Best Of Connemara
From April 1st to October 30th. This tour takes in the highlights of Connemara, Joyces Country and South Mayo. The starting point and your first night's accommodation location is Clifden. This colourful town is often labelled the metropole of Connemara. The loop ride takes you around the coast to Augrusbeg and Cleggan and out along the Sky Road. Leaving Clifden you will ride to the Lough Inagh Valley via Roundstone. From there we travel to Kylemore Abbey and Leenane on the shores of Killary Harbour into the beautiful Delphi Valley. From here you turn east into the Maam Valley and Joyce's country to finish in the quaint village of Cong located on Lough Corrib and served as location for the film the Quiet Man and home to Ashford Castle (one of Ireland's finest hotels with magnificent park). The last day is an easy ride through the East Galway countryside to Galway, a bustling historic city. The tour is suitable for riders of all levels.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Ireland
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category :
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Biking
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrival in Clifden
Arrive in Clifden (there are regular buses from Shannon Airport or trains and buses from Dublin to Galway, and then on from there to Clifden – we can help organising transfers). Stay the next two nights in guesthouse or hotel in this bustling small town.
Depending on arrival time we will meet you in the evening or first thing the following morning adjust the bicycle for you and talk you through the week ahead.
Accommodation : Foyles Hotel - "Clifgen"
Day 2 : Loop ride from Clifden
Option 1 : 11 Miles - 17 Km
Option 2 : 32 Miles - 52 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 293 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 398 Meters
Today is a wonderful ride out along the Sky Road to enjoy some sublime coastal scenery. Along theway walk to the ruin of Clifden Castle. For the more enthusiastic rider you continue then continuealong more coastal scenery to Claddaghduff and Aughrusbeg before returning to Clifden. Alternatively cycle to Ballyconneely and Roundstone and return to Clifden via a beautiful bog-road.
Accommodation : Foyles Hotel - "Clifgen"
Day 3 : Clifden to Kylemore
Option 1 : 26 Miles - 42 Km
Option 2 : 35 Miles - 57 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 264 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 394 Meters
Leave Clifden behind to cycle via the magnificent bog road, or alternatively via Roundstone and then through the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley to Kylemore, where you may like to visit Kylemore Abbeybefore heading to your hotel for dinner and a drink in the bar
Accommodation : Kylemore Pass Hotel (B&B) - "Kylemore"
Day 4 : Kylemore to Leenane
Option 1 : 22 Miles - 36 Km
Option 2 : 27 Miles - 44 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 275 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 421 Meters
Take in a visit of the Connemara National Park before cycling along the beautiful coastline to Leenane. This small village is located on Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. It was also the location for the film 'The Field'. Stay for 2 nights in a 3* hotel. Why not visit the Killary working sheep farm, or take a cruise down the fjord, on your travels.
Dinner included tonight.
Accommodation : Leenane Hotel (B&B) - "Leenane"
Day 5 : Loop ride from Leenane
Option 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km
Option 2 : 35 Miles - 57 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 315 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 585 Meters
Today is a most beautiful ride along the northern shore of Killary Harbour into the Delphi Valley with its beautiful lake Doo Lough. Turn towards Drummin before returning to Leenane. Consider taking a seaweed bath at the hotel to relax after a day's cycling!
Accommodation : Leenane Hotel (B&B) - "Leenane"
Day 6 : Leenane to Cong
Distance 1 : 23 Miles - 37 Km
A beautiful and gentle day in valleys of Connemara and Mayo on very quiet roads, as you cycle along the lakes of Lough Mask, Lough Nafooey and Lough Corrib. Finish in the quaint village of Cong, location for the film 'The Quiet Man' with Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne. Visit Cong Abbey founded in the 12th century as well as the Monk's House. Ashford Castle Hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib invites you to enjoy cream tea in its magnificent setting.
Accommodation : Nymphsfield House - "Cong"
Day 7 : Cong to Galway
Distance 1 : 37 Miles - 60 Km
A last day of cycling and the route takes you on quiet back roads to the small town of Headford, passing by the wonderful ruin of Ross Errily Friary. Continue to cylce southwards through the pastoral areas of East Galway before arriving in the vibrant City of the Tribes (as Galway is also called). A partial transfer to shorten the tour to 40km can be arranged.
Accommodation : The Stop - "Galway"
Day 8 : Day 8: Departure day
Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 2
Foyles Hotel Clifden is the ideal central point from which to explore Connemara and enjoy the many amenities it has to offer. The 18-hole championship golf course is 15 minutes drive from the hotel, with a beautiful sandy beach running alongside the course. Deep sea fishing is available from Clifden Harbour and arrangements can be made for fresh water fishing and also for horse riding.
Day : 3
Enjoy our unique tranquil and serene mountain-side retreat surrounded by woodland & wildlife. Kylemore Pass Hotel provides second to none Bed&Breakfast on the WildAtlanticWay, owned since 1979 by Rose Rima and managed by son Stuart. We promise, rest, and renewal to one and all as a refreshing change from your typical hotel. Wake up each morning to the comforts of home, linger over a second cup of coffee whilst enjoying our stunning views. Situated on almost 5 acres. overlooking the Inagh-Valley, voted by Lonely Planet as one of Ireland's most scenic drives. Modern Amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, all round good value here in Connemara. Situated in an area that hosts a multitude of activities, offering scenic drives and boat trips, close to top attractions Kylemore-Abbey, the National-Park and Killary-Fjord.
Day : 4, 5
Located in the village of Leenane in Co Galway, Ireland. Overlooking Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, the Hotel enjoys what is perhaps one of the most scenic locations in Ireland.The Leenane Hotel has played host to Kings and Mortals for the last three centuries and like all good things, has improved with age! Originally established as a Coaching Inn, the earliest records show that there has been an establishment in existence here since the 1790's. As you would expect, standards have come a long way since then but you will still find that the essential character of the Hotel and the surrounding area remains. We pride ourselves in providing a warm welcome, the highest standards of hospitality and a fine dining experience.
Day : 6
Welcome to Nymphsfield House which is located 100 metres from Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo. This beautiful bed and breakfast consists of four bedrooms, all of which have ensuite facilities. The rooms vary from single to large family bedroom with a double and two singles. The property is family friendly and a cot is available on request. In room facilities include hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. A babysitting service is also available on request.
Day : 7
Built in 1930s The Stop is located just a 5-minute walk from Galway's city centre. At The Stop you will find a passion for food, design and contemporary art. Our place is original, beautiful and we run it with passion - a lot of care has gone into the design and choice of artworks for each room but please note that our bedrooms are compact and the en-suites are small and not suited to those who prefer larger rooms. At The Stop we have a passion for food and quality Irish produce. With this in mind we have created a delicious breakfast menu focused on home baking and local artisan produce.
Bikes available for your tour |
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Light. Sporty. Lively. Trek's 7.4 FX is perfect for getting in shape or ditching the car and pedaling to your errands or to work. Its lightweight aluminum frame gets up to speed in a blink, while the carbon fork delivers quick steering and a smooth ride. The easy-rolling 700c wheels along with the hill-flattening 27-speed Shimano drivetrain let you ride further and faster than you may have thought possible. And, the FX is made for not just speed, but comfort as well, with a more upright riding position, a supportive seat and ergonomic grips and handlebar. You also get puncture-resistant tires and powerful linear-pull brakes. Have fun out there! Sizes: 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25 inches (step through frame in 15, 17.5 and 20) Frame: X Alpha aluminium Fork: Bontrager Nebula carbon Hubs: Front: formula FM21 alloy; Rear: Shimano RM30 Rims: Bontrager TLR Tyres: Bontrager AW1 Hardcase Lite, 700 x 32c Brakes: Tektro alloy linear-pull Handlebar: Bontrager Satelilite Plus IsoZone, 31.8mm, 15mm rise Stem: Bontrager Elite Blendr, 31.8mm, 7degrees Grips: Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus, lock-on, ergonomic Saddle: Bontrager Nebula Shifters: Shimano Acera M390, 9 speed Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore Chainwheel: 42/32/22 Crank: Shimano Acera M391, 48/36/26 w/chainguard Chain: KMC X9 Freewheel: Shimano HG20, 9-speed: 11-32 Front Derailleur: Shimano Acera Weight: 23 -25lbs
Hybrid bike - Standard
TREK 7.4 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The Trek 1.5 is designed to be solid and dependable option for the new road cyclist, that will feel equally at home on a commute as a long Sunday ride Frame 100 Series Alpha Aluminum Fork Bontrager Approved, carbon legs Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64cm Frame fit H2 Wheels Alloy hubs, Bontrager Approved alloy rims Tyres Bontrager R1, 700x23c Shifters Shimano Tiagra STI, 10 speed Front derailleur Shimano Tiagra, 34.9mm clamp Rear derailleur Shimano Tiagra Crank FSA Vero, 50-34 (compact) Cassette Shimano Tiagra 12-30, 10 speed Pedals Nylon body w/alloy cage Saddle Bontrager Affinity 1, steel rails Seatpost Bontrager Race Lite Alloy, infinite tilt adjustment, 20mm offset Handlebar Bontrager Race VR-C, 31.8mm Stem Bontrager SSR, 10 degree, 31.8mm Brakeset Alloy dual-pivot brakes w.Shimano Tiagra STI levers Grips Bontrager gel tape Extras Back-rack
Road bike - Standard
TREK 1.5 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (105€) 
The Kalkhoff Agattu Impulse HS is an extremely comfortable electric bike, providing a smooth assistance and an impressive range of up to 180 km in one charge! The Kalkhoff Agattu Impulse 8 HS provides a great upright position and features designed to maximise the riding comfort, such as fork and saddle suspensions, a very soft Bassano Feel GT saddle, quickly adjustable stem and seat... The Shimano Nexus 8 speed combined with the Shift Sensor technology integrated in the 2.0 Impulse system bring an enjoyable fluidity between gears.
Electric assist bike - Standard
KALKHOFF AGATTU IMPULSE - ( or equivalent) with supplement (210€) |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
TREK 7.4 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
Light. Sporty. Lively. Trek's 7.4 FX is perfect for getting in shape or ditching the car and pedaling to your errands or to work. Its lightweight aluminum frame gets up to speed in a blink, while the carbon fork delivers quick steering and a smooth ride. The easy-rolling 700c wheels along with the hill-flattening 27-speed Shimano drivetrain let you ride further and faster than you may have thought possible. And, the FX is made for not just speed, but comfort as well, with a more upright riding position, a supportive seat and ergonomic grips and handlebar. You also get puncture-resistant tires and powerful linear-pull brakes. Have fun out there!
Sizes: 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25 inches (step through frame in 15, 17.5 and 20) Frame: X Alpha aluminium Fork: Bontrager Nebula carbon Hubs: Front: formula FM21 alloy; Rear: Shimano RM30 Rims: Bontrager TLR Tyres: Bontrager AW1 Hardcase Lite, 700 x 32c Brakes: Tektro alloy linear-pull Handlebar: Bontrager Satelilite Plus IsoZone, 31.8mm, 15mm rise Stem: Bontrager Elite Blendr, 31.8mm, 7degrees Grips: Bontrager Satellite IsoZone Plus, lock-on, ergonomic Saddle: Bontrager Nebula Shifters: Shimano Acera M390, 9 speed Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore Chainwheel: 42/32/22 Crank: Shimano Acera M391, 48/36/26 w/chainguard Chain: KMC X9 Freewheel: Shimano HG20, 9-speed: 11-32 Front Derailleur: Shimano Acera Weight: 23 -25lbs
Accessories
INCLUDED
GPS are included on most of our tours since 2008. We change the units every 2 years and always invest in the best models. Simple to use, easy to read, yet sophisticated devices they are available on all of our tours. The routes described in your roadbook are stored as tracks in the GPS unit. You simply have to follow the line shown on the GPS, and enjoy. 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Included
- 7 nights Bed and Breakfast with private shower and/or bath
- 1 Dinner included
- Daily full Irish Breakfast
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- 1 GPS GARMIN OREGON (or equivalent) for 3 people
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
There are regular buses from Shannon Airport or trains and buses from Dublin to Galway, and then on from there to Clifden. We can also help with organising private transfers from Galway to Clifden.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1220 € | 270 € | 1790 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| GPS | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 105 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 210 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions