DONEGAL truly is one of Ireland’s gems, so much so that National Geographic Traveller named it as “The World’s Coolest Destination for 2017.” and Lonely Planet ranked it as one of the top 4 destinations to visit in the world in 2024. In this self-guided bike tour you can savour Ireland’s most awe inspiring land and seascapes. Along the way you will meet some of the friendliest and warmest people on the planet. This is the tour that has everything; amazing coast, stunning national parks, open boglands, ancient history, pleasant villages and legendary hospitality.
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The accommodation we use on this tour is a mixture of family-run Bed and Breakfasts and small hotels. These are ideal places to cater to the needs of the cyclist. Your host will serve you a delicious breakfast in the morning — setting you up perfectly for the day ahead.
Choose a single, double, twin, or family (one double and one single bed) room. The accommodations we use have their own private bathroom.
We make every effort to choose locations as close as possible to the village or town centre, making it easy to explore your surroundings once you have checked in.
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This bike tour starts in Donegal Town. It is easily accessible from Dublin Airport, via regular direct buses. 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/route/ 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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This tour finishes in Letterkenny. Like Donegal Town where you arrive there are good transport connections to Dublin City and Airport and all of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
To Dublin Airport and Dublin City
By Bus: Direct buses (route 32/X30) run from Letterkenny to Dublin Airport and City every 90 minutes. For timetables see https://www.expressway.ie/ Look for route 32/X32.
For John McGinley coach services see https://johnmcginley.com/routes-times/
If you are travelling on to other destinations and need help planning your travel please contact us, we will be delighted to help.
If you have parked a car in Donegal Town regular buses will take you back to pick it up. For timetables see https://www.expressway.ie/ Look for route 64.
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To book the Highlights of Donegal self-guided bike tour with Ireland by Bike:
1: Make a Booking Request
Please use the booking form opposite. Once you have completed the form you will be asked to pay a deposit of €100 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: Confirmation
We will contact you confirming your booking. We will send you your invoice for the balance along with some other details.
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 bike tour guide notes and any other essential information. We will also send you GPX tracks. These can be loaded onto your own device or on a smartphone using an app such as Ride With GPS, Bike GPX, Map My Ride, etc.
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 let the adventure begin.
Please see our Booking Terms and Conditions.
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Day 1: Arrive Donegal.
This self-guided bike tour of County Donegal – Ireland’s North West corner starts in historic Donegal Town. The town is steeped in history, with its imposing 15th century castle and ruined abbey. It also has a great selection of lively pubs and cafés. There are easy transport connections to Dublin Airport and Ireland West Airport making it the ideal arrival point for your adventure.
Day 2: Donegal to Carrick. 58/61/75 km
We will meet you at your Bed & Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and set you up with everything you need for your bike tour. Once ready you cycle west, along Donegal Bay. The smell of the sea will soon be all around as you pass quiet bays, headlands and inlets. If you feel like some extra cycling visit the Lighthouse at the end of St. John’s Point. Cycle to the fishing port of Killybegs and on along the dramatic coastline to Carrick. Jaw-dropping coastal views, golden beaches, tiny bays and headlands create a picture-perfect coastline. Visit Muckross Head where the beauty is all around. Continue to Carrick for your overnight stop.
Day 3: Carrick – Glencolmcille – Carrick. 26/34/48 km
In the morning cycle to one of the most awe-inspiring places along the entire Wild Atlantic Way – the Sliabh Liag Cliffs. Take your time here to soak up the beauty of your surroundings. After leaving Sliabh Liag, more breath-taking coast, beautiful sandy beaches and 5,000 years of history await. Don’t miss the side trip to the Silver Strand – one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. From there continue to Glencolmcille valley where a treasure trove of history from the stone age to the present awaits. Return to Carrick where you will spend your second night.
Day 4: Carrick to Glenties. 41/61 km
Your cycle today takes you from Carrick north over wild boglands. You have the option of cycling to the now deserted harbour at Port – one of the most remote and atmospheric spots on Ireland’s western seaboard. Experience the adrenalin rush of a cycle down amazing Granny Valley to Maghera where a pristine beach, a series of caves, and pretty Assarancagh Waterfall await. Cycle along Loughros Beag Bay to the heritage town of Ardara – a centre for traditional weaving. Continue to your overnight stop in the village of Glenties.
Day 5: Glenties – Portnoo – Glenties. 0 – 40 km
The stunning area west of Glenties around the villages of Portnoo and Rossbeg is just waiting to be explored. A newly opened cycle path will bring you from Glenties to Portnoo. Here you can stroll along the magnificent golden strand. At low tide it is possible to walk out to tiny Inishkeel Island. Cycle along the coast at Rossbeg where you can take in the views over the bay and mountains beyond. On the way back towards Glenties the stone age dolmen at Kilclooney is not to be missed.
Day 6: Glenties to Annagry. 46/59/70 km
Follow the coast north from Glenties. overlooking the many inlets, sand dunes and islands of Gweebarra Bay. If you simply can’t get enough of dramatic coast a cycle around Crohy Head should do nicely. From the harbour at Burtonport you have the option to visit one of the many inhabited islands off the Donegal Coast. Arranmore is a 20 minute ferrry trip from Burtonport. (Ferry tickets not included) The boat trip itself makes the journey worthwhile! Make your way back to the mainland where you cycle past yet more beautiful golden beaches to the village of Annagry.
Day 7: Annagry to Letterkenny. 57/65 km
The unique beauty of the Donegal Highlands is all around during today’s cycle. Pass the hauntingly beautiful Poisoned Glen and majestic Mount Errigal. Your cycling tour then takes you to Glenveagh National Park. Red deer and golden eagles live here among the pristine lakes and mountains. A cycle along the lakeshore here is a wonderful experience. Follow the paths through the park to Lough Gartan. Continue through lush farmland to the bustling town of Letterkenny.
Day 8: Depart
Time to leave the “Coolest Place on the Planet” Letterkenny has good bus connections to airports and other points around Ireland.
Arrival Day: Friday. Alternative arrival day available for groups of 5 or more.
Tours Available: Friday 18 April 2025 – Friday 19 September 2025
Peak Season: Friday 30 May 2025 – Friday 22 August 2025
Price per person sharing: €1,390.
Peak Season: €1,440.
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
Spectacular cycling experience
“Our group thoroughly enjoyed the cycling through Donegal County. The trip brought us to beautiful beaches, lovely towns and over stunning geography. The e-bikes were a must for us ‘flatlanders’- but we all were able to still get a good workout. Seamus and Nora were easy to connect with- highly recommend Ireland by Bike.”
From Margaret Campbell on 9/6/2024
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software 
Delightful Donegal by E-bike
“Our e-bike tour will go down as one of the best holiday experiences we have had! The trip was well organized right from the point of arriving in Donegal town to handing our bikes back in Letterkenny. It was great knowing that our luggage and accommodation were sorted out while we were off exploring each day. The routes available were excellent and long enough to fill in the day without being overwhelmed by too many kms. We did all of the ‘extra’ routes will minimal difficulty each day. The bikes were well maintained and it was good to know that Seamus was just a phone call away if there were problems.”
From Kerrie Edwards on 8/13/2024
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software
Take the time and enjoy
“I didn’t realise that I needed to order a e-bike for a e-bike tour; only afterwards once I was given a manual bike – so I missed that detail. Never fair an upgrade occurred on the first day of our tour and I’m so pleased that I did – thank you Sameus. Our small group took all of the extra trips and given the weather we had – we enjoyed the whole tour – we were prepared with strong wet weather gear. Some of the tour legs were hilly and the e-bike came into its own; I did train for cycling prior to the tour – two people in our group although fit – did not train on a bike and were able to cope. We had contact with Sameus but only messaged when we had slight battery trouble not too much of an issue. Would do another e-bike tour after this experience and would recommend the Highlights of Donegal Tour.”
From June Schofield on 8/4/2024
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software
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!”
From Rachel Krahenbuhl on 7/21/2024
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software
Highlights of Donegal Bike Tour – Amazing!
“Excellent tour. Great accommodations and the sites were well prepared for cyclists. Safe storage for bikes and the breakfasts were a good start to our cycling days. The routes were unique and fun. Minimal vehicle traffic, roads were safe and interesting and it was always fun dodging an occasional sheep along the way. Also, on our last morning, Nora and Seamus notified us that the weather could be challenging with high winds and rain. We choose to accept their offer to transfer us by vehicle to our last accommodation. This was greatly appreciated. I will definitely recommend “Ireland by Bike” tours to our friends. It was the highlight of my Ireland trip.”
From Joanne Buziak on 7/3/2024
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software
Best we could have hoped for!
“We were extremely happy with the services provided by Seamus and Nora. As visitors to this beautiful country, we were made comfotable and never felt silly asking questions or for guidance. We would highly recommend this bike company to any other travellers. They are knowledgeable and went out of their way to make use feel comfortable and safe on our journey. The accomodations chosen were also top notch.”
From Maureen Schmidt on 6/24/2024
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software
Donegal Bike Tour was a Highlight!
“We had a truly wonderful biking experience in Donegal Co with Ireland by Bike. The bikes are perfect for the terrain and very well maintained. The routes were magical – always on quiet backrounds with fabulous scenery. So many “Wow!” moments were had. The written notes and instructions, along with maps and a GPS meant we never got lost and we had some information that made everything just that much more interesting. We were in Ireland for 2 weeks, and this week of cycling was our Highlight in so many ways. Thank you Seamus and Nora for an excellent trip. Christine and Brian Vancouver, Canada”
From Christine Taylor on 6/17/2024
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software
Highlights of Donegal Tour
“This self guided tour around Donegal was truly a lovely experience. Seamus met us at the beginning and gave us all our navigation tools and answered all of our questions. We rode manual bikes which were sturdy and reliable but heavier than we are used too. This made for an excellent workout up the hills. We loved the option to add mileage to our day or to skip it if the weather wasn’t favorable. The GPS was invaluable. It beeped as soon as you made a wrong turn. It was also nice to have the listed directions and also the maps to cross reference. The scenery was 10/10 and the people we met along the way were all lovely. The accommodations were nice and clean. We went the last week of May and it seemed to us that significantly more things open up in June which might give more options for eating and evening activities. I love this self guided bike tour format. Being on our own time was so great. I will definitely recommend this tour to friends. Thank you Seamus and Nora.”
From Catherine Abrams on 6/5/2024
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software
Wonderful trip along quiet roads in beautiful Donegal!
“We rode 4 days of the Highlights of Donegal Tour that Seamus crafted for our limited time. It was awesome. The routes kept us away from cars on small roads surrounded by sheep literally everywhere but more so with our eyes on the endless natural beauty of Ireland. We really enjoyed being able to enjoy our pace unbothered by cars. Seamus was super helpful setting us up with bikes, bags, locks, Garmin devices with directions and a guidebook. The small homes we stayed in had delightful hosts with local knowledge and history to share as well as tasty breakfasts! Overall, Seamus made everything easy for us to simply enjoy our exploration of Donegal. The best part of the trip – meeting the Irish – such a friendly, lovely, kind and fun lot! I recommend this trip with Seamus 100% and would like to do it again to see more of Donegal as we only rode 4 of 7 days.”
From: Dan L. May 2024 • Couples
Posted on Tripadvisor
Excellent routes, bikes and lodging! Just what we needed!
“We had a wonderful trip. The first day was very wet, so pack rain gear just in case. We were warm enough and enjoyed it all nonetheless. The routes were great bike-able roads with little traffic. The accommodations were friendly B & B’s with locals who know the area well. The bikes worked great! I recommend the e-bike on this trip if you have any dislike of steep hills. The hills are all short, but some are quite steep. I regularly ride 20 miles on hilly roads and used the e-bike and was glad. The information packet helped us find sites of interest along the way, at our own pace. Each day was a unique experience, with something new and different to discover.”
From Laura Leaverton on 5/22/2024
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software
Enjoyable Family Bike Trip
“As a family we spent 5 days of self directed biking in Donegal. We found the accommodation (B&Bs), directions (GPS/Maps) and the scenery excellent with far more sheep then people. The small towns we stayed in were also wonderful places to visit. We are experienced bikers and found the average 40 – 50km per day manageable. However, if you are not an experienced biker we would highly recommend a pedal assist/electric bike given the hills. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone that wants to see the real part of of Ireland that you don’t find in Dublin. I would also note that Donegal was much quieter then a previous trip I had done in the Ring of Kerry with equally breath-taking views.”
From Jeff Revoy on 8/7/2023
Posted to Website via Regiondo Booking Software
“We did the Highlights of Donegal self-guided bike tour in June — just two of us. It was the perfect vacation — beautiful days of riding through the countryside and cozy evenings in small inns. It was super well-organized and totally stress-free. We don’t know if it was Seamus’s magical route-making or the e-bikes, but every day felt like mostly downhill. And the clockwise loops required very few tricky right turns. The route was mostly small roads and even smaller country lanes. The riding was so much fun! We highly recommend the e-bikes because we never had to think twice about doing the optional extensions, and those optional rides were the best (St. John’s Point, Sliabh Liag Cliffs, Port, Glenveagh National Park). We were happy to have enough energy to hike to the top of Mount Errigal on a perfectly clear day — amazing views of the whole of County Donegal. Seamus and Nora were a pleasure to work with. They were responsive and helpful and provided everything promised.” DLM – June 2023
Posted on Tripadvisor
“We did the 10 day highlights of Donegal tour and had an absolute blast. Friendly folks, beautiful sights, welcoming accommodations and plenty of opportunities to explore well off of the beaten path. Nora and Séamus were super responsive when we were getting the trip set up and laid out a great route. Being able to ride from town to town with our luggage always ready to greet us at the next destination was awesome.
I can’t say enough about the warmth of the the people in County Donegal. Top to bottom. One of the best holidays we have spent together.” Patrick M – Sep 2022
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Nora and Seamus couldn’t have been more professional or helpful in getting me riding. The e bike they provided was top notch and their detailed instructions as well as the provided GPS guide made my solo trek hassle free. As for the scenery of north western Ireland- well it was vast and gorgeous and I felt like I had the entire place to myself. Their choices of accommodations were top notch and I would highly recommend their services.” Teresa T – April 2022
Posted on Tripadvisor
“From 1 to 12th of August my friend Christina and I cycled this tour which we enjoyed very much. For us Dutch people the quiet, the hills, the friendly people were a great comfort. We want to thank you for the excellent organisation.” – Greet Kuipers & Christina Vierboom. August 2019
“Nora and Seamus are amazing and their bike tours are truly an experience!! From start to finish they were quick in their responses, clear in their communications, and thought of every detail. The B&B they set us up at were all lovely, welcoming and comfortable. I have recommended them multiple times since coming home and can’t wait until I can return again and explore more of their tours!” Alex Dzwonkowski, WA, USA – July 2019
Posted on Facebook
“One of our most enjoyable holidays ever. The scenery is spectacular. We loved the quiet roads. The local people in the cities, towns and villages were so friendly and hospitable.” – Ed and Karen Dillon, Ontario, Canada. August 2018
“We went as a family of 4 adults for a shortened 6 day highlights of the highlands tour. The accommodations were comfortable, clean and uniquely local in each town. The scenery was stunning. The people we met along the way were wonderful characters each blessed with an upbeat attitude and an endearing hospitality. Highlights were meeting Cyndi Graham, the weaver out on St Johns Point, the highlands from Glencolmcille to Glenties which had remote country roads through the hills finishing at an awesome beach with caves, taking a boat trip with the most enjoyable seafaring Paddy out of Teelin Harbor to see the highest cliffs in Europe at Slieve League, and the last day from Annagry to Churchill through Glenveagh National Park with the amazing mountains, castle and sneaky back way out of the park on an empty road. And those were just the highest highlights.
The bikes were in perfect condition, the directions and GPS were so good we never got off track once, and the Donegal region was truly special. Highly recommended.” Yestoall – August 2018
Posted on Tripadvisor
“We took the Highlights of the Highlands tour through Ireland by Bike in July. The route and scenery were wonderful. All the B&B’s were clean comfortable and very accommodating. Nora and Seamus were fantastic. They were both willing to help with any questions or concerns we had before, during and after the tour. I highly recommend Ireland by Bike.” Eleta D. July 2018
Posted on Tripadvisor
“This was my first time on a cycling vacation, and prior to training for this trip, I hadn’t been on a bike in close to 10 years. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised by how sm oothly everything went. I gave excellent marks for the value for the money because of how nice it was to have the entire trip essentially planned out for us. To not have to deal with the hassle of booking, logistics, and hauling around gear and luggage was wonderful.
On the whole, I had a most amazing time, especially as we were blessed with gorgeous weather for most of the trip. All the B&Bs we stayed at were well kept, with wonderful hosts. Seamus and Nora were wonderfully responsive to any requests or concerns we had during the trip. The views were gorgeous at every turn, from the breath taking seaside cliffs at Port to the simple joy of seeing and smelling the gorse brightening all the roadsides and hillsides.” – Clara Ni, Virginia, USA. June 2018
“I toured County Donegal (Highlights of the Highlands) in a group of 5, all family members. Seamus handled all our questions prior to the trip and made excellent arrangements before we arrived. We were very impressed by the B&B’s chosen, the fact that they transported all our luggage from B&B to B&B, got us an eBike battery without interrupting our ride when the one we had failed due to a mechanical fault, and transported two of our riders to our next B&B when they couldn’t finish the day’s ride (they were only a few kilometers from the B&B). Before the trip Seamus provided an impressive set of documents, and on-bike pre-programmed GPS and distance gizmos, new water bottles, vests, helmets, and panniers. All-in-all a wonderful way to experience Ireland. Highly recommended!” M Swim, Phillipsburg NJ – June 2018
Posted on Tripadvisor
“The accommodations were top; better than I expected. It was nice meeting Seamus and Nora. The transfer of luggage was flawless. It was a tour to be remembered for life.” – Victor Carreño, Puerto Rico, USA. July 2018
“I would absolutely recommend Ireland by Bike to anyone cycling in Ireland and if I ever return to Ireland for any reason I would go cycling just because it was so great and easy with Ireland by Bike.” – Stuart and Abby Zangwill, California, USA. June 2018
“This trip is magical, one of my best so far! My expectations were pretty high and it was even better than anticipated. I felt safe on the road with the combination of small road + GPS + map + Odometer. The bike was in good shape and I felt reassured that if I needed support you would be there for us. I feel this was a very high quality tour, nothing cheap or cheesy about the choices you made for us. You must love what you do and it clearly shows. Thank you so much!” – Marie-Ève Ouellette, Québec, Canada. September 2017
“My husband and I just finished The Hills of Donegal. It was an amazing experience and I have no complaints from beginning to end. The route was well thought out and I believe we saw parts of Ireland that the Irish haven’t seen. Great value for your money.” Cheryl Wilson Jaskot – August 2017
Posted on Facebook
“Just back from an excellent 4 day tour from Ballyshannon to Letterkenny. The bikes were just what were needed on the variety of roads we used – mostly very quiet lanes with spectacular views. The B&Bs were good. Seamus was very helpful from beginning to end, including coming out to sort some gears that were playing up.” Nigle Fawthrop, July 2017
Posted on Facebook
“We have biked Europe four times, and this was our best trip yet. On previous trips with our tandem we planned our own routes, carried our meals and camped each night in the tent we hauled along. This time we worked with Seamus and Nora to plan a 10-day circle route in NW Ireland. Their knowledge of the backroads, unique scenery and welcoming B&Bs made this such a better trip. Even more important, when IcelandAir lost our tandem on the flight to Ireland Seamus provided us with bikes well-matched to the climbing and range of roads we were traveled. He knows bikes, he knows the countryside and he knows the needs/interests of bike tourists. We were continually delighted by the level of care and service provided, and by the quality and hospitality of the B&B hosts we met. Our two weeks in NW Ireland were so much more than we would have experienced had we been traveling on our own.” Davcyn Edmonds, WA. July 2017
Posted on Tripadvisor
“This tour was perfect for exploring the Atlantic coast. The small towns and restaurants had the best seafood ever! Biking allowed us to meet and talk with many people who were unbelievably friendly. Seamus was delightful and even tracked us down the second day when it was extremely rainy and windy to make sure that we did not want a ride to the next B&B. We would highly recommend this trip to both experienced and relatively novice bike riders.” – John and Vickie Hornbeck, Oregon, U.S.A. June 2017
“My son and I did the Highlights of the Highlands Tour. Our only regret was that we only had time for the 4 day/3 night tour. The bicycles, route, and B&B’s were all fantastic. Hopefully we can come back and do a longer tour someday.” Vaughan H, Bradenton FL. June 2017
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Everything from booking over the internet to meeting Nora on the morning of our departure, we were very impressed with everything. Although it was biking a self guided tour, it was great knowing that Seamus and Nora would help out if needed, checking in with us at the end of the first day to make sure that everything was good. Would definitely recommend to friends or family. Well organized, well done. Thank you!” – Gary and Lene Mohle, Ontario, Canada. June 2017
“It was a really great way to experience Ireland’s beautiful landscapes. Despite the rainy weather I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you for everything.” – Roland Meyer, Switzerland. June 2017
“This was our first adventure vacation and I cannot imagine a better planned or better supported one. You did everything and more than what was advertised and we came away feeling it was worth every penny. The personal service, attention to detail, and willingness to help every customer is clear, excellent, and appreciated. We enjoyed meeting the other customers at the B&B’s or on the road, noting that they were all equally impressed with the experience.” – Derek and Cindy Olinger, Florida USA. May 2017
“We were so very sad to see it end—wonderful sights and even more, the people we met were a joy! We would recommend Ireland by Bike to anyone who wants to experience the best that Ireland has to offer. The logistics and information provided were practically seamless, the equipment top notch, and Seamus was only a text/call away if we needed support. This tour allowed us to see the landscape up close and at our own pace, enabling us to enjoy the things that mean the most to us. We are grateful for the opportunity to take an excursion such as this—thank you so much!” – Maureen, Ohio, U.S.A. May 2017
“Perfect organisation, spectacular routes and great selection of B&B’s. I enjoyed my cycling trip very much and would do it all over again!” Christian Rupp – May 2017
Posted on Facebook
“I booked a self guided cycling tour of Donegal in September 2016 and had a great time. The company’s website had all the information I needed for planning, the owners responded promptly to emails, and all the necessary trip information made it to me before I even got to Ireland.
I did the Highlights of the Highlands tour, and enjoyed it immensely. The routes are well laid out, the map and guide materials are easy to follow with good advice on side trips and places to eat, the B&Bs they booked for me were top notch, and the touring biek they provided was perfectly suited to the tour. I had a bent rim and ruptured tube one day, and they were able to get me back riding in a couple of hours.
If you’re looking for an enjoyable cycling tour suited to your skilla dn comfort level and a way to see northwest Ireland, Ireland By Bike is the company to go with.” Rob J – September 2016
Posted on Tripadvisor
“We did the Highlights of the Highlands tour this September and we LOVED it!! Everything we saw was breathtaking, Seamus and Nora were extremely nice and helpful, the bike tours were perfect, we recommend it!!!” Ghysliane D. Brussels, Belgium – Sep 2016
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Un’esperienza meravigliosa. Nonostante abbia fatto questo viaggio in solitaria, non mi sono mai sentita sola poiché ho incontrato così tante persone amichevoli – e anche animali! – lungo tutto il percorso e anche perché sapevo che voi, Nóra e Seamus, eravate sempre pronti ad assistermi. La pedalata è stata a tratti faticosa ma mi ha dato l’incredibile opportunità di visitare posti remoti e incantevoli con il mio ritmo. Ultimo ma non meno importante, avere avuto qualcuno che trasportasse la mia pesante valigia è stato impagabile!”
An amazing experience. Despite having done it solo, I never felt alone both because I met so many friendly people (and animals too!) all along the way, and because I knew that you Nora and Seamus were always there to support me. The ride was at times hard but that has given me the incredible opportunity to visit mesmerising spots and remote areas at my own pace. Last but not least, having you carry my heavy suitcase was priceless! – Federica, Italy. August 2016
“My wife and I loved it. We were amazed at the the depth of discovery that the well planned routes provided.” Larry Bartlett – August 2016
Posted on Facebook
“What a fantastic trip. The itinerary on the Highlights of the Highlands Tour was excellent. We loved the diversity of the days rides. Travelling on the back roads was great. Even the hills were challenging. The scenery and where the days rides took us was certainly an adventure. The bed and Breakfast accommodation was excellent. Seamus and Nora need to be congratulated, so helpful. Bikes were great, maps/directions/GPS were well planned. Very highly recommended.” MyFamily42016, Melbourne, Australia. June 2016
Posted on Tripadvisor
“I was absolutely delighted with my cycle tour with Ireland by Bike. The daily routes chosen were almost exclusively on quiet, nearly car-free roads, and the scenery was spectacular. The portion along the coast was unbelievably beautiful and much of the interior had a stark, desolate appearance that was really cool to cycle through. The owners, Seamus and Nora, provide perfect maps and GPS guidance so that even though you may feel as if you’re the only human within a 20 mile radius, you never feel lost. The trip notes also thoroughly detail the history and geology of the area. There are numerous points of interest that you can get off the bike and visit along the way. I took the Highlights of the Highlands tour and it was rated as moderately challenging which is an accurate description. While the distance cycled each day is not great, there were some steep-but-short climbs at times and the area can be windy. The bike was sturdy and came with waterproof front and back storage. Your luggage is transferred from one B&B to the next so you don’t need to weigh your bike down with panniers. As for accommodation, the B&B’s were reliably good if not great. All in all, Ireland by Bike offers great cycle tours! Thank you Seamus and Nora!” D Darby, Portland, ME – May 2016
Posted on Tripadvisor
“I really enjoyed the combination of landscape, scenery, sports and travelling. I will absolutely recommend it to anyone who is interested in this kind of holiday. And I’m also quite sure, it won’t be the last one for me. Thanks again!” – Metin Kisa, Vienna, Austria. May 2016
“Art and I had a most wonderful adventure on our recent (April 1-8) “Highlights of the Highlands” holiday in Ireland. From stunning scenery to quiet roads and a variety of climbing challenges, from lovely B&B’s and gracious hosts/hostesses to charming villages, from dependable bikes to near-perfect cue sheets and maps, Seamus Gallagher, owner of Ireland by Bike, has planned an experience we will remember for years to come. We were lucky that the weather was ideal (cool and dry, mostly—of course, good clothing and rain gear helped) and that we arrived in the middle of lambing season—sweet singles and twins were thriving all along the Wild Atlantic Way!
We have recommended this tour to all of our cycling friends—anyone who chooses this tour will not be disappointed!” – Julane and Art Anderson. Maryland, U.S.A. Highlights of the Highlands. April 2016.
“Due to our time with you we’ve proceeded to recommend the tour to our friends who might be interested. This is, for us, the highest form of praise. We felt well supported, which was of course important knowing you were never far off. Your knowledge with the landscape was perfect. It felt like a personalized experience, yet we had plenty of leeway to explore whatever we wanted. Also appreciated your understanding of us, the aging foreign biker people, and your sense of humor throughout. And your choice of places to stay was terrific as well. You guys totally rocked this thing. Thank you, and the best of success to you in the future. Best wishes, Steve and Jenny…” – Steve Weingarten and Jenny Otter, CA, USA. September 2015
“We thank you for a wonderful trip with my family. You provided a very well put together service with wonderful accommodation selections and excellent response times to any issues we requested assistance with. I will not hesitate to recommend you to friends. Thank you again Seamus and Nora for everything.” – L. Shannonhouse, Utah, U.S.A. August 2015
“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.” – Tim and Cathy Rancourt, RI, U.S.A. September 2015
“Best family vacation ever. If you like to exercise, like history, love spectacular scenery, friendly people, great food and drink, warm showers and brisk mornings and an occasional rain shower – this trip is for you. We just returned from 8 amazing days put together by Seamus and Nora. The route was spectacular – mostly one lane roads with little traffic along the coast and over the mountains (really hills). The bikes great. The B&Bs well chosen, with nice clean rooms, friendly owners and hearty meals. We went on the Highlands tour and we definitely got our hearts beating on some of the hills and occasionally had to get off the bikes and walk, but all of us, from my 14 year old son to me and my wife in our 50’s loved every minute of it. You should do this.” The Doug and Diane Robinson Family, Cherry Hills, Colorado – August 2015
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“The service, friendliness and availability of the owners far surpassed the other European self guided bike tours we have taken.” – Randy and Sheila Marshall, BC Canada. June 2015
“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!” – Evan and Anna Horn, WY, USA. June 2015
“Perfect. We would recommend the tour to everybody who is interested in biking, nature and Ireland.” – Anton Meyer + Family. Dachau, Germany
“I have cycled most of the Wild Atlantic way before it was known as such. By 2012, Donegal was one of the few blind spots, mostly because it is less well known outside of Ireland .. and even in Ireland, judging by the number of companies that do bike tours there.
I did not know what to expect when i did a tour with Ireland by Bike in June 2012. To make a long story short, I loved it so much i went back in 2014.
Do this if you love cycling (obviously), breathtaking landscapes with hills & beaches & fantastic people.
Ireland by bike is by far the best company i’ve ever travelled with, thanks to Seamus & Nora.” Peter Boone, Ghent, Belgium. June 2014
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Seamus and his wife Nora have arranged an individual nine-day trip through the county Donegal for us. The tour was perfectly organized with demanding, but feasible distances. The quiet roads through a lovely landscape with spectacular views on the coastline made the tour a lasting experience. The B&B’s were all very nice and in close distance to town centers. The bikes were well maintained and the directions in the detailed documentation were very reliable. Meeting friendly people every day along the road and in the evenings made our holiday thoroughly enjoyable.” B und R 60, Zurich, Switzerland.
Posted on Tripadvisor
“Absolutely perfect. Right from the website being tasteful and concise and prompt email replies, all the way through to the end of the trip. The attention to details such as the cell phone with all the numbers and the handlebar bag with the shoulder strap. The personal touches as well, like getting the bike to me a few days early as it was the end of the season and not too busy and deducting the cost of the first accommodation as I was already in the Hostel. I loved that the tours were self-guided, I could go at my own pace and spend time at the attractions that most interested me. Thanks again for everything Seamus, I have so many great memories of my trip. Keep up the good work!!!” – Kelly Newsholm, Hudsons Hope, BC, Canada
“Overall we loved the trip. We certainly had a sense of achievement at the end. Your routes are terrific – back roads that we would not have found ourselves with very little traffic. That was great. We loved Ireland, especially the friendly welcoming people in Co. Donegal. The real find, though, was the Ti Linn Cafe and Shop. They brewed the best coffee of the whole trip – and the home made cakes!! Yum! And they were so friendly and nice! I almost don’t want anyone else to know about the place. Anyway, all the best with future trips. We hope to be back in Ireland soon, as we have great memories of our trip.” – Margaret Carkeet, Lexington, MA, USA
“The self-guided Highlands tour was an excellent route with a bit of everything, including the weather. Organisation was first rate and Seamus accommodated our last minute change of plan without fuss. Bikes, instructions, accommodation and backup were all good. This was a better put-together package than one we did in Europe a few years ago and for us it has lifted the bar in terms of what to expect. We would recommend Ireland by Bike to anyone thinking of biking in NW Ireland.” –Bruce and Kristin Munday, Mount Torrens, Australia
“I have cycled the west coast from south to north using different companies, and Ireland by Bike was by far the best I have traveled with. Seamus & Nora will go to any lengths to make sure their customers have the best of times.” – Peter Boone, Oostakker, Belgium
“An exceptional experience. I have biked in the Cotswolds, Provence and Sicily, but the Ireland by Bike trip was the best ever. I think it was because of the accommodations, the wonderful people and the remoteness of the trails/roads, and because it was selfguided. The bikes were perfect for the terrain. Thank you so much for the wonderful trip.” – Gretchen and Ron Annan, Fruita, CO, US
“Just great, even better than we expected. The county is marvellous. All types of green hills, fields and woods, sunny white beaches, sturdy rocks and the desolate emptiness of most parts of Donegal amazed us every single day. Cycling certainly is the best way to explore and admire them. Living in Holland, we think the Irish should wake up happy every morning living in such a country. Because of the more than complete itinerary and descriptions, finding our way was easy. It’s great to look forward to every village, hill or view that surprises you past the next corner. It’s easy to tell that Seamus is proud of Donegal and is an experienced cyclist himself. He did everything to make sure our journey would be a great experience. From the first contact by email to the briefing on day 1, to the ‘taxi service’ to the airport at the end, we had nothing to worry about.” – Joop Van Den Berg, Haastrecht, Holland
Had a great time despite being pounded by rain and wind a few times. Well researched. Really appreciated the historical details in the guide: enriched the overall experience. Thanks a lot. We appreciated your friendliness and the planning that you put into providing the tour. We will recommend Ireland By Bike to our friends.” – Andrew and Karen Larcombe, Vancouver, Canada.
“We really enjoyed our trip, we got to see the real Ireland with its beautiful landscape, hills, sheep on the streets, etc. We had a great time, thank you so much!” – Susan Glowka, Frankfurt, Germany
“All four of us found the cycling to be a tremendous exercise in fun. The bikes are great for both occupying the daytime, but also as a boost to our egos in terms of our ability to complete cycling challenges. Seamus, your contribution was helpful, fun and showed masterful timing in terms of being there when most needed. A truly wonderful holiday amongst lovely people.” – Martin McMahon, Airdrie, Scotland
“I woke up one morning and had an impulse to take a bike vacation in Ireland for my 30th wedding anniversary. I am 57 years old and my wife is older but prettier. It was simply the best vacation we have ever had. I saw the most beautiful sights, heard the most beautiful music, visited with some of the most wonderful people on earth, all while getting some of the healthiest exercise my body has ever known. Our trip was safe, clear and free of anxiety. If I could have Ireland by Bike design every vacation from now till the end of my days I would”… – Mandy Patinkin, New York
“When my husband asked if I would join him on a 9 day bike ride in Ireland, my immediate response was “absolutely not.” I had not ridden a bicycle in 15 years, didn’t remember that experience fondly, and we had been away from home for two months and I was homesick. However, he is a persistent fellow, and he encouraged me to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary by trying something daring in mid-life as it were…and I am so grateful that I listened to him. It was an amazing journey. The coast of Donegal is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, and I have been lucky enough to see a lot of the world. It was full of challenges and surprises and spectacular landscapes, each day a different kind of beauty. I recommend Ireland by bike for anyone who thinks their adventurous times might be over, so that they discover they are anything but…” – Kathryn Grody, New York
“The tour is well organized and the bikes were super. We could climb nearly every hill with them even when you are above the age of fifty and used to a flat country. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery (sea and hill views), the friendly Irish, the difficult to understand Gaelic language, the sheep on the road, the excellent B&B’s with their warm welcome (and once with a super dinner). Even the Irish weather (with only a few rain spells) was good for cycling. So when we went back to Holland, our heads were empty and we had a lot of new energy to start work again. Definitely we will come back and recommend this tour to friends.” – Maria Meekes and Michel Nielen, Arnhem, The Netherlands
“We were very pleased with everything to do with this tour from the early planning stages and the customizing of the itinerary to the personal and friendly service we received throughout the tour.” – Eamonn and Rhonda Ryan, Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
“You simply could not have done any more to make the tour more enjoyable” – Marian and Ray Fagan, Dublin, Ireland
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 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. On most roads traffic is almost non-existent. 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?
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. 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.
How do I get from the end of the tour?
The tour finishes in Letterkenny. There are good bus connections to the major airports and other parts of Ireland.
Delightful Donegal by E-bike
“Our e-bike tour will go down as one of the best holiday experiences we have had! The trip was well organized right from the point of arriving in Donegal town to handing our bikes back in Letterkenny. It was great knowing that our luggage and accommodation were sorted out while we were off exploring each day. The routes available were excellent and long enough to fill in the day without being overwhelmed by too many kms. We did all of the ‘extra’ routes will minimal difficulty each day. The bikes were well maintained and it was good to know that Seamus was just a phone call away if there were problems.”
From: Kerrie Edwards on 8/13/2024
To see more reviews of this tour click on the REVIEWS tab under the main photo at the top of the page.