Board a flight to Philadelphia, then an overnight flight to Ireland.
Day 2
Arrive at Shannon Airport in Ireland in the morning. Board a coach and head to Oughterard. Check-in at Ross Lake House Hotel. Relax and explore Oughterard.
Day 3
After fueling up with a hearty Irish breakfast, cycle to Aughnanure Castle to travel back in time for a peek into old Irish nobility. Learn about one of Galway's most notable lord families of Gaelic stock during a lecture and guided walk through one of over 200 crumbling tower houses, built by the "ferocious" O'Flahertys. Find out why the people of Galway regard the O'Flahertys as "mountainous and wild people." Lunch is on our own in the Garden Cafe at Brigit's Celtic-Inspired Gardens. Continue bicycling through the lush countryside of Moycullen onto the seaside destination in Furbo at the Connemara Coast Hotel. Today's biking distance, about 25 miles.
Day 4
Start the day with a visit to a restored 17th-century hill village and an immersion into authentic Irish culture, nature and heritage. Cycle to the small and pristine seaside village of Spiddal, where all sign posts are in Irish, as is the language used by those who frequent the pubs. Return to Furbo by bicycle in the afternoon sunlight with views of the Aran Islands. Listen to an animated presentation of Celtic Tales from a local storyteller before dinner. Today's biking distance, about six miles.
Day 5
After another full Irish breakfast, listen to a presentation on Celtic Mythology. Bid the accommodating staff at the hotel goodbye and continue to explore Connemara. Bicycle along secondary roads where the sea is never too far away until reaching Ostan Cuan Carna, the hotel, in the quiet village of Carna and drink up the view of Carna Bay and Mweenish Island. Today's biking distance, about 28 miles.
Day 6
The cycling rout leads through Glinsk and around Cashel Bay to Roundstone. Experience the "Galway Hookers" (Uniquely Irish fishing boats), which return daily with nets and creates brimming with lobster, crab, shrimp, mackerel and cod. Continue cycling to Ballyconneely to experience fresh Atlantic smoked salmon at Connemara Smokehouse. Then ride to Clifden and the Foyles Hotel for the evening. Today's biking distance, about 35 miles.
Day 7
Today, ride along the infamous and stunning Sky Road, which overlooks offshore islands, Inishturk and Turbot. A quick stop in Streamstown Bay affords a glimpse of untouched rugged Ireland before cycling back to Clifden. Spend the evening exploring Clifden. Today's biking distance, about eight miles.
Day 8
Ride along peat bogs along the route to Kylemore Abbey, which sits at the base of the "12 Bens." Stop at the Abbey and explore the Mausoleum, Gothic Church and Victorian Walled Garden. Continue cycling to the Kylemore Pass Hotel in Kylemore Pass. Today's biking distance, about 13 miles.
Day 9
Take a coach back to Galway and do a guided walk of the city. See the medieval roots and complex history of Galway, The Spanish Arch, Eyre Square/JFK Memorial Park Galway's street of sin and other notable public buildings. More exploration of the city in the afternoon, the head to the Forster Court Hotel for dinner and the last night in Ireland.
Day 10
Take the coach to Shannon Airport and catch a flight to Chicago and then another to Portland. Home again, home again, jig-itty jig.
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