Dublin, Kings and Castles of Ireland

Day 1: Malahide
Individual arrival in Malahide. After checking in (from 2:00 pm) and settling your luggage, you'll have time to explore this lively medieval town with timeless charm. Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the quintessential coloured doors, sloping roofs, large flower baskets hanging at the shop signs, typical uphill streets, and the port.

Day 2: Malahide – Drogheda (50 km)
After having breakfast, you will leave the scenic coastal town of Malahide following the estuary's coast. Subsequently, you'll cycle on quiet roads, cross the towns of Laytown and Bettystown until reaching the Boyne River. You will then follow this beautiful river to the historic city of Drogheda, which was occupied by Cromwell in 1649. Today, it is a vibrant place, full of pubs and small restaurants where you can take pleasant breaks.

Day 3: Drogheda – Carrickmacross (56 km)
Today's stage is the shortest one, but you'll need to wake up early if you want to have time to visit all the magnificent sites. Then, on your bike, you will once again follow the Boyne River that will lead you to the site of the Battle of Boyne fought in 1690 between Catholic King James and Protestant William of Orange. Later, you will arrive at Bru na Boinne, one of the most important historical sites dating back to 3200 BC, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Crossing vast green fields and enjoying views of the Cooley Mountains, you will arrive in Carrickmacross.

Day 4: Carrickmacross – Carlingford (67 km)
Today's stage will take you north on pleasant, mostly flat roads through meadows, pastures, and peaceful villages. You will then proceed to the small Cooley Peninsula, which creates a true glacial fjord with its vibrant colors, stone walls, and shaded paths. You'll climb up to the Long Woman's tomb before descending into the northern part of the peninsula, enjoying a spectacular view over Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. You will then cycle along the coast to the charming medieval town of Carlingford.

Day 5: Carlingford – free day
Today, you will have the chance to discover Carlingford, a wonderful place to spend a relaxing rest day visiting nearby villages and their historical buildings. Alternatively, we suggest climbing to the top of the Slieve Foye, the highest mountain in the Cooley Mountains. There's an adventure center in the town center that can cater to all sorts of activities, from a quiet kayak paddle to a double rope descent on the mountain.

Day 6: Carlingford – Trim (54 km)
After a hearty breakfast, the day will start with a transfer to Kingscourt. Cycling, you'll reach Kells or Ceannus Mor, the place where the Book of Kells was found: a hand-illustrated manuscript, made by Irish monks in the eighteenth century, considered one of the greatest masterpieces of art from that period. Eventually, you'll cross lush, predominantly flat agricultural lands in the Gaelic-speaking Racthcarin region before reaching Trim. In this enchanting place, on the south bank of the Boyne River, you'll have the chance to visit its famous Norman castle dating back to the twelfth century, which has been a backdrop in numerous films like Braveheart, Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning movie.

Day 7: Trim – Dublin (55 or 76 km)
Today's segment is mainly flat. Departing from Boyne, you'll head towards Hill of Tara, a site of great archaeological, mythological and religious significance from where it is said 142 Kings have ruled. Then you'll cross the county of Kildare and enter the Liffey Valley, the river that flows into the Irish Sea and crosses Dublin's center. As you continue cycling, you'll discover Phoenix Park, the largest urban park in Europe, also known as Dublin's green lung. The day will end in the port city of Dun Laoghaire, on Dublin's south coast, where you'll spend the night.

Day 8: Dublin
After breakfast, the services end, and individual departure.