Bike trip Itinerary in the connemara region of Ireland
Sunday: Rendezvous in Galway City.
It's a short transfer into the heartland of Connemara to our abode
for the next two nights, BallyInahinch Castle Hotel. Enjoy a welcoming
pint of Guinness, bike fitting, and tour briefing followed by
a short spin through the forests and nearby lakes. Once home to
the O'Flaherty Chieftains and the infamous pirate queen, Granuaile
O'Malley, this area is a hidden jewel marked with country elegance
and remarkable views. Log fires and fisherman's tales will welcome
you upon your arrival. The Owenmore Restaurant provides a splendid
panoramic view overlooking the beautiful Ballynahinch River and
serves as the setting for a carefully prepared menu, complimented
by an impressive wine list. 22 miles of biking.
Monday
An early morning ride brings us to Roundstone village, the most
picturesque fishing harbor in Connemara. Next we visit the Roundstone
Musical Instrument Centre - home of the Irish Bodhran. Roundstone,
or 'rock of the seals' as its name translates from Gaelic, is
a small fishing village nestled beside the stunning beaches at
Dog's Bay and Gurteen Bay. Follow the rugged coastline and sandy
beaches. Pick your choice of routes via the lakes, rivers, and
surrounding forests.
Afternoon brings us to the quaint town of Clifden. Enjoy this
19th century market town with its wealth of little galleries,
bookstores, antique stores, and restaurants. Onward via the sky
road, so called because it winds its way skyward around the hillside
cliffs offering spectacular views of the offshore islands. Irish
Whiskey tasting and an informative talk await upon arrival back
at the castle. 37 miles of biking.
Tuesday:
Today our route will take us through the Lough Inagh Valley, one
of the finest valleys in Ireland. On this morning's bike ride
you'll see a stunning vista of peatlands, lakes, and forests.
For a little culture, we visit Kylemore Abbey; a Benedictine monastery
with magnificently restored Victorian gardens. The Church is a
'cathedral in miniature', complete with a crypt, projecting corner
buttresses, and carved angelic gargoyles. The interior is embellished
with a variety of Irish marble columns. The columns support the
gothic arches of the decorative ground Bath stone ceiling. In
the south transept, a beautiful stained glass tracery window depicts
the five graces: Fortitude, Faith, Charity, Hope, and Chastity.
The church is a center of reflection and prayer for many visitors.
After lunch, you may visit the Connemara National Park and its
visitor center.
We continue along winding country roads via Tully Cross village.
Enjoy the fragrant assortment of wildflowers intertwined with
hedgerow: fuscias, mont breesia, blackberries, purple heather,
yellow gorse, rhododendron, and wild daisies to name just a few.
We arrive at Zetland Country House. The House, built originally as a Sporting Lodge in the early 1800s, derives its name from the Earl of Zetland, a frequent visitor in the last century. 40 miles of biking
Wednesday:
Day four features spectacular day biking around the majestic shoreline
of Killary Fjord, Ireland's only fjord. Surrounded by Maamturk
and Mweelrea mountains, we continue through the tiny village of
Leenane, the setting for the Oscar winning film "The Field" with
Richard Harris. Enjoy an evening sunset over Mweelrea Mountain from the superb
restaurant and its commanding views. 35 miles of biking
Thursday:
in pass between the Mweelrea and Sheeffry
mountains via Doo Lough. This route is often referred to as the famine
trail, dating back to events during the Potato Famine during the
late 1840's. It is spectacular in its dark beauty. We reach the
village of Louisburgh in time for lunch. The name of this village
with beautiful beaches translates to the delightful 'Meadow of
the Buttercups'. The circular route will take you around the shoreline
and return to Delphi Resort. 32 miles of biking
Friday:
Departure from Westport to Dublin or Galway City. Transfers to
Shannon Airport form Galway City.
Ireland bike trip itinerary for printing
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