Galway, Doolin, Aran Islands, Clifden 4 day tour

This 3 night/4 day cycling tour starts in Galway city and finishes in the town of Clifden in Connemara. We will meet you in Galway to brief you on the tour and get you fitted with bikes. You will spend 1 night in Doolin, 1 night on the Aran islands and 1 night in Clifden. After the final night in Clifden, you will leave your bikes in the B&B/guesthouse and catch a bus/taxi to your next location.

Cycling distance:
Day 1 -Galway to Doolin – Up to 80km but this can be shortened, if needed, with the option of a car transfer from Galway for the first part of the cycling route. The car transfer cost is not included in the tour price and depends on the number of people in you group.

Gradient:
The gradient is easy to moderate

Departure dates:
You can start this tour on any date that suits you between April and October

|Day 1. Depart Galway city and cycle south to Doolin

Cycling south from Galway, you will enter the neighbouring county Clare and the Burren National Park. Stop in the beautiful coastal village of Kinvara and visit the 500 year old Dunguaire Castle, home of the last king of Connaught. Continue through the Burren to the village of Ballyvaughan and onwards via fanore beach and the spectacular coastal road to Doolin where you will spend the night.

| Day 2. Catch the morning ferry to the Aran Islands

Cycling distance: 20/30km +
Accommodation: B&B Aran Islands

Cycle the short distance to the ferry port in Doolin and catch the morning ferry to the Aran Islands. The island is ideal for exploring by bike and there are many historic sights to visit including the ancient cliff top fort of Dun Aonghusa, which is over 3,000 years old. The island also has some excellent seafood and music in the pubs during the summer.

| Day 3. Catch a morning ferry to Connemara and cycle to Clifden

Cycling distance: 55km +
Accommodation: B&B Clifden

Today you will catch a ferry to Rossaveal and cycle west to the town of Clifden. You will cycle through quiet rural roads surroounded by peat bogs. Visit the paraic Pearse cultural centre before continuing through the ghaeltach regions of southern Connemara, enjoying spectacular views of the Connemara mountains along the way. Clifden is vibrant town with lots of cafes and pubs and shop to explore on arrival.

| Day 4. Explore the coastline around Clifden

After breakfast on day 4, you can explore some of the local coastal area by bike including the famous Sky road before returning to your B&B. An extra night in Clifden can be arranged on request.

Stay comfortably in our carefully hand-picked accommodations

The accommodation included on the tour are B&Bs or small guesthouses. They are clean, comfortable, family run businesses and come very highly rated on Trip Advisor and Booking.com and are well set-up to cater for cycling holiday guests.

The hosts are very knowledgeable about the local area and will be happy to assist you in any way needed.

We have been using the same venues for many years and our previous guests are very happy with them. Each room with have its own private bathroom and shower too. Breakfast is included in the package. All of the venues are located in the centre, or very close to the centre of a small village or town with local bars, cafes and restaurants all within easy walking distance.

Typical B&B in Ireland. Cycling holiday B&B

Typical B&B in Ireland. Cycling holiday B&B

Fantastic Cycling Holiday

West Ireland Cycling provided the bikes (excellent), panniers, custom guidebook, transfers at the start and end of the trip, and comfortable accommodations each night. Our guide book included cycling routes and maps along with optional extensions, points of interest, and dining recommendations. We especially loved the alternative, car-free routes in and out of Cong, as well as the incredible bog road.

We highly recommend experiencing Ireland by bike and letting West Ireland Cycling plan your trip. Gorgeous country, excellent roads (many nearly car-free), patient drivers and lovely people made our trip better than we’d imagined. Thanks, John and everyone at West Ireland Cycling!

Anne, USA, July 2021.

Can’t wait to go back

We were looking for a self-guided trip in Ireland and came across West Ireland Cycling. From beginning to end, John did an amazing job at putting together a 6 night trip. I couldn’t decide between the Conamarra or Burren trip, so he put a trip together that included both! The Trek touring bikes were in great shape. The roads we cycled on were spectacular- along the water, bogs and mountains- full of green, sheep, cows and limestone. The seafood was superb- fresh as can be. I will dream of the oysters when I get home. It was great not to carry luggage and to stay in a warm B and B each night. I would highly recommend this company.

Steven, Switzerland, Sept 2021.

Experience of a life-time

My mom and I spent 7 days cycling with West Ireland Cycling in May. It was absolutely amazing. It was obvious that John and his team had put a ton of effort into the tour to make everything run extremely smoothly.

John provided us with high quality bicycles and maps with very detailed instructions. It’d be impossible to get lost or turned around. The instructions included great cafes, restaurants, lunch spots, and notable sites. There was flexibility within the routes and being able to go at our own pace was great. Every evening we’d arrive at another adorable, clean b&b with our luggage and a comfy bed waiting.

I can’t recommend this particular tour highly enough. John and team went above and beyond several times throughout the trip to make this one of our most memorable vacations. The price is well worth it considering the quality of care, bicycles, and accomodations you get in return. Do it!

Kathy, Canada, June 2019.

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Winner 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 Travellers' Choice 2021, 2022 & 2023.