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.

Price from : 1150 €
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Ireland
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level : Hobby
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Biking
Dates : Starts any day
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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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

Day 8 :   Day 8: Departure day

Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey.

Average / Day : Distance : 43.60 Km / 26.90 Miles - Elevation gain : 368.13 Meters

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

Anbelle Lodge is located in the renowned village of Salthill and is within short walking distance of Galway city centre. Salthill is the ideal base for exploring Galway city, the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara, the Aran Islands & the Burren. Each room at Anbelle Lodge B&B has an en-suite, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee making facilities. There is private car parking available to the rear of our residence and additional free on street parking. Bus Stop to city centre is across the road. In the morning you can enjoy an extensive continental breakfast which includes a choice of juices, cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit salad, cheese, home cooked ham, pastries & homemade breads.

Bikes available for your tour
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.

TREK 7.4 - ( or equivalent)
Hybrid bike - Standard
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.

Rates vary according to the availability of hotels and seasons.
Contact our sales team for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.

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.

Price from & per person Double occupancy Single supplement
(traveling with a group)
Standard 1150 € 300 €

*Please contact us for triple room rates

Accessories
GPS Included
Biking Roadbook Included
Bikes available Options per person
Hybrid Bike Rental Included



Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Bot scann is mandatory