Cycling Vacations in Connemara, Ireland

Explore a landscape steeped in the history of the High Kings of Ireland. The unspoiled countryside is liberally sprinkled with churches, Celtic artefacts and historical sites of the Ancients. For independent travellers this tour offers walking and cycling in the Irish countryside, and the opportunity to explore the many visitor attractions in the area at your own pace and leisure. You are brought to the starting point of each walk and collected again at the finish if required. We provide 21 speed hybrid touring bicycles on each tour.

Explore the countryside by cycling and biking on alternate days. We provide well-chosen pre-booked accommodation, bikes and any equipment needed. Your luggage is transferred each day in order to lighten the load. A full itinerary, maps, and suggested options are also provided as part of this attractive package.

Destinations include landscapes of immense beauty like Killary Harbour, Croagh Patrick (the Holy Mountain), Lough Mask and Lough Corrib, as well as charming small  towns like Westport and Cong. The tour can be tailored to your individual needs, with 3 choices of accommodation to suit every budget, and is available on a start date of your choosing.

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

Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive to the village of Leenane (we can help with arranging transfers). Warm welcome and chance to settle in. You will be given your route notes and general information to study overnight. If there is time we will allocate bikes and equipment. Dinner is available in one of the restaurants in the village of Leenane.

Day 2 – Famine Track Walk - 14 kms
You will be dropped to the starting point of Rosroe for the Famine Track Walk along the shore of Killary Harbour Ireland's only fjord. The "Famine Track" was built after the Great Famine (1848) to provide some employment for the once extensive population of Connemara (3 - 4 hours). Return on the Western Way to Leenane village, which overlooks the harbour as you come into the village.

Day 3 – Cycle Leenane to Westport - 60 kms
You leave Leenane this morning for Westport. Westport is a lovely town with lots of shops and restaurants and very welcoming people. Westport is also very well known for its Irish music in the pubs. Your journey from Leenane brings you along by Aasleagh Waterfalls through the very scenic Doolough valley to Westport (45km - with longer option). Stay the night in Westport and enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants that Westport has to offer.

Day 4 – Croagh Patrick
You cycle from Westport to the Murrisk, a short cycle of 10km from where the ascension of Croagh Patrick takes place (climb 764m to the top; 4-5 hours). Lock your bikes at the car park and head up the clear pathway. Croagh Patrick is Ireland's Holy Mountain. It is quite a tough climb, but the views from the top are fantastic. The fact that you have walked where many pilgrims have before, makes this a very satisfying day. You get back on your bike and return to your accommodation in the evening.

Day 5 – Cycle Westport to Cong - 60 kms
Depart after breakfast from Westport and cycle via Aghagower, Toormakeady, Lough Mask, Finny, and Clonbur to Cong (58kms). A good long cycle through a variety of scenery; hills, fine trout lakes, small country roads and you will find many suitable pubs along the way to enjoy a lunch. Stay the night in Cong, dinner is available in the picturesque village of Cong, which has a number of restaurants.

Day 6 – Cycle Cong to Leenane - 37 kms
Depart Cong after breakfast to cycle to Leenane (40kms). You cycle through Joyce’s country. This is a fairly straight road although the longer option on this day will be taking you over a variety of passes and through the Twelve Bens. Be prepared to hold your breath in awe, as the approach to Leenane is spectacular from all directions. This pretty, old world village lies nestled between Mweelrea, the Devil's Mother and Maamturk Mountains and faces onto Killary Harbour, Ireland's only Fjord.

Day 7 - Departure
Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure!

Price 2013

• Hotel option €745.00 per person sharing, single supplement €110.00
  €945.00 for a single traveler (travelling alone)
• B&B option €595.00 per person sharing, single supplement €110.00
  €795.00 for a single traveler (travelling alone)
• Hostel option €485.00 per person sharing
  €575.00 for a single traveler (travelling alone)

 
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.