Fresh Eire Adventures specialises in worldwide bike tours, family vacations, walking, golf and gourmet tours. The Burren is located on the west coast of Ireland, above the River Shannon (Ireland’s longest river), below Galway Bay and home to the world famous Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands and the breathtaking Dolmen Poulnabrone (a five thousand year old burial tomb; older the Pyramids of Egypt, and older than Stonehenge). This is also home to some of the best bike routes and links golf courses in Europe and also possesses one of Ireland’s most innovative restaurants at Gregan’s Castle Hotel.
Dates Burren Golf & Bike | Prices Burren Golf & Bike | Included Burren Golf & Bike | Extras Burren Golf & Bike
The Burren means “Barren Place” and it is easy to see why it earned this moniker. The limestone landscape permeates every square inch of the region around Galway Bay while, more inland, the landscape has been allowed to return to bushland and grazing. As a result of the latter development the region has become synonymous with grazing all year around for both cattle and goats. The Burren’s dairy produce is amongst the best in Ireland, if not the world.
You will be very pleasantly surprised by the gastronomic culture in Ireland. You’ll also get to enjoy Irish whiskey and cider tastings as well as the finest wines to accompany your included meals on the trip. The best time to visit The Burren for its incredible flowers is May and June.
Ireland possesses some of the very best golf courses in Europe, and we visit three on this trip; Doonbeg, Galway Bay and the famous Links course at Lahinch. Co Clare and the Burren also has some of the very best bike routes most of which are on back roads. The region is steeped in history and we visit everything from a 5,000 year old megalithic tomb to an 800 year old Celtic cross.
Itinerary
Day 1 & 2
Our first destination is a magnificent 5 star resort on the Atlantic Coast complete with a breathtaking links course designed by Greg Norman. We stay here at Doonbeg for two nights, enjoying some wonderful looped bike rides taking in the local attractions such as the picturesque seaside village of Kilkee, the stunning Victorian Vandeleur Walled Gardens and you'll have views of Scattery Island, an uninhabited monastic settlement. We will also visit Kilrush and St Senan’s church notable for its stained glass window designed by Harry Clarke. We will dine in the Ocean View Restaurant at Doonbeg for the first of our exquisite meals together, the second night, we’ll dine in a local authentic pub. There will also be ample time to visit the in-house spa.
Day 3
Our third day together will see us ride northwards towards the beach town of Lahinch, home to one of the oldest Links courses in the world. After a round of golf we visit the Cliffs of Moher and then onward to our hotel in Lisdoonvarna; Sheedy’s Hotel & Restaurant. Dinner at Sheedy’s is prepared by John Sheedy; an outstanding Chef and one of Ireland’s finest who has cooked for, among many other dignitaries, two American Presidents and two UK Prime Ministers. Tonight you’ll enjoy marvellous locally sourced produce and dishes. After dinner you are free to explore the village, home to the Matchmaking Festival (the world’s largest singles event held every September and inspiration to the Hollywood film “The Matchmaker”) where you can check out the authentic music scene in one of the many local pubs. We are in Lisdoonvarna for one night.
Day 4 & 5
Our fourth and fifth nights are spent at our final hotel of the tour, the wonderful Gregans Castle Hotel. Nestled among the trees at the bottom of the famous Corkscrew Hill with views of Cappabhaile Mountain we will be hosted by Simon and Freddie, the owners of this family owned and run jewel.
We will transfer you into nearby Ballyvaughan where you can choose from a number of different casual restaurants for your free night dinner or you can of course chose to spend some extra time at Gregan’s. After dinner we’ll transfer you back to Gregan’s where you can have an after dinner drink or take a walk around the rose garden and marvel at the prehistoric looking Gunnera plants.
On our final full day together we will ride our bikes from Gregans to Kilfenora, a local village which was once the most significant settlement on the island of Ireland. We will pass by the ruins of an ancient Irish Brehon law school from the 7th century. Here we will visit the local heritage centre, the small 12th century St. Fachtna’s cathedral (the Pope is also the de facto Bishop of the diocese of Kilfenora & Killaloe) and see an 800 year old Celtic High Cross (Doorty Cross). After a simple lunch at a local pub you have a choice of continuing biking or taking in a round of golf at Galway Bay Golf Club. If continuing biking we will visit the Burren Perfumery and then cycle to Poulnabrone megalithic tomb before returning to Gregan’s Castle and our final meal of the week.
Gregan’s Castle Hotel is the winner of Food & Wine Magazine Best Restaurant in Ireland 2011 and RAI Best Hotel Restaurant 2011.
Gregans are the 2010 Supreme Winner of The Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Award for Excellence and were awarded The Georgina Campbell 2010 Country House of The Year Award and, in 2010, were awarded 3 Rosettes for Culinary Excellence by the AA. This is very possibly the best meal currently offered on an Irish Fresh Eire Adventure!
After our exquisite dinner we’ll meet with Shane Connolly, a local expert on The Burren who will talk to us all about the botany, archaeology, wildlife and unique nature of this magnificent landscape.
Day 6
Our time together will end after our final delicious breakfast and we'll transfer you to either Shannon Airport or to Galway City Centre on our sixth day.
Average daily biking is 25 miles.
Dates Burren Golf & Bike
Any start dates available upon request (subject to availability)
Prices Burren Golf & Bike
- Deluxe: From US $6995 pps. Single supplement US$1000.
Included Burren Golf & Bike
- Use of hybrid bike and helmet. More about our bikes
- Transfers from/to Dublin airport (or city centre) start/end day
- 4 exquisite dinners & wine
- 3 gourmet lunches & wines
- Admissions to all included attractions & tastings
- Green Fees on three days
- Baggage transfers
- Tips for hotels/restaurants
- Healthy snacks, water, full guiding services, support vehicle.
- 5 nights B&B in 4 & 5 star hotels (Full Irish & Continental breakfast)
Extras Burren Golf & Bike
- Upgrade to a carbon road bike or e-bike at extra cost. More about our bikes
- Self-guided extension packages available in Galway, Dublin.
- Gratuities for guides
- Golf club hire (you are welcome to bring your own of course!)
Additional Guided services or Fresh Eire Adventures packages.
Co. Wicklow Escape (ex Dublin)
Includes gourmet lunch at Powerscourt, visit to Monastic site of Glendalough, Dinner and Irish dancing show at the world famous Johnny Fox's 'Hooley Nights'.
- Pick up Shelbourne 9am, Return 10.30pm.
- Includes full guiding services, gourmet lunch in Powerscourt, dinner & Irish dancing show at Johnny Fox's and all entrance fees.
- $399 per person.
- $749 euro per couple.
- $999 for group of 3 persons.
- $1149 for group of up to 4 persons
- $279 per person thereafter
Advance booking is required.
Spa or Golf in the K Club* (ex Dublin)
Includes green fees on Arnold Palmer designed Ryder Cup (2006) course, clubhouse lunch, Buggy rental, all transfers. Clubs may be hired for an additional charge. If you’d prefer to spend the day in the spa, then the package includes 2 treatments and an all day pass including lunch. Additional treatments may be booked for an additional charge.
- $699 single
- $1199 per couple
- $1799 for group of 3 persons
- $2199 or a group of 4 persons.
*Advance Booking is required, Subject to availability. Four players maximum per tee time. Additional players must book an additional tee-time.
Day trip to Waterford and Kilkenny (ex Dublin)
- Includes visit to Waterford Crystal Museum, Reginald’s Tower, gourmet lunch in Mount Juliet Estate, walking tour of Kilkenny Castle, Museum of Design Icons at Newbridge Silver.
- $799 single
- $1299 per couple
- $1899 for a group of 3 persons
- $2299 for a group of 4 persons
- Additional Guests charged at $549 per person.
Advance Booking is required.
Day trip to Inis Mor, Aran Islands (ex Galway)
Includes Guided day trip to Inis Mor (the largest of the Aran Islands) entrance to Dun Aengus, bike hire, transfers from/to Galway city centre, lunch at Padraigin's Thatched Cottage, time for shopping in the Aran Sweater Market.
- Departs Galway City Centre 9.30am, return Galway 6pm
- $349 single
- $649 per couple
- $899 for a group of 3 persons
- $1099 for a group of 4 persons
- Additional Guests charged at $200 per person.
Advance Booking is required.
Departs Galway City Centre 9.30am, return Dublin 8pm
- $449 single
- $849 per couple
- $1099 for a group of 3 persons
- $1299 for a group of 4 persons
- Additional Guests charged at $200 per person.
Advance Booking is required.
Day trip to Inis Mor, Aran Islands (ex Shannon Airport, return Dublin)
Includes Guided day trip to Inis Mor (the largest of the Aran Islands) entrance to Dun Aengus, bike hire, transfers from/to Galway city centre, lunch at Padraigin's Thatched Cottage, time for shopping in the Aran Sweater Market.
- Departs Dublin City Centre 7.30am, Shannon Airport 8.30am, return Dublin 8pm
- $499 single
- $899 per couple
- $1199 for a group of 3 persons
- $1499 for a group of 4 persons
- Additional Guests charged at $300 per person.
Advance Booking is required.