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Connemara Special - Ireland

Connemara Ireland Cycling - "Connemara is a savage beauty" according to Oscar Wilde. The unspoiled beauty of land as well as the warmth and humor of the people are what make Connemara, the jewel of western Ireland the true emerald of the isle. During this bike tour you will discover such attractions as Kylemore Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Ballintubber Abbey, Connemara National Park and the towns of Westport and Clifden. The riding is rural and couldn't be more peaceful. Meet some locals, have a pint, and enjoy a special affinity that only the Irish can provide!

5 Reasons to Cycle Ireland

General Tour Information

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Dates: Any date April-October, about weather: the region has mild temperatures year round; and rain can happen any time but is rarely sustained. Everyone is advised to bring a rain jacket, but green fields, rainbows, and welcoming inns will make you fall in love with Ireland and Irish hospitality!

Level 2 - Advanced beginner to Intermediate. This is a self guided tour.

Options: Longer ride options
Dublin stopovers
Westport stopovers

Local Coordinator

Wilma Wilma is our local coordinator for this trip, and she will meet you for orientation and assist you for emergency support throughout the trip. Wilma has lived and cycled throughout Connemara and Western Ireland for many years and is our local expert.

Customer Comments

"The holiday was fantastic - and far exceeded our expectations. The routes were wonderful, the directions fantastically clear - we didn't get lost once...!"
- Jackie W.

"I wanted to tell you what a fantastic time my sister and I had in Ireland. The hotels were great and the people very friendly. We especially enjoyed the beautiful scenery."
- Marci A.

Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

Day 1 | Arrival Day

Arrival in Westport. Trains from Dublin and bus from Galway possible. Stay the night in central guesthouse (The Boulevard), dinner at your own choosing in one of the many restaurants. Plan on your personal introduction either this evening at 6pm or in the morning of day 2 at 9am. Possibility to upgrade to a 4 star hotel. This town is one of the largest you will visit on the tour and here you can find shopping, restaurants, and more. Dinner is on your own, but your charming guesthouse is centrally located to everything. You can easily find a pub playing traditional Irish folk music to take in the culture.

Boulevard Guesthouse

Westport, Ireland

The Boulevard Guesthouse is located on the South Mall, a quiet residential street very close to the ...

Day 2 | Ride Day 46-54 km

Today you cycle along Clew Bay to the small town of Louisburgh and then through the scenic Delphi Valley to the shores of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, and the village of Leenane (29miles), or alternatively Kylemore (35miles). Stay the night in a hotel. Possibility to upgrade to 4* manor house hotel. Dinner on your own, we will provide suggestions. (B)

Leenane Hotel

Leenane Co. Galway Ireland

Located in the village of Leenane in Co Galway, Ireland. Overlooking Killary Harbour, Ireland's only...

Day 3 | Ride to Tourmakeady 33-53km (22-33 miles)

Leave Leenane to continue your ride along the Atlantic seashore around the Renvyle Peninsula, passing Kylemore Abbey and then to the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley and across a beautiful section of bog road to Clifden - the metropole of Connemara. You will stay 2 nights at a very charming and welcoming guest house. Dinner on your own. Short and longer ride options included.(B)

Seamist Guest House

Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway

Bedrooms are spacious with high ceilings typical of a house of its era, all are en suite with tea an...

Day 4 | Loop Rides; 10 to 22 miles or more

A loop ride day, you can ride as little, or not at all, to as much as you wish. We suggest a ride along Sky Road and continue further on to explore Aughrusbeg and Cleggan. Return to Clifden and maybe a pub for some local blarney. Dinner out on your own. (B)

Seamist Guest House

Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway

Bedrooms are spacious with high ceilings typical of a house of its era, all are en suite with tea an...

Day 5 | Ride Day 48- 70km (30-44 miles)

You will take off after your filling breakfast for a nice ride around Roundstone, a scenic fishing village that is famous from the work of many well known painters who have been attracted by the picturesque harbor. Continue more riding along the Kilkieran Peninsula dotted with sandy beaches, coastal scenery and picturesque fishing villages. Arrive at the hamlet of Screebe/Glencoh. You will stay the night in an Edwardian fishing lodge with a home made dinner included. (B,D)

Dun Manus

Galway, Republic of Ireland

Overlooking the Atlantic. Mountains at back of house, nice walks. Tea, coffee on arrival. Home bakin...

Day 6 | Ride Day 38 km / 24 miles

Turn inland today and cycle via Maam Cross into Joyce's Country with its beautiful ranges of hills and valleys. Cycle along Lough Corrib to a small village of Cong, the location for the film "The Quiet Man", and also home to Ashford Castle, one of Ireland's finest hotels. Stay the night in a very comfortable guest house nearby, or upgrade to this luxury hotel. (B)

Nymphsfield House

3

Cong

Welcome to Nymphsfield House which is located 100 metres from Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo. ...

Day 7 | Ride to Westport 53 km / 33 miles

Leave Cong to go along the lakes of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask back to Westport. More avid cyclists can also have an option to go across the Partry hills for more miles. You arrive in Westport for a last night, and you can use some time to walk to Croagh Patrick before having a dinner out on your own. 4 star hotel upgrade possible.(B)

Boulevard Guesthouse

Westport, Ireland

The Boulevard Guesthouse is located on the South Mall, a quiet residential street very close to the ...

Day 8 | Departure Day

After breakfast you are free to depart at your leisure. Trains will get you back to Dublin.

What's Included

7 nights lodging in top quality guest houses and small inns, all Irish breakfasts (substantial hot and cold dishes), 1 home made dinner in a local guest house, luggage transfers from each point of lodging to the next, local emergency support throughout your tour during daylight riding hours, arrival orientation and bike fitting, route maps, route cue sheets with suggestions for visitation and site information, all pre and post travel planning services and a package of pre-travel documents sent electronically to help you prepare for your trip.

There is an upgrade option available; please see the price section. Upgrades are to deluxe, luxury hotels in a totally different ambiance than the country charm and intimacy of guest houses.

Accommodations included are shown in the daily itinerary tab and represent the Guest House version of this tour: To see more photos you can also visit this [Virtual Hotel Tour] 7 nights in charming guesthouses; all with private ensuite facilities and tasteful decor. Contact us for links and more info. See the Price section for upgrade hotel information.

Tour Rates

Price Per person based on double occupancy: 985 Euros per person

Single supplement (for a single occupancy room) when 2 or more persons traveling: 216 Euros

Solo supplment (traveling alone): 475 Euros.

Triples available in most locations, please inquire.

Upgraded Tour Rate: 1395 euros - Includes 6 nights in 4 star hotels; the upgrade version is cut to 6 nights; leaving out Day 5 above. This makes a longer ride from Clifden to Ashford Castle. Itinerary is the same otherwise with these hotels instead: Westport Plaza Hotel, Lough Inagh Lodge, Balllynahinch Castle, Ashford Castle.

Hybrid Bike Rentals are available for a supplement of 95 euros, please see the Bike Rental tab for all details about the bikes we offer. Road bikes are also available for 140 euros.

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Bike Info

Bike rentals are available for all tours in Ireland.

Note: pedals are flat or with clips; if you bring your own clipless pedals and shoes we can install them.

Hybrid Bike 95 euros: [Click for info ] New in 2012; Trek 7.3 FX hybrids, 24 speed, aluminum frame, with helmet, tire repair kit, handlebar bag, water bottle, rear panniers. ALSO available are Trek Alpha 1.5 road bikes in limited sizes as well as tandems. Road bike rentals are available at 140 euros. Includes delivery, pickup, and set up.

Other Notes: Child bikes and equipment available but limited.