Weekend Escape in Connemara, the West of Ireland 

If you don't have more than a few days for your trip, then our Weekend Escape is perfect for you. Take the chance to immerse yourself in the history, culture and breathtaking scenery of the West Coast (and maybe the odd Guinness!). Travelling independently or with friends, you will seduced by the warmth, easy charm and hospitality of the Connemara people.

This tour doesn't have to be taken over a weekend. Easy cycling, with many options for longer routes, through rolling countryside, gives you plenty of time to stop and visit local historical and cultural attractions. You can choose either Hotel or Bed and Breakfast (B&B) accommodation and all cycling equipment, local information, route notes & maps are included.  Chosen with expert local knowledge, your route is off the main tourist track which makes this region all the more special, with unspoilt and peaceful roads, beaches and villages.

You can now fly into Knock Airport (only 55 miles from Leenane) from:UK -  London  Airport options - Knock Airport:  Luton, Stansted & Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham as well as Barcelona, Alicante, Milan, Paris, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt/Hahn, Edinburgh & more!

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

Day 1       
Arrive into Knock / Shannon / Dublin Airport.  Transfer to first night in Leenane village, tucked into the foot of the mountains overlooking Killary Fjord,the well known location of the film 'The Field', starring Richard Harris & John Hurt.  A Connemara Adventure Tours representative will meet you to go through you itinerary and deliver your bike and equipment. There are a couple of pubs and restaurants in the village where you can spend a very enjoyable evening.

DAY 2
Today you set out cycling along the quiet coastal route to explore the Renvyle Peninsula, steeped in history and archaeological sites, and its coves, white sandy beaches and villages, returning by the more inland route via Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine Abbey comprising a castle built in 1868, a miniature gothic cathedral and 6 acres of victorian walled gardens.  Spectacular views of the Twelve Bens Mountains & the option to visit Connemara National Park in Letterfrack – the choice is yours! 

The route offers many places to stop for coffee, food and the odd pint of beer or glass or whiskey.   Distance:  35 – 50 kms depending on the route chosen.  A second overnight in Leenane.

DAY 3
Today, depending on your return flight, you have options! You can relax, read the Sunday papers over a long coffee in the pub and take a short cycle to Ashleigh Falls and the Erriff, (a famous salmon fishing river) or you can take around 2 hours and the 35km route heading out on the Westport road, cutting through a track in Tawnyard forest which will bring you out into the Doolough & Delphi valleys, and back along the shore of, Killary, past Aashleigh Falls and back into Leennae. You will meander through some of the most spectacular scenery on the tour, with glacial lakes and rugged sandstone hills. The peaceful silence of these valleys is often only broken by the sheep wandering along the road beside you! Pack up & departure.

Option of extra day
Day 2 would be split into two days, with a night spent on the Renvyle peninsula to allow more time to explore the stunning Connemara landscape and its people. The National Park is well worth a visit and a trek up Diamond Hill with its panoramic vistas of Connemara. There is also time over the extra day to wend your way through the Victorian walled gardens in Kylemore Abbey.
 

Price 2013

• Hotel option:
  €365.00 per person sharing, 4 days/3 nights - Single room supplement €75.00 - Single traveler price is €475.00
  €265 pp per person sharing, 3 days/ 2 nights - Single room supplement €65.00 - Single traveler pric €295.00
• B&B option:
  €315.00 per person sharing, 4 days / 3 nights - Single room supplement €60.00 - Single traveler price is €425.00
  €230.00 per person sharing, 3 days / 2 nights - Single room supplement €50.00 - Single traveler price is €265.00 
• Hostel Option:
  €275.00 per person sharing, 4 days / 3 nights - Single traveler price is €305.00
  €195.00 per person sharing, 3 days / 2 nights

  
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.