Get in touch if you want to experience slow travel/slow food at its finest!.
A land once defended by Warrior Queen Méabh and inspired the poems of WB Yeats. Sligo is a county of history, folklore and beauty that is hard to match elsewhere in Ireland. With quiet country roads, tree lined lakes, mythical hills and welcoming people Sligo will remain with you long after you’ve left!
Join Ciarán of Crank + Cog on a cycling and hiking tour of the land of Heart’s Desire, highlighting the region’s scenery and food.
The Tour
You will be picked up at Dublin Airport by a private mini bus. From Dublin Airport you will travel west, stopping for breakfast at Sweet Geraniums Café in Drumshanbo, Co.Leitrim, and arriving at the 3 star Riverside Hotel, Sligo.
After check-in you will start your cycle tour of Lough Gill, so beloved of W.B Yeats. The 40km route will take you through pastoral, hedge lined countryside and rugged hills with the gleaming Lough Gill as your companion.
A nutritious home cooked lunch will be served by Mike and Jo at their home at Edergole Kitchen near the village of Dromahair. After lunch you will continue around the lake and meet James, the owner of Lough Gill Brewery. James will give you a tour of his brewery outlining his process and allowing you an odd tipple or two of his delicious craft beer!
After the brewery tour we will cycle the last km to the Riverside Hotel where you will have time to relax before dinner which will be at The Coach Lane Restaurant, a cosy spot serving an eclectic menu of seafood, steaks and pasta.
After dinner you can return to the hotel for a well deserved rest or check out one of the many pubs in Sligo!
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and you will be shuttled to the foot of the iconic Knocknarae, the last resting place of the Warrior Queen Méabh. You will hike to Queen Méabh’s tomb on top of Knocknarae, one of the largest Neolithic cemeteries in Europe.
Along the way you will learn about local wild plants and the myths, legends and history associated with this ancient part of Ireland. Near the summit we will have a picnic of local produce and admire the stunning views of Sligo Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
When we return from our hike, lunch awaits by the seaside at The Venue Bar & Restaurant, famous for it’s Lissadell mussels, crab claws and seafood chowder.
Satisfied after a hearty lunch you will relax in a detoxifying seaweed bath that utilise the natural power of organic hand-harvested seaweed to deeply moisturise your skin, increase circulation and promote healing. Once you are fully relaxed and at one with the world you will be shuttled back to your hotel!
You have options to roam the streets of Sligo for a few free hours, grab a bit to eat at the hotel or try out one of the restaurants, cafes and bars recommended by Ciaran.
Later that evening we will meet up in Connollys Pub for music, a few drinks and a bit of craic!
After breakfast you will be picked up by the bus to begin our journey back to Dublin. On the way we will visit Eagles Flying, Ireland’s largest sanctuary for birds of prey and owls, which is situated on more than 27 ha of mature parklands.
After our stop we will continue our journey to Dublin where you will be dropped back to the airport.
The Hotel
The Riverside Hotel is a modern 3 star hotel in the heart of Sligo town. Perched on the edge of the picturesque Garavogue River, it is perfectly located for sightseeing or exploring the the town’s restaurants, bars and vibrant night life. The twin rooms provided are light, roomy and comfortable.
The Bikes
We have a fleet of well maintained Fuji road and hybrid bikes.
It’s important you give us your height when booking so we can allocate the bike that best suits your size.
The Guide
Ciarán is an experienced cycle tourer, mountain guide and peanut butter connoisseur! He was born and raised in the West of Ireland and now resides in the beautiful North West. He has hand picked the best the area has to offer and guarantees an experience to remember!
The Price.
€435 per person
June 30th – July 2nd
Two nights & Three Days.
The Tour Includes:
- Two nights Bed and Breakfast in a twin room sharing at a 3 star hotel.
- Pick up and drop off at Dublin Airport.
- Private mini bus available for duration of tour.
- Knowledgable, experienced & professional tour guide.
- Bike rental, helmets & hi-vis vests.
- Backup support for cycle tour.
- Three Breakfasts, two lunches and one night’s dinner, along with frequent snacks, hiking picnic and complimentary drinks, all thoughtfully prepared and locally sourced.
- Local brewery tour.
- Foraging and wild plants identification workshop.
- Spa treatment at seaweed baths.
- Birds of prey & owls tour and demonstration.
If you have any questions or if you need more details you can contact crankandcog@gmail.com
Crank and Cog 