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 £2,710 per person
Supplements may apply in High Season
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
Taxi from Galway, Westport or Knock Airport to Delphi Mountain Resort on arrival day. Taxi from Ballynahinch to Galway, Westport or Knock Airport on departure day. Ticket for Kylemore Abbey and Killary Cruise. See what’s included as standard
Duration
6 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily between April and October, with a transfer from Galway, Westport or Knock Airport to Delphi Valley and finishes with transfer back to Galway, Westport or Knock Airport from Ballynahinch
Hotels
- Luxury
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4* hotels, historic manor houses and restored castles
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle cycling. More info...
Electric bikes
Pedal Assist E-bike or Turbo E-bike available on request
Mileage
4 days of cycling 15 -22 miles (25 - 35km) per day, with one day of optional cycling and longer and shorter options available on most days
Terrain
Not flat, but neither is it hilly; we call it rolling countryside
Traffic-free
Low-traffic back-roads
Options
- Additional day at Lough Inagh for hill walking or fly fishing
Itinerary day-by-day
Luxury
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1. Day one
Arrive in the Delphi Valley
We will transfer you from Galway, Westport or Knock Airport to your hotel for the first night in the Delphi Valley near Leenane, Co. Galway, a 4* hotel in a breathtaking mountain location. Spend the afternoon soaking up the scenery, or visiting their award-winning spa. 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
Delphi to Lough Inagh
After a hearty breakfast, your journey begins! Pedal along Killary Fjord through the little village of Leenane, which affords fabulous views over the fjord and surrounding mountains. Hop aboard the Connemara Lady for a short cruise (included in the tour) to the mouth of the fjord. The cruise, with commentary on all major points of interest along the way, takes 1.5 hours and departs every 2 hours from just outside Leenane village. Following your cruise, climb back into your saddle and pedal through the beautiful Inagh Valley to your next hotel 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!
19 miles (30 km)
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3. Day three
Lough Inagh to Renvyle
Today you cycle 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 and even a par 3 golf course. Tennis, swimming, fly-fishing, snooker, croquet and clay pigeon shooting (at an additional charge) are also on offer.
16 miles (25 km)
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4. Day four
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.
Optional
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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
Depart Ballynahinch
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and check out of your rooms. We will transfer you to Galway, Westport or Knock Airport.