Day 2 Sunday

Distance Options: A 25 Miles, B 34 Miles, C 52 miles,

Accommodation : Shannon Oaks Hotel and Country Club http://www.shannonoaks.ie

The terrain is relatively flat with moderate inclines in a few spots (as always the busses will be on hand should you require a lift at any point) You will pass through small country villages and Shannon side towns along today's route. Your orientation for the day will be due North. Our destination today will be the historic town of Portumna. We will take you on a guided tour of Portumna Castle and priory this evening, before dinner. Your accommodation for tonight will be Shannon Oaks Hotel & Country Club, which is situated on the shores of Lough Derg on the River Shannon. Your visit to this hotel in the midlands of Ireland , will bring you to the heart of a visual and cultural treasure. Directly adjacent to this is the 1,500 acre Earls of Clanricarde estate , abundant with wildlife and idyllic woodland. The serenity of the estate is ideally suited for those who wish to read, paint or simply stroll in uncluttered peace. Don't forget to bring your swimming gear as you will have access to the leisure center facilities including swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi. They also have two hydrotherapy pools so make sure you take advantage. Spending at least one hour in a combination of the above facilities will provide your muscles with as much relief as a full rest day. You can check out this hotel at the link above..

Anyway that's enough about Portumna, you have to get there first. Today's route passes through what is mainly an agricultural region. You will also see lots of forestry along your way, and part of you ride will be through a forest of mature Scots Pine. The river Shannon is the longest tract of navigable water in Ireland and you will spend much of today's ride along the valley basin through which it runs. Take the time to explore many of the little harbors along the route. You can even take a small ferry out to Holy island which features with a deserted monastic settlement complete with round tower in Mountshannon. Holy Island or Inis Cealtra at the mouth of Scariff Bay on Lough Derg, is one of the most famous monastic sites in Ireland. Its many attractions include a well preserved Round Tower, the ruins of six Churches and a cell like structure which is one of the most extraordinary buildings in Ireland. Ger Madden, local historian and author of the histories of Holy Island, Scariff, Mountshannon, and Tuamgraney, offers a Boat Trip and Guided Tour from Mountshannon Pier of the Island.

 

Lots of little cafes to stop for lunch along today's route with the village of Mountshannon offering the best selection. Whatever route you choose you should reach Portumna sometime between 4PM and 5-30PM. You will have time freshen up and visit Portumna Priory and the Castle before dinner, which will be in Shannon Oaks Hotel & Country Club. Lots of pubs in Portumna, many with live music on Sunday night. You may prefer to take a stroll through the way marked pathways through a 400 acre wood at the back of your accommodation before turning in for the night.