By Darragh Devaney, Operations Manager
Published: Sep 28, 2020More by Darragh
By Darragh Devaney, Operations Manager
Published: Sep 28, 2020More by Darragh
Whipping and zipping down hills through the brilliant Emerald Isle countryside is both fun and jaw-dropping beautiful!
Every year, the international and insanely famous Tour de France bike race kicks off, with beautiful routes through France of course as well as other countries – the UK, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland to name a few.
The most famous and arguably the most prestigious bike race in the world, the highly-televised Tour de France usually takes place in July, with races spread out over a 23 day period, featuring 21 daily stages. These include a mix of routes, and generally involve both sprints and mountains. Started in 1903, the Tour de France has been held annually except for the years surrounding the world wars. Even Covid-19 wasn’t enough to stop the race – though certain restrictions were implemented and the start date was pushed back to August, top cyclists from around the world still battled it out on the Tour de France.
There are 4 winning “jersey” categories:
Not only did Covid-19 not stop the Tour de France, but as it turns out, 2020 is a good year to be an Irish cyclist. In 2020, the Green Jersey was won by Irish cyclist Sam Bennett. He became the first Irishman to win this jersey since 1989. With a massive lead, Bennett beat out seven-times-winner of the Green Jersey, Peter Sagan. (The other three jerseys were won by Slovenian Tadej Pogocar in an unprecedented win).
While the Tour de France hasn’t come to Ireland since 1998, it’s fair to say that Ireland does indeed have many beautiful routes for cycling.
While few people are privileged enough to participate in the Tour de France, the epic race is hugely inspiring for those interested in cycling. Long distance biking in Ireland is a great way to explore the countryside of this small but varied island. While you might not be competing in the Tour de France, go ahead and let yourself be energised by the trifecta of competition, a beautiful backdrop and long distance biking.
It’s okay to feel jealous, motivated and even a little intimidated. Though you’re not doing the Tour de France, there’s nothing stopping you from doing a long distance biking trip of your own.
So if the annual Tour de France competition has inspired you to start biking longer distances, consider coming to Ireland for your upcoming long distance biking journey.
Kerry might be one of Ireland’s most popular regions, but the 3 peninsulas of Kerry still have hidden, secret gems once you turn off the main road.
Not all of the climbs are as impressive as the Mamore Gap in Donegal, but no matter what trip, you’ll have a few climbs.
The Wild Atlantic Way Bike Trip
Bike the best of the Wild Atlantic Way on this classic and challenging route from the extreme south to the extreme north. Impossible to sum up all you’ll see, this 12 day trip won’t leave you wanting. From the sunny southwest, through the wild west coast and the laid-back northwest, finishing in the rugged Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head, this is truly the trip of a lifetime.
With just a single transfer (to avoid chaotic road conditions around Galway), this trip is ideal for anyone who is looking for a point-to-point challenge and the trip of a lifetime.
This trip, in which you bike across England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, actually starts on the 2014 Grand Depart of the Tour de France – so you can start your 12 day challenging trek through the UK and Ireland feeling like a Tour de France competitor!
This trip is ideal for anyone who is looking for a proper cycling challenge as well as a varied route.
Bike the best of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Bike the Kerry Peninsulas – Southwest Ireland
Bike Ireland’s extremes, from the southernmost point – Mizen Head – to the westernmost point – Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula – while exploring some of Ireland’s most exhilarating routes, such as the Gap of Dunloe, the Conor Pass, and Moll’s Gap across Cork and Kerry. You’ll bike through some of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes, and did we mention that southwest Ireland is known as a foodie hotspot? You’ll be well fuelled at the end of each day’s cycling!
This seven-day trip is perfect for cyclists looking to explore Ireland’s most iconic and beloved regions, while still sticking to the backroads. You’ll still tick several classic climbs off on this two-wheeled adventure.
Donegal From Cliffs to Coast – Northwest Ireland
Remote Donegal has it all – breathtaking landscapes, charming coastal communities, traditional pubs, amazing cliffs (such as that of Slieve League, among Ireland’s highest sea cliffs), stunning fjords, and rugged mountains. Donegal also has some great climbs like the Mamore Gap and the Bluestack Mountains for those looking for a challenge.
This seven-day trip is perfect for those who want to get off the beaten path and explore a region in-depth while still challenging themselves on some classic cycling routes.
Biking alongside the beautiful Lough Swilly fjord.
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers.