7 Night Connemara
| Start Date | 14/6/25 |
|---|---|
| Cost | €1400 |
| Start Location | Cong |
| Finish Location | Galway |
| Distance Per Day | 40/60km |
| Difficulty | Easy/Medium |
Tour Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival
Arrive in the quaint village of Cong, location for the film “The Quiet Man” with Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. Visit Cong Abbey founded in the 12th century as well as the Monk’s House. Ashford Castle Hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib invites you to explore its magnificent gardens. Depending on your arrival time we will meet you in the afternoon or the next morning for a personal introduction to your bicycles and the week ahead.|
DAY 2 Cong – Leenane
A beautiful and gentle day in the valleys of Connemara and Mayo on very quiet roads, as you cycle along the shores of Lough Mask, Lough Nafooey and Lough Corrib. The route passes through peaceful countryside with traditional stone walls and grazing sheep. Finish the day with a great downhill to the beautiful village of Leenane located on Ireland’s only fjord, Killary Harbour. Leenane was the location for the film “The Field” with Richard Harris.
(40km (25mls) Gradient +371m/-373m – additional option)|
DAY 3 Leenane – Clifden
This coastal cycle is one of the most breathtaking routes in Ireland, offering stunning views of the Atlantic coastline, rugged mountains, and serene countryside. The route is known for its wild beauty and vast open landscapes dotted with sheep. As you approach the village of Letterfrack, you will see Connemara National Park, home to the majestic Diamond Hill, a great place for a short hike if you want to stretch your legs. The cycle then continues toward the Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and offshore islands. Finally, you’ll arrive in Clifden, known as the capital of Connemara, with cozy pubs, great seafood, and a lively atmosphere. Here you will stay for two nights.
(49km (30mls) Gradient +498m/-484m – 3 additional optional loops)|
DAY 4 Clifden – Loop rides or rest day
Today you can explore the beautiful coastal area along quiet country roads from Clifden or alternatively you can enjoy a rest day. The first short loop goes south and leads to Derrygimlagh, which was the site of two major historical events: in 1907, Guglielmo Marconi built a pioneering radio station here, making it the first place in the world to send a transatlantic wireless message to Canada; and in 1919, aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown crash-landed here after completing the first-ever non-stop transatlantic flight. The longer cycle loop south continues to Roundstone, a charming fishing village, which is a great spot for a seafood lunch. You can also visit Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay, two of Ireland’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. If you did not have a chance to do it yesterday you can cycle the Sky Road loop. (Loop 1: 22km (14mls) Gradient +187m/-189m; Loop 2: 41km (25mls) Gradient +288m/-288m; Loop 3: Up to 30km (19mls) Gradient +368m/-368m)|
DAY 5 – Clifden – Carna
A breathtaking ride through the heart of Connemara’s wild and rugged landscape, offering a mix of coastal views, mountains, and traditional Irish culture. Your destination today is the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village of Carna, a quiet seaside village known for its rich Irish culture, traditional music, and beautiful coastline. You will cycle through blanket boglands, sparkling lakes, and the distant peaks of the Twelve Bens as you make your way to Carna. If you did not have time to do the Roundstone loop yesterday you will have the option to visit it today. (41km (25mls) Gradient +280m/-301m – can be extended)|
DAY 6 Carna to Rossaveal for ferry to the Aran island of Inishmore
The cycle will continue along the indented south Connemara shoreline to the pier in Rossaveal for the ferry to the island of Inishmore (the biggest of the 3 Aran Islands). The island is rich in historic and pre-historic sites and highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Anghus, the semi-circular fort is over 3,000 years old and holds a special place in Irish mythology. Less known is the Black Fort (Dun Duchathair) where you can experience some of the most beautiful cliffs on the island. Furthermore there are early Christian (starting with the 6th century) churches, monasteries and cemeteries. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name. Spend the night on the island to get a feel for island life.
(To ferry: 42km (26mls) Gradient +245m/-245m, On island: 18km(11mls) Gradient +170m/-170m)|
DAY 7 Inishmore – return to the mainland and transfer to Galway
Spend the morning enjoying the unique landscape of the island before catching the lunchtime ferry back to the mainland. We will transfer you from Rossaveal to Galway for you to avoid cycling on the increasingly busy road. Explore the bustling, historic Galway city, where you will spend your final night.
(On island: 18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m)|
DAY 8 Galway – Departure
Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey.|
