“Explore the charming county Donegal by bike”
(No availability) 8 Day Donegal Coastal Treasures Self-Guided Bike Tour in Ireland
Donegal, County Donegal, Ulster
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Self-Guided Cycling Tour Ireland
Smell the fresh, salty Atlantic Sea air as you follow one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Cycle past small bays, golden sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and headlands. Step back in time as you visit historic sites dating back to the Stone Age. In the evenings stroll around welcoming historic towns like Donegal, Killybegs, and Glenties, and experience the legendary local hospitality. With easy direct bus connections to Dublin Airport, the spectacular Donegal Coast is just waiting to be discovered. As the area is very hilly we recommend using e-bikes. However if you would like more of a workout our 27 speed hybrid bikes are perfect.
Key information
- Trip type: Self-guided
- Lodging: Point to Point
- Terrain: Very hilly (e-bike recommended)
- Starts in: Donegal Town
- Ends in: Glenties
- Total Distance: 103 Miles / 166 Kilometers (extra options available)
- Type of bike: 27 Speed Bicycle (ladies or gents available), available for rent at 100 EUR
- E-bike: Available to rent, 230 EUR (unisex e-bike)
Highlights
- The stunning Donegal Coast, Donegal Castle, St. John’s Point, and Sliabh Liag Cliffs
- Admire the numerous golden sandy beaches
- Archaeology of Glencolmcille
- Charming towns and villages
- Experience local hospitality
- 7 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage transfers
- Welcome meeting + GPS unit with all routes pre-programmed for a smooth journey
Skill level
- Intermediate
6 days with instruction
Accommodation
One of the great things about traveling by bicycle or by foot in Ireland is the chance to meet local people, and one of the best places to do this is at your accommodation.
There is no better type of accommodation to suit cyclists and walkers than the type we use — the traditional Irish bed and breakfast (and occasionally small hotels). Here, you will be guaranteed a warm welcome. The owners cater much more to the needs of the adventure traveler than the larger hotels.
Choose a single, double, twin, or family room. Rooms have private bathrooms.
Program
Key facts
- Difficulty: 2.5 out of 5
- With E-bike: 1.5 out of 5
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Donegal Town
Your cycling holiday begins in historic Donegal Town. It was from here that the O’Donnell Chieftains once ruled over much of the northern half of Ireland. Their impressive castle still stands in the town center. Donegal has direct bus services from both Dublin and Ireland West airports, making traveling to your bike tour start point easy. On your arrival, you can spend the evening relaxing in this very pleasant town with its many great pubs and restaurants.
Day 2: Around Lough Eske (26 kilometers / 16 miles)
After breakfast, the Ireland by Bike team will meet you to provide you with everything you need for your upcoming bike tour and to answer any questions you may have. You will then be set to begin your new cycling adventure. Your first day of cycling takes you around tranquil Lough Eske, nestled at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains. Back in Donegal, you can visit the 15th Century Donegal Castle, or you can take a trip on the Donegal Bay Waterbus. Alternatively, you can spend the evening relaxing (or shopping if you like!)
Day 3: Donegal to Killybegs (38 / 53 kilometers, 24 / 33 miles)
Today you cycle along the ever-changing coastline between Donegal and Killybegs. You’ll pass quiet bays, beaches, and inlets. An option here is to bike along St. John’s Point, where the Atlantic Ocean lies on both your left and right. The views in all directions are magnificent. Continue west to your overnight destination in the bustling fishing village of Killybegs, where much of Ireland’s Atlantic catch is landed.
Day 4: Killybegs to Carrick (21 / 24 / 35 kilometers, 13 / 15 / 22 miles)
West of Killybegs you follow one of the most memorable stretches of coastline you will ever see. A short side trip will take you to beautiful Muckross Head. Cycle through Kilcar Village, a center for traditional tweed production, and then cycle on past more magnificent coast to your overnight destination of Carrick. A short bike trip from Carrick brings you to the stunning Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) Cliffs – one of Ireland’s greatest treasures, (and a sight not to be missed!) Here you also have the opportunity to view the cliffs from below, with a boat trip from nearby Teelin Pier.
Day 5: Carrick – Glencolmcille – Carrick (25 / 33 kilometers, 16 / 21 miles)
Today your cycling holiday brings you through 5,000 years of Irish History. The title of a book about the area, “5,000 Years in Stone” says it all. Stone age court tombs, dolmens from the bronze age, early Christian standing stones, and Celtic ring forts are overlooked by a watchtower from the Napoleonic era. But it’s not only the history that’s special. The area around Glencolmcille (Gleann Cholm Cille) is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. There could hardly be a better place to explore by bike.
Day 6: Carrick to Glenties (38 kilometers / 24 miles)
Cycle over wild boglands as you climb gradually to emerge at the head of dramatic Granny Valley. The bike ride down the valley will be one to remember. At the bottom of the valley, you will find pristine Maghera beach with its caves that can be explored at low tide. Nearby is the dramatic Assarancagh waterfall. Stop in the heritage town of Ardara, before continuing to your overnight stop in the pleasant village of Glenties.
Day 7: Around Glenties (18 / 40 kilometers, 11 / 25 miles)
Leaving Glenties along a newly constructed cycle path, follow a beautiful loop around Portnoo and Rossbeg. Once again, the coastal views are magnificent and ever-changing. Stop at the impressive Kilclooney Dolmen, dating from the early Bronze Age. If you fancy a dip in the Atlantic Ocean there are several beautiful sandy beaches to choose from. If you would prefer a shorter route, an 18 km loop will bring you to some wonderful viewing points over the coast. Return to Glenties for the last night of your tour.
Day 8: Departure day
Time to leave. A local bus service or a taxi will bring you to Donegal where you can catch connections to the main airports or other parts of Ireland.
FAQ
Who is this tour suitable for?
This tour is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The distances you cycle each day are relatively short. Typically 30 – 40 km with some extra options. However, it is important to note that the routes are very hilly. For this reason, Ireland by Bike recommends using an electric bike.
Do I need to be a regular cyclist?
It is important that you are a competent cyclist (as distinct from a fit cyclist) with adequate bicycle handling ability and a proper knowledge of the rules of the road. It is not recommended that you book a cycling holiday unless you have cycled at least occasionally before you arrive.
Will I be cycling along with others?
Possibly – but this is not guaranteed. At busy times of the year June / July / August is quite likely (but again not guaranteed) that others will be following the same routes as you. In the quieter months when numbers are smaller, it is quite possible that yours will be the only group on the road at that time.
Is this tour on cycle paths or public roads?
For the vast majority of this tour, you are on roads that are also open to traffic. However, as you focus on small back roads the traffic is almost non-existent in most places. There are some short stretches on roads with moderate traffic. However, even here cycling is not difficult.
Are the routes hilly?
The routes on this bike tour are VERY hilly (this is partly why it is so beautiful). The gradient varies constantly from gentle to very steep. On an average day of cycling 40 km, you can expect an elevation gain of approximately 400 meters (1,300 ft). For this reason, Ireland by Bike recommends using an electric bike for this tour.
Location
Donegal is truly a special destination, so much so that National Geographic Traveller (UK) listed it as the world's top destination in its "Cool List" back in 2017. Recently Lonely Planet has listed Donegal as one of the world's top destinations for 2024. With pristine sandy beaches, heather covered hills and towering cliffs is no surprise.
Food
Please let your accommodation providers know about any dietary requirements when checking in.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in B&B’s or small hotels
- Welcome meeting and bike set up on the first morning
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage transfers
- Comprehensive guide booklet
- Maps and turn-by-turn directions
- GPS unit with all routes pre-programmed (one per room)
- GPX tracks available pre-tour (If you would like to use your own GPS device or mobile app)
- Emergency support
What's not included
- Travel to and from start/finish of the tour (Donegal Town)
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Meals other than breakfast
- Entertainment
- Entry to sites and attractions not included as part of the tour
- 27 Speed Bicycle (Ladies or Gents available): 100 EUR
- Unisex E-bike: 230 EUR
How to get there
Recommended Airports
DUB
Dublin Airport
182 km
Transfer not provided
NOC
Ireland West Airport Knock
94 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Dublin Airport (DUB) or Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC). Airport transfer is not provided.
This bike tour starts and finishes in Donegal Town. It is easily accessible from Dublin Airport, via regular direct buses. If you are flying Trans-Atlantic, it is worth noting that most flights are overnight – arriving in Ireland in the early morning so you may want to consider a “recovery day” before starting to cycle. Check the bus timetables online.
If you are arriving in Ireland at a different location and would like advice on how to get here, let the Ireland by Bike team know and they will help you to plan your journey.
Parking:
If you are arriving by car, on-street parking is available in Donegal Town. A permit lasting up to 1 month is available for 20 EUR. To acquire a permit, sign up online, and select “Donegal Town”. Ireland by Bike recommends No. 4 Car Park.
Departure:
This tour finishes in Glenties. It is a short local bus journey back to your starting point in Donegal Town. Alternatively, a 30-minute taxi journey will cost approximately 60 EUR.
Arrival by bus
From Dublin Airport and Dublin City: Direct buses (route 30/X30) run to Donegal Town from Dublin Airport and City every 90 minutes. For timetables, check online. Look for route 30/X30.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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