Jewels of Connemara

short bike tour in Galway and Connemara along the beautiful west coast of Ireland

A bike tour is on your wishlist but for a shorter duration allowing you to discover other parts of Ireland by car or coach. Galway, the Aran islands and Connemara are the ideal locations. Located on the stunning West coast of Ireland this region offers you 3 stunning days of cycling in a variety of landscapes. You will be astonished at how each day is providing you with different images and memories.

Tour Itinerary

DAY

1

Arrival
Arrive in Oughterard (20km from Galway, there are regular buses from Shannon or Dublin airport to Galway), easily reached by bus or taxi from Galway. Stay the night in guesthouse/B&B. Depending on your arrival time we will meet you in the evening or the next morning for a personal introduction to your bicycles and the days ahead,

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 crossing takes about 55min.

Explore the sites on this fascinating and unique island, with it’s beautiful beaches, unique geological features such as the “Wormhole” and many blowholes, ringforts and ruins of early Christian sites. Highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Anghus, the Seven Churches and the Black Fort. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name.

Stay the night on the island to get a feel for island life.

(25km/15mls climb 242m)

DAY

3

Inishmore – return to the mainland and cycle to Clifden
Spend the morning exploring the island further or take the morning ferry for a longer option in South Connemara. Having returned to Rossaveal you will head north into Connemara with great views of the Twelve Bens, the mountains of the Connemara National Park. You will cycle along the indented South Connemara coastline and across the bogs. The town of Clifden is your target, here you find traditional music being played in the pubs.

(58km/36mls climb 350m – more options available)

DAY

4

Departure
Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey. There are regular bus connections to Galway.

Alternatively spend an extra night in Clifden to cycle some amazing loop rides.

Map

Tour Details

Price 2022

Level

Starting Dates 2022

Included

Arrival Location

Departure Location

Tour Accommodations

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

Kilmurvey House

A beautifully restored 18th century farmhouse, Kilmurvey is located at the bottom of Dun Aenghus, the biggest of the ring-forts on the island. It is run by the family who are farming on this side of the island for centuries, and Treasa’s home-baked breads and scones are to die for. Close by is Kilmurvey Beach, beautifully sandy and safe for swimming.

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