Ireland

Depending on arrival time, our partner will meet you with your rental bicycle. Galway is a bustling university town and with 67,000 inhabitants the fourth biggest city in Ireland. The city centre dates back to the middle ages and it is not difficult to find a pub.

This is a relatively short day allowing you to spend some more time in Galway. You head out from Galway on the back roads over the hill to near Moycullen continuing to cycle towards Lough Corrib. Near Oughterard stop for a visit of Aughnanure Castle (a Norman towerhouse open to the public). Stay the night in the small town of Oughterard famed for its fishing on Lough (lake) Corrib. If you would like to extend your cycle, there is a beautiful lake side cycle from Oughterard, along the banks of Lough Corrib.

The cycle goes southwest over the hill via the windfarms at Fermoyle, before descending to the Atlantic coast near the ferry port at Rossaveel. There is a climb from Oughterard with wonderful views of the south Connemara Atlantic coast and Lough Corrib. Once at the coast, you turn west and cycle to Carna. This part is mainly flat with beautiful views of the Connemara bogland and mountains.

Continue west from Carna along quiet rural roads towards Clifden. Along the way, you can detour to the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone for lunch and visit beautiful Dog’s Bay, one of Connemara’s finest beaches. From Roundstone, follow the aptly named Bog Road through open peatland, with wonderful views towards the Twelve Bens and Maumturk Mountains. Your destination is Clifden, the lively capital of Connemara, with colourful streets, cafés and traditional pubs. If you still have energy, take the spectacular Sky Road loop for superb coastal views before returning to Clifden for the night.

Begin the day with the famous Sky Road loop from Clifden, one of Connemara’s most spectacular coastal rides, with sweeping views across the Atlantic and its offshore islands. Explore the scenic Errislannon Peninsula, enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens mountains. Continue to Derrigimlagh, a remarkable site associated with two milestones in transatlantic history: Marconi’s pioneering wireless station and the landing place of Alcock and Brown following the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919. From here, continue south towards Roundstone village and loop back to Clifden for the night.

Set out north from Clifden towards the small village of Leenane, with several optional loops allowing you to tailor the day’s cycling. Visit the tiny harbour village of Cleggan before continuing through some of Connemara’s finest scenery. Stop for lunch and explore beautiful Kylemore Abbey, a striking Victorian landmark set beside a wooded lake. Continue through Letterfrack and Tully, passing Connemara National Park, pristine lakes, rugged mountains and spectacular stretches of coastline. Finish the day in Leenane, a wonderfully situated village overlooking Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, surrounded by some of the region’s most dramatic mountain

A beautiful and gentle day of cycling through the valleys of Connemara and Mayo, following very quiet roads alongside Lough Nafooey and Lough Corrib. Cycle through the newly designated UNESCO Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark, passing traditional stone walls, sheep farms, lakes and mountains along the way. Continue through the small village of Clonbur before reaching the historic village of Cong. Explore the impressive ruins of Cong Abbey and the beautiful grounds around Ashford Castle, two of the highlights of this picturesque village.

Breakfast, followed by departure for your onward journey. Transfer to the train or bus station in Galway city.