Finn MacCool's Emerald Isle Tour
Incorporating HD Irish Bike Week, Killarney
Dates to be Confirmed
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A giant of an adventure through England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales! Come and experience warm Irish hospitality, whilst riding along country roads, through stunning mountains, and experience spectacular coastal routes. Ride to the world famous Giant’s Causeway, and visit Donegal, Galway, Killarney, Waterford and Dublin. Take a ferry crossing to Wales, on the UK mainland, then north to the biking and visual delights of the Lake District.
A 14 day guided tour, including ferry crossings, support vehicle, all breakfasts, and evening meals where indicated.
Day 1 Our first night will be spent in the well situated Hilton Hotel on Newcastle Upon Tyne’s lively quayside. The quayside has stunning views of the Tyne Bridge, the new Millennium Footbridge, the Sage Music Centre and the Baltic Arts Centre. We will enjoy a welcome meeting and tour briefing in the executive lounge, and then you will be free to sightsee or explore the multitude of nearby bars and restaurants for the rest of your evening.
Day 2 Our bikes are ready and waiting for us at Just Harleys, our local HD dealership, so get your riding gear on and let’s saddle up! We’ll be following part of the world famous Hadrian’s Wall. Built by the Romans almost 2000 years ago, the wall stretches across the country from the east coast to the west coast, and was reputedly built to keep the Scottish ‘barbarians’ out of England! Much of the Wall and it’s main settlement at Housteads can still be seen. Hadrian’s Wall attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the world every year. Then it’s across the border into Bonnie Scotland, with a lunch stop at Gretna Green. Many young couples eloped here to be married in the Blacksmith’s Shop, when they were too young to marry in England without their parents’ consent. We’ll overnight at Port Patrick on the west coast tonight, evening meal included.
Day 3 This morning we will catch the ferry at Stranraer across the Irish Sea to Larne, in Northern Ireland. We’ll follow the coast around to visit the spectacular rock formations of the Giants Causeway, and discover the legend of Finn MacCool. Tonight we’ll stay in Donegal, on the North West coast, evening meal included.
Day 4 Head south to Galway, on the West Coast, one of Ireland’s largest cities with a complex history going back 800 years. Passing through Ballyshannon, Sligo and Charlestown on the way.
Day 5 Free day to explore Galway and surrounding area.
Day 6 Ride south to Killarney and the Harley-Davidson Rally
Day 7 Free day in Killarney, or an optional ride-out around the beautiful Ring of Kerry.
Day 8 Another free day, or join us for a ride-out to kiss the Blarney Stone
Day 9 Today we’ll be riding through Cork, and on to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, and famous for it’s crystal, glassmaking, and shipbuilding. Evening meal included.
Day 10 Spend tonight in Dublin’s ‘Fair City’, home of Molly Malone. Dublin is famous for both culture and Guinness – enjoy either, or a bit of both!
Day 11 Catch ferry from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales, and overnight stay in Chester, one of the best preserved medieval walled cities in the UK. Evening meal included.
Day 12 Ride to Windermere in the Lake District and stay at the Whitewater Hotel, a converted mill with excellent spa facilities and indoor pool, which nestles on the banks of the River Leven, minutes from Lake Windermere. Evening meal included.
Day 13 Today we wend our way through the scenic fells and lakes on narrow twisty roads, as we make our way towards the West Cumbrian town of Penrith, over the Kirkstone Pass. Again joining Hadrian’s Wall, we’ll have a refreshment stop at the charming Langley Castle, then on via Hexham, to overnight at the beautiful and historic Lumley Castle, which prides itself on being ‘No Ordinary Hotel.’ Evening meal included.
Day 14 After a hearty breakfast, saddle up for the last time to return our bikes, and say fond farewells to all our new friends.
Price per person: £1460
Rider only: £1720
Bike rental: £1395 including insurance
We reserve the right to alter this itinerary subject to change and availability.