Description
On this tour we travel through Connemara with stunning views of bogs, moorland, lakes and forests to the ferry port of Rossaveal to catch the ferry to the island of Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands. On Inishmore Island the highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Angeus, the Seven Churches and the coast road to the west of the port village of Kilronan. The next day we head 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 we ride across the peat bogs (where you can watch peat digging in progress) to Cashel and then across another Bog Road to Clifden. The following day we cycle through the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley to Kylemore, where you can visit Kylemore Abbey, we then return to Clifden along the wild coast of Cleggan and Claddaghduff.
Details
Price per person sharing includes:
- 4 nights bed and breakfast in guesthouses
- 3 days guided cycle tour and route maps
- Bike rental and sag support
- Ferry tickets to Aran Islands
- Detailed information pack and trip preparation guide
- Transfers to and from Galway
- Free Connemara Wild Escapes gift
Options:
- Enjoy a visit to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens as an optional extra.
- Alternative packages for partners and children available on our website
- Transfers to and from Dublin, Shannon or Cork airports available as an optional extra
Offer available every Monday - Friday, mid April to mid October
Minimum number of persons for this tour to proceed: 6
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Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome and arrival
Arrive in Oughterard (Galway transfer included). Stay the night in guesthouse/hotel. 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 there is time a short cycle along Lough Corrib.
Day 2: Oughterard – Rosaveal – 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 Angeus, 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. Spend the night on the island and enjoy some traditional music and cráic in an island pub.
Day 3: back to Rossaveal by ferry - 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 peats 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 metropole of Connemara. Here you will stay for the next 2 nights, and you may enjoy traditional Irish music in its pubs.
Day 4: Clifden – Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens
Cycle through the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley to Kylemore, where you may like to visit Kylemore Abbey, 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.
Day 5: Departure
Breakfast, followed by departure to Galway for extra days or for your onward journey.
End of Safari! Hope to see you back in Connemara very soon.
Accommodation
Camillaun Lodge
Perched on the leafy banks of Galway’s Owenriff River, which flows through Oughterard and into Lough Corrib, Camillaun Lodge is a great place for those looking for a relaxing break. Our lodge is family run, our service promise is "To deliver a unique experience of Irish hospitality where the friendship extended, the comforts enjoyed and our attention to detail will make you wish to return as soon as possible" in 2010 we were awarded 4 stars in the new classification scheme for B & B's in Ireland A full-size floodlit tennis court, snooker table and hot tub are also available to guests, so you can relax after a day out.
Ard Einne Guesthouse
Ard Einne is a 3 star family run guesthouse for over 25 years. It provides stylish, tasteful and comfortable accommodation, and caters for residents using local produce. Experience the high quality service of accommodation. and evening meals. All guest bedrooms in the Inn have spectacular views from their windows of the Galway and Clare coastlines.
The guesthouse is ideally located in the serene and scenic beauty on Inis Mor, Aran Islands, Co. Galway. The house overlooks its own beach, nearby you will find dunes and close to us are quiet coves, pre-historic monuments and monastic sites. Ideally located to the rough cliffs plunging into the ocean and invites you for nature walks with its abundance of exotic flora, birds and wildlife
Foyles Hotel, Clifden
One of Connemara's largest established hotels. Trading since 1836 and owned by the Foyles for nearly a century. The hotel is situated in the centre of Clifden and is an ideal central point for exploring Connemara. The hotel's old world elegance and atmosphere have been gracefully retained through recent renovations, each room being individually decorated and furnished with charm and warmth.
All of our prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a room. If your party requires single rooms they are available at a supplement and we can also accommodate solo travellers.
The single supplement is to cover the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room, and of providing a set of maps and an information pack for one rather than two people.
Please book early if you require a single room as only a limited number of single rooms are usually available. Contact us at cathy@connmerawildescapes.ie to book.
