Hidden Connemara Cycling Experience

Distance:

60 km (37 miles)

After a hearty Irish breakfast, today’s route brings you from Leenane along the shores of Killary Fjord to Aasleagh Falls and into 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. Follow the coast road once more, along the island strewn shores of Clew Bay with Ireland’s holy mountain, 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 spend the next two nights and will be spoiled for choice with the many options for eating out, entertainment and activities. This vibrant market town is a captivating blend of traditional and modern and has been voted Ireland’s Best Place to Live.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance:

43-87km

Today you’ll explore the Westport area with a choice of activities and cycling routes available. For a more relaxed morning, visit Westport House, the ancestral home and estate of the Marquis of Sligo and do a spot of shopping in the many local craft shops in Westport Town. 

Or set yourself a challenge and climb Croagh Patrick. This place of ancient history and archaeological heritage has been a pilgrim’s route since pre-Christian times and has a small chapel at its peak in honour of Ireland’s fifth-century patron saint, St Patrick, who is said to have fasted on its summit for forty days. It is a challenging hike but the amazing views will make it worth the effort and will be a real highlight of your tour.

Another option is to follow the multi award winning Great Western Greenway - a 42km (26 mile) route through farmland and coast, following the path of the old Westport to Achill railway line. This route has been voted one of the top three cycle trails in the world, by The New York Times. You’ll travel through the quaint towns and villages of Newport and Mulranny before finishing at Achill Island, location of the award-winning movie The Banshees of Inisherin.

After your day’s adventure, enjoy another evening exploring Westport making sure to catch some traditional Irish music live in one of its many pubs.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

60km (37 miles)

After breakfast you’ll leave Westport for the next leg of your tour. This is a wonderful, long cycle on winding country roads through farming villages and hills, by stone walls and trout lakes. Your route will take you through Aghagower, Tourmakeady, Lough Mask, Finny, Clonbur and into Cong village where you’ll stay tonight.

This quaint village was made famous by another Oscar winner, the 1952 John Ford film, The Quiet Man, and is home to the world-renowned Ashford Castle Hotel. It also boasts several notable historical sites including an inscribed 14th century stone cross and the ruins of Ashford Abbey, founded in 1128.

Cong is a lively village which attracts visitors from around the world. Craft shops, cafes, cosy pubs and winding streets make it a lovely place to wander and absorb its lively atmosphere. You’ll find the best of traditional and contemporary cuisine in the restaurants here, as well as live music in its many pubs.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance:

65-90 km (40-55 miles)

Today you’ll cycle south from Cong along the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s largest lake, renowned for fishing and boating. At the end of the lake is tiny Maam village where you’ll cross a small mountain pass to Maam Cross. Surrounded by hills and deep valleys this is a place to pause and simply gaze around you. 

Your route brings you into the tranquil Inagh Valley along the shores of Lough Inagh, one of Connemara's most spectacular lakes, surrounded by the majestic Maamturk and Twelve Bens mountains. Here you can choose to explore the Mám Éan Geotrail. This facinating trail through an ancient mountain pass explores the geological links between the west of Ireland and north eastern America which were once connected before being separated by the Atlantic Ocean 100 million years ago! 

Your cycle route finishes today back in Leenane village, where you will be based for the next two nights.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

50-80 km (30-50 miles)

Today you’ll cycle west from Leenane along Killary Fjord into the heart of Connemara. This spectacular journey takes you past world-renowned Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. This magical gothic-style lakeside castle has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1867, it boasts one of Ireland's finest Victorian walled gardens. 

At nearby Letterfrack you’ll find the stunning Connemara National Park, where you can 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. 

Detour through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages into the Renvyle Peninsula, an enchanting, rugged promontory jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. This area is peppered with archaeological sites, historical ruins and hidden beaches, and home to a vibrant and welcoming farming and fishing community. Or take a longer option and cycle further south to the fishing village of Cleggan and Streamstown Bay (80km, 50 mile route). 

Enjoy the last night of your tour back in Leenane with a cold Guinness in one of the traditional village pubs!

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 foil! – we’ll see you again soon.

Meals included: Breakfast