Day 2 - Sunday Distance
Options: A 25 Miles, B 34 Miles, C 52 miles, Accommodation : SHANNON OAKS HOTEL 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.
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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.