North of Ireland Guided Group Bicycle Tours
| Tour Name |
Nights |
Start / Finish |
Cost |
2010 Start Dates |
Causeway Coast and
Glens of Antrim |
7 |
Belfast / Belfast |
£995 |
Sat 12th June
Sat 28th August |
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our guided group tours
Causeway Coast (7 nights)
This Iron Donkey itinerary is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the fabulous scenery and attractions that this very special region has to offer. You will also bask in the warmth and openness for which the people of Northern Ireland are justifiably renowned.
The Causeway Coast, littered with sites of interest, boasts some of the finest coastal scenery in Ireland, with the Giant’s Causeway as just one of the focal points. The beautiful Glens of Antrim that slice through the Antrim Plateau provide a wealth of folklore and legend, while the Antrim Coast Road is a highlight of any trip to the region.
To the south of Belfast you can find many relics and sites associated with the patron saint of Ireland in the rolling green hills and blue loughs of St Patrick’s Country.
You also have the opportunity to visit Belfast and take a famous “black taxi” tour of the city to get a great insight into the “troubles” of bygone days.
Dates and Rates
| 2010 Departures |
Saturday 12th June
Saturday 28th August |
| Start |
Belfast |
| Finish |
Belfast |
| Duration |
7 nights (Saturday – Saturday) |
| Cost |
£995 per person sharing
£195 single accommodation supplement, if required |
| Included |
7 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
All breakfasts
6 full evening dinners
Bike rental
Sag wagon
Luggage transfers
Services of guide/driver
Transfers to and from Belfast airports
Trip preparation package |
| Accommodations |
 (3) (4) [ rating info ] |
- Day 1 (Saturday)
Arrival day
There is a transfer from Belfast International Airport and from Belfast City Airport to your Belfast hotel – or you can make your own way there if you choose. Depending upon you time of arrival you may want to take one the famous “black taxi” tours of Belfast, or explore the city’s highlights by bike (we will provide you with a recommended route to follow). There is a bike fitting followed by introductions and an initial tour briefing before dinner.
- Day 2 (Sunday)
Belfast - Belfast
The first ride explores the wonderful County Down countryside to the south of Belfast. This is drumlin country bordering the shores of Strangford Lough. This region is the part of Ireland most closely associated with Saint Patrick. Attractions include St Patrick’s Grave, Nendrum Monastery, Castleward and Castle Espie. The first part of the ride is along the Comber Greenway – an old railway line cycleway.
- Day 3 (Monday)
Belfast - Aghadowey
After breakfast we depart Belfast, heading north on designated cycleways towards the vast expanse of Lough Neagh. The Loughshore Trail follows the shores of the lough along tiny country lanes, giving frequent vistas across the water to the Sperrin Mountains in the west. From the northern end of the lough we follow the tranquil valley of the River Bann as it flows towards the  Atlantic Ocean. Our destination is close to Mountsandel – the oldest inhabited site in Ireland.
- Day 4 (Tuesday)
Aghadowey - Bushmills
Leaving Aghadowey, we continue north to the bustling market town of Coleraine, from where there is a loop detour to Mussenden Temple and the Bishop’s Palace. For those with the stamina there is the option of a wonderful climb over the Binevenagh Plateau for superb views over Lough Foyle to Donegal. Returning to Coleraine, we cross the Bann and follow the spectacular Causeway Coast through the resorts of Portstewart and Portrush to Dunluce Castle, perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From here it is a short final leg to historic Bushmills for a two night stopover.
- Day 5 (Wednesday)
Bushmills – Bushmills
This is designated a “rest day” – but if you take in half of what the immediate area around Bushmills has to offer, your day will be more than filled! The world heritage site that is the Giant’s Causeway is a must see – but a hike along the fabulous Causeway Coast Path is not to be missed. And then there is the fascinating tour of the oldest distillery in the world. If all this isn’t enough for you,  there is also the option of a bike ride!
- Day 6 (Thursday)
Bushmills – Carnlough
Another jam-packed day is in store as we leave Bushmills, following the ever more spectacular coastline east towards the resort of Ballycastle. En route is the famous rope bridge spanning the chasm between the mainland and the island of Carrick-a-Rede. Test your nerve if you dare!
From Ballycastle, you can follow the rollercoaster road over Torr Head or take the gentler inland route to the pretty coastal village of Cushendun, designed by WIlliam Clough Ellis and now under the protection of the National Trust. From the village we ride south, picking up the world- renowned Antrim Coast Road as it leads us past the series of valleys that constitute the Glens of Antrim. Our destination is Carnlough and the Londonderry Arms, once owned by Winston Churchill.
- Day 7 (Friday)
Carnlough – Antrim
Leaving Carnlough we continue south on the Antrim Coast Road through Glenarm to Ballygalley, where we turn inland with a gradual climb up onto the Antrim Plateau. Here are sheep-dotted fields enclosed by dry stone walls held together by nothing other than the skills of the builders. We ride past the volcanic plug of Slemish Mountain, where St Patrick tended animals when he was first brought to Ireland as a slave.
We lunch in the pretty village of Broughshane before riding to final leg to Templepatrick, close to Antrim.
- Day 8 (Saturday)
Departure
After breakfast there is a transfer to Belfast International Airport and to Belfast City Airport.
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