Cycle Ireland Top to Toe 2020(Malin to Mizen)

Day 1

 Malin Head – Buncrana

31 miles

You’ll meet the group and cycle leader at Malin Head, register and then head out for half a day’s cycling. You’ll experience a bit of everything in these first 31 miles, from rugged landscape and striking coastal views to short, sharp hills that’ll ease you into the next days’ riding. If you’re meeting at Belfast, there will be a coach to get you up to Malin Head.

Day 2

Buncrana – Bundoran

76 miles

Our second day of cycling begins on a flat route on quiet country roads before moving on to our first challenging hill climb. The day continues with rolling hills, a few of which are tougher than the others, but offer great views over the wonderful green countryside. We stay close to the border and then sweep westward towards the coast, with great views of Lower Lough Erne before reaching Bundoran. This is possibly the hardest day of the challenge!

Day 3

Bundoran – Knock

72 miles

A flatter day than the one before with occasional undulation to let your legs recover. We make our way South West skirting around Sligo heading for Knock and County Mayo. Keeping away from the main roads, we get to truly see the beauty of this part of Western Ireland.

We finish the day in the small town of Knock.

Day 4

Knock – Ennis

85 miles

This stage may be over the flattest terrain of the challenge but we’ll really pile on the miles on this, the longest day. After a small hill to start the day, the minor roads offer smooth asphalt for quick, flat cycling, and give plenty of opportunity to get in close in our mini peloton and get in the draft – although make sure you push some wind for your fellow competitors too!

Our route passes Galway with some wonderful views out to the Atlantic and the Aran Islands.

Day 5

Ennis – Killarney

75 miles

Today we need to catch a ferry for a 25 mintue crossing into County Kerry. We have a flat start to the day with most of the climbing done in the afternoon. The Magillycuddie Reeks provide a stunning backdrop as we cycle into the beautiful town of Killarney.

Day 6

Killarney – Clonakilty

64 miles

A slower start to the morning with a reasonable amount of climbing for some wonderful views of the Kerry Mountains. We make quicker progress in the afternoon heading towards the south coast and Clonakilty.

Day 7

Clonakilty – Mizen Head

As you head west towards the final destination, we see glimpses of the beautiful coastline during the morning. Fittingly, the final afternoon offers probably the best and most stunning scenery of the whole trip as we reach Mizen Head and bring a fantastic challenge to a close.

We head back to Clonakilty for a celebration meal and look back at all of our achievements over the past week.

Day 8

Return home

After staying overnight at Mizen, you’ll be transferred by bus back to Cork, Dublin or Belfast.

This itinerary is complex and subject to change.