5.0 · 22 reviews
Amy_L
May 2024
This was a highlight! Great stories, awesome views & guide was taking photos all the while to forward to us.
John_W
October 2023
Connor, the tour owner, was on the verge of being incredible! Best storyteller EVAH!!! He made Ireland and its history come alive and his bikes were wonderful to ride. Highly recommend this tour if you want to have an authentic Irish experience.
Cathy_A
October 2023
I have taken many tours across Europe and have never encountered a storyteller like Connor. He is unique as the stories he tells come from his heritage, he passes along that and folklore from the region. A most unique experience I would highly recommend. This is the most authentic way to see a part of Irelands countryside.
190catherine
September 2023
The Gormu e-bike tour offers incredible views, fantastic folk tales and lots of fun. Conor is such a wonderful and enthusiastic guide, not even the Irish mist and drizzle could detract from this unique experience. This tour is heartily recommended.
LeahRito
September 2023
I had a great time on the cycling tour with Gormú, the weather was beautiful and even though I live locally. I got to see a part of the area that I hadn't seen before, and got to hear interesting stories about the area. The bikes are adjustable to even fit my short height and super easy to use even though it was my first time on an eBike. I definitely recommend trying out the tour for all ages and fitness levels.
worst111A
September 2023
Conor was super accommodating because the weather was a bit rainy. We was full of stories and the scenery was amazing. Do this tour, it is worth it.
I7780PWjohnnyb
September 2023
Did the tour last week and wanted to wait until I could sit down to fully express how wonderful this tour was. I've done a few tours of Ireland and this was my favorite. Conor's knowledge of local folklore and history is second to none. He's a true storyteller and his passion for the art is inspiring. After the tour we all grabbed a pint and we learned even more. I hope to be back and do more of his tours - especially the bioluminescence experience! I'll be recommending Conor to any and all who come within striking distance of West Cork.
Ann H
September 2023
One of my summer highlights this year. I’ve lived in the area all my life yet learnt so much from Conor. The tour was fun and informative but also with good dose of local folklore to keep the imagination ticking over. Sailing along through the beautiful countryside on the e-bikes between stops was a wonderful experience
71Catherine71
August 2023
Just when I was in need of an uplift I found myself on one of Conor's comfortable and easy to ride e-bikes. No matter that I had not used an e-bike before, Conor whooshed me and my friend off on the most magical and wonderful tour of the roads and boreens of neighbouring Union Hall. It was a slice of heaven, cycling effortlessly up steep hills and down narrow green lanes to fairy dells and beyond. We visited old walls, castle remnants, an old Mass Hall, a lake, coastline and a phosphorescent beach. Each segment of the journey was interspersed with a tale of ancient times delivered by Conor. He spoke with such warmth and I heard Irish words being spoken like never before. These were the "focail" of the tour. I was mesmerised by the description of the O'Donavans and O' Laoire s of old. Clan gatherings, intrigue, blood thirsty assassinations, slippery marriages, mystery women from the lough...it was all there. Conor shines with enthusiasm as he relates these tales of the history of the area. This tour has no downsides except that 2 hours seemed like 20 mins! I will be back for another of Conor's tours the next time I am in beautiful Union Hall. By the way, Conor meets at Cnoc Bui, a Community Arts Centre, so there are opportunities to catch some art before or after the magic!
NiamhCR
July 2023
Great way to see more of the countryside and learn about local history. There were amazing views that I never would have found without this tour. the E-bikes were easy to use and Celine and Conor were very welcoming. Highly recommend
Grace_H
July 2023
This is a tour like no other. Dave our guide is so passionate about local history and lore. He shared fascinating, funny and fantastic tales at each stop about the people who have inhabited this land since ancient times. Not only that, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking!!! It was truly a delightful way to experience this beautiful part of the world and it’s heritage. Do not miss this tour. Dave is the best !!! Oh, and the E Bikes make is so easy!
susanl546
July 2023
Fabulous tour with beautiful scenery, great storytelling and all done with ease on the e-bikes! This is a wonderful tour that took us from Union Hall village to Leap, down through Myross Wood and back around to the highways and byways of Union Hall. Talking in beautiful views over Castletownshend harbour and Squince, Rabbit Island (or Oilean Brid) and Carrigillihy in Union Hall. I have experienced tours by Conor previously and he is a born story teller with a great mix of local history and folklore. But for me the e-bike was a revelation! It made climbing some of those steeps hills around Union Hall so easy. If you are thinking of doing any of these tours, do not let lack of fitness or age put you off, those e-bikes can take you anywhere!
Sam M
July 2023
This was another ebike gem from my Irish adventures and again with Gormú. This time, it was their Forks, Focail & Folklore eBike tour, and let me tell you, it's a treat! The tour kicks off from the cozy Union Hall, a place that feels like a second home now. The route is another visual feast, with a backdrop of landscapes so green and fresh, it could be a painting! And those ebikes? Still as fun and comfortable as ever! What really sets this tour apart though, are the tales and folklore that Conor weaves in. It's like biking through a living, breathing storybook. Every stop is a chance to delve into the local folklore and culture, each story more intriguing than the last. Forks, Focail & Folklore isn't just a tour - it's a collection of local folklore, historical narratives, and enchanting landscapes, all wrapped up in a delightful ebike tour. It's only about 12 miles so very easy with the battery assisted bikes. My wife loved every minute of it too as the tales are truly enchanting. Don't miss this one folks, it's the real Irish deal!
landonm525
July 2023
I'm not typically one to write reviews, but the Forks, Focail and Folklore eBike Tour by local company Gormú was an experience that deserves recognition. As a history buff and biking enthusiast from the hot desert of Phoenix, Arizona, Ireland's lush landscapes and the crisp, cool air provided a refreshing contrast that I absolutely adored. The tour starts and finishes in Union Hall, a charming little fishing village that perfectly sets the scene for the adventure to follow. Our guide Conor was a fount of knowledge, weaving together folklore, language, and local history with ease, making the landscapes we passed through come alive with stories. The eBikes were in excellent condition, making the rolling hills of West Cork an absolute joy to traverse. Even as a seasoned biker, I appreciated the added assist on some of those steep climbs! But the real highlight was the stories, Conor is a raconteur par excellence! His tales, some from local history and mostly from local folklore allowed us truly immerse ourselves in the local culture. If you're looking for an adventure that combines (a little) physical activity, stunning landscapes, captivating stories, based in a village with delicious food, this tour is a must-do. It was the highlight of my trip and offered an authentic look at Ireland that I will remember for years to come. Five stars all the way!
norvirgo
July 2023
We had a lovely day out with Conor, who kindly let us borrow an e-bike last-minute, and who was incredibly flexible throughout. The ride itself was excellent, and Conor is very knowledgeable about his local area, and presents his stories in a very entertaining way. His own history is very interesting too! We wish him all the best with the business and hope it's a huge success - it certainly deserves to be. We have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone looking for a fun day out in the Unionhall area. We had a blast and it was one of the highlights of our stay in Ireland.
Lorraine D
June 2023
As a seasoned traveler and a proud Irish woman, I have seen and experienced countless tours in our lovely island and abroad, but nothing quite compares to this Forks, Focail, and Folklore tour and I love the name! From the moment the tour commenced, we were welcomed by our exceedingly knowledgeable and amiable guide, Conor. His quick-witted humour was as Irish as it gets, and his passion for West Cork was palpably infectious. The tour itself is a brilliant blend of culture, language, and sightseeing. We were treated to charming snippets of the Irish language , with delightful trivia and historical tidbits woven into the conversations. As a broken Irish speaker myself, I was beyond chuffed to see the language being appreciated and shared in such a refreshing manner. The folklore aspect was really enchanting. We had the opportunity to learn about local myths, legends, and the rich cultural tapestry that makes up Myross and the local O'Donovan clan myths and stories. The stories were both captivating and wonderfully narrated, making the whole experience feel like a magical journey through time. And let's not forget the stunning scenery arond Leap and Union Hall that unfolded before us as we pedaled our way through its serene boreens. Hills rolling into the sea, quaint fishing villages, rugged coastlines, and the raw, unspoilt beauty of Ireland were the backdrop of our journey. The ebikes provided were top-notch, and the whole tour was organised down to the last detail. Safety was clearly a priority, and all necessary precautions were taken, which was reassuring. I can't recommend this tour enough. If you're after a unique Irish experience, an insightful cultural immersion, and an opportunity to bask in Ireland's undiluted beauty, then look no further than this tour. It's more than just a tour - it's a love letter to West Cork and a testament to the rich heritage of Ireland. Get on your bike and let Gormú take you on a spellbinding journey!
Joe B
September 2022
This was our third Gormú experience this summer and it was as great as the others. The focus on folklore is very interesting and the storytelling is just marvellous. We stopped for a very welcome coffee at the Laig with Áine. We are not really cyclists and the pace was thankfully very relaxed. The views were to die for particularly at Céim na Gair (hope I’m spelling that right). We even shouted our heads off dropping down from there. Great craic and a chance to really get in touch with your inner child.
Dhera_I_will_ya
September 2022
We loved every minute of this cycling tour plus the views were among the best we have seen in Ireland. The tour takes in mostly rural boreens that we would never have considered taking. Conor with his amazing storytelling brought each tiny feature and bush to life. There was a fairy or a murderer at every crossroads in this parish. It really was great fun and his main story at Loch Cluthar is just an epic tale. Well worth doing for just the folklore alone and you won't beat the views.
corkanne070
August 2022
A fun way to learn stories about places as you cycle past the wildflower hedgerows of west cork. Conor is a true enthusiast for this dying art of passing on our folklore.
pilarsperezb
August 2022
As a history nerd coming from Spain but in love with Irish culture, I can confirm that this was the most interesting, entertaining, fun and incredible bike tour I've ever been on. From the stories from folklore wonderfully told by Conor, to the stunning views all along the tour, and the very welcomed tea stop, we were incredibly happy we chose this tour. It is suitable for all ages, as Conor adapts it according to people's needs and will always make sure everyone is looked after, and the stories are really entertaining and will give you extensive knowledge on local folklore and Irish history. We really felt embedded in history and part of the area, and would repeat it again with friends and family. If you come to West Cork this is definitely a tour you want to go on, especially since Conor is one of the very few people who fully know the folklore of the area, who have studied it, and who also know the best local places to ride in which aren't known to many. We also really enjoyed the post-ride pint and chat which ended the day in a perfect way.

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