FAQ 
A Connemara Cycling Journey
A Connemara Cycling Journey
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- A shorter tour but one which we have designed to capture the highlights of our wonderful home, Connemara - small, charming towns; steep-sided, dramatic valleys; craggy coastlines.
- Elements of culture, history, learning and leisure have also been included so that you will get to see the full picture of life in this unique region in the west of Ireland.
- That contrast of the great Irish outdoors and the changeable weather with the comfort and absolute pampering of the accommodation we have chosen for you will complete your cycling holiday in Ireland.
- Short enough to give you a taste and to ensure that you will want to come back for one of our longer tours!
What we love on that trip:
The Delphi Valley in Connemara is a spectacular place. Standing outside your accommodation at Delphi Resort and turning 360 degrees you are completely surrounded by mountains which seem to rise straight up out of the land.
YOUR TOUR IN BRIEF
Tour Essentials:
This is a 5 day (4 night) tour starting any day from April to October.
The tour starts in Clifden in Connemara and finishes in Westport Town in nearby Co Mayo.
Your Connemara Highlights Tour consists of easy cycling days with distances averaging 40km per day with longer and shorter options available on most days. The terrain does include occasional hills.
Equipment and information:
What's included:
- Upgrade touring bike OR pedal-assisit e-bike
- Helmet
- Front handler bag with repair kit
- Lock
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:
You will stay in a selection of Connemara’s finest 4* hotels and manors/castles where a full Irish breakfast is included for you on each morning at your accommodation.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras:
Entrance tickets for Kylemore Abbey
Entrance tickets for the Connemara Lady (Killary Cruise boat)
Printed route notes + meet & greet - +€125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what the meet & greet entails.
Tour Essentials
This is a 5 day (4 night) tour starting any day from April to October.
The tour starts in Clifden in Connemara and finishes in Westport Town in nearby Co Mayo.
Your Connemara Highlights Tour consists of easy cycling days with distances averaging 40km per day with longer and shorter options available on most days. The terrain does include occasional hills.
Equipment and information
What's included:
- Upgrade touring bike OR pedal-assisit e-bike
- Helmet
- Front handler bag with repair kit
- Lock
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
You will stay in a selection of Connemara’s finest 4* hotels and manors/castles where a full Irish breakfast is included for you on each morning at your accommodation.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras
Entrance tickets for Kylemore Abbey
Entrance tickets for the Connemara Lady (Killary Cruise boat)
Printed route notes + meet & greet - +€125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what the meet & greet entails.
Further information on getting to/from Ireland can be found here
ITINERARY
Your second day will bring you via the Sky Road from Clifden to the Renvyle Peninsula where you will spend your second night in the Renvyle House Hotel. The Sky Road brings you to the very edge of Connemara with soaring views over the rocky Atlantic coastline. Pausing at the vantage points take time to feel the fresh Atlantic breezes and inhale the scent of the sea, knowing there is nothing between you and America! Continuing your cycle, you will pass by the Connemara National Park in the village of Letterfrack before reaching the Renvyle peninsula, your destination today. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean it is peppered with archaeological sites, historical ruins and white-sand beaches. Renvyle House Hotel, where you will stay, is an historic country house hotel, situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is located on 150 acres, which include a private lake,a beach, woodlands, gardens and numerous activities on site.
Making your way from the Renvyle peninsula you will return to Letterfrack through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages. Soon after, you will come to Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions. This gothic-style castle was built in 1867 and boasts an award-winning six-acre Victorian walled garden created by Mitchell Henry in tandem with the building of the 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, and certainly its most dramatic, will appear beside you as you turn a corner. You will follow the fjord close by the water's edge to bring you into the Delphi Valley. Completely surrounded by mountains you will feel the intrusions of the outside world disappear for your stay tonight at the Delphi Resort. Quiet colours, natural materials and a tranquil atmosphere will greet you at this sensitively-designed four-star resort.
Leaving the Delphi Valley you will wind your way alongside Doolough (the dark, deep lake) past rugged, unpopulated landscapes to bring you to the coastal town of Louisburgh. There you will witness the gentle pace of a small west of Ireland agricultural town conducting its daily business. The road then continues along the shores of Clew Bay in the impressive shadow of the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick, and finally to the charming town of Westport. Your stay in Westport will be at the Westport Plaza hotel. The Plaza is an opulent, modern hotel which offers all the luxuries and facilities that you could want. It is still run as part of a family business with a personal touch and a long history of hospitality in the west of Ireland.
Our private taxi transfer will bring you to your next destination ( Knock / Westport or Galway)
Your second day will bring you via the Sky Road from Clifden to the Renvyle Peninsula where you will spend your second night in the Renvyle House Hotel. The Sky Road brings you to the very edge of Connemara with soaring views over the rocky Atlantic coastline. Pausing at the vantage points take time to feel the fresh Atlantic breezes and inhale the scent of the sea, knowing there is nothing between you and America! Continuing your cycle, you will pass by the Connemara National Park in the village of Letterfrack before reaching the Renvyle peninsula, your destination today. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean it is peppered with archaeological sites, historical ruins and white-sand beaches. Renvyle House Hotel, where you will stay, is an historic country house hotel, situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is located on 150 acres, which include a private lake,a beach, woodlands, gardens and numerous activities on site.
Making your way from the Renvyle peninsula you will return to Letterfrack through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages. Soon after, you will come to Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions. This gothic-style castle was built in 1867 and boasts an award-winning six-acre Victorian walled garden created by Mitchell Henry in tandem with the building of the 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, and certainly its most dramatic, will appear beside you as you turn a corner. You will follow the fjord close by the water's edge to bring you into the Delphi Valley. Completely surrounded by mountains you will feel the intrusions of the outside world disappear for your stay tonight at the Delphi Resort. Quiet colours, natural materials and a tranquil atmosphere will greet you at this sensitively-designed four-star resort.
Leaving the Delphi Valley you will wind your way alongside Doolough (the dark, deep lake) past rugged, unpopulated landscapes to bring you to the coastal town of Louisburgh. There you will witness the gentle pace of a small west of Ireland agricultural town conducting its daily business. The road then continues along the shores of Clew Bay in the impressive shadow of the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick, and finally to the charming town of Westport. Your stay in Westport will be at the Westport Plaza hotel. The Plaza is an opulent, modern hotel which offers all the luxuries and facilities that you could want. It is still run as part of a family business with a personal touch and a long history of hospitality in the west of Ireland.
Our private taxi transfer will bring you to your next destination ( Knock / Westport or Galway)
ACCOMMODATION
Luxury tour accommodation
When you choose one of our luxury tours you will be choosing to stay in some of the most unique and sumptuous properties in the west of Ireland. Each one has character, charm, a magnificent setting and excellent standards of service. They are all also renowned for their exquisite food, favouring local produce. All conveniences are provided in these 4* & 5* properties as expected, but they also offer the bonus of a real Irish welcome which is at the heart of each of these specially selected establishments. Restored castles, historic manor houses, contemporary luxury hotels and magnificent mountain lodges are all part of the experience.
Luxury tour accommodation
When you choose one of our luxury tours you will be choosing to stay in some of the most unique and sumptuous properties in the west of Ireland. Each one has character, charm, a magnificent setting and excellent standards of service. They are all also renowned for their exquisite food, favouring local produce. All conveniences are provided in these 4* & 5* properties as expected, but they also offer the bonus of a real Irish welcome which is at the heart of each of these specially selected establishments. Restored castles, historic manor houses, contemporary luxury hotels and magnificent mountain lodges are all part of the experience.
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 in 4* castles & manors
Extras
- Entrance ticket for Kylemore Abbey
- Entrance ticket for the sightseeing trip with Killary Cruises
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
This tour starts in Clifden in Connemara and finishes in Westport Town in nearby Co Mayo.
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.
Visit Irishrail for a daily train timetable from Westport to Dublin.
Reviews
Evan
07 Jul 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!
Sandie
25 May 2022
5/5
This was our second tour with Connemara Adventure Tours and we would book with them again, which is testament enough to the team and location. An excellent well organised and supported holiday in a beautiful location, great food, and great people. Thank you!
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 in 4* castles & manors
Extras
- Entrance ticket for Kylemore Abbey
- Entrance ticket for the sightseeing trip with Killary Cruises
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.
This tour starts in Clifden in Connemara and finishes in Westport Town in nearby Co Mayo.
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.
Visit Irishrail for a daily train timetable from Westport to Dublin.
Reviews
Evan
07 Jul 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!
Sandie
25 May 2022
5/5
This was our second tour with Connemara Adventure Tours and we would book with them again, which is testament enough to the team and location. An excellent well organised and supported holiday in a beautiful location, great food, and great people. Thank you!
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.