Connemara, Galway and Mayo Cycling Tour
Connemara is perfect cycling country, where roads go around the hills rather than over them. The scenery changes from dramatic mountain ranges and fjords to sweeping open bogland and a rocky fractal coastline
It has been a difficult time for all of us. I booked a self driving tour through Irish Tourism that was cancelled due to Covid issues with travel. The booking process was excellent and thorough. It wa Read more »
Every thing was as promised. B&B's were awesome and the proprietors very gracious. Big van with lots of space for the 6 of us as well as our luggage with room to spare. We will definitely use Irish ... Read more »
This tour explores the beautiful region of Connemara famous for its rugged granite landscapes as well as its beautiful lakes and rivers. The route offers an incredible variety of scenery each day. In the morning you can be cycling along beautiful coastline while in the afternoon you could be on a quiet bog road with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. On our rest day we stay in a lovely family run hotel in the charming seaside village of Roundstone before heading towards the Irish speaking village of Carraroe. The tour finishes up with a visit to the Aran Islands.
Arrive Shannon Airport and meet with your driver/guide who will transfer you to see one of Ireland’s natural wonders – the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs rise to over 700 feet along an 8 kilometer stretch of the Clare/Atlantic coastline. Then travel to one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, Adare. Here you can marvel at the thatched roofed cottages which are now mainly craft shops and restaurants and view the priories in this small town. After lunch (not included) travel to Killarney, one of Ireland’s most popular towns, arriving in time to sample the many pubs and restaurants after you have checked into your hotel. Overnight Killarney BB
Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes and the Skellig Experience. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville. On the return, pass through the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Stop for a stroll through the splendid Muckross Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Overnight Killarney BB
After breakfast visit Blarney Castle where the famous Blarney Stone will be found. For those brave enough climb the ramparts of the castle and kiss the stone which is said to grant the gift of eloquence. Then travel to Cobh Heritage Centre where thousands of emigrants departed for a better life during the famine years and which was the last port of call of the Titanic. After the visit take the short journey to the Old Midleton Distillery and learn how the world famous Jameson's whiskey is distilled and of course sample the golden nectre. Overnight Killarney BB
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and travel northwards stopping first at Foynes Flying Boat Museum, the major European entry point for the transatlantic flights between 1937 & 1945. It was also the place where Irish coffee was invented. Then travel into County Clare and the karst like landscape of the Burren and finally onwards to Galway. Overnight Galway BB
Take a drive around the stunning Connemara region today with its unspoilt scenery. Along the way visit Kylemore Abbey with its lovely walled gardens and Connemara Celtic Crystal. Travel to Cong, where the film The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, and Barry Fitzgerald) was filmed. Return to Galway where the remainder of the day is free to explore this vibrant city. The Quays area in the city is home to a number of lively music pubs, including the popular Quays Bar, and great choice of restaurants. Overnight Galway BB
After breakfast travel to Knock, where on the 21st August 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The tour will take you through the beautifully landscaped Knock Shrine grounds visiting all places of interest including the Apparition Chapel and original Gable Wall, Papal Cross, Basilica, and Chapel of Reconciliation and the Knock Museum. After the visit, travel to the Museum of Country Life, home to the national collection of objects representing the traditional way of life in Ireland since 1850. Return to Galway where the remainder of the day will be free to explore this vibrant city. Overnight Galway BB
Check out of your hotel and travel the short journey to Rathbaun Farm, a 200 year old working farm owned by the descendants of the original owners. Here you will see a demonstration of sheep herding and sheering and enjoy home baked refreshments. Onwards then to one of Ireland’s most complete castles, Bunratty Castle, resplendent with authentic furnishings. In the grounds of the castle is a recreated 19th century village complete with cottages, shops and the mandatory pub. Check into your hotel and after freshening up, return to for your farewell Bunratty Medieval Banquet. Overnight Bunratty or Limerick BB
After your final Irish breakfast depart the hotel for Shannon airport arriving in time to complete check-in formalities and that last minute duty free shopping.
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Notes
Distances
The average cycling distance is an easy 30m (45km) with longer routes being available most days. The tours are suitable for adults of all ages, but a certain level of fitness is required and taking in a few practice rides is strongly recommended. The tours are not suited for children under 13 years of age. The Ring of Kerry, the Highlands of Donegal and the Antrim tours have more hills than the other routes and are more suited to the keener cyclist.
Meals
Your guide will recommend a lunch stop each day where a snack lunch will cost between €8 and €12. A group evening meal is organised by the guide each night which costs between €18 and €25. One evening meal during the tour is included in the tour price.
Your Bicycle
We supply 18-21 speed hybrid touring models for your tour. Each booking must give your name and approximate height. Repair equipment, helmets and pannier bags are available on request.
Starting Times
Each of the tours start with a meeting group at 6:30pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train station and bus station. This is only a meeting point, typically the group will be staying in nearby guesthouses. The guide is able to return to the meeting place at 9:30pm again that evening and the following morning for those arriving late. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct you to your first nights accommodation.
Insurance
There is an additional charge of €35 for insurance cover. We insist that riders avail of our insurance policy or else have alternative cover in place
Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.
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