County Donegal is a cyclist’s paradise, but it is equally as attractive for anyone who is willing to step off the bike to discover what lies hidden over the horizon. This 8 day adventure combines the best of both worlds. Savour the wonderful backroads, villages and jaw-dropping views of a bike tour and the undiscovered secrets of a walking tour. This mixed activity tour will take you as the name suggests – beyond even the backroads.
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One of the great things about travelling by bicycle or by foot in Ireland is the chance to meet local people, and one of the best places to do this is at your accommodation. There is no better type of accommodation to suit cyclists and walkers than the type we use — the traditional Irish Bed and Breakfast (and occasionally small hotels). Here you will be guaranteed a warm welcome. The owners cater much more to the needs of the adventure traveller than the larger hotels.
Your host will serve you a delicious breakfast in the morning — which will set you up perfectly for the day ahead. All of the accommodations we work with cater for people with special dietary requirements.
Choose a single, double, twin (two single beds), or family (one double and one single bed) room. Rooms have their own private bathroom.
We make every effort to choose locations as close as possible to the village or town centre, so that you will be able to stroll out in the evenings to have a meal and then afterwards you can check out the local entertainment!
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This cycling and Hiking tour starts and finishes in Donegal Town. It is easily accessible from Dublin airport. If you are flying Trans-Atlantic it is worth noting that most flights are overnight – arriving in Ireland in the early morning so you may want to consider a “recovery day” before starting to cycle.
Use the links below to check the bus timetables.
If you are arriving in Ireland at a different location and would like advice on how to get here, let us know and we will help you to plan your journey.
From Dublin Airport and Dublin City
By Bus: Direct buses (route 30/X30) run to Donegal Town from Dublin Airport and City every 90 minutes. For timetables see https://www.expressway.ie/ Look for route 30/X30
Parking
If you are arriving by car, on-street parking is available in Donegal Town. A permit lasting up to 1 month is available at a cost of €20.
To acquire a permit visit https://donegal-permit.giantleap.net/#/parking/products/agreement Select “Donegal Town”. We recommend No. 4 Car Park.
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To book the Backroads and Beyond self-guided biking and hiking tour with Ireland by Bike:
1: Book Online
Please use the booking form opposite. Once you have completed the form you will be asked to pay a deposit of €150 to secure your booking. Please note that this deposit is non returnable so it is important that you have all your travel details correct before proceeding to book.
2: Confimation
We will get back to you confirming your booking. We make every possible effort to ensure that dates shown on the booking form are still available. However in the unlikely event that the date you requested is not available we will contact you to offer an alternative date.
3: Pay Balance
Full payment is required at least 4 weeks before your arrival date.
Once we have received full payment we will email you your bike tour accommodation list, along with your guide notes and any other essential information.
4: Enjoy Your Adventure
We will meet you on the morning of your first cycle and get you set up with your bike, notes, GPS etc . Time to relax and really enjoy your adventure.
Please see our Booking Terms and Conditions.
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Day 1: Arrive Donegal Town.
Donegal Town, ancient seat of the O’ Donnell Chieftains, from where they ruled over much of Ireland, is where your bike and hike tour begins. Depending on your arrival time you might like to explore the town. The town is steeped in history, with its imposing castle and ruined Abbey. It also has a great selection of lively pubs, reataurants and cafés.
Day 2: Donegal to Carrick – 58/61 km
Cycle west along Donegal Bay. The salty smell of the sea will soon be all around. Pass quiet bays and inlets. Take in the wonderful views of the mountains further west and across the bay to Sligo. Pass the fishing village of Killybegs. Follow a stunning stretch of coastline, where every turn reveals a picture-perfect vista, to your overnight destination in the village of Carrick, nestled at the foot of Sliabh Liag.
Day 3: Hike Sliabh Liag – Up to 11 km
Today you hike one of Ireland’s iconic landmarks. The cliffs at Sliabh Liag rise almost 600 metres above the Atlantic. Follow the cliff top route with awe-inspiring views of the coast and the sea far below. Covering the full loop involves hiking over difficult terrain. However it is possible to choose shorter and less demanding options. The shorter options will be no less dramatic. Return to Carrick for the night.
Day 4: Hike Glen Head. Up to 15 km
The coast between Glencolmcille and the deserted fishing hamlet of Port is among Ireland’s most stunningly beautiful spots. Yet you will almost certainly find yourself alone here among the towering rocks and sea stacks. This is a hike that we promise you will never forget. On your return to Glencolmcille, you can visit many Early-Christian historic sites.
Day 5: Carrick to Ardara or Glenties – 30/41 km
Today the remoteness of the landscape dominates. You cycle through one of the most sparsely populated areas in Ireland. Experience the thrill of the descend through dramatic Granny Valley to Maghera, where a pristine beach, a series of caves, and Assarancagh Waterfall await. Cycle along Loughros Beag Bay to your overnight destination either in Ardara or Glenties. These are villages where you might just be lucky enough to stumble on one of the legendary traditional music “sessions”.
Day 6: Around Ardara or Glenties – 18/30 km
Today you cycle a beautiful loop around by Portnoo and Rossbeg. Once again, the coastal views are magnificent and ever-changing. Stop at the impressive Kilclooney Dolmen, dating from the early Bronze Age. If you fancy a dip in the Atlantic Ocean there are several beautiful sandy beaches to choose from. If you would prefer a shorter route, there are easier options to choose from. Return to Ardara or Glenties for the night.
Day 7: Ardara or Glenties to Donegal 29 km.
From Glenties or Ardara, cycle over typical Irish boglands. Take in the panoramic views over Donegal bay and further along the north-west coast. Finish your cycling with a long downhill bringing you back to Donegal Town. If you simply can’t get enough of the area an extra 26 km cycle around Lough Eske awaits. Enjoy the last night of your tour in this pleasant town.
Day 8: Breakfast and tour end
After one more breakfast it’s time to depart, taking with you treasured memories of the natural wonders and friendly people of Donegal.
Arrival Day: Tuesday
Tours Available: Tuesday 22 April 2025 – Tuesday 16 September 2025
Peak Season: Tuesday 03 June 2025 – Tuesday 19 August 2025
Price per person sharing: €1,340.
Peak Season: €1,390.
Single occupancy: €280.
Bicycle: €100
E-bike: €230
• Bed and breakfast accommodation in B&B’s and small hotels
• Welcome meeting and bike set up on arrival evening or first morning
• Luggage transfers
• Comprehensive guide booklet
• Maps and turn by turn directions
• GPS unit with all routes pre-programmed (one per room)
• GPX tracks available pre-tour by request
• Emergency support
• Travel to and from start/finish of tour
• Meals other than breakfast
• Entry to sites and attractions not included as part of the tour
• Evening entertainment
“Just finished the 10 day Backroads and Beyond bike/hike tour with Ireland by Bike. Let me highly recommend Seamus and Nora who organized a wonderful trip – spectacular scenery, quiet roads, good bikes, welcoming bnbs, lovely hikes, and friendly people all over Donegal. The weather was kind to us, and a reasonable level of fitness required for biking and hiking. Thanks Ireland by Bike” Harry L, Victoria, Canada – Sep 2022
Posted on Tripadvisor
“We just completed a marvellous 12 day tour of County Donegal that included fantastic hikes and memorable biking on mostly quiet routes along the Wild Atlantic Way. With Seamus and Nora booking our B and B’s and transporting our bags, we were free to travel and explore to our hearts content. We enjoyed perfect biking weather, warm Irish hospitality, comfortable bikes and beds, wonderful Irish breakfasts, and a Guinness or two. We toured castles, mills, weaving studios, beaches, and graveyards, learning the history of this beautiful land. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wanted to explore on bike. 2 couples travelling together had 2 E-bikes and 2 hybrids and we all did well. Have to say, I really loved the E-bike on those Donegal hills!” Prariegirl031, Fernie, Canada – August 2019
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Thanks again for the flawless organization and support during our recent trips (August 2019). We had a fabulous time and have recommended Ireland by Bike to all of our friends here in Switzerland. Don’t be surprised if you soon see a deluge of Swiss adventure seekers. We very much appreciated the personal attention from you and the friendly welcomes we received from everyone along the route… it seems you two are on a first name basis with everyone we met! The “Backroads and Beyond” trip, with an itinerary that included both biking and hiking was a nice mix. Chris particularly enjoyed the atmospheric walk from Glencolmcille over Glen Head to Port.” – Chris and Bettina Venezia, (Prangins, Switzerland). Causeway Coast Tour + Backroads and Beyond Tour – August 2019
Beautiful hiking and biking tour in County Donegal. “My husband and I took the bike and hike tour through County Donegal. We are so glad that we booked the trip with Seamus and Nora. Everything was exceptionally well-organized from length of bikes and hikes to transportation, B&B locations, and technology and resources provided! We loved having the GPS pre-loaded with routes along with a turn-by-turn. We could easily share the navigation and stop for a history lesson provided in the well-written and detailed notes. The routes chosen were just right: quiet roads, some challenging climbs, exceptional scenery. We loved the mix of hiking and biking. And, as a bonus, we appreciated the great weather we were fortunate to enjoy during the trip! Thanks again Seamus and Nora for taking such great care of us and doing such a great job in organizing. We’ve taken several bike trips in different countries, and your trip was definitely the most well-organized with attention to every detail.” Barbara B – June 2019
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Mary and I have been on a number of bike trips in Germany, Italy, Spain and here at home all over in Switzerland but the trip you planned for us tops them all when it comes to discovering backroads and extraordinary landscapes, cozy and friendly accommodations and your personal care along our route. You obviously know the type of trails seasoned cyclists like and you chose the accommodation at B&Bs with friendly hosts we will never forget. It was my first trip to Ireland but it will not be the last. Many thanks to you and Nora for taking such good care of us, for your recommendations when it was raining and help when the dots did not line up on my ebike and for picking us up for special hiking to grand scenery we would not be able to reach by bike. We will be happy to recommend you and Ireland by Bike to anyone who loves an adventurous and out-of-the-ordinary cycling tour. I feel so blessed that at 76 I was able to enjoy the whole 15-day trip!” – Dianne Dicks, Switzerland. July 2017
“My husband and I are retired but active Colorado natives and love adventurous vacations. The backroads and beyond tour was exactly what we wanted. Seamus was knowledgeable and friendly, B and B hosts and hostesses acted like we were old friends, food was delicious, routes were beautiful and truly backroad….we felt like we were the only tourists in the towns and countryside. Rosaleen greeted us cold, wet and rainy with tea and treats, Susan packed us a lunch for the long ride through Glenveagh, Anne shared her garden and fishing stories! We saw the farming communities and highlight scenery of Ireland that was so quaint and spectacular. The hike down the Atlantic coast north of Glencolmcille is something that everyone should witness!! Be prepared for rain both physically and emotionally!” Kim and Kevin Whelan, U.S.A. May 2017
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Nora and Seamus, you did an excellent job! De manier waarop jullie zorg droegen voor ons en alles wat we maar nodig hadden gedurende de fietsreis, was voortreffelijk! We vroegen ons wel eens af of het allemaal niet te veel was voor jullie, al die zorg. We hoopten met het boeken bij Ireland by Bike op een zorgeloze vakantie, zonder geode en geregel; en dat is precies wat we hebben gekregen. Of het nu de keuze van B&B’s ,de fietsroutes of de routeboekjes waren, aan alles was te merken dat jullie deze vakanties met veel liefde en overgave organiseren. We zullen jullie zeker aanbevelen aan onze vrienden!”
(“Nora and Seamus, you did an excellent job! The way you took care of us and of all the things we needed, was remarkable. Sometimes we worried if it wasn’t too much for you to handle. We hoped to have a carefree holliday, without any hassle, and that is what we got. In every aspect it was noticeable that you organize these holidays with a lot of love and care. We would surely recommend you to our friends!”) – Ilse en Answina, Utrecht 2016. (Custom Tour) July 2016
“’Back Roads and Beyond’ was our first self-guided bike tour in another country. We were doing it to celebrate a 65th birthday! Nora and Seamus organized and supported us with every rotation of our pedal, choosing excellent routes to ride and comfortable warm B&B’s to end each day. Having the luggage transferred and our B&B chosen ahead of time was so great. We could not have done this on our own. Their knowledge of the country was invaluable in every way. They were open, honest, knowledgeable and approachable.
There can be no other way to see Ireland! The Irish people were open, friendly and very welcoming. They are not jaded toward tourists but rather helpful and encouraging. We often got the side-ways nod as we cycled, the nod that says, “Not my cup ‘o tea but good for you!” Thank you Nora & Seamus!” Rochelle and Warren Brubacher, BC, Canada The Backroads and Beyond July 2016
“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.” Andrew Leung and Catherina Chan, Hong Kong, Backroads and Beyond – September 2015
“Just at the end of a great holiday. We did the ” Backroads and Beyond”, a mixture of cycling with a few days walking, beginning and ending in Donegal. Seamus and Nora did a great job: our luggage was waiting wherever we arrived, we were forewarned of really bad weather on a day we should have cycled and offered a lift instead, there were excellent cycling routes with super optional ways of extending the basic rides. Great sea and mountain views! Good places to stay – a couple really superb!
Walked two of the three scheduled walking days: up Slieve League and in the Glenveagh National Park, with transport provided to make both superb walks better. (The other walking day we missed because of bad weather and visited a nearby folk museum instead).
Thank you for a superb holiday. Very happy to recommend Ireland by Bike without reservation!” Alan Dodds – May 2015
Posted on Facebook
Wow! Just do it.
We wanted to go on a bike trip in late May 2015, but couldn’t decide where to go – France, Italy, or Spain – maybe Ireland. We knew that the weather would most likely be great in the first 3 countries and would most likely be bad in Ireland. So why choose Ireland?
In a nutshell:
• Wow! The scenery is stunning, beautiful, incomparable – especially the sea cliffs.
• Seamus is an amazing host. Words do not do justice.
• The weather was challenging (rain, hail, wind, but also sun).
• The people of Ireland are gracious, welcoming, and they take care of you – you have to experience it to believe it!
My wife and I were on the 11-day Cycling and Walking Tour in late May 2015. Compared to other bike trips in France and Italy it was both easier (terrain) and harder (weather). We were in Donegal during an unusually cold and wet May, or so we were told. And yes, you do hear “no one comes to Ireland for the weather” an awful lot.
But regardless of the weather (or maybe because of it), people were exceptionally friendly and welcoming — almost beyond reason. At two different B&Bs when we came in from the elements wet and cold, we were immediately taken care of by wonderful innkeepers (Rosaleen in Glenties and Geraldine in Glencolmcille). And I mean taken care of: we were placed near a peat fire, had our wet clothes dried, and provided with scones and hot tea. Afterwards, all was well in the world.
Donegal is a very special place. It is a generally quiet place, visually spectacular, a little browner in some parts than expected (from the peat), and the Glenveagh highlands were reminiscent of the Alaskan tundra (a surprise to us). In Donegal town, we heard traditional Irish music in a pub (not the touristy rendition that is heard in many places) and even had great Indian curry.
Biking along the coast from Killybegs to Glencolmcille or Glencolmcille to the Maghera Beach Caves near Ardara — were among the most memorable days of our lives. But it was the hiking at Slieve League and the sea cliffs near Glencolmcille that were our favorite parts of the whole trip.
But I’m saving the best for last – and this is Seamus. You’ve probably already read that he is amazing, is a wonderful man, takes care of you, and all that. And he is all this and more. But, the impression that I am left with is this: Seamus is a truly caring man who really wanted us to have the best possible vacation. And he made it happen. For example, during a break in an otherwise rainy forecast, Seamus offered to break with the schedule, drive back down to Donegal Town to pick us, drive us the opposite direction to Glencolmcille (a lot of driving on his part), and then dropped us off at the trail head for what became for us, one of all time great hiking experiences. The views were breathtaking and this was only made possible because of his generosity (and knowledge of the area).
So, if all this talk of rain scares you a little – don’t be turned off by it. We were in Ireland during a bad patch – even for the Irish. And, in spite of it (or because of it), we experienced one of the best adventures that we have ever had. R Ryan, Boston, MA – May 2015
Posted on Tripadvisor
It desn’t get better!! Ireland by Bike can’t be beat! “Wow talk about a great trip, great organizing and absolute attention to detail. Seamus of Ireland by Bike has created such incredible cycling trips for all levels of cycling. We did the backroads and beyond 11 day cycling and walking in the Donegal hills. We had everything we needed and support in case any problems were to arise. The B&B’s that were chosen for us to stay in were unique and beautiful and the hosts were extremely helpful. It is an experience that will live within us through the years to come. Donegal county is a great cycling destination as the traffic is much less and the roads you often cycle are 1 lane roads in the country yet with beautiful landscapes from hills to oceans. Any questions we had were readily answered by Seamus and any adjustments to the bikes were promptly cared for. An unforgettable travel experience and a company and service beyond compare. DO THIS TRIP if you love cycling.” Gael & Marilyn, Gabriola Island, Canada
Posted on Tripadvisor
Probably the best trip of my life. “Seamus arranged a tour for me I could never have arranged for myself. I did the “Backroads & Beyond” tour, which lived up to its name. I spent very little time on main roads, and in fact saw very little traffic, most days. And, when I decided—mid-trip—that I wanted to spend more time hiking in the Glencolmcille area, one phone call to Seamus was all I needed to get the entire second week of my tour re-arranged.” Chris P – June 2014
Posted on Tripadvisor
Below you will find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this tour. For other more general FAQ’s please visit our FAQ page.
Who is this tour suitable for?
This tour is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. It is important the you are competent cyclist with adequate bicycle handling ability and a proper knowledge of the rules of the road. It is not recommended that you book this tour unless you have cycled at least occasionally before you arrive. For cycling days the distances are typically 40 – 50 km with some extra options. The routes for the cycling sections are very hilly. (E-bikes recommended)
The hikes are up to 15 km (10 miles) in length. However they are over sometimes difficult terrain with a lot of climbing. However it is possible to hike shorter distances if preferred.
Will I be cycling and hiking along with others?
Possibly – but this is not guaranteed. This tour is offered in May June and September. May and September are quieter months when visitor numbers are smaller so it is quite possible that yours will be the only group on the road at that time.
Will I be biking on dedicated cycle paths or public roads?
For the vast majority of this tour you are on roads that are also open to traffic. However as we focus on small back roads the traffic is almost non-existent in most places. There are some short stretches on roads with moderate traffic. However even here cycling is not difficult.
Are the cycling routes hilly?
The cycling routes on this tour are VERY hilly. (This is partly why it is so beautiful) The gradient varies constantly from gentle to very steep. On an average day of cycling 40 km you can expect an elevation gain of approximately 400 metres (1,300 ft). For this reason we recommend using an electric bike for this tour.
What type of terrain do the Hiking routes follow?
The routes involve climbing to the top of Glen Head and Sliabh Liag. The terrain in both places can sometimes be difficult, with uneven underfoot conditions. For safety you will need sound hiking footwear.
How do I get to the start?
This bike tour starts in Donegal Town. It has regular direct bus connections to Dublin Airport where most people arrive into Ireland. There are also direct connections to Ireland West (Knock) Airport. Belfast Airport has bus connections with one change. To see links to websites with more information and timetables click on the “Getting Here” tab above.
