DAY 1 - Arrival
Arrive in the village of Leenane to a warm welcome, and take some time to settle into your accommodation. (We can help with arranging transfers on request). Your route notes and maps will be waiting for you at your accommodation to study overnight. Depending on your time of arrival we will allocate bikes and equipment, otherwise this will be done the following morning. Dinner is available in one of the restaurants or pubs in Leenane village.
DAY 2 - Leenane to Westport - 60 kms
Today your first cycle is to the colourful town of Westport, via Leenane, Aasleagh Falls, the Delphi and Doolough Valleys, Louisburgh and along the Clew Bay coastline (56km with longer and shorter options). You will spend the next two nights at your accommodation in Westport, where you can choose dinner from one of the many restaurants in the town.
DAY 3 - Around Westport - Croagh Patrick
A day to explore Westport! Today you have a few options ranging from climbing Croagh Patrick (a well-worn pilgrimage route) to visiting Westport House, a fine Georgian mansion and home of the Marquess of Sligo. For your cycling itinerary you can escape the bustle of urban life on the 42km Great Western Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. The world class Great Western Greenway is a traffic free cycling and walking trail which follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill railway which closed in 1937. Alternatively you can cycle along Clew Bay to Louisburgh, and visit the 14th century Murrisk Abbey along the way.
DAY 4 - From Westport to Cong - 60 kms
You leave Westport today and head for the village of Cong. Departing after breakfast you cycle via Aghagower, Toormakeady, Lough Mask, Finny, and Clonbur and into Cong village (70km). This is a good long cycle through a variety of scenery; hills, fine trout lakes, small country roads and you will stop at a suitable pub along the way to buy your own lunch. You stay the night in a B&B in Cong. There are a number of restaurants in the village of Cong where you can get your evening meal.
DAY 5 - From Cong to Leenane - Between 65 and 90 kms
Today you continue your cycle southwards from Cong along the shores of Lough Corrib to Maam and across a small mountain pass to Maam Cross, before heading for the Inagh Valley to cycle back to Leenane. It's a 90km cycle but you will have options to make it shorter if you wish. You will stay in the lovely village of Leenane for the next two nights.
DAY 6 - Around Leenane - From 50 to 80 kms
There's a lot to see today as you cycle west to Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Renvyle Castle and finally back to Leenane (50km). The longer option includes a cycle further south to Cleggan and Streamstown Bay (80km).You will visit the world famous Kylemore Abbey, a gothic fairytale lakeside castle lodged in a wooded hillside. It is the site of one of Ireland's finest gardens, the six-acre Victorian walled garden at Kylemore was created by Mitchell Henry in tandem with the building of Kylemore Castle in 1867. It won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award for Gardens in 2000. Connemara National park entrance is in Letterfrack where you can climb all or part of Diamond Hill or simply visit the excellent visitor centre and tea rooms. Return to Leenane to enjoy a well deserved rest and a final night in the village.
DAY 7 - Departure
Breakfast and departure!
