Difficulty Rating : 7 Start : KILKENNY Finish : KILKENNY Terrain : Some hills. With the exception of the roads in and out of the larger towns, the traffic on the route should be quite light. Daily Average : 25-57km Weekly Average : 285km Tour Type : Self Guided Teaser : An area known as the "Sunny South East" a wonderful part of the country and a popular destination for Irish people on their holidays.
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An area known as the "Sunny South East" a wonderful part of the country and a popular destination for Irish people on their holidays.

The tour starts in Kilkenny, dominated by a spectacular castle on a bend in the river Nore and has a wealth of historic buildings knitted together by narrow cobbled streets boasting many lively pubs and fine restaurants. This tour blends some of Ireland's best heritage sights with a relatively undiscovered but still stunning coastline. The cycle brings you towards the coast where our first stop is New Ross, whose famine ship gives a haunting reminder of a dark chapter in Irish history. A quaint ferry will bring us across Waterford Harbour to stop at the truly special place of Dunmore East with its lovely beaches and magnificent views to enjoy.

The Copper Coast itself is a spectacular cycle where the road twists along cliffs and then plunges into and out of coves. The picturesque seaside town of Dungarvan is where we take our rest day, before heading inland to the Rock of Cashel. This is one of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites, standing proudly atop a limestone hill dominating the surrounding countryside.

The cycling finishes in Cashel and after visiting the Castle there is a transfer back to Kilkenny for a final night on the tour.

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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Kilkenny

On arrival to Kilkenny, once you have checked into your accommodation and organised your bike, you can then spend the rest of the day exploring the many sights and sounds that have made Kilkenny such a lively and popular destination.

Day 2

Kilkenny ~ New Ross (51kms)

Your cycle takes us to Jerpoint Abbey, a 12th Century ruined Abbey, before you stop off for lunch in Thomastown. The cycle takes you further south on our journey to New Ross, a lovely town on the River Barrow. Local merchants sailed their ships back and forth to the colonies often carrying Irish emigrants. A replica of one of those ships, the Dunbrody( www.dunbrody.com ) is now berthed on the quay and offers visitors to the ship an insight into life as a passenger during the late 19th century.

Day 3

New Ross ~ Dunmore East (59 kms)

The morning starts on quiet roads, cycling further south until you hit the South Coast of Ireland en route to the seaside village of Duncannon for lunch. That afternoon you keep to the coast as much as possible, taking a short ferry ride across Passage East, that brings you ever closer to the beautiful seaside town and fishing port of Dunmore East where you spend the night.

Day 4

Dunmore East ~ Dungarvan (57kms)

Today's cycle brings you along the beautiful Copper Coast and inspiration for this tour. A stunning section of the Irish Coastline, it rolls up and down along an unspoilt shoreline. Although hilly in sections all climbs are worth the literally breathtaking views. The last section of the cycle is on one of the few dedicated cycle paths in the area. Your night's destination is the attractive town of Dungarvan where you are spending two nights.

Day 5

Rest day in Dungarvan

A chance to relax in this seaside town. There is an attractive harbour area with restaurants where you can relax and watch the world go by. You can visit the Waterford Country Museum, or even download an app onto your phone and to discover the history of the town & explore some of the historic landmarks. This easy to use audio tour features contemporary accounts from soldiers, travellers and writers from times past!

Day 6

Dungarvan ~ Cashel (66 kms)

As you leave Dungarvan the cycle takes you on some very quiet and remote roads between the Knockmealdown and Comeragh mountains.

Your destination is the town of Cashel with the iconic Rock of Cashel.

Day 7

Cashel ~ Kilkenny (54 kms)

Cashel is home to the iconic Rock of Cashel, the ruined castle and traditional seat of the Great Munster Kings. One of the more spectacular tourist attractions in Ireland and one of the most visited, indeed it was one of the few places outside Dublin the Queen of England visited on her trip to Ireland in 2011!

The cycle takes you on quiet back roads all the way back to the city of Kilkenny for your final night.

  • 7 nights accommodation incl breakfast
    ( mix of small hotels and guesthouses )
  • Luggage transfer
  • All 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.

Guide in a support van / no cycling guide

We offer set departure dates for group tour bookings. If we reach a minimum of 8 people on the set departure tour date the tour will be run with a guide in a support van.

The guide will meet you each morning to give you a short briefing for the day ahead. Then you can set off in small groups or individually. Each person has their own route details. Your guide will then collect the luggage and deliver the bags to the next night's accommodation before catching up with the group again.
Although the guide will not be cycling with you, he or she will be driving the support van and will make a sweep to ensure that all is well, and offer lifts to those who want a break.
This provides a sense of freedom in that you can travel at your own pace in the security that the guide is there for you in the event that you might need them. The guide will recommend places to eat and try to find out where the best entertainment is each night.

Most importantly, the guide sets the right tone to make you feel welcome to the country and to help you in whatever way possible so that each day you are free to leave your worries behind.

If we don’t reach the minimum of 8 bookings, this tour will go ahead as the self-guided version with luggage transfers via our local taxi companies. There might be others cycling the same route, but there won’t be a guide in a support van. However, you can always contact us in the office to get assistance and if you need a lift we can organize this for

Bike rental is not included in the basic tour price

You can rent a GIANT CITY 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
We are using EASE-E+ 2 ELECTRIC BIKE or similar please click here for more details.
We offer small and medium-sized e-bikes. Recommended body heights for our e-bikes range from 160cm - 183 cm.

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

The average daily cycling distance is between 25 - 60 km

There are a number of hills to climb on this tour so we would recommend that you do try to do some cycling before the tour in order to make your week more enjoyable, if possible do it on varied terrain and include some hill climbing.

With the exception of the roads in and out of the larger towns, the traffic on the route should be quite light.

We offer Garmin files on request, but you need to bring your own device.

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 detai

On this tour you will be staying in Killkenny, New Ross, Dunmore East, Dungarvan and Cashel.

Click here for a sample accommodation list.

On request, we can upgrade the accommodation.

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.

Great tour - great variety in terrain, scenery and places of interest. Really enjoyed a guided walk in Dungarvan.

Clare G. (Copper Coast self led 2014)

2024 SELF GUIDED TOUR PRICE
€ 1095 per person sharing in May, June & September
€   50 per person high season supplement in July and August
€ 350 single room supplement (if travelling with others)
€ 255 solo tour supplement (if travelling alone on a self guided tour)

Bike Rental  
€120  24 speed touring bike
€250  E-bike

Self Guided Tour Information

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

How to get to Kilkenny City:
Dublin is the best airport to fly into as has the best transport options to Kilkenny:

From Dublin airport:
There is a bus service direct from the airport to Kilkenny city available (Check JJKavanagh Coach for more info)

Alternatively, take the Airlink shuttle service into Dublin city and transfer to get direct bus/train to Kilkenny. 
For more details on buses visit DublinCoach 

For more details on the train visit IrishRail. The Train takes approx 2hrs 40mins. 

From Shannon airport: 
There is a bus service to Kilkenny city available (Check BusEireann for info or GetThere.ie)

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

KILKENNY

Fanad House overlooks the magnificent Castle gardens. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere it is an ideal starting point to explore the city and the copper coast.

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NEW ROSS

Inishross House is a cosy, traditional, family run business established in 1967. Nestled In the heart of the town among the local pubs and restaurants its the ideal place to relax after a days cycle.  

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DUNMORE EAST

The Haven Hotel. Is a Tranquil country hotel overlooking the bay of the small fishing village Dunmore East. With locally caught sea food and a traditional bar with music make this a fine place to spend an evening   

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DUNGARVAN

The Park Hotel is a real treat. Over looking the river with a fantastic restaurant and bar its easy to enjoy an evening here. Also the is sauna and a swimming pool too if you want to unwind after a day on the bike.

DUNGARVAN image 1DUNGARVAN image 1

CASHEL

Ashmore House is a warm and welcoming family run B&B just off the main street in the town. The rooms are bright and fresh with all the mode amenities. The house itself is full of family heirlooms which give you an insight to the Irish household   

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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.