Known for its many interesting and historic sights, such as Dungaire Castle near Kinvarra, the Wild Atlantic Way is a treat not to be missed. Discover these treasures, and more on this cycle tour of the wild western coast of Ireland. Setting out from Galway, the first leg will take you south, through County Clare, to the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan. The day after, you will ride into the unique karst (limestone) landscape of the Burren to Doolin. Here, you will find an area known for being the traditional music capital of Ireland. You will stay here for 2 nights, giving you plenty of time to soak up the culture and atmosphere. From here, you will head around the Burren coastline where you will see the incredible and unmistakable Cliffs of Moher. Later in the week, you will catch the ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands, where you will spend the night. After, you will head back to the mainland by ferry, and will land at Rossaveal, on the shores of Galway Bay. Leaving Galway Bay, you ride west through Connemara to Clifden. Often thought of as the capital of Connemara, Clifden is a popular tourist destination, where you will spend your last 2 nights.
Day 1: Arrive in Galway
There are regular buses from both Shannon and Dublin Airport, so it is easy to make your own way into Galway. You will spend your first night in a B&B or guesthouse. Depending on your arrival time, you may be met with your rental bicycle this evening. This evening why not head out and discover Galway. This bustling university town, with 67,000 inhabitants is the fourth biggest city in Ireland. The city centre dates back to the middle ages, and it is'nt difficult to find a really great pub.
Day 2: Galway to Ballyvauhan (55 - 70km)
The route takes you away from the city along the coast to Oranmore and you leave the busier roads behind as soon as you reach Kilcolgan. From there it is on quiet backroads past the ruins of Kilcolgin Castle. Kinvarra is a beautiful fishing village ideally located for a nice seafood lunch. Continue your journey further south into the area commonly known as The Burren. Finish the day in the colourful village of Ballyvaughan.
Day 3: Ballyvauhan to Doolin (40km)
A most beautiful day that will bring you into the Burren National Reserve, your first glimpse of this very unusual and unique region. You are passing by the Burren Perfumery, Ireland’s only perfumery, with its informational visitor centre, entertaining you on the unusual botany of the region. Stop in the small hamlet of Carron for lunch before continuing on minor backroads to Lisdoonvarna (along the route detour to the Polunabrone Dolmen adds 4km) and finish the day in the colourful village of Doolin.
Day 4: Rest day in Doolin (45/60 km)
If you have not done it the previous day cycle (or walk) to the Cliffs of Moher. There is also a beautiful cycle along the coastroad to Fanore with its sandy beach favoured by surfers. From here, turn inland onto the unique Burren landscape to cycle back to Doolin on minor back-roads.
Day 5: Ferry ride to the Aran island of Inishmore
Cycle to the pier to take the ferry (not inclusive) to the island of Inishmore (the biggest of the 3 Aran Islands). The island is very rich in historic and pre-historic sites and highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Anghus, the semi-circular fort (there are 3 semi-circular walls) 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.
Day 6: Inishmore (Rossaveal) - Clifden (60 km)
After a morning spent exploring the island further and perhaps visit the fantastically located Black Fort (a promontory fort with 3 sides falling steeply into the sea and the 4th side protected by a massive wall. There will also be time to visit the shops at the harbour offering traditional Aran sweaters, before you take the ferry back to Rossaveal at noon. You will be heading into Connemara along the coast and over sections of bog-roads to the market town of Clifden. Here you will stay for two nights.
* Shorter variation possible.
Day 7: Clifden, along the coast (several options)
You have the possibility to visit the island of Inishboffin. The ferry (not inclusive) leaves from Cleggan (10km one way). But if you prefer to remain in the mainland then there is a beautiful loop ride past beautiful beaches to the fishing village of Roundstone, where you can see traditional musical instruments (bodhrans) being made by hand. There is also a wonderful a ride out along the Sky Road to enjoy some sublime coastal scenery and views over the Atlantic and the islands.
Day 8: Departure or extend your trip
Breakfast, followed by your onward journey back by bus to Galway from where you can either travel to Dublin (for an extension of your holiday) by train or bus. Alternatively by bus to Shannon airport.
The average stage of this tour is of about 40 – 60 km. You mostly cycle on secondary roads, only on a few passages there is a little bit of traffic. At this bike tour is partly a little bit hilly we recommend it to cyclists with a decent level of fitness.
Total distance cycled: 230 km
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Galway
The route can be modified to suit families with younger children and riders of a more leisurely disposition by shortening the longer distances into half.
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
We recommend flying to Dublin or Shannon airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Galway and Connemara cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation
Included
Not Included
This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.
You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.
Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.
E-Bike Upgrades:
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
You can now book this cycling holiday online using our secure booking engine. Book online here >>
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 15.04. – 30.09.2021 | Daily |
Season: | Prices per person (dbl/pp) | (sgl/pp) |
Season 1: | £725 | £995.00 |
Rental bike 30-gear: | £110 |
Child reductions: | £On request |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category Information: | Comfortable hotels and guesthouses |
Date From | Date To |
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15 April 2021 | 30 September 2021 |