Tour Reviews
“Kathy and I just want to let you know how fondly we remember our bike trip with you in County Donegal. You were both terrific and gracious hosts. The B&B people were most warm and helpful. The rain, the wind and the hills all added to the experience. We had a blast. County Donegal was everything we had hoped it would be.”
“The service, friendliness and availability of the owners far surpassed the other European self guided bike tours we have taken.”
“A fantastic summer getaway.” I would definitely recommend Ireland by Bike to friends as a first choice because of the Sat nav, the friendly owners, the professionalism of the guidebook, and the quality of the cycles. Thanks!”
“It was an excellent tour from the start to finish. We were very well taken care of which was greatly shown by the pick-up at the station in Sligo, the time Seamus took to explain the tour and the equipment. There was great flexibility and support by Seamus to adjust the tour to personal and weather conditions as well as our planned itinerary.”
“I think Ireland by Bike gives us an excellent experience to explore Donegal. Otherwise we would not be able to see so many beautiful and quiet places. The idea behind Ireland by Bike is very good.”
“It was a great tour and a wonderful experience. I did it alone, and I can recommend it!”
“We were a little surprised by the terrain the first couple of days. Enjoyed all the sites and just really took our time each day so that we could take it all in. Thank you for a wonderful experience that we will never forget.”
“Without a doubt the best biking trip we have ever been on. Seamus created a tailored bike trip for us that was superb. Great scenery up around Sligo, Donegal, Blacklion, Belcoo. How he found those back roads for us to use was amazing. Safe biking, B&B’s were perfect and luggage waiting each day at B&B. We will return to Ireland and definitely use Irelandbybike.”
August 2012 – eight of us.
“This self guided custom Northwest Ireland “Grand” tour was a year in the planning and absolutely worth every minute spent. Our contact Seamus Gallagher, owner of “IrelandbyBike.com ” was absolutely flawless in his oraganizing, helping with every minute detail and readily available should we have needed him. Countryside was strikingly beautiful, but the friendly, welcoming people in this more rugged, sparsely populated and less travelled part of Ireland was what really made the trip. We would certainly recommend to anyone.”
“Our Ireland by Bike tour was a great adventure. No better way to see the country than by bike. The lodging, routes and service that Seamus provided couldn’t have been better! The weather was a little cold but there’s nothing that could be done about that. Ireland By Bike is the best!”
“For us, this was a trip of a lifetime. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. We didn’t know what to expect and had a few moments of panic before we arrived thinking we’d made a big mistake because we are not cyclists and hadn’t been training at all. But it was incredible. You have a beautiful country. Seeing it by bike was very special and we thank you so much for creating that opportunity for us.”
“A Complete tour in nice areas on nice quiet small roads with beautiful views, excellent accommodations and friendly people during the whole tour. Thank you both for your hospitality.”
“Great. I will always remember the trip. The scenery was breath taking. I would recommend Ireland By Bike to anyone going on a cycle trip to Ireland. Thanks for the great trip.”
“Just wanted to write to say that we had a fantastic vacation in Ireland. Thanks for the part that you and Ireland by Bike had in that. Your passion for cycling shows in the thought and care that you put into planning this cycle itinerary. I would recommend this trip to any of my friends. The route was fantastic, with so many fun, interesting, scenic, historic sites along the way. Maghera beach was fantastic – a gem to explore, the coast road from Killybegs to Carrick – seriously challenging, and very wet, but actually one of our favorite days – sitting on the rock wall high above the beach just before Kilcar. Glencomcille Village, Glengesh Pass – both great as well.”
“We are back in Evanston and sad to be gone from Ireland. We had the trip of a lifetime and most of it was due to our bike trip. It was such a wonderful way to experience the friendliness of the people of your country, the incredible beauty and ruggedness of the landscape and kept up our appetites for the brown bread and Guinness (not to mention the Irish breakfasts) which were staples of the trip. Thank you for all your help and enthusiasm. I hope we meet again somewhere – let me know if you are ever in the states and need a guiding or helping hand. I would love that.”
An amazing way to see Donegal!
“My partner Nick and I thoroughly enjoyed our six-day bike tour with Ireland by bike! We were grateful for the whole experience – the scenery was magical, the hospitality unforgettable, and we loved seeing Ireland this way. We especially appreciated the itinerary and route provided, clearly crafted by someone who calls the area home. If you want an adventure and behind-the-scenes access to Ireland, this is the company for you. Cannot recommend them enough!”
“Ci congratuliamo con voi per la vostra brillante organizzazione del giro in bicletta. E’ la sesta volta che trascorriamo le vacanze in bicletta senza guida nel Nord Europa e la vostra agenzia è stata di gran lunga la migliore a cui ci siamo mai appoggiati, dalla gestione dei dettagli prima della partenza sino ai saluti finali. Abbiamo sinceramente apprezzato la vostra assistenza durante il giro, i suggerimenti circa i locali in cui mangiare e tutte le sistemazioni per dormire. Per cortesia, ringraziate tutti i nostri ospiti per la loro calorosa ospitalità. Uno speciale ringraziamento a Mary della cittadina di Carrick per le colazioni spettacolari e a Barbara ad Ardara per la sua stupenda energia e il suo entusiasmo (e per la sua nuova bellissima casa).”
(“I would like to congratulate you on your brilliant organization of the bike tour. It is the sixth time that we spend our holidays on self-guided bike tours in Northern Europe and your company is by far the most efficient we have ever used, from the pre-tour details to the final greetings. We have truly appreciated your assistance during the tour, the suggestions about where to eat and all the accommodations. Please, say thanks to all our hosts for their lovely hospitality. A special mention to Mary in Carrick for the fabulous breakfasts and to Barbara in Ardara for her wonderful energy and spirit (and for her beautiful new house).”)
Love the Causeway Coast Self-Guided Bike Tour
“My husband and I are retired, active and marginally fit. While I had been on a self- guided bike trip before (5 years ago), he had not. We chose this tour because I wanted to see the Giant’s Causeway. I was not expected to be blown away by the history in Derry, the peacefulness of the backroads, and the kindness of strangers. Seamus provided a great overview of the route along with alternative suggestions should we decide to go off route or have some time off the bikes. The BnBs were outstanding – excellent breakfast, quiet and comfortable rooms, and friendly, knowledgeable hosts willing to answer questions. The route is challenging (hills) but doable especially with e-bikes. This was our first time on e-bikes. We found them to be easy to use and so much fun! The villages along the route are scenic, historic and welcoming. We were especially happy to have 2 nights in several places along the way. Not having to pack up every day made the trip more enjoyable and gave us flexibility to choose how to spend our time (laundry, hiking instead of biking, sleep in). Seamus and Nora happily responded to questions quickly while anticipating and answering follow up questions. The tour is accurately represented on the website. The tour documents are clear, concise and helpful. The tour was uneventful in that we had no punctures, were able to get back on track when we missed a turn (my fault), and no injuries. We spent a month in Ireland and, even though the bike portion was in the first 10 days, it is our favorite part of the trip. We highly recommend this route and Ireland by Bike.”
“We both really enjoyed the adventure! We especially liked Glengesh Pass on the ride to Ardara…….amazing beauty. Everyone needs to take the sea tour of Slieve League with captain Paddy! This trip was so exciting and we will always remember it. Finally, the Guinness really does taste better in Ireland!”
Cycling in Donegal
“This trip was epic. Everything about it was amazing. I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed the cycling, scenery, accommodations, the people we met, Nora and Seamus and their attention to detail. We highly recommend!”