Cycling Getaway in Connemara
Explore Ireland's spectacular roads by bike. This stay offers you a beautiful summary of the most beautiful landscapes of Connemara.
- Ireland
- 6 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 37 km/day
- Loop
Explore the west of Ireland on the roads of Connemara by bike.
Explore the west of Ireland on the roads of Connemara by bike. Mountains, lakes, cliffs and ocean make up the breathtaking landscapes of this region. Your journey begins in Galway, a young and dynamic city with its many pubs. Your cycling route continues on small roads on which it will be easier to come across sheep than cars. Discover Cong and its abbey, Ashford Castle and stop at Leenane located on the banks of a peaceful fjord.
Then, you take a spectacular coastal route to cycle to Clifden, the capital of the region. Enjoy a day on one of the magnificent Aran Islands to visit a remarkable prehistoric site. This cycling trip offers you a great overview of the most beautiful treasures of Connemara, a wild and preserved region.
Program
You arrive in Galway, capital of western Ireland. Set off to explore the port city and its lively streets. Stop off at one of the many traditional pubs where traditional Irish music concerts often take place.
- 37 km
You are transferred from Galway to Cong where you start your cycling route. Drive through the Joyce Country region and enjoy the peace and beauty of the surrounding nature. Stop off with a shepherd dog breeder who will passionately explain his job to you. Your route continues through the mountains of Maamturk and Partry, let yourself be charmed by the sumptuous landscapes that surround you. You end your stage in Leenane, a charming village located at the mouth of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord.
- 40 km
You follow the Atlantic coast crossing the villages of Tully Cross, Lettergesh and Gurteen, little treasures of the Irish west. You can discover the Connemara National Park in Letterfrack.
For history lovers, we recommend a detour to Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine abbey founded in 1920 on the site of Kylemore Castle. You also have the possibility of extending your itinerary by following the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the largest coastal roads in the world which offers a breathtaking panorama of the sea, with dizzying cliffs but also beautiful secret beaches.
At the crossroads between the Owenglin River and the Atlantic Ocean, you arrive in Clifden, nicknamed the capital of Connemara.
- 42 km
- 57 km
Heading south, you cycle towards the large beaches of Ballyconneely and Dog’s Bay where the turquoise water and brilliant white sand are surprisingly reminiscent of the Caribbean! You take the road again towards Canva, passing through Cashel. The town of Carna is located in the center of the Gaelic region of Connemara, and it is said that many Spanish sailors whose ship wrecked on the Irish coast settled there.
- 30 km
You will be taken from Carna to the port of Rossaveal to take a ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. The islands are an extension of the limestone rocks discovered at Burren.
The island's quiet roads are ideal for cycling, as you cycle through a maze of oddly shaped stone walls. The most important site on Inis Mor is Dún Aengus, a spectacular prehistoric stone fort suspended from the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
We highly recommend your visit! After your excursion, you take the ferry back to Rossaveal, then you will be transferred to Galway to spend your last night.
Transfer Carna > Port of Rossaveal (45min) + ferry / Port of Rossaveal > Galway (45min)
You enjoy one last stroll in Galway city before leaving.
Accommodation
Information
Beginning of the trip
As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let us know if you are arriving late.
To get to the departure point
By plane:Take a flight to Dublin. From Dublin Airport, you can reach Galway by direct “City Link” bus. The buses are fast and comfortable with free wifi. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours. The bus departs every hour throughout the day. The trip costs around €12.
By train : You can also take the train from Dublin city center. You must go from the airport to Hueston Station (around 30 minutes) and take the train to Galway (Ceannt Station). The journey takes around 3 hours for a cost between 17 and 20€.
To get back to the starting point
We advise you not to arrive too late in the day so that you have time to explore Galway and get to the shop to collect your bikes. If you don’t have time to stop by the store on the first day, you can go there the next morning before you start cycling. We thank you for notifying us in case of late arrival.
- Ireland
- 6 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 37 km/day
- Loop
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website