Connemara is often described as the 'western wonderland of Europe', and when you come here you'll see why: it's where rugged mountains soar above breathtaking wild Atlantic beaches. Your route will take you both inland and along the coast, giving you the chance to soak up the region's dramatic scenery in all its diversity.
This tour is typical of our 'gentle cycling' ethos, featuring relatively short distances and no big hill climbs, so there's plenty of time to explore the various cultural and natural attractions of the area - all part of the fun. There's also some fantastic accommodation en route, including some unique hotels with wonderful restaurants serving up local seasonal food with a characteristic Irish charm you won't forget!
Holiday details
Price
- Luxury
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from £3,830 per person
Supplements may apply in High Season
Based on two people sharing a room
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily between April and October, with a transfer from Galway, Westport or Knock Airport to Lough Inagh and finishes in Galway.
Hotels
- Luxury
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4* hotels, historic manor houses and restored castles
Holiday type
Self-guided so you are free to explore at your own pace. More info...
Activity level
Gentle cycling. More info...
Electric bikes
Pedal Assist E-bike or Turbo E-bike available on request
Mileage
5 days of cycling 15 -22 miles (25 - 35km) per day.
Terrain
Not flat, but neither is it hilly; we call it rolling countryside
What’s included?
Ensuite accommodation every night with breakfast. The services of our friendly local Hosts. Luggage transfers between hotels. Touring bikes and accessories. 24/7 phone contact number. Adventure Handbook with our local tips. GPS Routes on an App with waterproof phone holder. Guidebook or OS maps. Protection of your funds. Advice, help and guidance planning your trip.
Taxi from Westport Station, Galway or Knock Airport to Lough Inagh Lodge on arrival day. Taxi from. Dinner on 5 evenings. Ticket for Kylemore Abbey and either a Killary Fjourd Cruise or visit to Tom's Sheep Farm. Read About Our Trips for further details
Traffic-free
Low-traffic back-roads
Options
- Additional day at Lough Inagh for hill walking or fly fishing
- Additional night in Galway to explore the city and take a boat trip to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher.
Itinerary day-by-day
Luxury
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1. Day one
Arrive at Lough Inagh
We will transfer you from Westport Station or Galway or Knock Airports to your hotel for the first night in the beautiful Inagh Valley on the shores of Lough Inagh. This is one of Connemara's most spectacular lakes, surrounded by the majestic Maam Turks and Twelve Bens mountain ranges. It is a perfect place to enjoy some R&R or outdoor pursuits like hill walking or fly-fishing... depending on your energy levels! Our local host will meet you either on the evening of arrival or the following morning (depending on your arrival time) to run through your itinerary and answer any questions you have. We will also deliver your bikes and equipment to your accommodation and make sure everything is a perfect fit!
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2. Day two
Lough Inagh to Renvyle
Begin your tour with a cycle along the Killary Fjord and explore this stunning area. Enjoy either a boat trip on the fjord or a visit to Tom’s Sheep Farm before you continue along the coast to the Renvyle Peninsula. Take in the splendid views of the Twelve Bens mountain range, stop and sink your toes into pristine sandy beaches, and discover the area's rich history and archaeological sites. Your base for the next 2 nights is an historic country house hotel located on the Wild Atlantic Way, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel features a private lake, beach, woodlands, gardens, a par 3 golf course. Tennis, fly-fishing, snooker, croquet and clay pigeon shooting (at an additional charge) are also on offer.
16 miles (26 km)
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3. Day three
Explore Renvyle
Day four gives you a choice of having a saddle free day to enjoy your surroundings or pedalling to the local gems of Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. Ride a handful of miles through the thatched villages of Tullycross and Letterfrack to reach the National Park which consists of almost 3,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bog, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. It has four walking trails, offering a chance to see the area's unique flora and fauna up close, each of which can be accessed from the Visitor Centre near Letterfrack village. Close by Letterfrack, you will also find wonderful Kylemore Abbey. One of Ireland’s top attractions, this gothic fairytale lakeside castle is the site of one of Ireland’s finest gardens. The six-acre Victorian walled garden has won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award for Gardens and entry is included in your tour.
16 miles (25 km)
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4. Day four
Renvyle to Cleggan Pier and Inishbofin
Cycle along the beautiful route from Letterfrack to Cleggan, where we will meet you at the pier with your luggage for the ferry across to Inishbofin. Bofin or 'Inis Bo Finne' (Island of the White Cow) lies seven miles off Connemara’s coast and the first documented history of the island dates from early Christian times. As you sail around the tower and signal light at the entrance to the island’s harbour, you will see Cromwell’s 16th Century Barracks. set high above the crashing waves. The hotel staff will meet you on arrival to assist you with your luggage and then you are free to explore the island. There are looped walks and quiet roads to cycle and you are free to explore around the island's naturally beautiful setting which is far removed from the daily distractions of the mainland.
16 miles (26 km)
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5. Day five
Renvyle to Clifden
Today your route leads to the 'Capital of Connemara', Clifden. There are various route options available, but we recommend the longer route along the beautiful Sky Road. There are some fantastic views to take in over the Atlantic and the islands, so it's well worth the effort! Your hotel for the evening is a cosy restored castle with log fires and lovely views of the sea. It's just a 6 minute walk from the bustling town of Clifden, where you can enjoy charming boutique shops and meet friendly locals in the lively pubs.
16 or 23 miles (25 km or 37 km)
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6. Day six
Clifden to Ballynahinch
Today begins with a pedal to Ballyconneely. Here you can visit the famous Connemara Smokehouse, which specializes in wild, organic smoked and marinated salmon using traditional production methods. From here, continue on your journey to Roundstone, a picturesque fishing village which looks out across a deep inlet of the Atlantic to the Twelve Bens peaks. The final section of the route leads to your accommodation in Ballynahinch. There is the option of a shorter route along the ‘Bog Road’ (!), a unique unspoiled area of bogscape with rare flora. Your hotel for the night is one of the finest 4* luxury castle hotels in Ireland. Set in a private 450 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks, it has a restaurant which is famous for using only the finest and freshest ingredients and taking advantage of the wealth of fresh fish and game available in this part of Ireland. Dinner here is a highlight of any trip to Ballynahinch.
22 miles (35 km) via Roundstone or 12.5 miles (20 km) via 'Bog Road'
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7. Day seven
Explore Galway
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the morning relaxing on the 700 acre estate. Explore the walled garden or enjoy a woodland sauna overlooking the lake; learn to fly fish or book a guided walk through the archaeology, flora and fauna of the estate. Mid afternoon we will transfer you to Galway with your hotel in the heart of this vibrant city. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy wonderful pubs and seafood, live music and a local market if it's the weekend. The super friendly Irish will continue to warm the cockles of your heart!
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8. Day eight
Depart Galway
Depart at leisure from Galway - or stay an extra day to see the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands - See options above .