Iconic Donegal & Connemara Cycling Tour

Distance:

40-55 km (25-35 miles)

After a hearty Irish breakfast, we’ll meet you with your bike, equipment, GPS and route notes and make sure everything is ready for your cycling adventure to begin.

Today’s route brings you west along the spectacular, ever-changing coastline between Donegal Town and Killybegs. St.John’s Point peninsula with views across Donegal Bay and towards Sligo, Mayo and far beyond in all directions and a beautiful coral beach, is definitely worth a short detour. You’ll continue west to your overnight destination in the bustling fishing village of Killybegs, where much of Ireland’s Atlantic catch is landed.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

37-63 km (23-39 miles)

Your route today brings you west of Killybegs along one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline you will ever see. You’ll need your camera at the ready! Take a short detour to beautiful Muckross Head as you go. You’ll then cycle through Kilcar Village, a centre for traditional tweed production and part of the Donegal Gaeltacht (Gaelic speaking) region, so listen out for this ancient, musical language being spoken around you. 

Another unmissable detour today is to Sliabh Liag - the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe, which are approximately 600m (1,972 feet) high! These majestic cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Donegal coastline. Rich in history and local folklore, Sliabh Liag is also home to many ancient Christian sites and remnants of early settlements.

You’ll continue towards Glencolmcille where you can take another short detour to picture-perfect Silver Strand. Follow yet more beautiful coastline to your overnight stop in the historic valley of Glencolmcille.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

30-43 km (19-27 miles)

This morning you’ll cycle by wild boglands, where you’ll encounter more sheep than humans. Visit the deserted village of Port – one of the most remote spots along Ireland’s west coast. Your route continues to the head of dramatic Granny’s Pass and an exhilarating bike ride down to the bottom of the valley where you’ll find pristine Maghera beach with its caves that can be explored at low tide. A stop off at nearby Assaranca waterfall is a must.

You’ll continue along the edge of Loughros Beag Bay to the pretty village of Ardara, a centre for traditional weaving - several shops in the town still sell high quality tweed and knitwear. This is where you’ll spend your last night in Donegal, so why not find a comfortable corner in a local pub where you're sure to find some traditional Irish music playing.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

After breakfast we’ll pick you up at your accommodation in Ardara for your transfer to Westport. This journey through some of Ireland’s western-most counties is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy their varied landscapes. You’ll stop for a coffee break at Drumcliffe, the final resting place of the poet WB Yeats where you’ll find the famous words inscribed on his simple tomb “Cast a cold eye On life, on death. Horseman pass by!” The graveyard and beautiful church are located on the site of an old monastery with the remains of a celtic round tower and a very impressive high cross. 

The second leg of your Irish adventure begins in Westport. This vibrant market town is a captivating blend of traditional and modern and has been voted Ireland’s Best Place to Live. Here you can visit Westport House, the ancestral home and estate of the Marquis of Sligo and spend the evening exploring the many restaurants and pubs, and catching some live music.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

53 km (33 miles)

Today’s cycle is a stunning one. You’ll follow the coast road along the island strewn shores of Clew Bay with the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick providing a striking backdrop, to Louisburgh. This quaint coastal town retains many eighteenth century features and 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. Learn about the life and times of the legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley, at the visitor centre.

Your route then reaches the Doolough Valley (valley of the dark, deep lake). At the northern end of the valley, right next to the road, there is a memorial to the memory of the victims of Ireland’s Great Famine which greatly affected this area. Your route then takes you through stunning Delphi Valley - once heavily populated, now sparse and empty. Soon you’ll reach the spectacular sparkling waters of Killary Fjord.

You’ll spend the night in the tiny village of Leenane tucked beneath the Maamturk mountains at the head of the fjord. 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:

25 km (16 miles)

Today’s adventure will start at beautiful Killary Fjord. You can choose to board the Connemara Lady catamaran for a cruise along the fjord out to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with commentary on the fascinating history, landscape and people of this dramatic area. The trip is often honoured by the company of leaping dolphins.

Back on your bike, today’s route will bring you through Letterfrack village, home of the Connemara National Park, where you can take a break 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. 

From here you can cycle the short distance to world renowned Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. We highly recommended 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.

Leaving Kylemore you will experience the full majesty of the Twelve Bens Mountain range as you pass beneath their brooding peaks. Your route finishes today in the Renvyle Peninsula where you’ll stay tonight -  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:

37 km (23 miles)

Your last day of cycling will bring you along the Sky Road at the very edge of Connemara, with soaring views over the rocky Atlantic coastline to the islands beyond. Take your time here to admire sweeping views. This stunning route will take you along quiet roads by beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. Stop off and explore the ruins of Clifden Castle as you head to your final stopping point in Clifden.   

The “Capital of Connemara”, Clifden is bursting with culture, quaint streets, colourful shops, cosy pubs and restaurants and you’re never far from traditional Irish music. Enjoy your last evening in this friendly town where everyone knows each other but the warmth towards visitors is legendary - the perfect place to strike up a conversation with a few local characters! 

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