Connemara for Softies Cycling Tour
Overview
If you don't have more than a few days for your trip, then our 'Connemara for Softies' short break is perfect for you. This tour still captures the essence of this beautiful region on Ireland's west coast. Discover the unique beauty of Killary Harbour, the beautiful Glassillaun beach, Kylemore Abbey and the famous Connemara lakes. This tour is available with three choices of accommodation,so something to suit all budgets.
The region of Connemara is renowned for its savage beauty; towering mountains plunge into the Atlantic ocean, winding rivers merge with hidden valleys and traditional villages remind us of a simpler past.
Famed landmarks include Kylemore Abbey, 'Grace O'Malley's' castle on the tip of Renvyle Peninsula and Leenane village, made famous by the 'Quiet Man' film.
Details
| Duration: | 3 days (2 nights) | |
| Tour Dates 2011: | ANY DATE (April - Oct) | |
| Level: | Moderate cycling days with average of 25km a day with other options available on most days | |
| Bicycle: | Touring Bike CANNONDALE HYBRID €20 extra |
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| Equipment: | Helmets, front handlebar bag, side panniers (if required), water bottles, bicycle repair-kits and lock | |
| Accommodation: | Depending on the option: Hotels 3*, Approved B&B’s & Guesthouse or hostels | |
| Meals: | All Irish breakfasts | |
| Transfers: | Luggage transfers | |
| Miscellaneous: |
Detailed route notes and maps Entrance Kylemore Abbaye |
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| Meeting Point: | A Connemara Adventure Tours representative will meet you at your accommodation in Leenane | |
| Departure Point: | You depart from Leenane. We can help with arranging transfers if required. |
Visit our 'Getting Here' page for more transport information and options.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive to the wonderful village of Leenane. The village of Leenane is snugly situated at the head of Irelands only fjord Killary Fjord. It is well known in the last couple of years for 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 have a very enjoyable evening. Warm welcome and chance to settle in. You will be given your route notes and general information at the accommodation to study overnight. Depending on your arrival time, we will allocate bikes and equipment (this could be done the following morning).
Day 2
You leave Leenane after breakfast and take the direction of Tullycross. On the way you will cycle along the Killary Fjord, the turf fields, and the famous Connemara lakes. 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.. You can also decide to stop in the Connemara National Park to climb Diamand Hill and enjoy the amazing view from the top (2 hours walk all together). You will stay tonight in the charming village of Tullycross overlooking the Atlantic coast.
Day 3
From Tullycross you are heading back to Leenane via a different route that will take you along the Atlantic coast with amazing views of the ocean. You will cycle between mountain and ocean and have the chance to discover the beautiful beach of Glassilaun where you can stop for a little walk. You finish your tour in Leenane.
Accommodation & Price
Price 2012
- Hotel option: €299.00 per person sharing
- B&B option: €229.00 per person sharing
- Hostel option: €189.00 per person sharing
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.