| DAY 7 - FRIDAY |
DISTANCE OPTINS A 20 MILES B 37 MILES C 45 MILES D 56 MILES ACCOMMODATION: SALTHILL HOTEL |
So,
the last day. We want to make the most of time available today. This entails
a slightly earlier start. The first part of today's route takes us along
the Atlantic coast towards the town of Clifden. We then turn East and ride
back through Roundstone bog. This is where people cut peat from the earth,
dry it out and take it home to provide fuel for fires and stoves for the
winter. Indeed turf cutting is a contentious issue here in the west of Ireland
at the moment. The EU want to preserve the remaining uncut "high banks"
while the bog owners protest their right to continue a practice that has
been practiced for countless generations. Good topic to discuss over a pint
of Guinness. Back to the cycling. The route continues through the village
of Cashel and eventually takes you to Maaum Cross. This will be the end
point for the cycling. We will transfer the group to Galway city for the
final night of the tour. Galway city is located about 40 minutes from Maaum
Cross. Tonight we stay in the Salthill hotel overlooking Galway Bay.
We will also have dinner there at 7.00PM
Galway
is situated about one and a half hours North of Shannon airport. If your
flight departs early on Saturday morning I can arrange to get you closer
to Shannon Airport on Friday evening, after the farewell dinner. This
will eliminate a very early start on Saturday morning. Let me know what
your departure plans are and I can advise you of the options available.
If your flight departs late on Saturday or anytime on Sunday you can spend
some time in Galway city and take the bus which leaves every hour for
Shannon airport. Talk to me before you make your flight arrangements so
I can advise you how to maximize your time in Ireland.
If you are
planning to spend a few more days in Ireland its handy to know Galway
is a transport hub. We have a train station, bus station and local airport
in Galway. You can also arrange car hire if you wish to do so. Just let
us know what your time frame is and we can assist and advise you in relation
to a car tour of the remainder of the country. If your arrival flight
originally landed in Shannon you should check out the option of departing
from Dublin airport. This would streamline your continued exploration
of Ireland after the bike tour.