Ireland Cycling Adventure | Ride the Ancient East Coast

Ireland’s Ancient East Coast Cycling Adventure

  • Overview
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Essential Info
  • Pics & Vids
  • Dates & Prices

Highlights

  • Conquer this exclusive cycling challenge along the ancient east coast of Ireland
  • Starting and finishing in Ireland’s charismatic capital, Dublin
  • Tackle the spine of the Wicklow Mountains, the largest upland area in Ireland
  • Explore the maze of medieval streets in the historic town of Wexford
  • Churn through the stunning Irish countryside of the Nore Valley
  • Experience the Marble City of Kilkenny and it’s picturesque ‘Medieval Mile’
  • Return to Dublin for a fantastic finish with a well-deserved celebratory Guinness evening
  • Experience this epic and fully supported journey in Ireland on two wheels
  • Private bubble trips available for groups over 12 people.

Overview

Ride the ancient East Coast of Ireland through some of the most fertile lands and historic towns of Ireland’s Ancient East. Begin your challenge in famous city of Dublin before cycling south through the picturesque Wicklow Mountains, the largest upland area in Ireland. The route then follows the coastline to Wexford, a historic town with medieval streets where the team will overnight. The following days route heads inland through the stunning Nore Valley arriving in the historic town of Kilkenny where the team will overnight. The final day the team will wind their way through Irish countryside and villages before arriving back in Dublin with time to celebrate your achievement of pedalling 245 miles.

Day 1

Day 1: Wednesday
Travel from UK to Dublin Ireland

Make your way to Dublin, flights and ferry options are available. Upon arrival in Dublin you can check in to the hotel and depending on arrival time, you are free to explore Dublin if you wish. A trip briefing will be held during the evening in preparation for the cycling adventure ahead.

Travel: Flight or ferry to Dublin not included allowing you the flexibility to book what suits you in terms of timings and departure location
Meals: Dinner not included
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 2

Day 2: Thursday
Cycling from Dublin to Wexford – 147kms

Leaving Dublin your route will take you south through the picturesque Wicklow Mountains, crossing vast sweeps of gorse, bracken and heather-clad moors, bogs and hills, dotted with small corrie lakes. South of Wicklow you will follow the Ancient East Coast to the town of Wexford, known as the “Maritime Centre of Ireland”. Wexford’s rich history includes being founded by the Vikings and nearly obliterated by Oliver Cromwell. Its maze of medieval streets is lined with a mixture of old-time pubs, modern steel-and-glass facades and repurposed buildings.

Cycling distance: 147kms
Ascent gained: 1160m
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 3

Day 3: Friday
Cycling from Wexford to Kilkenny – 120kms

Leaving Wexford the route continues south west to the town of Waterford, known as the country’s oldest city. It was founded by Vikings in 914AD and parts of its ancient walled core remain. Here the route leaves the coast as you head west to the winding lanes of Kilkenny City and the picturesque towns of the Nore Valley allowing plenty of scenic viewpoints to mark your progress. Dipping your toe into this beautiful region will only whet your appetite for Ireland’s Ancient East.

Kilkenny’s historic Medieval Mile awaits, where you’ll discover Kilkenny is named after St Canice (Cill Chainnigh means “Canice’s church” in English) who founded a 6th century monastic settlement. Climb to the 100ft, 9th century Round Tower beside the cathedral to enjoy the most wonderful views over the city and walk the Mile to absorb everything from Kilkenny Castle to tales of witch trials that still reverberate through the ancient streets or pull up a chair at one of the city’s legendary traditional Irish music sessions. As well as historic attractions, a vibrant food scene and quaint pubs, Kilkenny City has some great live music venues to tour on your night out.

Cycling distance: 120kms
Ascent gained: 1050m
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 4

Day 4: Saturday
Cycling from Kilkenny to Dublin – 135kms

Leaving the ancient city of Kilkenny you will start your return journey to Dublin. Winding your way back through Irish countryside, villages and towns before arriving back in the vibrant Dublin ready to celebrate your cycling achievements. Dinner is at your own expense tonight allowing you the flexibility to order what you wish following your epic achievement.

Cycling distance: 135kms
Ascent gained: 590m
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 5

Day 5: Sunday
Return home

Free day to either further explore Ireland’s vibrant capital city, Dublin at the mouth of the River Liffey with its historic buildings including Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral, city’s parks, enjoy a relaxing morning in a local café and watch the world go by or visit such renowned sites such as the Guinness Storehouse, museums or galleries. Or make your way home filled with an immense sense of achievement having cycled 245 miles in 3 days.

Meals included: Breakfast
Return travel: Please make your own arrangements

Why go

Carefully curated trip by Adventurous Ewe

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on local communities and livelihoods, we’re keen to promote adventures on home ground particularly to help support the local tourism industry here whilst also giving you the chance to get out and explore our incredible Irish landscapes in a safe and fun manner.

This cycling trip has been designed to deliver an amazing experience and showcase the some of the most stunning landscapes across Ireland whilst also giving you the chance to step out of your comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of the local environments and communities. Plus you can experience the Irish way of life as you pedal the Irish east coast under your own power.

Pre-trip info

On booking your Irish Cycling Adventure, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our free mobile travel app.

You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper to benefit the environment and the need of carrying around documents with you. A’ppy days.

Pre-trip support

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on the Irish Ancient East Coast Cycling Adventure and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the destinations that we visit in order together with a huge passion for cycling to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure.

Future of Travel

We’ve joined the movement to reshape the Future of Tourism!

We are excited to announce that Adventurous Ewe has signed the new set of Guiding Principles launched by the Future of Tourism Coalition. As a signatory, we commit to place destination needs at the centre of our recovery strategies and do our part to build a better tomorrow for travel and tourism.

These transformative principles outline a bold vision for the future of tourism – one that retains the integrity of destinations, promotes inclusivity and equality, maximizes positive impacts for communities and environments, and fosters collaborative change.

As a collective, we can build a better future for all and we’re super excited to do our part.

Learn more at Future of Tourism
#FutureofTourism

Passport

Ireland, along with the UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area. British nationals travelling from the UK don’t need a passport to visit Ireland. However, Irish immigration officers will check the ID of all passengers arriving by air from the UK and may ask for proof of nationality, particularly if you were born outside the UK. You are therefore advised to take your British passport with you. For the latest travel advice on entry requirements, please click here.

If you’re using a passport to enter Ireland, it should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

 
Visa

Please visit the UK Foreign & Commonwealth office website, or your respective nationality governing website, for the latest travel info for Ireland.

Travel and bike insurance

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, activities undertaken, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and COVID-19 travel cover.

For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.

Safety and Well-being

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority. The Irish Cycling Adventure is intentionally challenging and requires individual preparation as the trip is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something great. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.

In terms of the Ireland Ancient East Coast Cycling Adventure, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:

  • You will be cycling mainly on B roads and cycle paths. There will be occasions you will be cycling on A roads as well
  • All our Cycling Leaders are first aid trained and carry fully equipped medical kits for serious medical emergencies
  • You should be aware of the Highway Code for Cyclists in Ireland
  • Your bike must be fitted with reflectors and lights to ensure that you are visible
  • You should be prepared for all weather conditions with adequate clothing.

For more info, please visit our Safety and Well-being page.

Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew

All our Adventurous Ewe Guides are qualified Cycling Leaders and have been carefully selected to ensure you have the best experience on your cycling journey with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. All Leaders are first aid trained as well. As part of our support crew we also provide a bike mechanic for minor bike repairs. The support vehicle/s carry a fully stocked first aid kit and spare bike parts and inner tubes which are available for purchase if needed.

Group size
We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and wellbeing and to make your experience more authentic.
 
The minimum group size for the Irish Cycling Adventure to run is 12 people and the maximum group size is 40 people, dependent on accommodation availability.
 
You are most welcome to join this cycling trip as a group of family, friends, colleagues, a private bubble or as a solo adventurer. If you have a group of over 12 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for your team, your charity or your company. You are also welcome to use this trek as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.
 
For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069. 
Level of difficulty

This is a tough cycling challenge with long consecutive days in the saddle. The roads will be open to other traffic therefore it is your responsibility to negotiate safely around the route and to comply with all road traffic regulations.

To complete this trip comfortably, it is preferable that you have previous cycling experience though you are not required to have undertaken previous multi day cycling trips. Whilst the cycling is not technically difficult, it would be ideal if you were a confident cyclist with a good level of fitness and prepared for long distances and consecutive days in the saddle. Full instructions and support will be provided by your Cycling Leader and the crew is there to support you throughout this journey.

Timings for completing this cycling challenge will vary depending on the pace of your group, weather conditions and any other occurrences such as road works, etc.

 

Support vehicles

A support vehicle will accompany the group during the course of the day. The vehicle is predominately travelling at the back of the group is will have some bike parts and spare inner tubes for purchase if required, however we strongly recommend you are self sufficient with your own puncture repair kit etc due to the differing bikes and sizes that will be on this trip. The support vehicle will also have a medical kit for emergencies and will be in contact with the cycling leader and crew throughout the challenge

Your main luggage will be transferred from hotel to hotel each day.

Training

A bespoke cycling training programme will be provided when join the team for this Irish Cycling Adventure to help you with your preparations.

We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and the Bath Kettlebell Society. For more info, please visit our Training and Preparation page.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

Kit

A full kit list will be provided when you register for this trip. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic adventure and an uncomfortable one.

We recommend you bring either a road bike or hybrid with front and rear working lights. Cycle helmets must we warn at all times. Bikes can be hired for £175.00 per bike which includes a cycling helmet, delivery and collection transfers. Rest assured any equipment that we supply will be hygienically cleaned and sanitised and was not used 72 hours before you use it and will not be used for the next 72 hours.

An exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code will be provided for the independent outdoor retailers Joe Brown and ashmei athletic apparel on registering for this adventure.

All luggage, food, water is carried by support vehicles. You will be expected to carry items needed during the day: water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, waterproofs, mobile phone (for emergency contact details) and any personal medication, etc. 

 

Exclusive kit discount codes

To help you get the very best from your cycling trip we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in Joe Brown and ashmei athletic apparel both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use whilst taking on adventures across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you.

Weather

The weather in Ireland can change rapidly so it is essential that you are prepared for all conditions including rain, wind and heat. In the week leading up to your trip we recommend checking the weather forecasts and you will also receive weather updates via our mobile travel app, Vamoos.

Please note, the Leader/s reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time should the conditions require it as your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times.  In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Accommodation

Four nights accommodation in a 3 star hotel are included as part of your Irish Cycling Adventure. This is on a twin share basis. If you would prefer a single room please let us know asap and we will make the arrangements for you dependent on availability. There will be an additional cost for this room dependent on the hotel, therefore please get in touch with us for further info at info@adventurousewe.co.uk.

Getting there

You will need to make your own travel arrangements to and from Dublin, Ireland. This is to allow you the flexibility to travel at the times that suit you, by either plane or car & ferry and from your chosen departure point. Further info will be provided when you join the team for this exciting two-wheeled adventure.

Food & drinks

As part of your package 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners are included. Please note, dinner on the first and last night is at your own expense. This is to allow you flexibility with your arrival time and choice of meal when you finish this epic cycling adventure.

Breakfast will be served at your hotel and lunches will either be in a local café or a picnic lunch.

Water refilling and snacks will be provided throughout the trip at designated check-points. Please bring your own water bottles or camelbaks/platypus (or similar) and flasks (if you wish to take a hot drink during your challenge) and refill in the hostel to avoid the need of purchasing plastic water bottles.

Please let us know one month prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

 

Water-to-Go bottles

The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’

You can make a difference too with taking part in this Irish Cycling Adventure and purchasing one of these environmentally friendly reusable alternative bottles compared to single-use plastic water bottles. Grab a Water-to-Go bottle through Adventurous Ewe and receive a 15% discount. Even better, Water-to-Go will donate a further 15% to our charity partner, Cool Earth. For more info please click here or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk to buy your Water-To-Go bottle

Payment info
Deposit: £175 per person is required on booking.
Remaining balance: £580 per person is due for payment no later than 5 weeks prior to the trip start date.
 

Monthly payment plan
A monthly payment plan can be arranged for this trip. Please contact us for more information or to set up your plan. Simply email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Free date changes
You can change your departure to a later date. We’ve added extra 2021 and 2022 dates to choose from, or you can request a new date that works for you or organise your own private bubble trip.

Flexible deposit
You can transfer your deposit to another available trip or hold your deposit on file indefinitely.

Convert it to credit
Save it for later. This, along with all payments, is 100% financially protected.

Get a refund
Being a small family business, we pride ourselves on personalised customer service and offer full

Cancelled trips
If you book on a trip that we are forced to cancel due to the pandemic, you will have the option to join another trip at a later departure with no admin costs or receive a full refund or credit note (excluding flights or insurance payments as these have their own booking conditions directly with the supplier).and prompt refunds.

If you choose to cancel your trip within 30 days of departure despite no official advice against travel
We respect your decision if you no longer wish to travel regardless of the destination or official advice. If you choose to cancel your trip, we will happily make those arrangements for you though please note, if there is no F&CO advice against travel, our standard cancellation terms will apply.

Fundraising
You are welcome to fundraise for a charity of your choice if you wish to do so. All sponsorship monies are to be sent directly to your chosen charity.

Book and travel with confidence

As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible. With the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we’ve made a number of updates to our safety guidelines, flexible booking conditions and trip departures. For more info, please our Book and Travel with Confidence page. 

Booking security
Adventurous Ewe Financial Guarantee

Any monies paid to Adventurous Ewe for a trip are immediately placed into a Trust account and not used for the day-to-day operations of the company. So, in the unlikely event of our insolvency, money paid in respect of future travel will be refunded, in full. This pledge has been honoured since the foundation of Adventurous Ewe in 2007. No client has suffered financial loss outside our T&C’s whilst travelling with us.

Financial security

Rest assured, your money is safe in any and all circumstances. There has been and always will be full financial protection on your booking. If your adventure needs to be cancelled for any reason, like say a global pandemic, you won’t be left stuck and you’ll be offered plenty of alternative options thanks to our financial protection through our insurance with Towergate Travel through Zurich Insurance PLC. What’s more, in the very unlikely event of Adventurous Ewe going under, you’ll get your money back and be repatriated if you were on a trip at the time.

Stay connected

All your trip info will be sent to you through a travel mobile app via Vamoos which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app. For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:

Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: adventurousewe
Twitter: @adventurousewe
YouTube: Adventurous Ewe
LinkedIn: adventurous-ewe-limited

You’re most welcome to use the hashtags:
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock #adventurousewe

Emergencies

Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trip, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle and you will be transferred back to your accommodation or nearby medical facility as required. Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on +(0)7747 346 588.

Our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth

We are very excited to have teamed up with leading climate change charity Cool Earth, who share our mission to protect the planet’s precious environment in a sustainable manner. The future of rainforest protection is where everyone makes a difference to climate change! We invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth. You are most welcome to help make a difference too by sparing a few pennies. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet. Thank-ewe

Departure & Return Duration Availability Deposit Total Cost* (*Total cost includes the deposit)

What's Included?

Before your trip:

  • Personalised trip support in the lead up to your challenge from Adventurous Ewe
  • Discount on personal kit from Joe Brown and ashmei athletic apparel both in shop and online
  • All trip info supplied via our free mobile travel app, Vamoos
  • Bespoke training guide and exclusive discount code for a strength & endurance kettlebell training programme
  • Public liability insurance
  • Risk assessment and emergency management planning.

On your trip:

  • Cycle and safety briefing at the start of each day of your trip
  • Qualified Cycling Leader and support cycling guide/s
  • Bike mechanic and support crew
  • Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
  • Inner tubes and basic bike kit available to purchase if required
  • Support vehicle
  • Luggage transfers
  • Accommodation – 4 nights (hotels on a twin share basis)
  • Meals per your itinerary – 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
  • Drinking water and snacks at checkpoints
  • All challenge management and hygienic cleaning procedures of equipment before, during and post trip.

What's Not Included?

Before your trip:

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Single room supplement
  • Clothing and equipment on your Kit List (cycling helmet is compulsory)
  • Bike & helmet hire (available for £175 per person including hybrid bike, helmet, delivery & collection)

On your trip:

  • Travel to and from the start and finish point of the cycling trip in Dublin. Travel arrangements may be made for you at an additional cost
  • Dinner on the first and last nights
  • Personal medical supplies
  • Costs associated with you leaving the trip early
  • Unscheduled hotel and restaurant meals and coffee stops
  • Personal spending money
  • Additional drinks
  • Any tips for in-country services ie. restaurants, hotels, etc.

 

Sustainable and Responsible Travel

Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering adventures in a responsible and ethical manner with sustainability at its core. We respect and aim to operate our trips to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!

Some of the ethical event management features embedded in our Irish Cycling Adventure are:

  • Staying in locally owned and operated accommodation places
  • Using local providers for lunches who use local produce wherever possible 
  • Minimising plastic waste wherever possible as we refill water bottles and flasks
  • Remove any route markers if used 
  • Where possible, our Leaders collect any rubbish enroute
  • We recycle and reuse wherever possible
  • We always operate by our ‘Leave no trave ethos’ – Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.
  • By taking part in this trip you are helping us support the climate change charity, Cool Earth, and local environmental charity, the Snowdonia Society.
Location
Europe
Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Difficulty
Cost From
£
Trip Notes