A centre-based self-guided bike tour exploring the dramatic highlands and headlands of County Donegal.
Ireland’s unique and varied landscapes are at the heart of what makes this self guided bike tour special. From the dramatic sea-views where the Wild Atlantic Way is at its wildest, to the heather covered mountains and boglands of the Donegal Highlands, and the rich farmland of east-Donegal this bike tour packs in just about as much variety as any Irish bike tour can. Add in a visit to Derry, Northern Ireland’s most vibrant city, along with the rich history, you have the perfect blend to create life-long memories.
With the convenience of a centre-based tour, avoiding the hassle of packing and unpacking, you can relax and enjoy each days unique adventure.
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For this single centre tour you will be based in Letterkenny. Accommodation is in centrally located 3 or 4 star hotels.
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From Dublin Airport and Dublin City
Direct buses (route 32/X32) run to Letterkenny from Dublin Airport and City. For timetables and ticket information see https://www.expressway.ie/ Look for route 32/X32
See also John McGinley Coach Travel Timetable.
From Belfast Airports and City
The most convenient way to reach Letterkenny from either of Belfast’s airports of from Belfast City is by bus to Derry (Londonderry) and then change for Letterkenny.
Buses run from both Belfast Airports and Belfast City to Derry. Aircoach Timetables.
Belfast City to Derry Bus Station Timetables. Look for route 212
Derry to Letterkenny see https://www.expressway.ie/ Look for route 64.
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To book this self-guided cycling tour with Ireland by Bike:
1: Make a Booking Request
Please use the form opposite to check availability. Once we receive your request we will confirm availability and send you a link to complete your booking. You will be asked to pay a deposit of €150 per person. 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: 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 accommodation details, along with your bike tour guide notes and other essential information. We will also send you GPX tracks. These tracks can be used if you have your own GPS device or with a mobile app.
3: Enjoy Your Adventure
We will meet you either on the evening you arrive or on the morning of your first cycle and get you set up with your bike, notes, GPS etc. Time to let your adventure begin!
Please see our Booking Terms and Conditions.
Day 1: Arrive Letterkenny.
Arrive in the lively town of Letterkenny perfectly located between the peninsulas to the north, Glenveagh National Park, the Donegal Highlands and the rich farmland of “The Lagan” to the east. Letterkenny is easily accessible from Dublin and Belfast Airports. After checking in to your centrally located hotel spend the evening exploring this lively town with its good selection of bars and restaurants.
Depending on your arrival time we may arrange to meet you either on that evening or on the morning of your first cycle. We will set you up with your bikes, navigation aids and general information.
Depending on a variety of factors we may alter the order of the cycles below. Eg if the wind is from the north it makes sense to do the Fanad or Downings cycles on that day.
Day 2: Amazing Sea Views Along the Fanad Peninsula. 65 km
Transfer to Fanad Head with its stunning lighthouse, before following the quiet coastal roads back to Letterkenny. Stop at Portsalon Beach, once voted the second most beautiful in the world. After taking on the climb to the Ballymastocker Viewing Point you leave the coast for a while and pass along the foot of Knockalla Mountain. If you would like to add a short hike to your day, a visit to “The Way of the Cross” site, will reward you with more fantastic views. Pass through the pretty village of Ramelton nicknamed the “Holy City” because of its many churches. Continue cycling along the narrow country roads, that wind their way among the frams near Lough Swilly, taking you back to Letterkenny.
Day 3: Mount Errigal and Glenveagh National Park. 46/56 km
Begin your day of cycling in the Irish-Speaking area of Gweedore. Cycle past the beautiful and intriguingly named Poisoned Glen. After passing cone-shaped Mount Errigal cycle through Glenveagh National Park. The gravel roads along the lake are some of the most beautiful you will ever cycle. Make time to visit the castle with its beautiful gardens. Cycle over the hills along the “Lough Inshagh Way” to Gartan where you will find yet another beautiful lake and for art lovers the must-visit Glebe Gallery. A climb along a quiet country road from Gartan will be rewarded with a lovely downhill back to Letterkenny.
Day 4: Historic Derry and the Farmland of “The Lagan”. 47 km
Transfer to historic Derry (Londonderry) just across the border in Northern Ireland. This is the only Irish city with its walls still fully intact. A walk around the walls will give you a great insight into this fascinating city’s story – so often a pivotal location in Northern Ireland’s history. Explore the murals for which the city is famous, depicting everything from scenes from “The Troubles”, to the hit comedy series “Derry Girls”. Leaving Derry cycle through the rich farmland of “The Lagan”. Stop at Beltany Stone Circle dating from the Bronze Age. Cycle through the village of Raphoe and over the hills back to Letterkenny.
Day 5: Ireland’s Most Perfect Cycling Road Through Glendowan. 40 km
With something between little and no traffic, combined with beautiful views there are few roads in Ireland that are quite as perfect for cycling as the road through the Glendowan Mountains and along the southern end of Glenveagh National Park. In the morning you will start your cycling at the tiny village of Doochary. From here climb steadily through a beautiful valley, passing remote Lough Barra, to reach the viewing point overlooking Lough Veagh. Savour the views over the lake and towards the castle, before enjoying the well-earned downhill cycle. Closer to Letterkenny you have the chance to visit Newmills Corn and Flax Mill, offering a unique insight into a bygone era in Irish life.
Day 6: Hidden Sandy Beaches and Climb to Lough Salt. 43/53 km
If you find yourself spoiled for choice, when it comes to beautiful sandy beaches, then that is really no surprise. Starting from the village of Downings cycle around the rugged and beautiful Rosguill Peninsula. If you can’t get enough of rugged beauty and hidden sandy beaches take a side trip to Melmore Head and the curiously named Murder Hole beach. Completing your cycle around the peninsula start the climb to the tranquil mountain lake – Lough Salt. As always the climb is rewarded with a lovely downhill to the village of Kilmacrennan. From here follow the recently opened cycle path to Letterkenny.
Day 7: Depart
After Breakfast it is time to leave.
Tours available: 21 April – 23 September 2025
Peak Season: 01 June – 18 August 2025
Price per person sharing: €1,225
Peak Season: €1,295
Single occupancy: €490
Solo Traveller Supplement: €290
Bicycle: €90
E-bike: €200
See prices for shorter options below
• Bed and Breakfast accommodation in centrally located hotel.
• Welcome meeting and bike set up.
• Comprehensive guide booklet.
• Maps and turn by turn directions.
• GPS unit with all routes pre-programmed (one per room).
• Transfer to the start of each daily cycle.
• Emergency support.
• Travel to and from start/finish of tour (Letterkenny, Co. Donegal).
• Meals other than breakfast.
• Entertainment.
• Entry to sites and attractions.
There is so much to see in the area we recommend the 6 night tour. However if your time is limited we can arrange the options below.
Omit day 4 from the full tour itinerary.
Price per person sharing: €1,090
Peak Season: €1,145
Single occupancy: €410
Solo Traveller Supplement: €245
Bicycle: €75
E-bike: €170
Omit days 4 and 6 from the full tour itinerary.
Price per person sharing: €935
Peak Season: €975
Single occupancy: €325
Solo Traveller Supplement: €200
Bicycle: €60
E-bike: €140
New for 2025.
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 who is comfortable being on a bike for 4 -5 hours on a typical day. The distance you cycle each day is approximately 50 – 60 km. It is important to note that the routes are VERY hilly. Experienced cyclists will have no difficulty with the distances. If this tour appeals to you but you are worried about the hills, we recommend using an e-bike.
Will I be cycling along with others?
Possibly – but this is not guaranteed. At busy times of the year June/July/August is is quite likely (but again not guaranteed) that others will be following the same routes as you. In the quieter months when numbers are smaller it is quite possible that yours will be the only group on the road at that time.
Is this tour on cycle paths or public roads?
For most of this tour you are on roads that are also open to traffic. There are some dedicated cycle paths. There is also a section on gravel through Gleveagh National Park. Most roads you follow have very little traffic. There are some short stretches on roads with moderate traffic. However even here traffic is limited and cycling is not difficult.
Are the routes hilly?
The routes on this bike tour are VERY hilly. (This is partly why it is so beautiful) Most hills are not long however the gradient varies constantly from gentle to very steep. On an average day where you would typically cycle 60 km (37 miles) you can expect an elevation gain of approximately 600 metres (2,000 ft). Using an electric bike will make the hills seem non-existent.
How do I get to the start?
For this bike tour you are based in Letterkenny . 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 “OVERVIEW” tab above and scroll down to the Getting Here section. If you are flying Trans-Atlantic it is worth noting that most flights are overnight – arriving in Ireland in the early morning (eg. if your flight leaves on Monday 01 you will arrive in Ireland on the morning of Tuesday 02) so you may want to consider a “recovery day” before starting to cycle.
Why is there a solo traveller supplement on this tour and not other Ireland by Bike tours?
We try to keep the tour price as affordable for everyone as possible. On this particular tour we arrange a transfer to the start of the cycle each day. It will costs as much to do this for one traveller as for two or three, therefore we need to charge a solo traveller supplement. If it happens that a solo traveller books a date when others area also travelling then we will waive the supplement.
Please enter your details to check availability. We will reply as soon as possible, giving details of how to complete your booking.