Cycling in Ireland: Galway to Connemara
7 days / 6 nights / 5 cycling stages
Moderate (2/3)
Embark on an 8-day self-guided adventure along Ireland’s west coast. Starting from the vibrant city of Galway, the route takes you along quiet roads, sparkling lakes, rugged mountains, and the dramatic Atlantic coastline of Connemara. Freedom, traditional music, and Irish hospitality await!
This is the perfect way to experience Connemara at your own pace. You’ll immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty of mountains, lakes, peatlands, and coastline. Explore the Wild Atlantic Way and the native Irish-speaking regions (Gaeltacht), discovering prehistoric sites, castle ruins, and stone forts.
Day 1: Arrival in Galway
Arrive in Galway and check in at your B&B. Galway is a historic university city. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll meet the team for a personal introduction to the route.
Day 2: Galway – Oughterard, 45 km / +271m
A relatively short day, giving you more time to enjoy Galway. You’ll leave the city via quiet country roads, passing near Moycullen and cycling along Lough Corrib. Near Oughterard, you can visit Aughnanure Castle, a Norman tower house open to the public.
Day 3: Oughterard – Carna, 69 km / +611m
This stage heads southwest, climbing from Oughterard with stunning views of the Connemara Atlantic coast and Lough Corrib. You’ll descend toward the coast near the Rossaveal ferry port. Once on the coast, the terrain is flat, offering beautiful views of Connemara’s bogs and mountains.
Day 4: Carna – Clifden (Option 1: 40 km / +284m | Option 2: 59 km / +436m)
Continue along the coast, passing Roundstone, where you can see traditional handmade musical instruments. On the way, you’ll pass the site where Alcock and Brown landed after completing the first transatlantic flight in 1919. For those feeling energetic, there’s a wonderful detour via the Sky Road to enjoy sublime coastal scenery.
Day 5: Clifden – Circular Routes, 42.5 km (Active Rest Day)
A free day to explore the surroundings of Clifden, the “metropolis of Connemara.” Cycle the picturesque Errislannon Peninsula, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the 12 Bens mountains. Visit Derrigimlagh, site of historic transatlantic achievements, and Roundstone before returning along the coast past the scenic Dog’s Bay beach.
Day 6: Clifden – Leenane, 53 km / +367m
Leave Clifden behind and enter the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley, a spectacular U-shaped valley in the heart of the Maumturk Mountains. Pass through Kylemore, where you can visit the majestic Kylemore Abbey. Arrive in Leenane, a small village on Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.
Day 7: Leenane – Cong, 40 km / +383m
The final stage is a beautiful, gentle day through the valleys of Connemara and Mayo, following very quiet roads along Lough Mask, Lough Nafooey, and Lough Corrib. Finish your ride in the picturesque village of Cong, famous as the filming location for The Quiet Man. Don’t forget to visit Cong Abbey (founded in the 12th century) and enjoy tea at the magnificent Ashford Castle Hotel.
Price Includes
Optional Extras
Enjoy a warm Irish welcome in charming accommodations. The hotels are 3-star, complemented by the more personal and local experience of B&Bs and guesthouses. Every day, a full Irish breakfast is included.
Is it possible to rent a bike?
Yes, this trip can be done with either your bike or ours. You can choose it during the booking process, hybrid or electric mountain bikes are available.
Is the daily luggage transfer between accommodations included?
Yes, every day we will take your luggage to the next hotel. You only have to leave it at the reception desk, and we will take care of everything. Normally it will already be at the hotel when you arrive.
Is it possible to cancel?
We want to be as flexible as possible. Therefore, in case of unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to change the dates of the trip free of charge so that you can travel within the same year, as long as you let us know at least 3 weeks in advance.
And if your plans change and you want to cancel the trip before the start date, the following handling fees will apply:
– With more than 30 days, the management fees will be 20% of the amount of the trip.
– between 30 and 15 days, the handling fee will be 50% of the amount of the trip.
– with less than 14 days, the amount to be paid will be 100% of the amount of the trip.
In order to have more flexibility, we recommend taking out travel, assistance, CR and cancellation insurance. Check with us the conditions. Please note that the price of the insurance is not refunded once contracted in case of cancellation or modification.
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