FAQ 
Iconic Donegal and Connemara Cycling Tour
Iconic Donegal and Connemara Cycling Tour
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
-
Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Donegal and Connemara, true hidden gems along the Wild Atlantic Way.
-
Explore carefully chosen, off-the-beaten-track routes that reveal the raw and rugged allure of Ireland's landscapes.
-
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way, making our tour a celebration of a decade of extraordinary adventures.
Our special pick for this tour:
The tiny gothic church hidden in the trees in the Kylemore Abbey estate. Built by Mitchell Henry as a token of love for his wife Margaret who tragically died young.
The Connemara version of the "Taj Mahal" .
YOUR TOUR IN BRIEF
Tour Essentials:
Cycle along one of the most iconic parts of the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal and Connemara. This tour is a 8 night / 9 Days tour where you will explore one of Irelands most beautiful sites from Sliabh League to Killary Fjord.
Out tour consists of easy cycling days with averages of 40-45km a day and with shorter and longer options available on most days.
Equipment and information:
What's included:
- Touring bike
- Helmet
- Front handler bag with repair kit
- Lock
Bike uprades are available:
- E-Bike ( Pedal-assist or Turbo) : €240 extra per bike
See our bikes section below to have more details about each type of bike.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour. Visit our FAQ to see how this app works.
Hospitality:
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras:
Tours add ons:
You can add some activities to your tour before / after coming to Connemara:
Visit the famouse Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Visit the Burren National Park
Please let us know what you would like to add as an extra - we are happy to assist you in add on programs.
Tour Essentials
Cycle along one of the most iconic parts of the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal and Connemara. This tour is a 8 night / 9 Days tour where you will explore one of Irelands most beautiful sites from Sliabh League to Killary Fjord.
Out tour consists of easy cycling days with averages of 40-45km a day and with shorter and longer options available on most days.
Equipment and information
What's included:
- Touring bike
- Helmet
- Front handler bag with repair kit
- Lock
Bike uprades are available:
- E-Bike ( Pedal-assist or Turbo) : €240 extra per bike
See our bikes section below to have more details about each type of bike.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour. Visit our FAQ to see how this app works.
Hospitality
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras
Tours add ons:
You can add some activities to your tour before / after coming to Connemara:
Visit the famouse Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Visit the Burren National Park
Please let us know what you would like to add as an extra - we are happy to assist you in add on programs.
Further information on getting to/from Ireland can be found here
ITINERARY
Your cycling holiday begins in historic Donegal Town, former seat of the O’Donnell chieftains. It was from here, in medieval times, that they ruled over much of the northern half of Ireland. Their castle still stands in the town centre. Donegal has direct bus services from Dublin Airport, meaning arrival from abroad is straightforward.
After checking in, you can spend the evening relaxing in this very pleasant town with its many great local craft shops, pubs and restaurants.
In the morning we will meet you to set you up with your bicycle, GPS, route notes, etc. Once ready you cycle west along the ever-changing coastline between Donegal and Killybegs.
An option here is to bike along St. John’s Point, where the Atlantic Ocean lies on both your left and right. The views in all directions are magnificent.
Continue west to your overnight destination in the bustling fishing village of Killybegs, where much of Ireland’s Atlantic catch is landed.
Distance:
40-55 km
West of Killybegs you cycle along one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline you will ever see.
A short side-trip will take you to beautiful Muckross Head. Cycle through Kilcar Village, a centre for traditional tweed production. Further on a must-do side trip will bring you to the unmissable Sliabh Liag cliffs. Continue towards Glencolmcille where another side trip will take you to the picture-perfect Silver Strand.
Follow yet more beautiful coast to your overnight stop in the historic valley of Glencolmcille.
Distance:
37-63 km
Cycle over wild boglands, where you will encounter more sheep than humans.
An option is to visit the deserted village of Port – one of the most remote spots along Ireland’s west coast.
Cycle to the head of dramatic Granny Valley. The exhilarating bike ride down the valley will be one to remember. At the bottom, you will find pristine Maghera beach, with its caves, that can be explored at low tide. Nearby is dramatic Assarancagh waterfall.
Continue along the edge of Loughros Beag Bay to the pretty village of Ardara, a centre for traditional weaving and traditional music.
Distance:
30-43 km
After breakfast, pick up is at your accommodation in Ardara at 10:30 for the transfer to Westport. Enjoy the chance to see the varied Irish landscapes.
Stop for a break and coffee at Drumcliffe. This is the resting place of poet WB Yeats. The graveyard and beautiful church are located on the site of an old monastery where you will still find the remains of a round tower, and a very impressive high cross.
Continue to Westport, one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns, where the second leg of your Irish adventure begins.
Today’s cycle is a stunning one.
Following the coast road, along the shores of Clew Bay, you will pass by Croagh Padraig – Irelands holy mountain before you will arrive at Louisburgh and onto the Doo Lough Valley.
Soak in the stillness of this place and cycle on the shores of its lake. Following the road, you will pass through Delphi valley and soon see Killary Fjord – which is Irelands only real glacial fjord.
Soon you will arrive at your destination today – Leenane.
Enjoy your first night in Connemara!
Distance:
53 km
Your today’s adventure will start at the beautiful Killary Fjord.
If you would like you could take a ride on the boat (optional) and get to know more about its stunning history. If you continuing further, you will soon come to Kylemore Abbey (guided visit optional), a recommended stop on your way. This gothic-style castle was built in 1867 and boasts 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.
Leaving Kylemore you will experience the full majesty of the Twelve Bens Mountain range as you pass beneath their brooding peaks. Head further onto the lovely Renvyle peninsular – home to stunning white beaches and an authentic Connemara community!
For sure your fish you will eat probably tonight is catched by a local fisherman!
Distance:
25 km
On your last day of cycle, you will head off Renvyle towards Connemara’s Capital – Clifden.
This stunning ride will take you along empty roads, lovely beaches and onto the Skyroad. Take your time here to admire the beautiful view over the Atlantic Ocean and discover an old castle on the way into Clifden.
Distance:
37 km
Today after breakfast we will say – Slan go foil! – you can take the bus and go to Galway or better ask for one of our lovely add-ons that would include Galway & Aran Islands.
Your cycling holiday begins in historic Donegal Town, former seat of the O’Donnell chieftains. It was from here, in medieval times, that they ruled over much of the northern half of Ireland. Their castle still stands in the town centre. Donegal has direct bus services from Dublin Airport, meaning arrival from abroad is straightforward.
After checking in, you can spend the evening relaxing in this very pleasant town with its many great local craft shops, pubs and restaurants.
In the morning we will meet you to set you up with your bicycle, GPS, route notes, etc. Once ready you cycle west along the ever-changing coastline between Donegal and Killybegs.
An option here is to bike along St. John’s Point, where the Atlantic Ocean lies on both your left and right. The views in all directions are magnificent.
Continue west to your overnight destination in the bustling fishing village of Killybegs, where much of Ireland’s Atlantic catch is landed.
Distance:
40-55 km
West of Killybegs you cycle along one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline you will ever see.
A short side-trip will take you to beautiful Muckross Head. Cycle through Kilcar Village, a centre for traditional tweed production. Further on a must-do side trip will bring you to the unmissable Sliabh Liag cliffs. Continue towards Glencolmcille where another side trip will take you to the picture-perfect Silver Strand.
Follow yet more beautiful coast to your overnight stop in the historic valley of Glencolmcille.
Distance:
37-63 km
Cycle over wild boglands, where you will encounter more sheep than humans.
An option is to visit the deserted village of Port – one of the most remote spots along Ireland’s west coast.
Cycle to the head of dramatic Granny Valley. The exhilarating bike ride down the valley will be one to remember. At the bottom, you will find pristine Maghera beach, with its caves, that can be explored at low tide. Nearby is dramatic Assarancagh waterfall.
Continue along the edge of Loughros Beag Bay to the pretty village of Ardara, a centre for traditional weaving and traditional music.
Distance:
30-43 km
After breakfast, pick up is at your accommodation in Ardara at 10:30 for the transfer to Westport. Enjoy the chance to see the varied Irish landscapes.
Stop for a break and coffee at Drumcliffe. This is the resting place of poet WB Yeats. The graveyard and beautiful church are located on the site of an old monastery where you will still find the remains of a round tower, and a very impressive high cross.
Continue to Westport, one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns, where the second leg of your Irish adventure begins.
Today’s cycle is a stunning one.
Following the coast road, along the shores of Clew Bay, you will pass by Croagh Padraig – Irelands holy mountain before you will arrive at Louisburgh and onto the Doo Lough Valley.
Soak in the stillness of this place and cycle on the shores of its lake. Following the road, you will pass through Delphi valley and soon see Killary Fjord – which is Irelands only real glacial fjord.
Soon you will arrive at your destination today – Leenane.
Enjoy your first night in Connemara!
Distance:
53 km
Your today’s adventure will start at the beautiful Killary Fjord.
If you would like you could take a ride on the boat (optional) and get to know more about its stunning history. If you continuing further, you will soon come to Kylemore Abbey (guided visit optional), a recommended stop on your way. This gothic-style castle was built in 1867 and boasts 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.
Leaving Kylemore you will experience the full majesty of the Twelve Bens Mountain range as you pass beneath their brooding peaks. Head further onto the lovely Renvyle peninsular – home to stunning white beaches and an authentic Connemara community!
For sure your fish you will eat probably tonight is catched by a local fisherman!
Distance:
25 km
On your last day of cycle, you will head off Renvyle towards Connemara’s Capital – Clifden.
This stunning ride will take you along empty roads, lovely beaches and onto the Skyroad. Take your time here to admire the beautiful view over the Atlantic Ocean and discover an old castle on the way into Clifden.
Distance:
37 km
Today after breakfast we will say – Slan go foil! – you can take the bus and go to Galway or better ask for one of our lovely add-ons that would include Galway & Aran Islands.
ACCOMMODATION
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
TOUR DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
- All luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation leaving you free to explore at your ease.
Accommodation
- 8 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
- Private Transfer from Donegal to Connemara
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
| Sizes: | 28", 30", 32" |
| Frame: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Fork: | FX Alloy |
| Shock: | N/A |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager alloy |
| Stem: | Adjustable ahead |
| Seat post: | Bontrager alloy |
| Saddle: | Bontrager Sport |
| Pedals: | Bontrager City Pedals |
| Shifters: | Shimano Altus M2010, 9-speed |
| Front mech: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Rear mech: | Shimano Altus M2000 | |
| Brakes: | Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc | |
| Brake lever: | Shimano | |
| Cassette: |
|
|
| Chain: |
|
|
| Cranks: | Forged alloy | |
| Bottom bracket: | Sealed cartridge | |
| Rims: | Bontrager Connection | |
| Hubs: | Formula DC-20 | |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
| Frame Material: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Frame Angles: | 71.5 head, 73.5 |
| Sizes: | 28",30", 32" |
| Colour: | Black |
| Fork: | SR Suntour NEX |
| Rear Shock: | Not applicable |
| Brake Levers: | aluminum linear-pull |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager Comp Lowriser |
| Stem: | Bontrager Elite |
| Headset: | 1 1/8" threadless headset |
| Front Der: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Crankset: | Shimano MT210 |
| Rear Der: | Shimano Alivio M3100 |
| Pedals: | Wellgo M141 |
| Tires: | Bontrager GR1 Expert |
Sizes: SM, MD, LG
Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy, Internal battery
Fork: Full carbon
Shock: N/A
Handlebar: Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy
Stem: Cannondale 3
Seat post: Alloy
Saddle: Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density
Pedals: Cannondale Fitness
Shifters: microSHIFT Advent X, 10-Speed
| Rear mech: | Shimano Acera |
| Brakes: | Tektro linear pull |
| Brake lever: | Shimano |
| Cassette: | SRAM PG830 11-28 |
| Chain: | KMC Z7 |
| Cranks: | Shimano FC-M191 28/38/48 |
| Bottom bracket: | Cartridge |
| Rims: | Matrix 750 700c |
| Hubs: | Shimano RM40 |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
TURBO electric bikes are heavier than our pedal-assist electric bikes, but they have more power. This means they provide more help on hills, for example, but if you run out of battery, they are harder and heavier to pedal.
Size: 28
Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminium
Fork: SR Suntour NEX
Shock absorber: N/A
Handlebars: Bontrager touring aluminium
Stem: Bontrager alloy quill
Seatpost: Bontrager alloy
Saddle: Royal Nuvola saddle
Pedals: Bontrager City pedals
Shifters : Shimano Tourney RS45, 8 speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano TX505
| Rear mech: Shimano | ||
| Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | ||
| Brake lever: Shimano | ||
| Cassette: Shimano 8-speed, 12-32T | ||
| Chain: Shimano HG40, 6/7/8-speed | ||
| Cranks: Pro Wheel alloy | ||
| Motor: Bosch Active Line, 250 watt | ||
| Battery: External battery | ||
| Charger: Bosch compact 2A, 100–240V |
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
GETTING TO TOUR START POINT
Your Cycling tour will start in Donegal Town.
From Dublin Airport and Dublin City:
By Bus: Direct buses ( Route 30 /X30) run to Donegal Town from Dublin Airport every 90 Minutes. Find more information here - Expressway
Reviews
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
- All luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation leaving you free to explore at your ease.
Accommodation
- 8 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
- Private Transfer from Donegal to Connemara
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
| Sizes: | 28", 30", 32" |
| Frame: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Fork: | FX Alloy |
| Shock: | N/A |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager alloy |
| Stem: | Adjustable ahead |
| Seat post: | Bontrager alloy |
| Saddle: | Bontrager Sport |
| Pedals: | Bontrager City Pedals |
| Shifters: | Shimano Altus M2010, 9-speed |
| Front mech: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Rear mech: | Shimano Altus M2000 | |
| Brakes: | Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc | |
| Brake lever: | Shimano | |
| Cassette: |
|
|
| Chain: |
|
|
| Cranks: | Forged alloy | |
| Bottom bracket: | Sealed cartridge | |
| Rims: | Bontrager Connection | |
| Hubs: | Formula DC-20 | |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
| Frame Material: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Frame Angles: | 71.5 head, 73.5 |
| Sizes: | 28",30", 32" |
| Colour: | Black |
| Fork: | SR Suntour NEX |
| Rear Shock: | Not applicable |
| Brake Levers: | aluminum linear-pull |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager Comp Lowriser |
| Stem: | Bontrager Elite |
| Headset: | 1 1/8" threadless headset |
| Front Der: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Crankset: | Shimano MT210 |
| Rear Der: | Shimano Alivio M3100 |
| Pedals: | Wellgo M141 |
| Tires: | Bontrager GR1 Expert |
Sizes: SM, MD, LG
Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy, Internal battery
Fork: Full carbon
Shock: N/A
Handlebar: Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy
Stem: Cannondale 3
Seat post: Alloy
Saddle: Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density
Pedals: Cannondale Fitness
Shifters: microSHIFT Advent X, 10-Speed
| Rear mech: | Shimano Acera |
| Brakes: | Tektro linear pull |
| Brake lever: | Shimano |
| Cassette: | SRAM PG830 11-28 |
| Chain: | KMC Z7 |
| Cranks: | Shimano FC-M191 28/38/48 |
| Bottom bracket: | Cartridge |
| Rims: | Matrix 750 700c |
| Hubs: | Shimano RM40 |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
TURBO electric bikes are heavier than our pedal-assist electric bikes, but they have more power. This means they provide more help on hills, for example, but if you run out of battery, they are harder and heavier to pedal.
Size: 28
Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminium
Fork: SR Suntour NEX
Shock absorber: N/A
Handlebars: Bontrager touring aluminium
Stem: Bontrager alloy quill
Seatpost: Bontrager alloy
Saddle: Royal Nuvola saddle
Pedals: Bontrager City pedals
Shifters : Shimano Tourney RS45, 8 speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano TX505
| Rear mech: Shimano | ||
| Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | ||
| Brake lever: Shimano | ||
| Cassette: Shimano 8-speed, 12-32T | ||
| Chain: Shimano HG40, 6/7/8-speed | ||
| Cranks: Pro Wheel alloy | ||
| Motor: Bosch Active Line, 250 watt | ||
| Battery: External battery | ||
| Charger: Bosch compact 2A, 100–240V |
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
Your Cycling tour will start in Donegal Town.
From Dublin Airport and Dublin City:
By Bus: Direct buses ( Route 30 /X30) run to Donegal Town from Dublin Airport every 90 Minutes. Find more information here - Expressway
Reviews
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
To secure your booking, we will request 30% deposit per person. Please note this is a
non-refundable payment. The balance payment is due 30 days before the tour starts.
If your tour start date is within 30 days of booking, the full, non-refundable payment is required upon booking.
We do not organise travel to/from Ireland. However there is plenty of useful information on our Getting to Ireland page.