Connemara, Galway & Mayo Self Guided Cycling Tour
8 days - 7 nights Cycling Vacation in Ireland
Day 1 Saturday: Arrival in Galway
When you arrive in Galway make your way to your accommodation anytime after 2.00pm. You can then explore this bustling medieval city. We will send you on full accommodation details and the necessary contact details for your tour closer to your departure date. A folder containing your route details, will be waiting for you at the guesthouse, along with your bikes which will be serviced and ready to go!
Day 2 Sunday: Galway/Clonbur to Westport 38 ml/60 km
In the morning a local taxi operator will also meet you at the guesthouse at 9.30 am and then transfer you to Cong where the tour proper starts and you get on your bikes! You head north along quiet back roads through rolling green fields full of grazing sheep, before descending down to Lough Mask and a wonderful cycle along the lake. You can stop for lunch in a pub overlooking the Lake. In the afternoon you have your biggest climb of the week over the Partry Mountains and along a quiet back road with stunning views of the surrounding landscape before coming to Westport.
Day 3 Monday: Westport to Leenane 33 ml/52 km
You cycle between Croagh Patrick and the beautiful Clew Bay with its many small islands to the village of Louisburgh where you can stop for lunch. In the afternoon you head south through one of the highlights of the week, the stunning Delphi Valley with its beautiful lakes overlooked by Ben Bury the highest mountain in Connemara. That night you stay in the small village of Leenane looking out over Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.
Day 4 Tuesday: Leenane to Roundstone 45 ml/72 km
You cycle into the heart of Connemara overlooked by the Twelve Bens mountain range and visit Kylemore Abbey, a wedding gift from a wealthy Liverpool businessman to his wife in 1868. You then cycle along quiet backroads past small fields with grazing cattle to the seaside village of Cleggan where you stop for lunch. In the afternoon you follow the scenic coast road to Clifden where you can watch cars travel across the beach to Omey Island only accessible when the tide is out! After a stop off in Clifden the capital of Connemara, you cycle along a quiet country bog road surrounded by small lakes and freshly cut peat with wonderful views of the Twelve Ben mountain range. That night you stay in the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone where you will spend the next two nights.
Day 5 Wednesday: Rest Day in Roundstone
The day can be spent in rest and relaxation or you can take part in a variety of activities, including a day sailing cruise, walking, and game of golf or horse riding. You can also spend the day just relaxing on one of the two beautiful white sandy beaches just outside the village, overlooking a clear blue sea.
Day 6 Thursday: Roundstone to Carraroe 32 ml/51 km
You cycle along beautiful waterways and another picturesque bog road with its freshly cut peat waiting to be harvested, both offering wonderful views of the surrounding countryside before cycling the final afternoon stretch to the Irish speaking village of Carraroe.
Day 7 Friday: Carraroe to the Aran Islands/Galway 22 ml/35 km
In the morning you cycle to the port of Rossaveel to board the boat to Inis Mor the largest of the Aran Islands. The day can then be spent touring the unique landscape of the Island with its wealth of ancient stone forts and monastic sights. In the late afternoon you return to the mainland. Carraroe Cabs will meet you off the evening ferry and bring you back into Galway city for your final night of the tour
Day 8 Saturday: Departure Day
After breakfast you are free to head home.