General FAQ
Are we accompanied by a guide?
Do we have to carry our own luggage?
No, your luggage is carried in the support van to your next hotel or guest house.
What will the weather be like?
Do I have to be super - fit?
What bikes do we get?
We are using Giant city bikes for our tours. Every year we purchase new bikes to guarantee the highest standard. The bikes come in lady's - and gent frames with a size range from XS to XL
www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/escape-city ( Gents model )
www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ie/bikes/model/alight.2.city/28581/99470/ ( Ladies model )
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
What should I bring?
Where do we meet, and how do we get to our safari?
What degree of difficulty can I expect on the tour?
We grade both Irish and European tours as follows:
A – leisurely cycles – although no tours are completely flat, these tours have few hills and are ideal for those who enjoy gentle exercise and who cycle only occasionally.
B – moderate cycle: these tours are perfect for those who are not put off by undulating terrain and someone who cycles quite regularly.
C – challenging cycles – to get the most out of these cycles it is advised that you are a regular cyclist, relatively fit and enjoy the views heading up hills as well as down them.
What is the minimum group size required for a guided tour?
The group size varies from 10 pax to a maximum of 20 pax.
What happens if a group tour hasn't reached the minimum number of participants?
If we don't have enough people to run our group tour as guided tour (minimum is 10 pax) we offer you to do this tour on a self led basis instead. Often, there will be some other cyclists who are doing this tour the same time with you.
The luggage will still be transfered to each accommodation and you can always contact us if you are in need of assistance or if you can not cycle one day. And we will arrange a tranfser for you.
In some cases its also possible to switch to a different irish group tour on the same date.
If those two options don't suit we will, of course, refund you the tour costs.
Walking FAQ
What should i bring with me?
What footwear should I use?
The importance of good footwear cannot be over stressed. You should not walk in sports training/running shoes. Trails in Ireland are subjected to frequent rainfall and after rainy spells they often become wet and muddy. Once your boots are wet it is unlikely you will be able to dry them before the following day, so investing in waterproof boots will make you more comfortable. Good strong ankle high walking boots will support the ankle and provide invaluable protection on uneven ground. It is not a good idea to wear new boots on a walking holiday, as blisters are often a problem if boots are not worn in.
What about waterproofs?
If you are caught in a downpour with good waterproofs, you will remain dry. Unfortunately, many clients are unaware of the poor performance of their coats until it is too late. Few waterproofs remain waterproof for more than five years, with many deteriorating in three years or less.
Is lunch provided on the tours?
A picnic lunch is provided on most walking days. Your lunch will normally comprise of sandwiches, a chocolate bar or piece of cake, and a piece of fruit. If you bring a thermos flask, this will be filled with tea or coffee. You should bring a water bottle for drinks during the day. You will be able to buy additional snacks and drinks from local shops for during your walk.
Will I need a walking stick for the tour?
These have become increasingly popular as a walking aid for walkers of all ages and abilities. They do help enormously when crossing rough ground and streams, they also assist progress when going up and down hills.
What sort of accommodation will be provided?
The accommodation is allocated on a twin sharing basis. We stay in bed & breakfast accommodation, where we hope to fuse the best standard we can get with the warmest welcome. We ensure en suite facilities almost all of the time however in some of the more remote spots one might occasionally have to share a bathroom.