Cycling break in the West of ireland

You might not have a week but just a couple of days, and you want to be on the road. This short cycling tour is perfect for you. Our Connemara Cycling Break captures the essence of this beautiful region on the West Coast of Ireland. Discover the unique beauty of Killary Harbour, the beautiful white beach of Glassilaun, Clifden the 'capital of Connemara', and many attractions along the way.

Connemara must qualify as the 'western wonderland' of Europe. Rugged mountains soar above wild Atlantic beaches and winding valleys play host to seemingly bottomless lakes. Here you will find a peace thats hard to find in a busy city. Leave behind any stress and enjoy a slower pace of daily life.

Visit our 'Getting Here' page for more transport options and information.

Day 1

Arrive in the wonderful village of Leenane where you'll receive a warm welcome and a chance to settle into your accomodation.  (There is direct bus and train service to Westport daily and we can arrange a taxi from Westport to Leenane). Leenane is situated on the shores of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, and is well known as the location used in the filming of John B. Keane’s famous play “The Field”, directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Richard Harris and John Hurt. There are a couple of pubs and restaurants in the village where you can spend a very enjoyable evening. Your route notes and maps will be waiting for you at your accomodation to study overnight. Depending on your arrival time we will also allocate bikes and equipment, or if too late, this will be done the following morning.

Day 2 Leenane to Cleggan (45km)

Today, after a hearty breakfast you depart Leenane and cycle to Cleggan. For the first section you will be cycling along the fjord, and through majestic lakes and mountains. Following the coastline you can stop off for a stroll along the beautiful white sandy beach of Glassilaun. Leaving the beach and cycling further you arrive on the Renvyle Peninsula which is steeped in history and archaeological sites & is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and spectacular view of the Twelve Ben mountain range. Continuing your journey you will pass through Letterfrack and later arrive in the small fishing village of Cleggan. You spend the night in Cleggan where you can enjoy some fresh seafood and fish in the local pub or restaurant.

Day 3 Cleggan to Roundstone (Between 30 and 50km depending on options)

Well rested & well fed, your target today is Roundstone via Clifden. You will have the chance to cycle one the most beautiful roads in the country, the Sky Road, before arriving in Clifden for lunch. Clifden is a colourful small town, also often labelled the capital of Connemara. There are many restaurants where you can choose a lovely lunch. Continue on your journey passing lake strewn bog lands and will be rewarded with some breath taking views over the Twelve Bens. You spend the night in south Connemara, in Roundstone.

Day 4 Roundstone to Leenane (45km)

After a delicious breakfast, you will set off back to Leenane. You leave the coast and cycle back inland via the Lough Inagh Valley and its beautiful lakes and mountain. You spend your last night in Leenane and choose dinner in one of the restaurants of the village.

Day 5

Breakfast, farewell and departure!

Price 2013

• Hotel Option* €535.00 per person sharing / Single room supplement €70.00 / Single traveler price €675.00
• B&B Option €445.00 per person sharing / Single room supplement €65.00 / Single traveler price €585.00
• Hostel Option* €385.00 per person sharing / Single room supplement €35.00 / Single traveler price €495.00

All prices are in EURO, and based on per person sharing. Per person sharing means two people in one room.

Single Room supplement is applied when people require a room for themselves as part of a booking of two or more.

* Hotel option: Please note that the night in Cleggan will be in B&B.

* Hostel option: Please note that the nights in Cleggan and Roundstone will be in B&B with breakfast included

"The maps and directions worked well for me. I found them easy to use and the route (for the most part) was easy to follow. It was a fun adventure :-) The information provided about where to eat, etc. was very helpful - nicely done. We found the tour very interesting and it was a nice time to relax and watch the country roll by. All three of you (Claire, Connor and Chloe) added your personal touches in making this trip memorable - thank you!" Nan & Mark, August 2012

We had a very good time in Connemara, it was well organized, the bikes were in good condition, we liked the connemara landscape and I would recommend this tour and especially the people of Connemara Adventure Tours at any time." Julia & Jesko, July 2012

"My sister and I had never been to Ireland and wanted to see part of the Country by bike, as she is an avid cyclist. We did the short break and she found it very easy to cycle, I found it challenging, but not impossible and we both had an AMAZING time and would do it again! The tour was great, the routes were beautiful and we did many of the additional routes, all were well worth it!

The accommodations were all lovely and the hosts and hostesses were wonderful to talk with, they provided plenty of information and hospitality.

The information provided (route note etc) was PERFECT, the maps were great and we had no trouble getting around. Thanks for everything!"

Ellen & Kate - May 2012

"This trip was incredible! The landscape was stunningly beautiful and though it was a challenging ride, it was a lot of fun. I met many friendly people along the way and enjoyed great food and drinks in every village I visited. I was impressed by how organized Connemara Adventure Tours was and I was able to relax knowing that they'd taken care of every detail. Everyone I worked with at the company was kind, helpful and very responsive. I'm looking forward to my next trip back to Connemara!"

Meghan - May 2012

''Thank you for organising our cycling holiday in Ireland and I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed it.  We were sorry we missed catching up with a Killary tours representative in Westport but it did not affect the quality of the tour.  Ireland’s west coast is the best kept secret – our few days around Cong and Linnane were superb – its God’s own country out there!  Also our accommodation was very good and the luggage transfers went smoothly. 

Please pass on our thanks to Geraldine (McCarthy’s in Westport) and Mary in Cong who were both fantastic to us, Mary even did a load of washing for us when we arrived wet and muddy and also drove us into town.  Such welcoming and helpful ‘hostesses’ made our stay all the more enjoyable.  It’s a pity we didn’t have more time.

Thanks again''

Liz & Tony