EMERALD ISLE— Ireland

2006 Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Depart from home city on your flight to Ireland.

• Day 2

  Arrive into Shannon airport and transfer on your own to our lodging located in the quaint Irish town of Ennis. The day is yours to explore the small streets and cobblestone pathways, catch up on sleep, slow down and acclimate to Ireland. Meals are on your own.

• Day 3

  The trip truly begins with breakfast and a group transfer by minibus to our B&B in Doolin. This is a seaside village known the world over for its traditional Irish music and friendly pub atmosphere. There is an optional warm-up ride to the awe inspiring Cliffs of Moher and beyond to the colorful villages of Liscannor and Lahinch. This area boasts some of the finest scenery in all of Ireland. Historical and cultural sites abound, beautiful beaches dot the coastline and the blue Atlantic is close at hand. Optional ride of 16 miles, long rolling hills. All meals included.

• Day 4

  Today we explore the Burren, a 400-square-mile wonderland of terraced formations, megalithic tombs and ring forts. No visit to Ireland is complete without investigating this magical region with its castles, caves, and amazing botanical life. Discover over 6,000 years of history as we cycle around Black Head, with sparkling ocean panoramas as far as the eye can see. A visit to Gleninagh Castle is slated before lunch in Ballyvaughn, overlooking Galway Bay. Afterwards, visit the Poulnabrone Portal Dolmen, Caherconnell Stone Fort and Kilfenora Cathedral as we pedal through colorful villages of Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna. Overnight again in Doolin. Cycling: 38 miles; Terrain: Rolling hills. Breakfast included.

• Day 5

  Today we begin a new adventure as we board a morning ferry to the Aran Islands. We overnight on Inis Mor, the largest of the three islands. Rugged and seemingly barren, the Arans seem to take us back in time. Island life is spartan, but fascinating, and Irish is still the everyday language. The islands are home to some of the finest examples of ancient Celtic stone forts and early Christian churches found anywhere in the world. We'll visit Dun Aonghasa, the finest of the forts, and several other historic sights on a guided bike ride. Cycling: 20-25 miles; Terrain: Relatively flat. All meals included.

• Day 6

  We board a mid-day ferry, bound for Rossaveal in Co. Galway. Once on land, we cycle into the heart of Connemara as we head for the picturesque town of Clifden, our home for two nights. The majestic mountains and waterways of Connemara form the backdrop for some of the most spectacular bicycle routes on the entire journey. Cycling: 38 miles; Terrain: Relatively flat with some rolling hills. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 7

  Today is a free day in Clifden, and you have an amazing variety of options. May we suggest a loop ride out the scenic Skye Road to the quaint fishing village of Cleggan, or to Roundstone by way of the famous Roundstone Bog. There are also a number of hiking options. Choose from walks in Connemara National Park, or one of the finest hill walks in Connemara, the ascent of Errisbeg. For those in the "recline" mode, Clifden is a wonderful town for relaxing, shopping and dining. Optional rides of 10-30 miles; Terrain: Varies on selected options. Breakfast included.

• Day 8

  Our ride today takes us from Clifden to Cong, just north of Galway. Pedaling through the heart of Connemara, we pause at Kylemore Abbey and ride along Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, sandwiched between the Maamturk and Mweelrea Mountains. Continuing on through the spectacular scenery known as Joyce's Country, we gain dramatic views of Lough Corrib. From Cong, we transfer directly to Galway and the heart of the vibrant city center. Cycling: 42 miles; Terrain: rolling hills with a few long climbs. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 9

  Today is a free day in Galway, Ireland's loveliest and most vibrant city. You may experience sensory overload with so many options: A walking tour of the city; relaxing in colorful Eyre Square; a visit to a local crystal factory; and loads of shopping opportunities, just to name a few. We celebrate our journey with a farewell banquet and a night on the town. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 10

  After breakfast, regrettably, it is time to say farewell to Ireland. A van transfer gets the team to Shannon airport about 10:30 a.m. for your afternoon flights home. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Accommodations; bicycles; 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners; trip leaders and van support; ferry ride to/from Aran Islands; assorted maps.

Air transportation to Ireland; transfer from Shannon airport to Ennis; 3 dinners, 6 lunches; any private guide hire on optional days; alcoholic beverages; gratuities to guides; travel insurance.

This trip is rated moderate [3]. Participants on this trip should have some cycle experience. Mileage is between 30 and 55 daily, though the average is 35 miles. You should be familiar with shifting gears and comfortable riding a bike on most days between 4-6 hours on varied paved terrain including many hills. Prior training helps and is encouraged.

Expect a warm to cool climate, with daytime temperatures generally between 60°-75°F. Bright, clear skies as well as occasional wet conditions occur throughout the summer. This means it's important to pack your rain gear. Mid-summer in Ireland offers 18 hours of daylight, leaving plenty of time for activity.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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