Connemara Bike Tour

Tour by Day

Day One: The Gateway to Connemara
Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Your guides will meet you in Galway and then we’re off to Maam Cross for a bike ride. Be sure to be dressed for cycling. We’ll start with the essentials: your bike fitting and safety talk. Then cycle over the rolling green hills dotted with sheep on and breathe in the refreshing sea air as we pedal along the scenic coast. Stop in for high tea at the Cashel House before arriving at Ballynahinch Castle. Here, we'll enjoy a welcome pint of Guinness. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner in the Castle’s acclaimed Owenmore Restaurant.

Meals: Light Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Galway, Malm Cross, Ballynahinch Castle
Accomplished: 11 miles / 17.7 km

Day Two: Clifden and the Boglands
After a traditional Irish breakfast, we’ll cycle the bog road to the quaint town of Clifden. Opt to continue riding along High Sky Road for some breathtaking views of the Atlantic or enjoy the colorful galleries and shops in Clifden. We'll enjoy lunch here in Clifden. Interested in fly-fishing on some of the most elite beats in Ireland? Your guides can arrange for a lesson from the anglers at Ballynahinch. Tonight we’ll dine at the Castle’s authentic pub.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Clifden, the High Sky Road
Accomplished: 22 miles / 35.4 km (30 miles / 48.2 km on High Sky loop)

Day Three: Twelve Bens and the Lough Inagh Valley
This morning, embark on a ride through what some consider the most scenic area of Ireland. Pass through the small mountain range of a dozen sharp peaks called the Twelve Bens into the Lough Inagh Valley. Enjoy lunch at one of the popular local spots, Mitchells at Kylemore or The Bards Den, before traveling to Kylemore Abbey for a visit to this Gothic mansion with its beautiful walled gardens. Continue cycling until reaching your home for the evening, Rosleague Manor, owned by the Foyle family for generations. The manor’s French chef will amaze you with his delicate dishes, using only the freshest of local ingredients.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: the Twelve Bens, Lough Inagh Valley, Kylemore Abbey
Accomplished: 21 miles / 33.7 km

Day Four: A Ride Through the Joyce River Valley
Leave the wild west behind as we take our last ride along the rugged coastline and white sandy beaches before heading inland. Riding past Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, we’ll stop for fresh mussels straight from the fjord and a pint at the authentic Hamilton’s Bar. Back on the bike, we’ll pass through the Joyce River Valley, taking care to navigate between free-roaming sheep, on our way to Ashford Castle. Dinner this evening is your choice, whether you want to enjoy some local color and live music in the town of Cong or dine at Cullen’s, the castle’s bistro-style restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Killary Harbour, the Joyce River Valley, Cong
Accomplished: 48 miles / 77 km

Day Five: The Scenic Lough Mask Loop
There are plenty of activities to try at Ashford Castle this morning, and your guides are happy to arrange anything from a falconry lesson to a massage at the spa. Later, we’ll bike to Clonbur for lunch at Burke’s Pub before cycling toward Finny for a visit with the Joyce family. Learn the ins and outs of sheepdog herding with a demonstration from their prized dogs that were featured in the movie Marley and Me. Opt to either ride or transfer back to Cong. Tonight, enjoy a decadent four-course meal in the grand George V dining room at Ashford Castle.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Clonbur, Finny, Cong
Accomplished: 16 miles / 26 km

Day Six: Transfer Back to Galway
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Ashford Castle before your guides transfer you back to Galway for a train to Dublin or the next destination of your choice.

Meals: Breakfast