Ireland

The island is small, the discoveries vast. This is VBT’s Ireland, where céad míle fáilte—a hundred thousand welcomes—greet all those who follow a path here. On a VBT bike tour or walking trip to Ireland, welcoming people and inviting landscapes combine into one of the most gracious places on earth. On this emerald isle, a patchwork of verdant vistas and ageless stone walls stirs the soul, whether cycling country lanes or hiking green pastures, pedaling the dramatic Aran Islands or arriving at a castle by foot.

Bike through the south of Ireland for a rich canvas of all things Irish: soft green hills, storied castles, and bonnie dales so timeless you’ll swear there’s magic to be found in the clover field. On a bike tour to Ireland, reel along pretty Dungarven Bay and share quiet country lanes with farmers whose roots go back a millennium. Echoes of the past sing in these walls, from stone farm fences to the 12th-century Rock of Cashel. Farther west, bike across a land where Celtic heritage runs deep and the spirit of ancient Druids still casts a spell. The Cliffs of Moher summon you for a ride that promises sweeping Atlantic views. The mysterious terrain of The Burren conjures a lunar-like world. And the tranquil Renyvle Peninsula casts a meditative hush on your every mile.

“May the road rise to meet you,” goes the Irish proverb, “May the wind always be at your back.” In VBT’s Ireland, well-crafted walking tour follow gently rising paths and beckon you forward like a soft breeze. Walk along the glittering lakes and lush meadows of Killarney. Amble up a serene footpath on the Kerry Way and walk to lovely Dingle Bay. Or traverse the Gap of Dunloe in a horse-drawn cart. Step off the path for enriching glimpses of history, exploring Bronze Age copper mines, the home of the Great Liberator, Daniel O’Connell, and more.

There will be so much to toast when you raise a pint with locals in a neighborhood pub. And there’s no more Irish welcome than the one you’ll enjoy with a 23rd generation family in their home. Begin your days with hearty Irish breakfasts and retire each evening to lovely accommodations, including the former estate of the Duke of Devonshire. With VBT, you’ll savor the most charming view of Ireland, whether it be by bike or walking on foot.