Copper Coast

The tour starts in Kilkenny, perhaps the most attractive Irish city. It is dominated by a spectacular castle on a bend in the river Nore and has a wealth of historic buildings knitted together by narrow cobbled streets boasting many lively pubs and fine restaurants.

This tour blends some of Ireland's best heritage sights with a relatively undiscovered but still stunning coastline. Leaving Kilkenny behind, the cycle brings you towards the coast where our first stop is New Ross, whose famine ship gives a haunting reminder of a dark chapter in Irish history. Some more recent history can be experienced at the Kennedy Visitor centre,  dedicated to JFK whose family came from this area, before a quaint ferry will bring us across Waterford Harbour to stop at the truly special place of Dunmore East. Here there are lovely beaches and magnificent views to enjoy.

The Copper Coast itself is a spectacular cycle where the road twists along cliffs and then plunges into and out of coves. The picturesque seaside town of Dungarvan is where we take our rest day, before heading inland to the Rock of Cashel. This is one of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites, standing proudly atop a limestone hill dominating the surrounding countryside. The nearby Bru Boru Heritage and Cultural centre provides an interesting insight into Irish traditional music.

The cycling finishes in Cashel and after visiting the Castle there is a transfer back to Kilkenny for a final night on the tour.

Terrain: Some hills. With the exception of the roads in and out of the larger towns, the traffic on the route should be quite light.