Amongst the back roads and villages of County Clare can be found quintessential Ireland. Here wild windswept landscapes of green fields, stone walls, ruined castles, exotic flowers and towering sea cliffs are all framed by the mighty Atlantic Ocean. It's all too easy to escape into this "other world" of virtually traffic-free roads, enjoying gentle paced cycling with plenty of time to stop and explore the unique history and fascinating flora of the Burren. And in the evenings the familiar sounds of the Bodhrun, fiddles and whistles can be heard along with stamping feet as Ceiles unfold in pubs up and down the county.

The Cliffs of Moher
Cycling a relaxed 32km on our first day we explore Ennistymon, a fine example of an Irish country town with many coloured shop fronts and traditional stone buildings, then continue to the seaside towns of Lahinch and Liscannor before climbing to reach the Cliffs of Moher. These are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and offer an exhilarating panorama - on a clear day as far as the Aran Islands and the distant hills of Connemara. The day ends with an exhilarating freewheel down into Doolin, whose three pubs compete to play the best Irish music! There is a great opportunity to explore Doolin further the following day including an optional boat trip to Aran Islands.

Into the Heart of the Burren
Covering 48km on our third day, the highlight is a spectacular coastal ride with the Atlantic on one side and the limestone hills of the Burren on the other, perhaps stopping en route at the lovely beach at Fanore. We also visit Lisdoonvarna on route to Ballyvaughan, a pretty coastal village, from where we plan to visit the Ceile in Kilfenora - the home of Irish dancing. The following day gives the chance to meet a famous local historian, Shane Connolly, who will entertain as he guides you on a walking tour of the area. The next day involves a 38km cycle to Kinvarra with visits to a number of famous sites along the way including forts, a perfumery and even a castle. The last day cycling completes the journey in Galway, a fitting end and an opportunity for a last night out on the town in a lively city with a wonderful culture and medieval past.

Itinerary:Day 1 Join tour in Ennis. 2 Cycle via Ennistymon, Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher to Doolin. 3 Free day in Doolin, optional boat trip to Aran Island. 4 Cycle via Kilfenoora, Lisdoonvarna and Fanore Beach to Ballyvaughan; evening optional night out at Kilfenora Ceile. 5 Morning historical walking tour of Ballyvaughan. 6 Cycle to Kinvarra via hill fort, perfumery and castle. 7 Cycle to Galway. 8 Transfer back to Ennis where tour ends. Local buses run regularly between Shannon and Ennis.

Accommodation: 5nts hotel, 2nts bed & breakfast; 7 breakfasts included. Transport: 21-gear touring bicycles with front pannier bag for carrying day things.Comment: Grade A - 153km/6 days (average of 40km per day). The cycling days are relatively easy - leaving plenty of time to explore en route - but demanding enough to whet the appetite for a good night out, Irish style. Cycling is 100% asphalt. Group: Approx. 10 to 16. Staff: Explore Tour Leader/support driver. Your leader drives a support vehicle which carries the luggage and provides back-up if needed. You can ride independently or with group members. Trip Reference: EI