FAQ 
5 Day Essential Connemara Cycling Tour
5 Day Essential Connemara Cycling Tour
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- A short cycling holiday in Ireland perfect for those for whom holiday time is limited but who still want to enjoy an authentic experience of Connemara.
- Capture the highlights of this region on the west coast of Ireland cycling through spectacular, sparsely populated valleys; travelling coastal roads along the Atlantic Ocean and visiting small, traditional towns and villages.
- Meet the people of Connemara who live and work in this area and for whom Connemara has been home for many generations of their families.
- Finish your tour in the town voted ‘Ireland’s Best Place to Live’ among other accolades, and take the opportunity to enjoy its traditional music, vibrant pubs and restaurants.
Our special pick for this tour:
The tiny gothic church hidden in the trees in the Kylemore Abbey estate. Built by Mitchell Henry as a token of love for his wife Margaret who tragically died young.
The Connemara version of the "Taj Mahal" .
YOUR TOUR IN BRIEF
Tour Essentials:
This is a 5 day (4 night) tour starting every Monday from April to October ( earlier or later start dates possible upon request ).
The tour starts in Clifden, Co Galway, and finishes in Westport town, Co Mayo
Your Connemara Whistlestop Tour consists of easy cycling days with averages of 40-45km a day and with shorter and longer options available on most days.
Equipment and information:
What's included:
- Touring bike
- Helmet
- Front handler bag with repair kit
- Lock
Bike uprades are available:
- Front-suspension bike: €70 extra per bike
- E-Bike ( Pedal-assist or Turbo) : €200 extra per bike
See our bikes section below to have more details about each type of bike.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour. Visit our FAQ to see how this app works.
Hospitality:
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras:
Tours extras:
Side panniers - €20 per bike
Alternative start days - €100 extra per person ( up to a max. of 4 travelling )
Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails.
Tours add ons:
You can add some activities to your tour before / after coming to Connemara:
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway - €355 per person.
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway - €550 per person.
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor) - €850 per person.
Please let us know what you would like to add as an extra - we are happy to assist you in add on programs like this to your tour.
Tour Essentials
This is a 5 day (4 night) tour starting every Monday from April to October ( earlier or later start dates possible upon request ).
The tour starts in Clifden, Co Galway, and finishes in Westport town, Co Mayo
Your Connemara Whistlestop Tour consists of easy cycling days with averages of 40-45km a day and with shorter and longer options available on most days.
Equipment and information
What's included:
- Touring bike
- Helmet
- Front handler bag with repair kit
- Lock
Bike uprades are available:
- Front-suspension bike: €70 extra per bike
- E-Bike ( Pedal-assist or Turbo) : €200 extra per bike
See our bikes section below to have more details about each type of bike.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour. Visit our FAQ to see how this app works.
Hospitality
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras
Tours extras:
Side panniers - €20 per bike
Alternative start days - €100 extra per person ( up to a max. of 4 travelling )
Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails.
Tours add ons:
You can add some activities to your tour before / after coming to Connemara:
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway - €355 per person.
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway - €550 per person.
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor) - €850 per person.
Please let us know what you would like to add as an extra - we are happy to assist you in add on programs like this to your tour.
Further information on getting to/from Ireland can be found here
ITINERARY
Arrive in Clifden town, the “Capital of Connemara” to start your tour. Clifden is bursting with culture, traditional music, quaint streets, cosy pubs and restaurants. All bikes and equipment will be waiting for you at your accommodation, giving you the chance to try everything and to make sure everythings fits you perfectly before your cycling adventure begins the next day. Enjoy an evening in this friendly town where everyone knows each other but where there is a natural curiosity and warmth towards visitors.
This second day will bring you via the Sky Road from Clifden to the Renvyle peninsula where you will spend your second night. The Sky Road brings you to the very edge of Connemara with soaring views over the rocky Atlantic coastline. Further along the way you will be passing by the Connemara National Park in the village of Letterfrack, where you can take a break from the bike and enjoy a walk on their looped trail walks or find out more about this ancient Irish landscape at the visitor centre. Reaching the Renvyle peninsula you will be enchanted by this rugged promontory which juts into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a vibrant and welcoming farming and fishing community
Distance:
45 km
Making your way from the Renvyle peninsula you will pass through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages, a reminder of times past in this area. You will soon come to Kylemore Abbey, a recommended stop on your way. This gothic-style castle was built in 1867 and boasts one of Ireland's finest gardens. The six-acre Victorian walled garden at Kylemore was created by Mitchell Henry in tandem with the building of Kylemore Castle. Leaving Kylemore you will experience the full majesty of the Twelve Bens mountain range as you pass beneath their brooding peaks. Killary Harbour, reputed to be Ireland's only fjord, will appear beside you as you round a corner. You will spend the night in the tiny village of Leenane tucked beneath the Maamturk mountains at the head of the fjord.
Distance:
25 km
Following the shores of Killary Fjord you will cross from Co Galway to Co Mayo and emerge into the Delphi Valley. Once heavily populated it is now a place of few houses. This emptiness allows its untamed beauty and spectacular views greater impact. The road then winds alongside Doolough (the dark, deep lake) to bring you to the coastal town of Louisburgh. In Louisburgh you can pause to witness the gentle pace of life in a small agricultural west of Ireland town. Following the coast road once more, along the shores of Clew Bay, you will reach the heritage town of Westport. With the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick providing a striking back drop, Westport is beautifully planned and maintained. Enjoy an evening exploring this vibrant market town on the final day of your adventure trip in Ireland.
Distance:
55 km
Breakfast and depart Westport for your onward journey.
Arrive in Clifden town, the “Capital of Connemara” to start your tour. Clifden is bursting with culture, traditional music, quaint streets, cosy pubs and restaurants. All bikes and equipment will be waiting for you at your accommodation, giving you the chance to try everything and to make sure everythings fits you perfectly before your cycling adventure begins the next day. Enjoy an evening in this friendly town where everyone knows each other but where there is a natural curiosity and warmth towards visitors.
This second day will bring you via the Sky Road from Clifden to the Renvyle peninsula where you will spend your second night. The Sky Road brings you to the very edge of Connemara with soaring views over the rocky Atlantic coastline. Further along the way you will be passing by the Connemara National Park in the village of Letterfrack, where you can take a break from the bike and enjoy a walk on their looped trail walks or find out more about this ancient Irish landscape at the visitor centre. Reaching the Renvyle peninsula you will be enchanted by this rugged promontory which juts into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a vibrant and welcoming farming and fishing community
Distance:
45 km
Making your way from the Renvyle peninsula you will pass through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages, a reminder of times past in this area. You will soon come to Kylemore Abbey, a recommended stop on your way. This gothic-style castle was built in 1867 and boasts one of Ireland's finest gardens. The six-acre Victorian walled garden at Kylemore was created by Mitchell Henry in tandem with the building of Kylemore Castle. Leaving Kylemore you will experience the full majesty of the Twelve Bens mountain range as you pass beneath their brooding peaks. Killary Harbour, reputed to be Ireland's only fjord, will appear beside you as you round a corner. You will spend the night in the tiny village of Leenane tucked beneath the Maamturk mountains at the head of the fjord.
Distance:
25 km
Following the shores of Killary Fjord you will cross from Co Galway to Co Mayo and emerge into the Delphi Valley. Once heavily populated it is now a place of few houses. This emptiness allows its untamed beauty and spectacular views greater impact. The road then winds alongside Doolough (the dark, deep lake) to bring you to the coastal town of Louisburgh. In Louisburgh you can pause to witness the gentle pace of life in a small agricultural west of Ireland town. Following the coast road once more, along the shores of Clew Bay, you will reach the heritage town of Westport. With the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick providing a striking back drop, Westport is beautifully planned and maintained. Enjoy an evening exploring this vibrant market town on the final day of your adventure trip in Ireland.
Distance:
55 km
Breakfast and depart Westport for your onward journey.
ACCOMMODATION
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
TOUR DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
- All luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation leaving you free to explore at your ease.
Accommodation
- 4 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
| Sizes: | 28", 30", 32" |
| Frame: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Fork: | FX Alloy |
| Shock: | N/A |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager alloy |
| Stem: | Adjustable ahead |
| Seat post: | Bontrager alloy |
| Saddle: | Bontrager Sport |
| Pedals: | Bontrager City Pedals |
| Shifters: | Shimano Altus M2010, 9-speed |
| Front mech: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Rear mech: | Shimano Altus M2000 | |
| Brakes: | Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc | |
| Brake lever: | Shimano | |
| Cassette: |
|
|
| Chain: |
|
|
| Cranks: | Forged alloy | |
| Bottom bracket: | Sealed cartridge | |
| Rims: | Bontrager Connection | |
| Hubs: | Formula DC-20 | |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
| Frame Material: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Frame Angles: | 71.5 head, 73.5 |
| Sizes: | 28",30", 32" |
| Colour: | Black |
| Fork: | SR Suntour NEX |
| Rear Shock: | Not applicable |
| Brake Levers: | aluminum linear-pull |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager Comp Lowriser |
| Stem: | Bontrager Elite |
| Headset: | 1 1/8" threadless headset |
| Front Der: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Crankset: | Shimano MT210 |
| Rear Der: | Shimano Alivio M3100 |
| Pedals: | Wellgo M141 |
| Tires: | Bontrager GR1 Expert |
Sizes: SM, MD, LG
Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy, Internal battery
Fork: Full carbon
Shock: N/A
Handlebar: Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy
Stem: Cannondale 3
Seat post: Alloy
Saddle: Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density
Pedals: Cannondale Fitness
Shifters: microSHIFT Advent X, 10-Speed
| Rear mech: | Shimano Acera |
| Brakes: | Tektro linear pull |
| Brake lever: | Shimano |
| Cassette: | SRAM PG830 11-28 |
| Chain: | KMC Z7 |
| Cranks: | Shimano FC-M191 28/38/48 |
| Bottom bracket: | Cartridge |
| Rims: | Matrix 750 700c |
| Hubs: | Shimano RM40 |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
TURBO electric bikes are heavier than our pedal-assist electric bikes, but they have more power. This means they provide more help on hills, for example, but if you run out of battery, they are harder and heavier to pedal.
Size: 28
Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminium
Fork: SR Suntour NEX
Shock absorber: N/A
Handlebars: Bontrager touring aluminium
Stem: Bontrager alloy quill
Seatpost: Bontrager alloy
Saddle: Royal Nuvola saddle
Pedals: Bontrager City pedals
Shifters : Shimano Tourney RS45, 8 speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano TX505
| Rear mech: Shimano | ||
| Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | ||
| Brake lever: Shimano | ||
| Cassette: Shimano 8-speed, 12-32T | ||
| Chain: Shimano HG40, 6/7/8-speed | ||
| Cranks: Pro Wheel alloy | ||
| Motor: Bosch Active Line, 250 watt | ||
| Battery: External battery | ||
| Charger: Bosch compact 2A, 100–240V |
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
GETTING TO TOUR START POINT
You can take a Citylink bus or a Gobus directly from Dublin airport (or from Dublin city centre) to Galway (approx. 3 hours trip) and then a Citylink bus or a Bus Eireann bus from Galway directly to Clifden (1.5 hours trip).
Please note that the last Citylink bus leaving Galway to Clifden is at 5.30 pm.
Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.
Reviews
Paul
28 Jul 2023
5/5
Had a great 3 day cycle tour of Connemara - nice selection of hotels and B&Bs, fantastic views and great bike, which was ready and waiting for me. Very good communication with Connemara Adventure Tours. Although the cycling was generally not too tricky there were a a handful of hills each day which got my heart racing!
Anissa
19 Jul 2023
5/5
Not only was the itinerary fantastic and we appreciated every single mile but the perfect logistics with luggage deliveries in the hotel rooms, quality of hotels and kindness of your staff have made this last part of this trip a real treat.
Clara
29 Aug 2022
5/5
The trip was nice and the itinerary drives you through various beautiful landscapes. We had a great holiday in Ireland !
Ewan Marwell
03 Aug 2023
5/5
Our highlights of Connemara tour was everything we were hoping for. Beautiful scenery, excellent equipment and terrific planning and support from Connemara Adventure Tours! The staff was extremely accommodating and went above and beyond to make the trip a success for my wife and daughter who were first time bike tour participants. They even transported my daughter to our next stop when she wasn't up for the day's ride. Highly recommended for a self-guided tour!
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
- All luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation leaving you free to explore at your ease.
Accommodation
- 4 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
| Sizes: | 28", 30", 32" |
| Frame: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Fork: | FX Alloy |
| Shock: | N/A |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager alloy |
| Stem: | Adjustable ahead |
| Seat post: | Bontrager alloy |
| Saddle: | Bontrager Sport |
| Pedals: | Bontrager City Pedals |
| Shifters: | Shimano Altus M2010, 9-speed |
| Front mech: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Rear mech: | Shimano Altus M2000 | |
| Brakes: | Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc | |
| Brake lever: | Shimano | |
| Cassette: |
|
|
| Chain: |
|
|
| Cranks: | Forged alloy | |
| Bottom bracket: | Sealed cartridge | |
| Rims: | Bontrager Connection | |
| Hubs: | Formula DC-20 | |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
| Frame Material: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Frame Angles: | 71.5 head, 73.5 |
| Sizes: | 28",30", 32" |
| Colour: | Black |
| Fork: | SR Suntour NEX |
| Rear Shock: | Not applicable |
| Brake Levers: | aluminum linear-pull |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager Comp Lowriser |
| Stem: | Bontrager Elite |
| Headset: | 1 1/8" threadless headset |
| Front Der: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Crankset: | Shimano MT210 |
| Rear Der: | Shimano Alivio M3100 |
| Pedals: | Wellgo M141 |
| Tires: | Bontrager GR1 Expert |
Sizes: SM, MD, LG
Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy, Internal battery
Fork: Full carbon
Shock: N/A
Handlebar: Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy
Stem: Cannondale 3
Seat post: Alloy
Saddle: Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density
Pedals: Cannondale Fitness
Shifters: microSHIFT Advent X, 10-Speed
| Rear mech: | Shimano Acera |
| Brakes: | Tektro linear pull |
| Brake lever: | Shimano |
| Cassette: | SRAM PG830 11-28 |
| Chain: | KMC Z7 |
| Cranks: | Shimano FC-M191 28/38/48 |
| Bottom bracket: | Cartridge |
| Rims: | Matrix 750 700c |
| Hubs: | Shimano RM40 |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
TURBO electric bikes are heavier than our pedal-assist electric bikes, but they have more power. This means they provide more help on hills, for example, but if you run out of battery, they are harder and heavier to pedal.
Size: 28
Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminium
Fork: SR Suntour NEX
Shock absorber: N/A
Handlebars: Bontrager touring aluminium
Stem: Bontrager alloy quill
Seatpost: Bontrager alloy
Saddle: Royal Nuvola saddle
Pedals: Bontrager City pedals
Shifters : Shimano Tourney RS45, 8 speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano TX505
| Rear mech: Shimano | ||
| Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | ||
| Brake lever: Shimano | ||
| Cassette: Shimano 8-speed, 12-32T | ||
| Chain: Shimano HG40, 6/7/8-speed | ||
| Cranks: Pro Wheel alloy | ||
| Motor: Bosch Active Line, 250 watt | ||
| Battery: External battery | ||
| Charger: Bosch compact 2A, 100–240V |
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
You can take a Citylink bus or a Gobus directly from Dublin airport (or from Dublin city centre) to Galway (approx. 3 hours trip) and then a Citylink bus or a Bus Eireann bus from Galway directly to Clifden (1.5 hours trip).
Please note that the last Citylink bus leaving Galway to Clifden is at 5.30 pm.
Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.
Reviews
Paul
28 Jul 2023
5/5
Had a great 3 day cycle tour of Connemara - nice selection of hotels and B&Bs, fantastic views and great bike, which was ready and waiting for me. Very good communication with Connemara Adventure Tours. Although the cycling was generally not too tricky there were a a handful of hills each day which got my heart racing!
Anissa
19 Jul 2023
5/5
Not only was the itinerary fantastic and we appreciated every single mile but the perfect logistics with luggage deliveries in the hotel rooms, quality of hotels and kindness of your staff have made this last part of this trip a real treat.
Clara
29 Aug 2022
5/5
The trip was nice and the itinerary drives you through various beautiful landscapes. We had a great holiday in Ireland !
Ewan Marwell
03 Aug 2023
5/5
Our highlights of Connemara tour was everything we were hoping for. Beautiful scenery, excellent equipment and terrific planning and support from Connemara Adventure Tours! The staff was extremely accommodating and went above and beyond to make the trip a success for my wife and daughter who were first time bike tour participants. They even transported my daughter to our next stop when she wasn't up for the day's ride. Highly recommended for a self-guided tour!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
To secure your booking, we will request 30% deposit per person. Please note this is a
non-refundable payment. The balance payment is due 30 days before the tour starts.
If your tour start date is within 30 days of booking, the full, non-refundable payment is required upon booking.
We do not organise travel to/from Ireland. However there is plenty of useful information on our Getting to Ireland page.