Ride through lush landscapes, along breathtaking coastlines, experience legendary hospitality and visit some of the best pubs in the world on next year's World of BMW tour to Ireland. Even if you don't drink Guinness or Murphy's, there are plenty of other reasons to go to the Emerald Isle - and a six-day riding tour to the south-west of Ireland is just one of them.
The Republic conjures up wonderful contrasts, including the famous Ring of Kerry, the unspoiled Ring of Beare and County 
Limerick. The World of BMW motorcycle tour will travel by ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare and then focus on exploring the beauty of the Cork and Limerick regions.
South-West Ireland is one of the most attractive holiday destinations in the Republic. The Cork and Kerry region has many rivers and lakes that run through the mountains to create a landscape that leaves a lasting impression. The region has over 600 miles of coastline and also includes Carrauntoohil - Ireland's highest mountain at 1,039 metres.
Visitors can ride to the famous Ring of Kerry, see Iron Age forts, the Ogham Stones, discover old monasteries and marvel at landscapes carved out of the rock 10,000 years ago by the last Ice Age.
Limerick is a Viking city that is situated on the beautiful River Shannon. In the ninth century, fleets of Viking vessels sailed up the river to plunder and terrorise the monastic midlands. In later centuries these Norsemen settled and founded the trading port of Limerick, which today is a proud, progressive and thriving city with a charter older than that of London.
The city’s castles, ancient walls and museums are testament to its dramatic past. Tourists should not miss visiting King John’s Castle and the magnificent Hunt Museum in Limerick’s Custom House. This museum houses an internationally important collection of some 2,000 original works including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Renoir and Picasso.
County Limerick is somewhat of a contrast to the city and is a place of quiet beauty and rural charm. Its gentle undulating landscape is pleasing to the eye – from the rural mountains of Ballyhoura and the beautiful Golden Vale in the east of the county through to the tidal estuary of the River Shannon. A particular feature of the county is a range of attractive towns like Castleconnell, Killmallock or Adare – one of Ireland’s prettiest villages – with its old-world thatched cottages and mediaeval churches.
The world of BMW tour participants have the option of visiting the famous Bunratty Castle; the Adare Heritage Centre; Croom Mills Waterheel and Heritage Centre; the Foynes Flying Boat Museum; Celtic Park and gardens; Curraghchase Forest Park and Lough Gur, one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites.
The six-day World of BMW tour to South-West Ireland will take place from 8-13 May 2006. Prices start at £699 for a solo rider. The price includes return ferry fare; two nights B&B accommodation in Cork; three nights accommodation at Bunratty, one with dinner; a medieval banquet; any local parking charges; the tour programme as described; all the necessary maps and route details; hotel directions; travel pack; a tour leader to accompany the group and VAT. The price excludes petrol, lunches and drinks; admission charges; entertainment not included in the programme or travel insurance. For more information or to request a free 2006 World of BMW Activity Brochure call 08000 131 282 or visit http://www.worldofbmw.com/
- Kylie Maebus, BMW Group -
