Difficulty Rating : 7 Start: BELFAST Finish: BELFAST Terrain: The roads are all tarmaced and mainly on quiet back roads. Some climbs. Daily Average: 40-64km Weekly Average: 272km Tour Type: Group,Self Guided Teaser: Our meeting point is Belfast, a changing city undergoing large-scale transformation of the centre and waterfront areas.
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Our meeting point is Belfast, a changing city undergoing large-scale transformation of the centre and waterfront areas. However, it still retains many examples of its past glories as Ulster's engine room and as a result it has many fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings, making the city well worth some exploring.

Antrim is also the backdrop for much of the "Game of Thrones". En route there is a chance to visit locations such as The Iron Islands and the Dark Hedges - The Kings Road

A sustrans cycle route guides us out of the city and up the Northern coastline. Here we alternate our time between exploring the unspoilt dramatic coastline and beautiful Glens whilst experiencing some of the finest hospitality you will find. Our rest day is in the attractive town of Ballycastle where you can visit Rathlin Island. The famous Giants Causeways and Carrickrede Rope Bridge and the delights of Bushmills Distillery are all part of our Safari.

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Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival Belfast

On arrival in Belfast, you should make your way to your accommodation. If you get there early you can leave your luggage at the guesthouse and explore this bustling City.

Day 2

Belfast ~ Carnlough 40 miles / 64kms

Setting out on a Sustrans Cycle path you cycle along the coast to Carrickfergus and its famous 12th Century castle. You then head inland and up into the mountains before descending to the first of the Antrim Glens with beautiful views of the ocean below. That night you stay in the quiet seaside village of Carnlough.

Day 3

Carnlough ~ Cushendall 35 miles / 56kms

You cycle up into the hills with views of the Sperrin Mountain. It is here where legend has it that St Patrick spent his youth in captivity before escaping, only to return to convert Ireland to Christianity. You then return to the coast and cycle along the beautiful Antrim coastline to Cushendall where you will spend the night.

Day 4

Cushendall ~ Ballycastle 35 miles/56kms

You explore the pretty and less visited Glen of Glenaan and then return to the coast for lunch in Cushendun. In the afternoon one of the highlights of the week, a breathtaking cycle along the coast road to Ballycastle passing along green fields dotted with sheep, while you look out over beautiful views of Scotland and the Mull of Kintyre, just across the sea.

Day 5

Rest day in Ballycastle

One attractive option on the rest day is to take the ferry to explore nearby Rathlin Island which has one of the largest bird colonies in the country as well as a small seal colony. It is a wonderful place to spend a rest day giving you that sense of being away from it all that you can only experience on an island.

Day 6

North Coast Loop 35 miles / 56 kms

Today's cycle is a wonderful route, mixing the best of Antrim's iconic sites along with "Game of Thrones" locations such as the Dark Hedges!! You start with a cycle along beautiful coastline to view the hexagonal basalt rock formations at the Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most famous landmark. The route includes the swinging Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge en route to the whiskey town of Bushmills.

Day 7

Ballycastle ~ Belfast 25 miles/40 kms

For our last day's cycle, you head South back into the Glens towards the ECOS centre. From here we arrange a transfer for you back to Belfast and last night on the tour.

  • 7 nights accommodation ( small hotels and guesthouses ) 
  • Guide in a support van (guided tours only)
  • Luggage transfer
  • route details and maps
  • 24 hour service hotline
  • GPS tracks available (on request)

    Bike Rental is not included in the basic tour price.
    All rentals come with a pannier, lock, helmet and repair equipment.

On a self-guided tour we will organize your bike hire, the accommodation, and the luggage transfer. Your route details will be waiting for you in your first night’s accommodation. In the route details, you will also find recommendations for lunch stops and places to have dinner. You will set off by yourself and the luggage will be transferred to the next stop by our local taxi transfers. And should there be a day you won’t be able to cycle, it is possible to arrange a lift with the luggage transfer.

You can also contact us in the office (info@cyclingsafaris.com) or on our emergency number if you need assistance.

You can start the cycling tour on any day that suits you.

If you prefer to cycle with a support van and/or guide we are happy to send you a customized quote for this.

On a self-guided tour it is possible to add extra days or shorten the trip if you wish to or we can customize the route for you.

ike rental is not included in the basic tour price
You can rent touring bicycles for our tours
Bikes come in different sizes and in gents and ladies style frames.
It is very important you give us your height on booking so that we can allocate the correct bike to you.
You can also rent an E-Bike

ooking at a scale from 1 - 10 (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest) we are giving this tour 7 points.

The average daily cycling distance is around 40-60 km.

Terrain: The roads are all tarmacked and mainly on quiet back roads. Some climbs.

Other than young children, whom we discourage from attending, people of all ages and abilities come on the tours, so do not worry if you are not super-fit. You have all day to cover the recommended route, and while Irish roads rarely follow a straight line, there are few really high climbs.

Route details are given as Garmin but you need to bring your own device.
Files will be emailed to you before the tour

We would seriously recommend that you bring padded cycling shorts and/or a gel saddle cover that will definitely make your day’s cycling more comfortable. Cycling gloves are also a good investment. You can also bring your own saddle which we should be able to attach to our bikes.

We provide pannier bags (not waterproof) in which you can keep your day-to-day items. Otherwise, you may prefer to use a daypack and there are back carriers on each bike for this purpose.

We do not provide rain gear so be sure to bring your own lightweight waterproofs.

Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses, sun hat as well as a bathing suit for that refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Our rental bikes don’t have lights – no problem on the long summer evenings, but if you are traveling in May or September, please bring your own light or high-visibility vest.

Finally, if you wish to use toe clips please bring your own pedals with toe clips which we can attach to our bikes (the pedals on our bikes do not accommodate toe clips

You have the option of booking different room types:
Double room = Room with one big bed for two people
Twin room = Room with two single beds for two people
Single room = Room with one single bed
Triple room = Room with one double and one single for three people OR room with three single beds
Family room = Room with one double and two single beds

If the room type you would like to book is not listed on the booking form, you can specify this in the section "other details"

On this tour you will be staying in Belfast, Carnlough, Cushendale & Ballycastle (3 nights).

Please click here for a sample accommodation list.

To confirm you onto our tour, we require a deposit of 250 euro per person.
After your initial booking request, we will be in touch with payment details.

The remaining balance for the cycling tour will be due 60 days prior tour start.

Should you wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written
notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including
surcharges as follows:
60 days before departure – retention of deposit (250 euro per person)
60-14 days before departure – 50%
14 days before departure – 100%

To claim the balance back, you need to send the details on to your travel insurance who should reimburse you. Please make sure that your travel insurance covers the costs for unforeseen cancellation before signing up.

We had exceptionally good weather. We needed sun cream every day and had not a drop of rain.
The light breeze made the warmth very acceptable.
Duncan is a very good guide and cycled along with us on some parts.
He had many good stories and added some extra detours, visits on request.
We have been to the regular touristic highlights like the rope bridge and the giants causeway.
Besides this we saw a lot of other beautiful places and landscapes.
We all visited Rathlin Island on the rest-day to see puffins, other birds and the lighthouse.
All together this was a very successful tour, which ended far too soon. This only encourages for more!
Norbert and Tineke van den Bos 

The bikes were excellent quality and brand new (we were at the start of the season), the accommodations booked were excellent and the route instructions perfect. We absolutely loved our trip and we have been telling all our friends about it. We are so happy to have booked through you folks. Thank you for everything!
Liz Dickinson 

Things I enjoyed the most:
- Torr Head
- The Dark Hedges
- The Carnlough/Cushendall area
Martin Spaetig  

The tour was really very nice. The route was really wonderfully done as well – the directions very clear.
The cliffs near Torr Head were incredibly spectacular and that memory (as well as Glengarriff, and secondarily the Giant's Causeway) will remain with me for a lifetime.
Mike Niemeyer 

2024 SELF GUIDED TOUR PRICE  
Stg 945  per person sharing
Stg 285  single supplement  ( if travelling with others )
Stg 50    high season supplement for July & August

Bike Rental
Stg 100.00    24 speed touring bike
Stg 200.00  E-bike

NB - Northern Ireland does not use the euro so be sure to have Sterling with you when you arrive.

Self Guided Tour Information

Self guided tours are available from 16 April to 1 October and can start any day of the week.

How to get to Belfast City:

It is possible to fly to either Dublin airport, Belfast or Shannon airport. 
(Please note: Flying into Dublin airport will have more route options)

You can fly direct into Belfast airport, and it is a short taxi ride to the city from there. 

From Dublin airport: Bus service direct from the airport to Belfast city available
(Check AirCoach for more info)

Alternatively, take the Airlink shuttle service into Dublin city and transfer to get direct bus/train to Belfast. 
(Bus AirCoach or Train takes approx 2hrs 10mins. Details on Irish Rail)  

From Shannon airport: There is a Flight/bus service to Belfast city available
(Check AerLingus.com for info or )

BELFAST

The first and last night of the trip we stay in this beautiful luxurious hotel. Close to the famous sites of Belfast this is the perfect place to discover the city from.
taralodge.com

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CARNLOUGH

Londonderry Arms Hotel The Hotel is nestled in the picturesque Harbour village of Calough, surrounded by sandy beaches and with the majestic backdrop of Glencloy, the second of the nine Glens. The hotel was once famously owed by Sir Winston Churchill. 

CARNLOUGH image 1CARNLOUGH image 1

CUSHENDALL

The Glendale B&B is a family run B&B with a relaxing feel to it. Only a short walk from the village centre or the beach.

The Meadows B&B in Cushendall is a warm and welcoming place to stay. Overlooking a small harbour and only short walk to the village centre

CUSHENDALL image 1CUSHENDALL image 1

BALLYCASTLE

We spend three nights in this charming and warm welcoming guesthouse An Caislean located only 5 min walk from the beach and the centre of the town it is the perfect place to stay for a few days and really get to know the town and some of the local people. 

BALLYCASTLE image 1BALLYCASTLE image 1

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

Book now

Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Other members of your group if applicable.

Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

Second person details

Third person details

Fourth person details

Fifth person details

 

Sixth person details

 

Seventh person details

 

Eighth person details

 

Ninth person details

 

Tenth person details

 

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Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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Other Information

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.