5 Day Essential Connemara Cycling Tour - Combined

Distance:

45km (28 miles)

After a hearty Irish breakfast, your first day of cycling will bring you from Clifden along the Sky Road at the very edge of Connemara, with soaring views over the rocky Atlantic coastline. 

You’ll pass through the village of Letterfrack, home of the Connemara National Park. Take a break from the bike and enjoy a walk on the looped trails with sweeping views out over the Atlantic to the islands beyond, or have a coffee and find out more about this ancient Irish landscape at the charming visitor centre. 

Your route finishes today in the Renvyle Peninsula where you’ll stay tonight - an enchanting, rugged promontory jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, with archaeological sites, historical ruins and white-sand beaches all waiting to be explored.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

26km (16 miles)

Your route today from the Renvyle peninsula passes through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages. You’ll experience the full majesty of the Twelve Bens mountain range as you pass beneath their brooding peaks. 

Along the way, you’ll have the option to visit Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. We highly recommend a stop at this magical gothic-style castle with a long and fascinating history. Built in 1867, it boasts one of Ireland's finest Victorian walled gardens and is also a great place for lunch.

As you continue along your route, a breathtaking vista over Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, will appear as you round the bend. Your destination is the tiny village of Leenane tucked beneath the Maamturk mountains at the head of the fjord, where you’ll stay tonight. 

Despite its small size there is always a buzz of conversation and craic in the village’s two pubs and a choice of restaurants serving great food from locally-sourced ingredients. Take the opportunity to try a cold Guinness in one of the traditional village pubs of our home town!

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

55 km (34 miles

Today’s route brings you from Leenane along the shores of Killary Fjord to the  stunning Delphi valley - once heavily populated, now sparse and empty. You’ll reach the Doolough Valley (valley of the dark, deep lake). At the northern end of the valley, right next to the road, there is a poignant memorial for the victims of Ireland’s Great Famine which greatly affected this area.

Your route then follows the winding road to Louisburgh. This quaint 18th century coastal town boasts some of the most panoramic views in Ireland, with mountains to the east and south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north. Stop and learn about the life and times of the legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley, at the visitor centre. 

Follow the coast road once more, along the island strewn shores of Clew Bay with the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick providing a striking backdrop, stopping to visit fourteenth century Murrisk Abbey along the way. You’ll reach the heritage town of Westport where you’ll stay tonight. This vibrant market town is a captivating blend of traditional and modern and has been voted Ireland’s Best Place to Live. Spend the evening exploring the many restaurants and pubs, making sure to catch some live traditional Irish music on the last night of your tour.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

After breakfast it’s the end of your tour and time for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable memories of Ireland with you. Slan go fóill! – we’ll see you again soon.

Meals included: Breakfast