Electric Connemara

Self-guided bicycling tour of Connemara using an Electric Assist Bike (Pedelec)

Connemara is not exactly flat and whilst there are no long or massively strenuous up-hills the terrain offers a constant up and down. Using an e-bike means that nobody gets left behind. They are great for groups, families and couples, especially when not everyone rides at the same level.

This trip is especially designed to visit the most beautiful spots in Connemara whilst one or all are riding electric bicycles. We stock Ebikes (Pedelec) of the highest German quality.

Tour Itinerary

DAY

1

Arrive in Westport, a charming, bustling market town (we can help arranging transport). Stay the next two nights in central guesthouse, dinner at your own choosing in one of the many restaurants. Plan on your personal introduction either this evening or in the morning of day 2.

DAY

2

Westport Loops
This is a day where you have various alternatives. Ride the Great Western Greenway heading along the northern shores of Clew Bay towards Achill Island (Ireland’s biggest island but it is connected by a bridge). This is a rail to trail route away from the traffic and as an out and back allows for adjustable length. Alternatively choose a loop ride on back roads to Aghagower with its round tower.
(33km/20mls climb 393m)

DAY

3

Westport – Leenane
Today’s cycle will bring you along Clew Bay to the small town of Louisburgh and then through the scenic Delphi Valley to the shores of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, and the village of Leenane. The village was the setting for the film “The Field” with Richard Harris.
(55km/34mls climb: 459m)

DAY

4

Leenane – Clifden
Leave Leenane to continue your cycle along the Atlantic seaboard around the Renvyle Peninsula, passing Kylemore Abbey and then into the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley and across a beautiful section of bog road to Clifden (often labelled the metropole of Connemara). Here you will stay for two nights. You may enjoy traditional Irish music in its pubs.
(34km (21mls) climb 344m or 61km/38mls climb 477m)

DAY

5

REST DAY
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.

DAY

6

Clifden – Carna
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. Cycling along the indented coastline you arrive in the small village of Carna for the night. There are some very beautiful beaches along this route and here.
(41km/26mls climb 282m or 56km/35mls 420m)

DAY

7

Carna – Oughterard
A last day to cycle along the coast to Kilkerrin and then decide to either take the short option to Maam Cross or alternatively continue along the coast to Costelloe and then head over a very quiet backroad to Oughterard. Near here you can stop for a visit of Aughnanure Castle (a Norman towerhouse open to the public). Stay the night in the small town of Oughterard famed for its fishing on Lough (lake) Corrib, alternatively if preferred, leave the bikes in Oughterard and take bus to Galway for the city of Galway.
(51km (32mls) climb 319m – longer option via Costelloe 66km – 592m)

DAY

8

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

Map

guided bicycle tour in connemara
Tour Details
Price 2024

€1,650pps
single room supplement €450

Level

gentle, some occasional climb, options available on most days

Starting Dates 2024

depending on travel restrictions – normally April – Oct

Included
Bicycles

Electric bicycle or Stevens hybrid bicycle

Accommodation & Meals

7 nights guesthouses, B&Bs, and hotels inclusive of 7 breakfasts

Transfers

luggage transfers

Miscellaneous

Detailed daily route notes, maps, and route notes, gpx files, personal meet and greet, emergency support

Arrival Location

Westport

Departure Location

Oughterard or Galway (you choose)

Tour Accommodations

This self-guided bicycle tour is designed to stay in comfortable,friendly, wonderful guesthouses and small hotels such as underneath. Accommodations could be upgraded if you prefer.

Leenane Hotel

Located overlooking Killary Harbour the hotel offers 66 rooms, all individually decorated some with antique furnishings. The hotel also offers reception rooms and facilities, including a Bar, a spacious Restaurant and a Private Residents Lounge, with free Wifi.
The Restaurant has a deserved reputation for serving good food and fine wines with local produce high on the list of specialties. Locally grown and of the highest standards, on offer are regional specialties such as fresh Killary Bay Salmon and Rack of Connemara Mountain Lamb.

Aran island accommodation

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.

Gallery of Tour Pictures