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!
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival Day
Arrival in Westport. Trains from Dublin and bus from Galway possible. You will have an orientation and bike delivery after arrivall, then you can visit the town and enjoy a nice dinner. 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.
Day 2 | Ride Day 23-30 miles
In the morning, you can have your hearty Irish breakfast and then take off on a ride along the Eriff River or further on a more scenic option will bring you along Clew Bay to the town of Louisburgh and then through the Delphi Valley to the shores of Killary Harbor. Stay in Leenane village situated on Ireland's only fjord. Spa upgrade to 4 star deluxe property possible. Dinner on your own. (B)
Day 3 | Ride to Tourmakeady 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. (B)
Day 4 | Ride Day 9 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)
Day 5 | Ride Day 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 dinner included. (B,D)
Day 6 | Ride Day 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)
Day 7 | Ride to Leenane 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. (B)
Day 8 | Departure Day
After breakfast you are free to depart at your leisure. Trains will get you back to Dublin.
Details
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 forget!
Accommodation: [Virtual Hotel Tour] 7 nights in charming guesthouses; all with private ensuite facilities and tasteful decor. Contact us for links and more info.
Bike 92 euros: [Click for image] Cannondale or Orbit hybrids, 24 speed, aluminum frame, with helmet, tire repair kit, handlebar bag, water bottle, rear panniers rides from 20-40 miles, mostly flat to rolling terrain. Includes delivery, pickup, and fitting.
Trip includes: 7 nights lodging, all Irish breakfasts (substantial hot and cold dishes), 1 dinner, luggage transfer, local emergency support, arrival orientation and bike fitting, route maps, route cue sheets, travel planning services. Price is per person based upon double occupancy.
Other Notes: triples and quads are occassionally available, please inquire at the time of booking. Child rates are available, equipment limited.
|
Tour Details - At a Glance
Connemara, Ireland
Enjoy B&B lodging while discovering Connemara and its treasures by bicycle tour
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Dates 2008
Any date, On request from April - October.
What is self-guided cycling?
Price
839 Euros per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: 205 Euros and if alone on tour 336 Euros. Triples available. (convert)
Level
Level 2
Advanced beginner to Intermediate
Bike Rental Info
Rental: 92 euros; details and equipment/photo below. Note: pedals are flat or with clips; if you bring your own clipless pedals and shoes we can install them.
Options
Longer ride options
Dublin stopovers
Westport stopovers
Tours
More Ireland Bicycle Tours
Images from this Tour
Local Coordinator  Wilma is your local coordinator for this trip, who 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 a 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 and your team in France was outstanding. !"
- 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."
- Abracen M.
Download PDF
Tours |
