Ireland by bicycle: Connemara

Name: Ireland by bicycle: Connemara
Brand: Cyclando
Price: 1125 EUR
Availability: InStock

Connemara

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Tour

E-bike tours, Bike Tours

Duration

8 days

Distance

283Km

Self-guided

The beauty of this package is in the freedom it offers: without a guide, you are free to decide the timing, pace, and stops of your journey. Travel freely, travel your way!

3/5 Medium

Moderate, between 35 and 85 kilometers per day with an elevation gain between 300 and 1000 meters.

Linear

The starting point is different from the ending point, with overnight stays in different hotels and daily stages.

Description

Day 1: Westport
Arrive individually in the lively city of Westport, the starting point for your bike tour. Westport is a charming town that has won the award for the best place to live in Ireland multiple times. It is known for the friendliness of its people, excellent food, pubs that play traditional Irish music, and its scenic location on the banks of Clew Bay, dominated by Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain. The town also hosts the iconic Westport House, which traces its roots back to the legendary Pirate queen, Grace O'Malley. Upon your arrival, you will settle in at the hotel and meet our local operator for a welcome briefing and handover of the bikes.

Day 2: The Great Western Greenway (24 or 60 or 88 Km)
Today you will have the chance to choose between three loop rides along the Great Western Greenway (short up to Newport 24km; medium up to Mulranny 60km; long up to Achill Sound 88km). The Great Western Greenway is a 44 km traffic-free walking and cycling route that follows the track of the old railway line from Westport to Achill, closed in 1937. You will journey along the route which will take you through marshland, woodland, and cultivated farmland, all the way to the picturesque seaside towns of Newport and Mulranny. Today's ride offers you a spectacular view of the Irish countryside and the Atlantic coast. The whole stretch of the Greenway will take you through some of the most idyllic landscapes of western Ireland on light slopes due to its ex-railway nature. At the end of the ride, you will return to Westport for your second night.

Day 3: From Westport to Leenane (53 Km)
Today you will cycle southwest along the Clew Bay coastline. Along the way, we recommend stopping at Murrisk to visit the National Famine Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the famine, at the foot of Croagh Patrick, before continuing to the town of Louisburgh. From here, turning landwards, you will ride through the picturesque Doolough Valley.
After a brief stop at the foot of the monument dedicated to the Doolough Tragedy, also in memory of the victims of the famine, a dark episode in the region's history that stands out in stark contrast with the wild beauty of its landscape.
Beyond the Lough, you will cross the Delphi Valley and then around the shores of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only natural fjord, passing by the Aasleagh Falls, until you reach the
scenic village of Leenane where you will stay for the night.

Day 4: From Leenane to Inishbofin Island (44 or 59 Km)
Today you will cycle through the stunning mountains and lakes of north Connemara along the Atlantic coast. You can stop for lunch at the historic Kylemore Abbey before continuing on to the Cleggan pier to take the ferry to Inishbofin Island, which will be your base for the next two nights.
Inishbofin is located 8 km from the mainland and is well-known for its long maritime history, rich in culture, art and Irish tradition.

Day 5: Exploring Idyllic Inishbofin (5 or 8 Km)
Inishbofin, literally the island of the white cow in Irish, is a historic fishing community with a rich tradition, from folklore that gives rise to its name, to tragic maritime tales. Cycling around the island, you will take in the spectacular coastal views of sandy beaches, rocky islands, and historic sites. It is easy to understand why writers like Richard Murphy and Sylvia Plath came here for inspiration.
The landscape also serves as an ecological refuge for colonies of native birds. This ecosystem remains thanks to the absence of mammal predators or artificial fertilisers, and thanks to the efforts of the islanders who actively cultivate habitats on their lands. You might even be lucky enough to see the elusive Corncrake wading the pristine waters of Church Lake.

Day 6: From Inishbofin to Clifden (32 Km)
Today's program includes a return to the mainland, after which you will continue your journey along the enchanting Connemara coastline. The route will take you around the Cleggan peninsula and the famous Sky Road to Clifden, known as the capital of Connemara. Clifden is full of small cafes, shops, bars and restaurants. In the evening, life moves to pubs filled with the sound of traditional Irish music.

Day 7: Loop ride around Clifden (22 or 43 Km)
For your last day on the bicycle, you will first cross the scenic Errislannan peninsula which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens mountain range. You will then visit Derrigimlagh, the site of two historic transatlantic achievements: the Marconi wireless station and the landing site of Alcock and Brown's first non-stop transatlantic flight from the United States to Ireland in 1919.
After that, you will ride along the road of the old bog until you reach the seaside village of Roundstone. After lunch, you will continue along the coast, stopping at Dog’s Bay, one of the most picturesque beaches in Ireland, before returning to Clifden.

Day 8: Clifden
Services end after breakfast. Individual departure.

By choosing to travel by bike with us, you help us make the world a better place: we plant a tree for every trip sold

Why book online on Cyclando?

Because we guarantee you the lowest price and if your tour is not available or confirmed, you can always opt for the refund of the amount paid, or choose another tripfrom the over 800 on the platform.

Our cancellation insurance is the most advantageous you will find around!

Cancel for any reason

Trip cancellation for any documentable reason: pregnancy, illness, work and more, guaranteed.

Coverage of all costs

Full insurance covers all travel costs and penalties from companies, without worries.

Refund in 7 days

With Smart Claims, we guarantee fast refunds in just 7 days for complete peace of mind.

✅ What is included in the trip?

Travel/Medical Insurance 24/24
Overnight stay and breakfast
GPS or navigation APP
Luggage transfer
Local telephone assistance 7/7
Welcome briefing
Detailed description and maps of the itinerary
Ferry ticket to/from Inisbofin

❌ What is not included?

Transfers not listed as "Included"
City tax
Tips
Journey to/from the starting point of the tour
Meals and drinks not listed as "Included"
Bike rental
Extras
Entrance fees, ferries and anything not listed as "Included"

💸 Cancellation fees

Time Range
Full refund
More 100 days of departure
80%
From 100 to 29 days before departure
75%
From 29 to 20 days before departure
50%
Up to 7 days before departure
Not refundable

Ireland by bicycle: Connemara

To discover Connemara and its breathtaking and dramatic landscape full of contrasts and harmony given by the mixture of wild nature and the majesty of the places
To see cities and villages, each with its own character and local culture; and to not miss any detail the ideal is to explore this part of Ireland by bicycle
To get closer to nature and history by cycling from Westport to Leenane, passing through the National Famine Memorial and across the wild beauty of the Delphi Valley
To take a tour of Ireland by bike finding peace and tranquility and being able to admire Killary Fjord the only fjord present in this country
To explore the wonders of Connemara and Inishbofin Island, with its rich maritime, cultural and artistic history, where Irish traditions merge with spectacular coastal views
To cycle in the tranquil beauty of Inishbofin, an ecological refuge for colonies of native birds and unspoiled nature that has inspired writers and poets
To have a unique experience passing on the Wild Atlantic Way and thus appreciate with all tranquility the epic landscapes it offers enjoying the west part of Ireland, exclusively by bicycle
To enjoy the most picturesque beaches of Ireland, like Dog’s Bay, and immerse in a coastal landscape of incomparable beauty during the last stage of the journey
To connect with nature and live a unique experience before concluding the cycling holidays in Ireland, traveling the famous Sky Road cycle route near Clifden after spending a day touring Connemara
To discover vibrant Clifden, the capital of Connemara, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and animated by traditional Irish music in its pubs
To enjoy, after a whole day spent cycling in the west of Ireland, the cosy pubs, food and traditional music of Connemara
To explore Ireland by bike thus admiring the contrasts and symbiosis between nature, roads and culture.

Package only on request.

Some of our tours are not available or bookable at the moment. If you are interested in this tour, then ask our team for more information on upcoming availability, or on a similar tour available or bookable immediately!

🙋 Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my own bike?
Of course! You can participate in any tour with your own bicycle or rent one. However, we recommend renting because not all spare parts are the same, and only with our bikes can we guarantee the best mechanical assistance.
What kind of assistance will I have during the trip?
You will always have an emergency phone number to refer to. In self-guided trips, you should be able to perform minor repairs, like replacing a tube in case of a puncture, or fixing a dropped chain, but you can always count on local assistance for more serious breakdowns.
How do I know if a tour is within my capabilities?
We classify tours on a scale from 1 to 5 based on length, elevation, and complexity of the itinerary, but if you have doubts, contact us and we will help you find the most suitable journey for you.
What is the cost of renting bicycles?
The rental cost varies depending on the bicycle model and the duration of the tour. For some tours, we offer the possibility to rent different types of bicycles. During the purchase process for each route, you will be asked to indicate your preferred bike type and the corresponding price will be shown, so you can choose freely and without surprises.
Are rented bikes equipped with accessories like lights or bags?
Yes, rented bicycles are equipped with all necessary accessories to comply with road traffic regulations (lights, bell, etc.). A lock, repair kit, and a bag to carry everything you need for a day in the saddle are always included in the rental. Additionally, we offer the option to request extra accessories based on your needs.