Connemara by bike, around Clifden

Connemara by bike

Discover a historic land in the unspoiled region of the Emerald Isle at your own pace. This cycling trip in Ireland on the Wild Atlantic way follows the spectacular coastline of this unique place in the world. 
You will also enjoy learning about the history and heritage of Connemara. Among the unforgettable discoveries: the 19th century gothic abbey of Kylemore. 

Highlights of your stay :

• The beauties of Connemara 
•  Irish "craic" or the art of living of the inhabitants
• The Wild Atlantic way
• The spectacular coastline
• Kylemore Abbey
• Picturesque town of Clifden

Day 1: Arrival in Clifden

Welcome to County Galway and the picturesque and historic town of Clifden. This is the starting point for your Connemara cycling tour. Settle into your accommodation and then set off to explore the narrow streets of this coastal town. 
Enjoy a good pint of beer and some local food in town before heading to your hotel for the night. 

Day 2: Clifden to Renvyle - 35 to 45 km 

This first cycling stage in the heart of Connemara offers two alternatives. The longer one guides you along the Clifden sky road. The panoramic view will make you think you are at the end of the world for a while. 
You will cycle along quiet roads through the villages of Cleggan and Letterfrack. 
You then reach the Renvyle peninsula with its rugged landscape. Here you will be able to admire many historical remains and archaeological sites. 
Overnight in Renvyle. 

Day 3: Renvyle to Leenane - 26 km 

You leave the Renvyle peninsula passing through the village of Tullycross and its traditional thatched cottages. You will follow a winding coastal road that will show you the wonderful Irish landscape at every turn. 
The village of Leenane lies at the foot of Ireland's only fjord. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise on Killary Fjord aboard the Connemara Lady catamaran. 
You may have the chance to sail among the dolphins while listening to commentaries on the history of the cove. 
Overnight in Leenane. 

Day 4: Leenane to Lough Inagh - 23 km 

You leave Leenane and ride through the Connemara mountains, admiring the scenery and lakes to reach the Inagh valley. On this cycling stage you can visit the beautiful Kylemore Abbey and its gardens. The Victorian walled garden of Kylemore is one of the most beautiful in Ireland. It was designed by Mitchell Henry at the same time as the castle in 1867. 
Overnight in the valley of Lough Inagh. 

Day 5: Lough Inagh to Roundstone - 28 km

Your cycling trip in Ireland continues towards the coast towards the village of Roundstone. The route is lined with pretty fishing villages in a colorful landscape of bogs and moors. You will see many Neolithic field systems along the way. 
You arrive in the Gaeltacht (Gaelic) region where you can hear and appreciate the musicality of this ancient language. 
Your journey ends in Roundstone, a fishing village and haven for artists and musicians. 
Overnight in Roundstone. 

Day 6: Roundstone to Clifden - 24 km 

Your bike tour begins along the shores of Mannin Bay with its turquoise waters. You reach the village of Ballyconneely, a fishing village on the west coast of Connemara. 
You can shorten the stage by taking the bog road. The Roundstone bog is exceptional and is part of a protected area. 
You are back in Clifden to make the most of the town's "craic". 

Day 7: End of the Connemara cycling trip

Your trip ends after breakfast.  

General informations :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 3 * (local standards)
• Child rates: contact us.

The dates :

Achievable between April and October 2023 on mondays  :
High season in June, july and august. 

Included :

• loop circuit
• Luggage transport between accommodation
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture)
• Before your arrival, we will send you a link to download a mobile application, on which you will find all the information necessary for the smooth running of your stay (routes, accommodation, activities to do, restaurants).

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses.

The options :

• Additional night (s) at the start or end of the tour
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance.

Levels :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Hilly according to the stages. Circuit on roads and paths.

Weather :

Temperatures between 18 ° and 25 ° C

Technicality :

Cycling: 25 to 35 km per day or 2 to 3 hours of cycling.
Circuit for those used to hiking or doing a little sport regularly.
Little signposted route, map reading desirable.

Accommodation :

3 * hotels or guest rooms / lodges.

Additional nights :

An additional night is offered to you at the start and end of the tour.

Food :

- Breakfasts: hearty Irish
- Lunch: not included
- Dinner: not included.

Roadbook :

A link to a mobile application allows you to access all the information needed to complete the tour. 

The bike :

- Rental bike : VTC or mountain bike with 21 speeds.
If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you upon arrival. A security deposit will be requested.
At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel and notify reception. Our correspondent will take care of his return.

- Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off.
At the end of the tour, you will need to take care of your own bicycle.

Assistance:

Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except punctures for which there is no intervention).

Luggage :

They stay at the accommodation.

Transport :

By plane: Shannon Airport, Dublin. Train connection to Clifden.

Ferry: Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries.

Your vehicle :

Possibility of parking at the hotel.

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.