Our hotel is convenient for the docks, so not far to travel with your luggage
I could not find a cycle friendly route out of Dublin, and when I talked to local cyclists they recommended coming out on the train. So we will take train to Greystones and cycle inland up the valley to Laragh where we stay for 2 nights
This is one of the more hilly days of the tour, but the ascent is not too high. There are some lovely quiet roads and beautiful scenery. We are staying in Glendalough so anyone not wanting to cycle could have a lovely day off.
Cycling south between the hills, and then on to minor roads along the coast to the centre of Wexford.
Setting off in a north easterly direction we loop around the countryside surrounding Wexford. Reaching Johnstown Castle in time for lunch.
The roads get more quiet as we go south as there are no major towns and the Waterford Harbour has just a small ferry to Passage East. We are staying right in the centre of Waterford.
Rest Day - In the past I did not offer a rest day, and even now I like to suggest activities and hope that people will consider independent choices as well.
Setting off south for the seaside at Tramore, then west along a one way single track cliff top road past the Newton Cove Swim Beach. Then along to Dungarvan. This is the longest ride of the tour, but there are several good options for shortening.
We cycle inland towards New Ross and up past the east side of the Blackstairs Mountains to Bunclody. At 23.5km we can take a right hand turn to visit the JFK Arboretum.
The route takes us between the Blackstairs Mountains and Kilbranish, and returns along the river back to Bunclody.
Leaving Bunclody and heading north and up to Glenmalure. I enjoyed this route through the hills as it felt like a hidden gem off the beaten track.
Rathdrum Forest Park and Glendalough are two of the most popular places to visit in this area, and are both close to where we are staying
This is our last full day, and we should arrive in Dublin early in the afternoon.
There will be an organised bike tour of the city, as well as time to look around independently.
Time to say a sad farewell, but hopefully we will reconvene next year for Part 2 to Kilkenny Cork and the south west of Ireland.
Land Only - £2250
Pay a deposit of £400 when booking, and a final payment of £1850 by the 19th March 2026
Written Notice Received:
Cancellation Charge:
by 19th March 2026
£400 Deposit
after 19th March
£2,250 Tour Cost
Please complete the booking form. The tour organiser will reply confirming if there is availability, and asking you to transfer the deposit into the Trust account. Shortly after that you will receive confirmation of your booking
The price of £2250 (land only) is based on a minimum number of 10 people taking part in the holiday and is calculated at a rate of Euros 1.15 to £1 Sterling (based on exchange rates published Google Finance on Friday 17th October 2025; please note Booking Conditions). If there are insufficient bookings by Wednesday 31st December 2025, we will contact you and return all monies paid.
The tour starts and finishes in Dublin (staying in the same hotel). We travel out of Dublin by train, and then cycle up into the Wicklow Mountains. Thereafter we head to Wexford, Waterford, Bunclody and back to the Wicklow Mountains and Dublin. We spend 2 nights in most locations (except Dublin at the start for one night, and Waterford for 3 nights). The route is mainly on roads (usually minor roads) and some cycle paths. There will be a few opportunities to swim (freshwater, pool and sea).
Travel to the start and from the finish is not included in this holiday. Thus, it is very important that you note that neither your Tour Organiser nor Bikexplore are responsible for you in any way until the appointed time at the designated meeting point.
Potentially a tour may be cancelled (e.g. if it does not attract the minimum numbers) so please do not commit to any travel arrangements until you have received confirmation that the tour will go ahead. In the event of cancellation Bikexplore will only be responsible for refunding you the cost of the tour itself.
Prior to the tour communication will be by email, but shortly before the tour we will set up a WhatsApp group. During the tour we will use WhatsApp to communicate details like café stops, meal arrangements, places of interest and any emergencies on route. Ideally everyone will bring a smart phone and be happy to be included in the group.
We will stay in a variety of standards of hotels (typically 3*).
All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Prices are based on two people sharing a room. When booking with a partner to share please specify twin or double beds. There are no single occupancy rooms available.
Breakfast each day is included and in addition dinner is included on seven evenings. We will pay for our own lunches (except 2 pack lunches included), café stops and beverages. Most of the tour is in rural areas so there will usually be options for procuring lunch, but please carry sufficient food and water to last you all day if necessary. Most places are happy to accept credit cards but please carry some cash just in case.
Please advise the tour organiser of any dietary requests in your Booking application, and do remember to pack any medications that you need. Can you also remind the tour organiser of any dietary requests and health issues at the start of the tour.
TYPE OF BIKE
A touring cycle, gravel bike, hybrid, tandem, recumbent or lightweight road bike would all be suitable for most of this holiday. However, a gravel bike (or touring bike) would cope better if we come to any unpaved or rough sections.
MAINTENANCE
You should ensure your cycle is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. A low bottom gear (eg. small chainring the same size or smaller than the largest cog on your rear wheel) is recommended. Mudguards are optional but demonstrate respect to those who are following you in wet weather. Lights are recommended in the very unlikely event of arriving back late and useful if walking outdoors at night. A bell is advised and bring a bike lock for security. Water bottles are required to ensure you are hydrated at all times. You must carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs, including two inner tubes, spare gear and brake cable, split link and spare brake pads. There are almost no bike shops on route and they are never when you need them. You are advised to use 28mm tyres, or larger, to suit the variable terrain.
The luggage weight for transfers is limited to 10kg per person, which is usually sufficient for any holiday, washing spare clothes each night.
Please bring a bike lock suitable to your attitude towards the risk of theft.
This is a cycling holiday with for 14 days with several days, typically with a moving on day followed by a circular day trip (which could be a rest day). There is a planned rest day in Waterford, weather permitting we will have a short cycle and a swim in the sea on that day.
Most of the cycling is on minor roads, but we also use cycle paths and there are some sections on main roads. People tend to cycle in small groups, and meet up with the rest of the group at view points and cafes. The tour should be manageable for someone who cycles regularly and has reasonable fitness. There are some longer days and some days with a lot of ascent, as well as shorter and easier days. Please train for the tour and ride some hilly 80km day trips in preparation.
People may want to stop for photographs, look at the view or explore some local attraction and this is encouraged. You are on holiday. If you wish to go further from the group and do your own thing then please do advise the tour organiser.
The weather in the British Isles can be very variable so please carry waterproof clothing and sun screen. You might end up using them on the same day.
The average maximum temperature in Waterford in 21st July is 18 degrees C, while the average rainfall for the whole month is 72mm. In comparison figures for London are 22 degrees and 59mm.
Do bring thin layers, so you can adjust as necessary. Diane and I like open water swimming, and there will be some opportunities to swim or just paddle if you would like to join us. Please only do what you are safe and comfortable with. A swimming costume, goggles and microlight towel would not add much weight to carry.
Please carry waterproof clothing and sun screen.
Helmets are optional, but are recommended.
The tour organiser will email a link to Plotaroute with all of the planned rides for the tour. These can be downloaded to your Garmin, or other cycle computer , or phone. If you do not use such technology please do bring the relevant pages from a road atlas and highlight the planned routes. Maybe bring the road atlas pages as well as a Garmin.
There are lots of maps available but I like to use Road Atlases.
There are lots of guide books available. I have the Cicerone Cycle touring in Ireland and an old Collins Cycling in the South East of Ireland (no longer on print so I got mine second-hand). It is available from World of Books, Ebay and Amazon.
Holiday costs have risen so we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you have to cancel for any reason.
You should be up to date with vaccinations and boosters as recommended for the UK. There are no additional medical recommendations, but please do bring any medications that you need to use. Please also make the tour organiser aware of any health issues.
British nationals are not legally required to show a passport to enter Ireland, but Ferries and airlines may ask for ID. You do not need a visa either.
There is only one ferry included in this tour (on the route to and from Waterford). You may travel by ferry to join the tour.
Martin Jamieson - mdjamieson@hotmail.co.uk