Connemara scheduled group tour

one of our most popular bike tours in Ireland

This bike tour in Connemara appeals to cyclists who wish to enjoy the company of others along the way. And it is a great way for solo travelers to avoid the supplements, and find friends to share the cycling with. There are defined start dates, which means that as an individual you can book your preferred date but that there will be a group of like-minded cyclists coming together. There are still options for each day’s cycle allowing you to choose for easier or longer rides.

Connemara with its ever changing landscapes, light, and terrain is the ideal cycling region for a first visit to Ireland.

Carna – Clifden
You continue north along the beautiful coast to Cashel from where you turn west and there are great views towards the Twelve Bens (the mountains at the centre of the Connemara National Park). You finish your cycle today in Clifden. This colourful small town is often labelled the metropole of Connemara. Here you will stay for two nights, and you may enjoy traditional Irish music been played in the pubs.
(45km (28mls) climb 165m longe option 59km/37mls – 344m)

Clifden – REST DAY or loop rides
Enjoy a day out of the saddle perhaps go horseback riding or deep sea fishing, or head for Inishboffin Island. 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 then continue along more coastal scenery to Claddaghduff and Aughrusbeg.
(ca 17km climb 200m, 51km climb 400m)

Clifden – Leenane 
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 along the coast to Lettergesh or to go a more direct route to Leenane. Finish the day with a great downhill to the beautiful village of Leenane located on Ireland’s only fjord, Killary Harbour. Leenane was the location for the film “The Field” with Richard Harris.
(65km (40mls) climb 250m / 75km (45mls) climb 490m)

Leenane – Westport

From Leenane we head along the northern shore of Killary Harbour and into the beautiful Delphi Valley and past 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! – best to do it the next day).Our destination is the bustling town of Westport, situated at the head of island-strewn Clew Bay.
(53km/33mls climb 470m)

Westport – loop cycles

Various options are available for today, hike Croagh Patrick, cycle the Greenway one of Ireland’s only dedicated cycle trails along the route of the old railway line from Westport to Achill or alternatively there is a loop ride available into the Partry Moutains and over to Tourmakeady before returning to Westport. 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.(57km/36mls – 576m)

Departure
Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey.

Seamist House

This beautiful house is located within a stones throw of the centre of Clifden. Enjoy the elegance, unrivalled hospitality and all the benefits of modern conveniences, like orthopaedic matresses, and free wifi.