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, Ballynahinch Castle, and charming towns of Galway 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 Galway– from Dublin by train or air, you can arrive at this vibrant university town. If you arrive in Shannon we can help with alternate arrival plans. You will be met and transferred from Galway to a secluded and beautiful valley of Lough Inagh. Here you stay in a wonderful manor house hotel overlooking the lake and the mountains surrounding. Dinner included tonight. You will have an orientation before dinner along with bike delivery. Tip: flights from Dublin on Aeran Air are cheap and faster than trains. (D)
Day 2 | Ride Day 13-20 miles or more
After your classic Irish breakfast, you have your choice of rides today. A ride along the coast and then back to Kylemore Abbey before going on to your place of lodging at Renvyle House Hotel overlooking the Atlantic. You can play golf, use the pool, walk along the beaches before a delicious dinner in this historical property (famous guests include the writers Yeats and Gogarty). (B,D)
Day 3 | Ride to Clifden 17-33 miles
After breakfast, you can take your time to get off on your way to the 'metropole' of Connemara - the town of Clifden. Various ride options exist with visits at Cleggan and Aughrusbeg and around the very scenic Sky Road. You have a very comfortable guest house awaiting you and after you can walk the streets of Clifden for some shopping or pub stop and some traditional Irish music. Dinner on your own. (B)
Day 4 | Ride Day 24 miles
A second night in Clifden allows for a loop ride today so that you can choose to ride or to take the day off. If you ride, we suggest a nice route around Ballyconneely and Roundstone along the coast with its beautiful and unique beaches. Roundstone is a charming fishing village with picturesque harbor with the 12 Bens Peaks in the distance. Extend the ride with a trip to Ballynahinch Castle. Back to Clifden and dinner on your own. (B)
Day 5 | Departure Day
Depart at your leisure for Galway; an express bus is suggested, but private taxi transfer is possible for a supplement. (B)
Details
Duration: 5 days / 4 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] 4 nights in charming 4 star guesthouses; all with private ensuite facilities and tasteful decor: Lough Inagh Lodge, Renvyle House, Buttermilk Lodge. Contact us for links and more info.
Bike 65 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: 4 nights lodging, all Irish breakfasts (substantial hot and cold dishes), 2 dinners, luggage transfer, local emergency support, arrival orientation and bike fitting, taxi from Galway to Lough Inagh, 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.
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Tour Details - At a Glance
Connemara, Ireland
Enjoy very comfortable guest house lodging while discovering Connemara and its treasures by bicycle tour
Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Dates 2008
Any date, On request from April - October.
What is self-guided cycling?
Price
815 Euros per person, double occupancy. Single supplement: 195 Euros and if alone on tou 320 Euros. Triples available. (convert)
Level
Level 1-2
Advanced beginner to Intermediate
Bike Rental Info
Rental: 65 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.
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