White Rose ToursKillarney & SW. Ireland
Tour Details
Duration
6 Nights
Tour Area
Killarney & South West Ireland
Type
Escorted (E)
Accommodation
4 Star Hotels
Mileage
100 - 150 miles per day - longest day 180 miles
Tour Mileage
1000 miles
Roads
Combination of A, B and mountain passes
Skills
Suitable for experienced riders perhaps touring for the first time
Join us as we tour the beautiful Southwest of Ireland
We first did this tour some years ago and it proved very popular as it concentrates on what people consider to be the best part of Ireland, the South West. Within this area lies County Kerry, the popular tourist town of Killarney and the peninsular's of Dingle, Iveragh and Beara. This area is much more than just the 'Ring of Kerry' and so we stay a full 4 nights in one location to allow you to explore properly.
The tour returns via County Cork with the opportunity to visit Blarney Castle, and the Dunbrody famine ship.
This tour will particularly suit those that like to unpack and tour from one base. Your location is the popular tourist town of Killarney, which is within easy reach of all the tour areas and gives you the chance to take a day off the bikes and sight-see around the town. This tour is classified as an escorted tour, giving you the opportunity to ride independently, however, if new to touring, your guides Roy and Alison Adams will be happy to guide you every step of the way.
A return ferry will be from Holyhead to Dublin.
Tour prices are inclusive of the following:
- Outward ferry Holyhead - Dublin Harbour, return ferry Dublin harbour to Holyhead
- 6 Nights en-suite accommodation at 4 star hotels
- 6 Regional breakfasts
- 2 Evening meals (vegetarian option available)
- Full use of the hotel's leisure facilities
- GPX route files
- Guided Day tours
- Services of experienced Tour Guides (Roy & Alison)
Not Included
- Meals onboard ferries
- Killimer-Tarbert Ferry
Acommodation
Your accommodation for this tour will be mainly at a 4 star hotel in Killarney. Your stay here does not include any evening meals but the main town is only a short walk away and had numerous restaurants, pubs and music bars which to enjoy.
Your first and last nights stay are both 4 star hotels. All bedrooms will be en-suite and have the facilities you would expect from hotels of this quality. You will have full use of the hotels leisure complex's. Evening meals are included.
The tour itinerary is based on a Holyhead to Dublin crossing.
Sunday 10th August (140 miles): The tour will meet up at the Holyhead ferry for a 0855hrs departure to Ireland (TBC). Due to the time of departure you may wish to stay realtively close-by overnight. We suggest this would be an ideal opportunity to have a weekend in North Wales prior to the tour. On arrival in Ireland we head west for an overnight stay near Limerick. Here you can get to know your fellow riders and Guides for the tour, before sitting down to an evening meal. 4 star hotel, Dinner, B&B
Monday 11th August (150miles): Our day starts with a ride north across the barren landscape of the Burren to pick up the coastal road as it follows the Wild Atlantic Way southwards to the 'Cliffs of Moher'. Some 200m high and 8 km long these cliffs are well worth the time to visit. Our journey continues southwards until we reach the river Shannon. Fortunately the Killimer -Tarbert ferry soon delivers us to the other side and we continue our journey passed Tralee - famous for its 'Rose of Tralee' festival - before arriving at Killarney our base for the next 4 nights. 4 Star Hotel, Dinner, B&B.
Tuesday 12th - Thursday 14th August ( 3 x free days) Your time here is your own. If you like to ride out, we suggest that you ride one of the Peninsulas each day. The Dingle provides the highest mountain pass in Ireland from which you can get breath-taking views of Dingle Bay, and on a clear day even the Aran islands. Take the scenic Slea Head drive past the Bee Hive houses and ride on the golden sands of Inch beach (yes it is allowed).
The Iveragh peninsula is perhaps the best known due to the route known as the 'Ring of Kerry', yes it can become busy with tourist coaches, but there are various side routes that can be taken and even a visit to the island of Valencia to escape the masses.
The Beara peninsula is my personal favourite and it will take all day to do it justice. Once again a mountain pass,this time the 'Healy Pass' offers a wonderful route with fantastic views of Beara, the Kenmare river and Bantry Bay. Follow the 'Ring of Beara' as it takes you around the beautiful coastline, with roads too narrow for tourist coaches, but ideal for us to ride whilst enjoying the fantastic scenery.
For those wanting a rest from the bike, there are numerous places around Killarney to visit. These include the local Muckross House & Gardens, Ross Castle or a short ride away the famous Gap of Dunloe.
Friday 15th August (180 miles): Choice of routes today, but all head eastwards past the capital of Cork to County Wexford. Along the way it is possible to call in at the famous 'Blarney Castle', visit Cobh - the port from where the Titanic sailed on its final voyage - and see the authentic reproduction fascinating Dunbrody famine Ship at New Ross. Our hotel tonight is 4 star and enjoys an enviable position overlooking the sea, On arrival you can make use of the extensive leisure facilities including spa, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and large indoor pool. 4 star hotel, dinner, B&B
Saturday 16th August (85 miles): A short ride back to Dublin to catch our ferry.
The tour itinerary is based on an outward ferry from Holyhead to Dublin Harbour (0855 hrs) - however you have a choice of return routes, either Rosslare to Fishguard (depart 0855 hrs - arrive 1230 hrs) or Dublin Harbour to Holyhead (depart 1510 hrs - arrive 1840 hrs) (times subject to confirmation) - please advise choice when booking.
As usual anyone wishing to make their own travel arrangements may do so and we will adjust costs accordingly.
Personal Travel & Breakdown Assistance Cover
On all European tours (including Southern Ireland) we require clients to take-out some form of Personal Travel and Accident/Breakdown cover. This is essential for repatriation of yourself and your motorcycle in the event of an accident or medical emergency. If you have an existing policy you should check that your company would repatriate your bike, even if undamaged, should you be unable to ride it (many do not!) .
We also strongly urge you to take out insurance that includes cancellation cover in the event of accident, illness or redundancy when you make your booking.
Tour check List
Thank you for your interest in our tours - we hope you decide to join us. Please feel free to download a PDF of our free Tour check list with a few hints and tips we have picked up over the years. We would be happy to hear from you, should you have any of your own.
| Tour Cost | |
| 1 bike, 2 persons, sharing a room | £TBA each |
| 1 bike, 1 person, sharing a room | £TBA |
| 1 bike, single occupation of room | £TBA |
| Deposit £100 per person | |
| note: all prices based on current VAT rates and Euro-GBP rates | |