Inis Cealtra - 3 or 4 hour tour
This tour starts from Killaloe or Tuamgraney and takes you along the Lough Derg shore to Mountshannnon, where you wil board a boat to Inis Cealtra. You will have an hour to explore, before returning by eBike to your start point.
Please note that this tour is seasonal, due to the sailing portion, and operates from March to October.
Important Information
You need to wear comfortable clothing. Lightweight rain gear is always advisable.
The price for this tour is €95 per person. Please note that this includes the fare for the boat to Inis Cealtra, operated by Holy Island Tours. Also note that the sailing is more weather dependant than the eBiking, and so a situation may arise where it is ok to cycle but not OK to sail. In that case you will be offered a choice of a reschedule, OR a full refund, OR to complete the eBiking portion of the tour (with views of the island from the shore) with a €20 refund for the boat fare.
The tour is 3 hours if starting from Tuamgraney, or 4 hours if starting from Killaloe.
You can book your slot online, or by calling 087 4593141. Guided tours must be purchased in advance, by close of business the day before. The boat to inis Cealtra need not be booked in advance and is payable before departure from Mountshannon.
We have a maximum of 6 people per tour
The tour begins in Killaloe Hotel and Spa, or from Tuamgraney if you prefer a shorter cycle.
Highlights
Tuamgraney
Tuamgraney is a very historic market town, featuring the oldest Church still in regular use in Ireland, as well as the Wilde Irish Chocolates factory and McKernan Woollen Mill.
Mountshannon
Mountshannon is a charming harbour town. Here you can get a coffee before boarding the boat for the short sail to Inis Cealtra, as operated by Gerard Madden of Holy Island Tours (pictured).
Inis Cealtra (Holy Island)
Inis Cealtra was founded as a monastic settlement in the 6th Century, and became a centre of learning and trade. It was raided by Vikings but continued to thrive as a religious settlement for several centuries. Today you can wander among the historic buildings and breathe in the peace and quiet.
More Information - Inis Cealtra
This tour takes you up the south western edge of Lough Derg, to Tuamgraney, Scariff and Mountshannon before sailing to Inis Cealtra.
There are 3 versions of the tour, to suit all levels of ability.
Easy Version. This version is the shortest option, starting from Tuamgraney. The eBiking portion takes you to Mountshannon along quiet roads with no major climbs, and totals 24km. This version takes around 3 hours.
Moderate version. This is the longest version, at 48km (hence the 'Moderate' rating), but there are no major climbs, and after your break to explore the island you will be ready for the return cycle. You start from Killaloe, proceeding along the western shore of Lough Derg to Tuamgraney, before switching to quiet roads to Mountshannon. This version takes around 4 hours.
Hard version. This version starts from Tuamgraney, and involves 28km of cycling to Mountshannon and back. The reason for the 'Hard' rating is that it takes you up into the hills, along the East Clare Way. The climbs are relatively mild, but there is a 4km stretch where you are on a gravel 'borreen', which may not be suitable for the inexperienced cyclist. If you're adventurous, it's a great way to get there! This version takes around 3 hours.
All versions. On arrival in Mountshannon, you will have the opportunity for a high quality coffee at That's My Brew, before heading to Mountshannon Harbour. Here you will board the boat to Inis Cealtra, as operated by Gerard Madden of Holy Island Tours. Please note that the fare for the boat is included in the fee paid to Lough Derg eBike Tours.
On arrival on Inis Cealtra, you will have around an hour to wander among the historic holy buildings and enjoy the peace and tranquility.
The map below shows the Moderate version of the Inis Cealtra Tour, starting from Killaloe. You can view maps for all 3 versions of the tour at Blog entry
