IRELAND

August 6-15, 2008

Mondus Expeditions is proud to present cycling in Ireland through our partners at Outland Adventures. To tempt you to join us in this adventure, our photo gallery offers you samples from our previous trips.

A hundred thousand welcomes is what you'll receive cycling through Ireland, a truly magical land. The ever-changing light, sometimes soft in a light rain, other times sharp under a blue sky, imbues the landscape with dream-like colours. Quiet back roads wind through fields of purple heather and gorse or edge along dramatic coastal cliffs. As well the warmth and friendliness of the Irish make Ireland one of our favourite places to cycle.

The turbulence of the long struggle for independence is gone and the great hospitality and charm of the Irish people shines everywhere. Although small and sparsely populated Ireland has plenty to offer any visitor - prehistoric ruins, medieval castles and perhaps the best cycling anywhere in the world!

Our tour takes us through Counties Clare, Galway, Connemara and Mayo where the character of the land changes as often as the weather. Nearby, the powerful Atlantic surf kicks up a salt spray felt atop the 700 ft. high Cliffs of Moher. Clear Salmon Rivers and trout streams wind along country roadsides and the defensive towers of Norman castles stand alone in stone fenced fields An optional hike through the moon- like landscape of the Burren will highlight our journey through Clare County. Moving north the land becomes more rugged and wild, the life more traditional.

The routes we have chosen are quiet back roads with very little or no traffic. The Irish drivers are courteous, being used to cyclists sharing their roads. Maps with optional daily routes are supplied and discussed throughout the tour.

Our accommodations are in small, family run bed & breakfasts and the friendly reception you'll get will be one of the great memories you'll have from your trip.

All along the way you'll be pleasantly surprised and thoroughly satisfied by the Irish cuisine. In the evenings we'll spend some time finding the best local music and pubs which are the focal points of social life in Ireland.

Ireland "Spirit of the West" Itinerary

Day 0 Departure from your home city to rendezvous in Ireland

Day 1 Arrival Shannon airport and transfer by minibus to the seaside village of Doolin( about 45 mins. drive ) where you can relax or take a stroll along the seaside or visit the many pubs in the village. The local pubs offer your first taste of Irish hospitality and is a mecca for traditional Irish music enthusiasts and of course their famous Guinness beer. Overnight B&B (0 kms)

Day 2 Today we will do a leisurely cycle loop to Lahinch, along the way stopping at the dramatic Cliffs of Mohar. This should get the kinks out of our bikes and ourselves. Overnight in Doolin again.(45 kms )

Day 3 From Doolin, we ride east to Lisdoonvarna. We’ll ride through the burren to Kinvara on Galway Bay. On the way we pass over Corkscrew Hill, through Ballyvaughan and visit Corcomroe Abbey. We overnight in Kinvara and dine at an excellent restaurant. Overnight B&B ( 52 kms.)

Day 4 Galway City is a short ride leaving plenty of time to wander and visit its many shops and historical sights. There are also extra rides for those who wish.
( 30 km.).

Day 5 Our route through the wild Mamturk Mountains in County Connemara brings us to Leenaun. Overnight B&B ( 64 or 78km.).

Day 6 Riding alongside salmon streams and stark hills to Westport (32 or 54kms.)

Day 7/8 We’ll cycle to Achill Island, outpost of Irish traditions and hospitality for two days of exploring its cliffs, coasts & beaches and the Deserted Village (New Stone Age or Neolithic period, circa 4,000 BC - 2,000 BC (62km).

Day 9 Today we are shuttled by mini bus back to Shannon for our farewell medieval feast and celebration. There will be time to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park or meet at Durty Nellies (Estab.1620) for a pint. Overnight B&B. (O kms)

Day 10 Transfer to Shannon airport for the return home with memories of a great time. For those staying on, you will continue on and make your own way to the airport. For those continuing there holiday to other areas of Ireland or other countries you can make your arrangements or ask the office for assistance.

For more tempting information and details, please contact Outland Adventures through http://www.outingclub.com