The Round Ireland Motorcycle Tour

Day 2 – 259 Km – Overnight Kenmare

• 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.
• Head south past the Lakes of Killarney on the Muckross Road. As LemonRock is situated right on the Ring of Kerry, it will be only minutes before you are witnessing the most fabulous sights!
• Ladies View – Needs to be seen to be believed, even on dull days, this is a world class vantage point. The hilltop at the second car park commands the view much admired by Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting, when they visited here in 1861, hence the name Ladies’ View.
• Molls Gap – Mountain roads twisting through the hills and countryside. The rocks at Moll’s gap are formed of Old Red Sandstone.
• Ring of Beara – We have chosen this peninsula first as it is very remote and quiet leaving you time to get fully acquainted with your bike and not being distracted by traffic. The Caha and Healey passes are truly magnificent and the Priest’s Leap is another spectacular pass for the more adventurous solo rider.
• Overnight in  Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Kenmare is a bustling town and has a superb choice of restaurants to cater for all tastes. Watch out for the “Session Trail Pubs” which host live traditional music and are free for all to enjoy.
• Accommodation – Friendly 3 Star  accommodation right in Kenmare town centre.

DAY 3 – 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!
• 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 4  – 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 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 5 – 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 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 (3 star) Westport is a regular winner of Ireland Tidiest Town and is truly a gem to visit.  

Day 6 – Riding Optional – Rest Day  – Overnight Westport

Day 7 – 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 8 – 220 Km – Overnight Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

• 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.

DAY 9 – 256 Km  Overnight Belfast – 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 Irelandwhere 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 when you will spend the next 2 nights.

Belfast is a transformed city and has become a leading tourist destination in its own right.  On your rest day, having relaxed in your 4 star hotel, you can walk to the Titanic centre and don’t forget to take the Black Taxi tour, which will give you an intimate insight into the turbulent history of Northern Ireland’s politics.

Belfast city centre is also a thriving district for lively pubs, quality restaurants and shopping.  A perfect location for taking time out from riding.

265km Belfast to Trim  – overnight in Trim

• Today’s ride will bring you back cross the border, although you won’t know when you’ve crossed it, down into 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 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!

Distance 215 Km
Some nice riding routes today as you ride 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.

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!

174 Km – Kinsale to Killarney

• Some might say we’ve saved the best until last!  Today’s ride is enchanting and spectacular which we hope will leave you with indelible memories of your trip to Ireland.
• We have lovely riding roads, first on the list is Bandon town on up by Templemartin into Crookstown.
• The route along Inchigeelagh by Lough Allua and onto Gougane Barra is the enchanting part of the ride.
• Head south towards Ballickey and look out for the turn off for the pass known as Priest’s Leap, which is optional at riders discretion.  This pass is not for the faint hearted and best avoided if the weather is against you.
• This pass will bring you into the pretty town of Kenmare, where you have lots of choice to stop for lunch.
• 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.
• Relax in the Angasana Vitality suite (complimentary)  or book ahead for a well earned spa treatment
• Have a drink on Lemonrock in the Brehon bar – why not try out our Lemonrock cocktail?

• Transported back to your Airport for flight home.
• Depending on time of flight, you may have time for shopping in Killarney or relaxing in the excellent Angsana Spa in the Brehon.