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Connemara, Galway & Mayo - Cycling

Connemara is perfect cycling country, where roads go around the hills rather than over them. The scenery changes from dramatic mountain ranges and fjords to sweeping open bogland and a rocky fractal coastline.

2009 Dates
Touring Routes May June July Aug Sept
Connemara, Galway & Mayo 16 6, 27 11, 25 8, 15, 22 12, 26
Tour Length: 8 days (Sat - Sat)

Accommodations: Carefully selected B&B's, guesthouses and small family run hotels. Twin rooms with bathroom ensuite.


Meals Included: Irish breakfast daily and dinner one evening.

Touring Itinerary:

Sat We meet up in a hotel close to the railway station and stay in guesthouses close to the city centre.

Sun In the morning we take a coach transfer to the village of Cong where the tour proper starts. We head North along the quiet backroads through rolling green fields full of grazing sheep, before descending down to Lough Mask and a wonderful cycle along the shores of the lake. After lunch we cycle along a quiet backroad with stunning views of the surrounding landscape all the way to Westport.

Mon We cycle between Croagh Patrick and the beautiful Clew Bay with its many small islands, to the village of Louisburgh where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we head south through one of the highlights of the week, the stunning Delphi Valley with its beautiful lakes overlooked by Ben Bury the highest mountain in Connemara. That night we stay in the small village of Leenane which looks out over Killary Harbour, Irelands only fjord.

Tues We cycle into the heart of Connemara to visit Kylemore Abbey. We then cycle along quiet backroads past small fields with grazing cattle to the seaside village of Cleggan where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we follow the scenic coast road to Clifden, along a quiet country bogroad surrounded by small lakes and freshly cut peat with wonderful views of the Twelve Ben mountain range. That night we stay in the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone where we will spend the next two nights.

Wed The day can be spent in rest and relaxation or you can take part in a variety of activities including a day sailing cruise, walking, a game of golf or horseriding. You can also spend the day just relaxing on one of the two beautiful white sandy beaches just outside the village overlooking a clear blue sea.

Thurs We cycle along beautiful waterways and another picturesque bog road with its freshly cut peat waiting to be harvested, both offering wonderful views of the surrounding countryside before cycling the final afternoon stretch to the Irish speaking village of Carraroe.

Fri One option for the day is to take a ferry to the Aran Islands, with its wealth of ancient stone forts and monastic sights. We have a final dinner and night on the town together before going our separate ways the following morning.

Sat A final breakfast together before you head homeward bound.