Ireland Family Bike Tour

Tour by Day

Day One: Welcome to Connemara
Your guides will greet you in Galway, and our Irish adventure begins! We’ll transfer to our spectacular hotel, the sixteenth-century Ballynahinch Castle overlooking the Ballynahinch River. Toast the week with a Guinness during our bike fitting and safety talk. Half way through our first ride, we can toast again over high tea at the Cashel House. This remote inn was a favorite vacation spot of President Charles de Gaulle and serves the finest scones in the region. We’ll practice our hurling – a traditional Irish sport – out on the lawn. Our spectacular dinner tonight is in the picturesque dining room at the Castle’s acclaimed Owenmore Restaurant.

Meals: Light Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Ballynahinch, The Cashel House
Accomplished: 11 miles / 17.7 km

Day Two: Coastal Ride to Clifden
Choose this morning between a bike ride to Roundstone or a fly-fishing lesson on the Owenmore River to catch your first trout! After lunch,  we’ll transfer to Dog’s Bay Beach where you can dip your toes in the Atlantic. We’ll visit the market town of Clifden for beautiful views from the Sky Road. Then choose between a fun pottery or felting lesson with a local artist or an extra bike ride back to the castle. Explore the castle grounds before we meet up for dinner tonight in the Castle Pub.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Roundstone, Clifden
Accomplished: 11 miles / 17.7 km

Day Three: Kylemore Abbey, Diamond Mountain and the Pirates of Renvyle!
Today we'll bike across the scenic Lough Inagh Valley toward the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, a former palatial home of Mitchell Henry and his beloved wife Margaret. We'll enjoy lunch here before a two-hour hike on the mighty Diamond Mountain with views of the Renvyle Peninsula. This is an easy hike with a boardwalk and steps built into the mountainside. Be sure to carry a rock from the bottom and place it on the mound at the top - a local tradition! Explore the ruined castle of Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley before dinner at Rosleague Manor tonight.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Kylemore, Letterfrack, Renvyle
Accomplished: 16 miles / 26 km

Day Four: The Killary Adventure Center 
Today we’ll take full advantage of the wonderful Killary Adventure Center. Thrill at zip-lining, kayaking, surfing, rock climbing, a ropes course, and orienteering. The Killary Adventure Center has something for everyone in the family. Situated in the wild Irish countryside, this is a stunning land littered with wild grasses, pine trees, and mountain flowers. You might even see some deer or mountain goats roaming while you’re outside exploring! After a full day outdoors in the fresh air, enjoy dinner on your own tonight in Clifden. Your guides have excellent recommendations. 

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Killary Adventure Center, Killary Harbor
Accomplished: Outdoor adventure activities

Day Five: Joyce Country Sheepdog Farm
Take a spin today on quiet country roads, past rolling green pastures dotted with sheep and idyllic blue lakes. Our destination is the Joyce Country Sheepdog Farm on the shores of Lough Nafooey, where we’ll meet the adorable sheepdogs and local farmers. After a delicious lunch we’ll ride back to our home at the Ashford Lodge. Spend the afternoon strolling the grounds, enjoying a falconry demonstration, or taking part in the Lodge's many activities. Tonight we’ll indulge in a decadent four-course meal in the chic dining room overlooking Lough Corrib.

Meals: Breakfast / Gourmet Picnic / Dinner
Destinations: Finny, Joyce County Sheepdogs
Accomplished: 15.5 miles / 25 km

Day Six: Goodbye to Connemara
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and one last spin around the grounds if you’d like, saying farewell to Ireland however you see fit. Your guides will see you off at the train station in Galway.

Meals: Breakfast