Lovely, green and enchanting Ireland! A perfect place for a bicycle tour vacation, this small country is big on charm and hospitality. Enchanting villages, warm and quaint family run inns, quiet country roads and simply spectacular scenery await you; our self guided cycling tours can go any time and give all the support and freedom for a wonderful Irish bike tour! When you travel to Ireland on one of our three cycling tours, Wilma Helm will be your friendly and helpful guide. Wilma has worked with Pure Adventures for the past 10 years and has lived in Ireland since 1990, coming to the country as an Erasmus Student from the south of Germany. Wilma’s friends tell her she is more Irish than the Irish, but jokes that she’s not sure if she fully subscribes to that as she still tends to be punctual!
In this Postcard from Ireland, Wilma shares with you everything she loves about Ireland (plus the reason behind her pescetarianism).
What is a must see sight on a tour?
There are so many! The Black Fort and Dun Aenghus on Inishmore, the fabulous beaches around Roundstone and sublime views from the Sky Road are my top three. You also don’t want to leave Ireland without being to Kylemore Abbey, Killary Harbour Ireland’s only fjord, Croagh Patrick the Holy Mountain, the colourful streets of Clifden and Westpor and Ashford Castle in Cong.
What is your favourite place to eat/local recipe?
I am a pescetarian (vegetarian eating fish) and we have the best and freshest fish and seafood on the West Coast of Ireland – there is no shortage of favourites for my palate. I am especially fond of a great seafood chowder for lunch. There are so many great restaurants in Galway (also Clifden) notably Kirwan’s Lane, Martine’s, Artisan, Bord Bia and Mitchell’s in Clifden.
What is your favourite kitchen gadget?
My small Rosle whisk as with it I manage to produce sauces without clumps (the secret to a great base for a seafood chowder recipe).
What item do you never travel without?
A smile and open eyes to take in all the beauty that Mother Nature provides. And of course my mobile phone and rain jacket for practical purposes.
What is your best tip for someone who has never been to Ireland?
The Irish are very friendly, enjoy a pint of Guinness, Smithwicks or Bulmers in a pub and talk to the locals and listen to live music.