DAY ONE Saturday

Distance options A 15 Miles B 20 Miles C 35 Miles D 40 Miles

Accommodation : The Courtyard, Bunratty http://www.bunrattycourtyard.com

All our tours begin on Saturdays. We will be available to run transfers from Shannon airport from 7.00AM . Some people like to arrive the day before the tour starts. The tour begins in the village of Bunratty which is situated 12 minutes from Shannon airport and 30 minutes from Limerick. The Courtyard is located in the heart of Bunratty village.

This beautifully decorated 4* guesthouse provides the warmth and welcome of a private home matched with the professional , functionality of a hotel. Each room has an en suite with power shower, TV, direct dial telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. The beautiful, tranquil reading room and breakfast room over look the village.

Bike sizing and fitting out will be carried out in detail. If you wish to bring your own saddle or pedals we will fit them to our bikes for you.

Before we do any cycling we will discuss the route and how to interpret the daily route maps. On the back of each map you will find detailed instructions for each junction you will encounter. Some people navigate better with the map, some people prefer theinstruction but the favorite navigation aids are the green arrows (see photo below) sprayed at each junction, pointing you in the correct direction. Depending on group size two support vehicles move about the route throughout the day, identifying many of the junctions and turning points and topping up water bottles. Even if you choose to explore some of the smaller roads that feed off the main route you can remain in contact with the support vehicles via the cell phones provided. We encourage this type of exploration and will identify all such possible options throughout the tour.

We encourage the group to split up and spread out as much as much as possible. Within 1 hour of the tour starting the group will spread out by as much as 8 to 10 miles, with many people opting to explore the small by-roads that cover the Irish countryside. Today’s cycling will be based in an area dotted with small farmhouses and cottages.. The route will be a loop route starting and finishing in Bunratty. You can choose any distance that you feel comfortable with today. The roads for today’s route are particularly quiet and wander through the farmland and forestry of south Clare.

Each couple will be given a mobile phone (all single travelers get a phone for themselves) so you can remain in contact with both support vehicles at all times. We encourage everyone to cycle at their own pace so dispersal of the group will occur naturally. You are free to enjoy a sense of adventure as you explore the minor roads safe in the knowledge that support is just a call away. . We would aim to finish cycling today around 6-00PM. Dinner will be booked for 7-00PM. After dinner there is a good selection of pubs in the village of Bunratty .