Ring of Cork Tour
Ring of Cork Tour - 8 day Self-Guided
Cork, Midleton, Youghal, Ballycotton, Cobh.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Arrive in Cork, there are regular buses from Cork, Dublin & Kerry airport), easily reached by train or bus from Dublin, Limerick (Shannon Airport) Kilkenny or Waterford. Stay the night in guesthouse/B&B. Depending on your arrival time we will meet you in the evening or the next morning for a personal introduction to your bicycles and the week ahead, and you are going to meet the others in the group.
Day 2 - Cork City or Blarney Castle & Gardens 25km Return
Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, brimming with mystery, history and culture, Blarney Castle is home to one of Ireland’s most magical attractions – the legendary Blarney Stone.
Cork City Attractions: Cork Gaol, Fitzgerald’s Park, River Lee Greenway, Marina Market.
Staying the second night in same accommodation in Cork City
Day 3 - Cork to Midleton Via Cork Harbour Greenway 32 km
Cycle along the greenway around the world’s second largest natural harbour from Cork City via Blackrock Castle to the town of Passage West then Cross the harbour by ferry (every 15 mins) and continue on road passing or stopping at Fota House & Gardens on the way to Midleton.
A visit to the beautifully restored Old Midleton Distillery home to the world famous Jameson Whiskey is a must because legend has it that Irish whiskey was invented here. The town has a great dining scene and has a plethora of fantastic artisan food producers.
Visit ‘Kindred Spirits’ a magnificent eagle feather sculpture which commemorates the generosity of the Choctaw nation to the Irish during the Great Famine. The sculpture comprising of nine, 20ft-high eagle feathers, arranged in a circular shape, represents a bowl filled with food, presented to those suffering hunger.
5 Minute Ferry Crossing
Day 4 - Midleton to Youghal via Ballymaloe 36km
Take to the ancient roads of rural East Cork from the town of Midleton to the village of Cloyne, the home to bishops, sporting legends and illustrious thinkers since the 6th century.
Discover some of the beautiful rich organic food that this region has to offer. Stopping along the way to visit local food producers such as Ballymaloe House & Gardens, which is a family run Country House Hotel & restaurant on 300 acres of farmland located in beautiful East Cork countryside. Internationally recognised as the birthplace of Modern Irish Cuisine, Ballymaloe House offers you the very best of Irish hospitality & seasonal locally sourced or homegrown food. A unique Irish Country House experience with a beautiful café for a light bite as you cycle through the grounds on your way to Youghal.
Youghal has an abundance of Ancient East history and buildings to visit Youghal Clock Gate Tower, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, Stroll along the Youghal Eco Boardwalk alongside the beautiful Front Strand Beach which goes on for miles. Youghal is home of Ironman Ireland.
Day 5 - Youghal to Ballycotton: 30km
Travel through the rolling countryside to discover the local towns and villages, sandy beaches, islands, cliff walks and Ballycotton lighthouse. Ballycotton is the hidden gem of East Cork.
It is a small, picturesque fishing village which sits on a rocky-ledge overlooking Ballycotton Bay with fantastic views over a boat filled harbour to a steep island crowned by a lighthouse. There are cliff walks, and inland an extensive marshy bird sanctuary.
The picturesque fishing village of Ballycotton is much favoured by deep-sea anglers and the busy pier is a focal point with working boats, angling and also rod fishing from the pier walls.
You will receive a warm local welcome in traditional Irish pubs, where there is live music.
Day 6 - Ballycotton to Cobh 63km or Ballycotton to Midleton ??km and train to Cobh
Cycle along the country roads and unspoilt landscape of East Cork along the beautiful East Ferry coastal route; visit Rostellan Farm Experience, where you can also reconnect with nature by seeing the animals whilst stocking up on a delicious selection of picnic essentials from the farm shop.
Continue back to the heritage town of Cobh, which caters for cruise liners.
Day 7 - Explore Cobh Town
You will spend two nights in this spectacular cathedral town which was the final berthing place of the famous Titanic; Cobh has lots of attractions and places to visit, including Spike Island, storytellers tell the 1300-year history of Spike Island, sharing the stories of captains and convicts, rioters and redcoats.
Get the Queenstown Story at Cobh Heritage Centre. St. Colmans Cathedral overlooks the town with spectacular views, or visit Fota Wildlife Park.
Day 8 - Depart
Following breakfast, easy bus or train connections will bring you to Cork. There you may continue your travels or make your way home.
Price:
€1,350 PPS
Single Room Supplement €350
Tour Accommodations: This self-guided bike tour in Ireland’s Ancient East is designed to stay in comfortable, friendly, wonderful B&Bs guesthouses and small hotels
What's Included:
- Luggage Transfers Between Accommodations
- Giant hybrid bicycle (upgrade to Giant electric assist bicycles are available) Helmet, hi vis vest, security lock and breakdown assistance
- Accommodation & Meals - 7 nights guesthouses, B&Bs, and hotels inclusive of 7 breakfasts
- Miscellaneous - Detailed daily route notes, maps, and route notes, gpx files, personal meet and greet, emergency support.
Why Cork Bike Hire
Cork Bike Hire at The Marina Market is your perfect start point to explore the recently reopened Cork City to Passage West Greenway linking the Marina on the Lee to Passage West on the lower harbour.