Mournes & Ards Self-Guided

Accommodation

The standard accommodations for this region's self-guided itineraries are guesthouses and bed and breakfasts (B&Bs). Generally, these have between 4 and 10 guest rooms and the owners/providers live on the premises. In almost all cases the bathroom facilities are ensuite (self-contained within the room), and the room facilities usually include a television and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a communal reading / television lounge. Small family run hotels are also used in a few locations. The providers are excellent sources of local information.

Breakfast is always included. Most guesthouses do not offer an evening meal.

When you book a tour, your pre-trip planner will have more details about the specific facilities and services provided by the accommodations.

Examples of our guesthouses in this region include;

Ravenhill Guest House
The Old Schoolhouse
The Rostrevor Inn

Getting there

From Belfast International Airport, Ulsterbus operates a frequent service to Belfast Europa Bus Station (45 minutes). A taxi is the other (less economical) alternative. This larger airport is where most international flights arrive.

From Belfast City Airport, Ulsterbus operates a frequent service to Belfast Europa Bus Station (15 minutes). Again, a very short taxi ride is the alternative. This airport, very close to the city centre, typically serves domestic flights, although an increasing number of European routes are being added.

From Dublin Airport, both Bus Eireann and Aircoach operate a frequent service to Belfast Europa Bus Station. Alternatively take a Dublin Bus Airlink Service to Dublin Connolly Station and a NIR or Irish Rail Enterprise train service to Belfast Central Station.

Climate

Ireland's climate is surprisingly mild given its northern location. This is mainly due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream which brings warm waters up to Western Europe from the more tropical Atlantic zones.

Temperamental is a fitting description of Ireland's weather. It can be very unpredictable! The old adage that it is possible to experience four seasons in one day is close to the truth. During the summertime, the warmest months tend to be July and August, when average temperatures during the day can range from 15ºC to 20ºC. A hot day in summertime could produce temperatures of 22ºC to 24ºC and on rare occasions can exceed 30ºC.

The best time to travel to Ireland for an outdoor trip such as a bicycle tour is from the beginning of May to the end of September. April and October are also possible, but the chances of encountering inclement weather increase. Towards the end of October the days are significantly shorter.

Traditionally May can provide some of the best weather days of the season. The last two weeks in June have the longest days of the year.

July and August are peak travel season for Ireland. The first weekend in August (a public holiday weekend) is the busiest of the season. School holidays are from the end of June until the end of August.

The latter half of September sees the change to autumn colours.

£865 per person sharing, to include;

• 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast
• Pre-Trip Information Booklet and Planner
• On call telephone support
• All mapping, routes and cue sheets with gpx tracks
• Meet, greet and bike fitting

Luggage transfer charges are calculated as follows:

The standard charge is based on one or two riders. A couple would therefore share the luggage transfer costs. There is then a small additional fee for the third and each additional person.
For example:

• Total cost for one or two riders = 280 (140 per person based on two people sharing)
• Total cost for three riders = 280 + 20= 300 (100 per person)
• Total cost for four riders = 280 + 20 + 20 = 320 (80 per person)

Note that the more riders in the group, the less expensive are the luggage transfers per rider

Please note that whilst we will try our best to provide you with the exact bike as listed below, due to availability or sizing issues we may not always be able to. The bike you will receive will be of a very similar spec and always in very good condition.

Trek FX hybrid

• 5 frame sizes
• FX Alpha Gold Aluminium
• FX Alloy fork
• 27 speed

Bring your own saddle and/or pedals if you wish and we will fit them to the bike. (You must be able to remove them yourself at the end of your trip).

Fitted with: Rear rack; platform pedals, bottle cage, fenders (mudguards)

Equipment provided: Handlebar bag; map case; spare tube; puncture repair kit; lock; mini pump; multitool.

Available on request: Panniers, helmet, odomoter, gps unit

Ridgeback Panorama Touring Bike

• Full shimano drive
• Disc brakes
• Full length mudguards
• 27 Speed.

Bring your own saddle and/or pedals if you wish and we will fit them to the bike. (You must be able to remove them yourself at the end of your trip)

Fitted with: Rear rack; platform pedals, bottle cage, fenders (mudguards)

Equipment provided: Handlebar bag; map case; spare tube; puncture repair kit; lock; mini pump; multitool.

Available on request: Panniers, helmet, odomoter, gps unit

Fuji Sportif Road Bike

• A2-SL double-butted alloy frame
• Shimano Sora 2x9 components
• Vittoria Zaffiro 700x30c tires

Bring your own saddle and/or pedals if you wish and we will fit them to the bike. (You must be able to remove them yourself at the end of your trip)

Fitted with: Platform pedals, bottle cage,

Equipment provided: map case; spare tube; puncture repair kit; lock; mini pump; multitool, frame bag

Available on request: Panniers, helmet, odomoter, gps unit

Fuji E-Traverse E-Bike

• Suntour NEX disc fork
• Bafang H400 rear hub motor
• Bafang 5 mode LED display w/walk assist
• Shimano Gearing

Bring your own saddle and/or pedals if you wish and we will fit them to the bike. (You must be able to remove them yourself at the end of your trip).

Fitted with: Rear rack; platform pedals, bottle cage, fenders (mudguards)

Equipment provided: Handlebar bag; map case; spare tube; puncture repair kit; lock; mini pump; multitool.

Available on request: Panniers, helmet, odomoter, gps unit