park. The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. You can spend hours riding around here – its 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!!
• Other way points include:
  • Blackhead Lighthouse; noteworthy for the moon like landscape which slopes down to the Atlantic than for the lighthouse itself, it’s a serene spot to savour.
  • Roundstone, Connemara – it’s a very picturesque village by the sea, and have a great selection of restaurants and gourmet food pubs.
• When you make it to Westport, make a visit to Matt Molloy’s pub. 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 9 – Rest Day in Westport (optional riding route supplied)

• 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. Your road book will give you lots of ideas of how best to spend your time here. 
• 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!  
• The adventurous could climb Croagh Patrick mountain which overlooks Clew Bay which is a traditional pilgrimage (and good workout!) trekked by locals in their bare feet!
• We will also include an optional riding route on your Sat Nav, if you prefer to explore Connemara and Co. Mayo by bike.

Day 10 – The Surf Coast (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’s 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 – 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 Aughris Head. Evening dinner included.

Day 11 (220 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

Day 12 – Northern Headlands (256 km)

Today and tomorrow you have an option to choose between extra riding, or a second rest day.

Option 1: Stay in Belfast tonight, and enjoy a rest day in the city tomorrow.

Option 2: Ride Northern Ireland both days, and discover some Game of Thrones locations. 

Both options will take in the following waypoints:

• Departing from Donegal, 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.
• Stay in Belfast or Ballintoy

Day 13 – Northern Ireland: Causeway Coastal Route

Included in today’s itinerary: The Titanic Experience 

If you’ve opted to stay in Belfast, today is your rest day! You can use your time to check out the Titanic Experience and other parts of Belfast! We recommend to take a Black Cab Tour!

If you’ve opted out of a second rest day, you’ll be on the move today in Northern Ireland, discovering some beautiful coastlines! You’ll also have some time to discover The Titanic Experience, which is included in this tour. 

Day 14 – 265km – Northern Ireland to Trim 

• Today’s ride will bring you back cross the border towards Carlingford Lough.
• You’ll loop back on the peninsula and after a short run on the motorway, you’ll head west inland. We’re departing the coastline for a while to sample some of the quieter country roads of the northeast midlands.
• We’ve picked out some nice riding routes which will bring you through Shercock and on down into the picturesque village of Moynalty.
• From here we have selected another twisty riding road which brings you through Kells and into Slane. Slane is famous for its concerts at Slane Castle and its whiskey.
• The road follows the Boyne Valley into Navan and we take a slight detour to the Hill of Tara. It contains a number of ancient monuments, and, according to tradition, was the seat of the High King of Ireland.
• Back onto the Boyne Valley until you arrive at the heritage town of Trim, where you will spend your final night. Trim is home to Ireland’s earliest and one of Europe’s largest Norman Castles. This castle featured in the movie, Braveheart – you can ask some of the locals in the pubs if they starred in the movie!

Transported back to Dublin Airport for flight home. Depending on time of flight, you may have time to explore Trim.