Cycling Routes/Trails

Tour 1 - Connemara and the Aran Islands

106 km/67.5ml; 3 nights; Easy to moderate

This tour takes in the Aran Island of Inishmore and Connemara. The starting point and your first night’s accommodation location is the village Oughterard to the north west of Galway City. If you arrive in good time, you can take a warm up ride by the shores of Lough Corrib. The first leg of the itinerary takes you south west to meet the coast at Rossaveal from where you take a 45 minute ferry ride to Inishmore, largest of the three Aran Islands. The next day is spent exploring and enjoying the island. Returning to Rossaveal you ride west through Connemara to town of Clifden. This colourful market town is often labelled the “capital” of Connemara. The tour is suitable for riders of all levels. It can be modified to suit families with younger children and riders of a more leisurely disposition by shortening the longer distances by half.

Highlights:

• The cliff top fort of Dun Aengus on Inishmore
• The wonderful views of the Twelve Bens from the Bog Road
• Sampling the menus in Clifden’s excellent restaurants
• Sharing the lanes with pony carts on Inishmore island
• Learn about the Aran knitting patterns

Arrive in Oughterard and stay the night with time to adjust your bicycle for you and talk you through the week ahead. Day 2: Oughterard – Rossaveal – Aran Islands (25km plus extra on the island) Cycle to the ferry port of Rossaveal to catch the ferry to the island of Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands. The route brings you on a very quiet back road onto a plateau of bogs, moorland, lakes and forests. There are stunning views back over Lough Corrib and then onto the Atlantic. The ferry crossing takes about 45min and the rest of the day is spent exploring the island by bicycle and on foot. Highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Aengus, the Seven Churches and the coast road to the west of the port village of Kilronan. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name.

Day 3: back to Rossaveal by ferry and then on to Clifden (ca 58km longer option available). After a morning spent exploring the island further and perhaps visit the fantastically located Black Fort (a 3,000 year old promontory fort), you take the ferry back to Rossaveal at noon. You will be heading north into Connemara proper. There are great views towards the Twelve Bens (the 12 mountains at the centre of the Connemara). Turning west you ride across the peat bogs (where you can watch peat digging in progress) to Cashel and across another Bog Road to Clifden. This colourful small town is often labelled the “capital” of Connemara. Here you will stay for the night, and enjoy traditional Irish music in its pubs.

Day 4: Departure – breakfast, farewell and transfer back to Oughterard.

Tour 2 - Connemara, Kylemore and the Aran Islands

176 km/110ml; 4 nights; Easy to moderate; Minimum group: 6 participants

This tour is a guided safari for small groups who wish to enjoy some of the highlights with a knowledgeable guide and support vehicle. The trip takes in the stunning scenery of Connemara as well as an overnight stay on the very unique island of Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands. Stay 2 nights in the colourful market town of Clifden, often labelled the “capital” of Connemara. Here you will find a number of pubs with live traditional Irish music. The tour is suitable for riders of all levels, and even families, route options are available for more avid cyclists.

Highlights:

• Scenic rural cycling through the south Connemara countryside
• The cliff top fort of Dun Aengus on Inishmore
• Sharing the lanes with pony carts on Inishmore island
• Learn about the Aran knitting patterns
• Visiting Kylemore Abbey
• A short walk and you visit the ruins of Clifden Castle
• Sublime views along the Sky Road

Arrive in and spend the night in Oughterard. Your guide and driver will meet you and adjust the bicycle for you as well as give you an induction to the days ahead. If you arrive early enough you could take in scenic Lough Corrib before dark. Day 2: Oughterard – Rossaveal – Aran Islands (25km plus extra on the island) Cycle to the ferry port of Rossaveal to catch the ferry to the island of Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands. The route brings you on a very quiet back road onto a plateau of bogs, moorland, lakes and forests. There are stunning views back over lake Corrib and then onto the Atlantic. The ferry crossing takes about 45min and the rest of the day is spent exploring the island by bicycle and on foot. Highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Aengus, the Seven Churches and the coast road to the west of the port village of Kilronan. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name.

Day 3: back to Rossaveal by ferry and cycle to Clifden (ca 58km longer option available) After a morning spent exploring the island further and perhaps visit the fantastically located Black Fort (a 3,000 year old promontory fort), you take the ferry back to Rossaveal at noon. You will be heading north into Connemara proper. There are great views towards the Twelve Bens (the 12 mountains at the centre of the Connemara National Park). Turning west you ride across the peat bogs (where you can watch peat digging in progress) to Cashel and across another Bog Road to Clifden. This colourful small town is often labelled the “capital” of Connemara. Here you will stay for the next 2 nights, and enjoy traditional Irish music in its pubs.

Day 4: Clifden – Kylemore Abbey (44 km). Cycle the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley to Kylemore where you visit Kylemore Abbey and gardens. Return to Clifden along the coast of Cleggan and Claddaghduff. For strong riders an extra loop around the Sky Road will make this an unforgettable day with spectacular views of the coastline. Day 5: Departure, breakfast, followed by transfer to Oughterard.

Tour 3 - Connemara, Joyce’s Country and the Aran Islands

190 km/119 ml; 7 nights; Easy to moderate

This tour takes in the highlights of Connemara, the Aran Island of Inishmore, Joyces’ Country and South Mayo. The start point and your first night’s accommodation location is the village Oughterard to the north west of Galway City. If you arrive in good time, you can take a warm up ride by the shores of Lough Corrib. The first leg of the itinerary takes you south west to meet the coast at Rossaveal from where you take a 45 minute ferry ride to Inishmore, largest of the three Aran Islands. The next day is spent exploring and enjoying the island. Returning to Rossaveal you ride west through Connemara to the village of Carna and to the town of Clifden for a two night stopover. The loop ride takes you around the coast to Roundstone and out along the Sky Road. Leaving Clifden you ride through the Lough Inagh Valley to Leenane on the shores of Killary Harbour. From here you turn east into the Maam Valley and Joyce’s country to finish the trip in the quaint village of Cong located on Lough Corrib and location for the film the Quiet Man and home to Ashford Castle (one of Ireland’s finest hotels with magnificent park). The tour is suitable for riders of all levels. It can be modified to suit families with younger children and riders of a more leisurely disposition by shortening the longer distances into half.

Highlights:

• The cliff top fort of Dun Aengus on Inishmore
• The wonderful views of the Twelve Bens from the Bog Road
• Sampling the menus in Clifden’s excellent restaurants
• The marvellous coastal ride from Tully Cross to Leenane
• Cruise on Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord
• A day in Clifden to hike the Sky Road
• Visiting Cong Abbey
• The promontory fort of Dun Duchathair
• Visiting Kylemore Abbey and Victorian walled garden
• Chance to enjoy Cream Tea in Ashford Castle Hotel one of Ireland’s finest hotels

Day 1: Arrive in Oughterard and stay the night. Give yourself time to set up your bicycle for you and a briefing on the week ahead. Try and arrive early afternoon and then enjoy scenic Lough Corrib and its glorious countryside. Day 2: Oughterard – Rossaveal – Aran Islands – cycle to the ferry port of Rossaveal to catch the ferry to the island of Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands. The route brings you on a very quiet back road onto a plateau of bogs, moorland, lakes and forests. There are stunning views back over lake Corrib and then onto the Atlantic. The ferry crossing takes about 45min and the rest of the day is spent exploring the island by bicycle and on foot. Highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Aengus, the Seven Churches and the coast road to the west of the port village of Kilronan. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name.

Day 3: back to Rossaveal by ferry, cycle to Carna (ca 38km) After a morning spent exploring the island further and visiting the fantastically located Black Fort (a 3,000 year old promontory fort), you take the ferry back to Rossaveal at noon. You will be heading north into Connemara proper to cycle along the beautiful south Connemara coast to the village of Kilkieran finishing in the small village of Carna. Day 4: Carna – Clifden (46km or 58km). Continue your cycle along the coast via Roundstone where you can see traditional musical instruments being made by hand. On the way you come past the village of Ballyconneely and the site where Alcock and Brown crash landed their biplane after completing the first transatlantic flight in 1919. There are some very beautiful beaches here. Feeling energetic there is a wonderful a ride out along the Sky Road to enjoy some sublime coastal scenery. The shorter route will bring you over a wonderful bog road. Stay the night in Clifden, this colourful small town is often labelled the “capital” of Connemara and enjoy traditional Irish music in its pubs.

Day 5: Clifden – REST DAY or loop rides (ca 17km, 48km). Enjoy a day out of the saddle perhaps go horseback riding or deep sea fishing. But if you do want to go cycling there is a wonderful a ride out along the Sky Road to enjoy some sublime coastal scenery. Along the way walk to the ruin of Clifden Castle. For the more enthusiastic rider you continue then continue along more coastal scenery to Claddaghduff and Aughrusbeg. Day 6: Clifden – Leenane (65km – can be shortened to 36km or extended to 75km). Leave Clifden behind to cycle through the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley to Kylemore, where you may like to visit Kylemore Abbey. From here there are choices to cycle along the coast to Lettergesh or to go a more direct route to Leenane. This small village is located on Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. It was the location for the film “The Field”.

Day 7: Leenane – Cong (37km – can be extended) A beautiful and gentle day in valleys of Connemara and Mayo on very quiet roads, as you cycle along the lakes of Lough Mask, Lough Nafooey and Lough Corrib. Finish in the quaint village of Cong, location for the film “The Quiet Man” with Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. Visit Cong Abbey founded in the 12^th century as well as the Monk’s House. Ashford Castle Hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib invites you to enjoy cream tea in its magnificent setting. Day 8: Breakfast, followed by farewell and transfer back to Oughterard.

Tour 4 -Connemara, Joyce’s Country and the Aran Islands

350 km/218 ml; 7 nights; Moderate

Connemara and the Aran Islands make for an excellent tour because, in addition to the magnificent scenery. The region is typically ‘Irish’, and provides a great introduction to the country for first time visitors. The terrain is, for the most part, gently undulating. Although there are mountains at the heart of the region, the roads go around them rather than over them. There are however, some good climbing opportunities for those who want a challenge on the latter half of the tour. There are plenty of biking options available, allowing each rider to bike just as much, or as little, as he or she wants on any given day. Enjoy traditional music sessions on several evenings with a highlight of an overnight on the Aran Islands.

Day 1 (Saturday). We meet at the Connemara Gateway Hotel in Oughterard in the afternoon. After checking in, bikes and equipment can be tried out during a short trip by the shore of Lough Corrib. Over dinner, you can get to know your fellow travellers, and your guide will run through the itinerary for the week ahead. Then you might just want to sample a Guinness before retiring!

Day 2 (Sunday). The biking proper starts with a beautiful 27-mile ride over bog land to the port of Rossaveal, from where we take a 45-minute ferry ride to Inishmore, largest of the Aran Islands. On arrival at Kilronan, you can lunch in the port before checking into Árd Einne guesthouse. The rest of the day is free for exploring the island by bike and on foot, either on your own or with your trusty guide. The cliff top stone-age fort of Dun Aengus is a must on your agenda. The whole island offers a fascinating insight into what life was like in a simpler, bygone age. Dinner in the evening can be followed by a visit to one of Kilronan’s lively pubs.

Day 3 (Monday). After an early breakfast, there is a chance to visit the impressive Black Fort and perhaps do a little shopping for an Aran sweater before we catch the ferry back to Rossaveal. After lunch we bike west through the magnificent Connemara landscape to the town of Clifden, the ‘capital’ of the region. The ride offers plenty of great vistas of the Twelve Bens – the mountain range that sits at the heart of Connemara. Along the way there are several locations where peat is dug for fuel. The quaint town of Clifden is renowned for its craft shops, its lively musical pubs and for its spectacular location. Accommodation for the next two nights is in the family-run Foyles Hotel in the centre of the town.

Day 4 (Tuesday). Today’s biking route is a figure-of-eight loop. The first loop takes us out on the legendary Sky Road, while the second heads south around the coast through Ballyconneely to the fishing village of Roundstone, where you can watch traditional musical instruments being made in the craft centre. If we get back to Clifden in time, you might want to spend a little time shopping for a few presents or souvenirs. Alternatives for those considering a day away from their bicycles include horseback riding or a round of golf at the lovely links near Ballyconneely.

Day 5 (Wednesday). Leaving Clifden, we ride east on the beautiful (if not so beautifully named) Bog Road before turning north past Lough Inagh to visit Kylemore Abbey, one of Connemara’s architectural treasures. The setting is perhaps even more impressive than the abbey itself. From the village of Letterfrack, where we stop for lunch, there is a stunning coastal route via Tully Cross that culminates in a glorious downhill run to the village of Leenane, at the head of Killary Fjord, Ireland’s one and only fjord. The village’s chief claim to fame is that it was the setting for “The Field”, an informative film (starring Richard Harris) that explores the relationship that exists between the Irish and the land. The Leenane Hotel provides tonight’s accommodation.

Day 6 (Thursday). From Leenane we head south before climbing steadily over a saddle and then dropping down to follow the shores of Lough Nafooey and Lough Mask to the village of Tourmakeady. This is a stunningly beautiful ride on roads that are to all extents and purposes devoid of traffic. After lunch at one of the local pubs, there is a choice of the low road or the high road to our destination town of Westport on the shores of Clew Bay. The mountain road is spectacular – but challenging! The lower road is a gentler, pastoral alternative. Westport has plenty of musical pubs and craft shops. The impressive Atlantic Coast Hotel on the Quays is where we stay for the next two nights.

Day 7 (Friday). Today’s loop route takes us south from Westport to Aasleagh Falls, and then north through Delphi and the very atmospheric Doolough Valley to Louisburgh, one of the homes of Grace O’Malley, the pirate queen of the West of Ireland. From here we follow the Clew Bay coastline east towards Westport. On the way we pass the striking sculpture which commemorates the ‘coffin ships’ that carried countless thousands of Irish emigrants to America. Close by is the foot of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain and a popular destination for pilgrims. The steep path to the summit is rewarded by fantastic views over Clew Bay. And yes – you can climb it if you have the inclination (and the energy!). Our farewell dinner is back at our Westport hotel. You might like to top off your tour with a visit to one of the town’s many musical pubs – Matt Molloy’s (Matt of Chieftains fame) is a favourite.

Day 8 (Saturday). Breakfast, farewell and transfer back to Oughterard.

Tour 5 - Connemara, Joyce’s Country and the Aran Islands

256 km/160 ml; 7 nights; Moderate

This tour takes in the highlights of Connemara, Joyces’ Country and South Mayo. The start point and your first night’s accommodation location is the bustling and historic city of Galway, easily reached on public transport from the international airports at Dublin and Shannon. The first leg of the itinerary takes you to Oughterard a small town labelled the gateway to Connemara. From there you cycle through the south Connemara countryside to the village of Carna and to the town of Clifden for a two night stopover. The loop ride takes you around the coast to Roundstone and out along the Sky Road. Leaving Clifden you ride through the Lough Inagh Valley to Leenane on the shores of Killary Harbour. From here you turn east into the Maam Valley and Joyce’s country to finish the trip in the quaint village of Cong located on Lough Corrib and location for the film the Quiet Man and home to Ashford Castle (one of Ireland’s finest hotels with magnificent park). The tour is suitable for riders of all levels. It can be modified to suit families with younger children and riders of a more leisurely disposition by shortening the longer distances into half.

Highlights:

• Visiting Cong Abbey
• The wonderful views of the Twelve Bens from the Bog Road
• Sampling the menus in Clifden’s excellent restaurants
• The marvellous coastal ride from Tully Cross to Leenane
• Possibility to partake on a cruise on Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord
• A day in Clifden to hike the Sky Road
• Cultural evening with song and dance (dependent on availability)
• Visiting Kylemore Abbey
• Listening to traditional music in Galway’s famous pubs
• Chance to enjoy Cream Tea in Ashford Castle Hotel one of Ireland’s finest hotels

Day 1 – arrive in Galway and stay the night in guesthouse in this bustling historic university town. Depending on arrival time we will meet you in the evening or first thing the following morning adjust the bicycle for you and talk you through the week ahead.

Day 2 – Galway cycle to Oughterard (45km). This is a relatively short day allowing you to spend some more time in Galway. You head out from Galway on the back roads over the hills to near Moycullen continuing to cycle towards Lough (lake) Corrib. Near Oughterard we will stop for a visit of Aughnanure Castle (a Norman Keep). The extra loop will allow you some beautiful views over the lake. Stay the night in the small town of Oughterard famed for its game fishing on Lough Corrib.

Day 3: Oughterard – Carna (55km longer option via Costelloe 65km). The longer route brings you on a very quiet back road onto a plateau of bogs, moorland, loughs and forests. There are stunning views back over Lough Corrib and then onto the Atlantic to the Irish speaking area of Costelloe, from there you turn north and stay along the beautiful south Connemara coast to the village of Kilkieran finishing in the small village of Carna. The shorter version stays inland before joining the coast road after Maam Cross.

Day 4: Carna – Clifden (46km or 58km). Continue your cycle along the coast via Roundstone where you can see traditional musical instruments being made by hand. On the way you pass the village of Ballyconneely and the site where Alcock and Brown crash landed their biplane after completing the first transatlantic flight in 1919. There are very beautiful beaches here. If you still feel energetic there is a wonderful a ride out along the Sky Road to enjoy some sublime coastal scenery. The shorter route will bring you over a wonderful bog road. Stay the night in Clifden, this colourful small town is often labelled the “capital” of Connemara and you may enjoy traditional Irish music in its pubs.

Day 5: Clifden – REST DAY or loop rides (ca 17km, 48km). Enjoy a day out of the saddle perhaps go horseback riding or deep sea fishing. If you do want to continue cycling there is a wonderful a ride out along the Sky Road to enjoy some sublime coastal scenery. En route, walk to the ruin of Clifden Castle. For the more enthusiastic rider continue along the coast to Claddaghduff and Aughrusbeg.

Day 6: Clifden – Leenane (65km – can be shortened to 36km or extended to 75km). Leave Clifden behind to cycle through the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley to Kylemore, where you visit Kylemore Abbey and gardens. From here there are choices to cycle along the coast to Lettergesh or to go a more direct route to Leenane. This small village is located on Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. It was the location for the film “The Field”.

Day 7: Leenane – Cong (37km – can be extended). A beautiful and gentle day in valleys of Connemara and Mayo on very quiet roads, as you cycle along the shores of Lough Mask, Lough Nafooey and Lough Corrib. Finish in the quaint village of Cong, location for the film “The Quiet Man” with Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. Visit Cong Abbey founded in the 12^th century as well as the Monk’s House. Ashford Castle Hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib invites you to enjoy cream tea in its magnificent setting.

Day 8: Breakfast, followed by farewell and transfer back to Galway.