This Best of the West trip will take you to some of the best scenery and sights that Connemara has to offer. Highlights include Killary Harbour and the stunning Delphi Valley, and the beautiful town of Westport. You will also head north into Mayo and cycle along the lovely Greenways Cycle Route towards the island of Achill. There will be time to fully explore Achill, with its stunning beaches, before finishing the tour by cycling on quiet backroads to the Museum of Country Life near Castlebar. A transfer will finally bring you back to the start point of the tour, the city of Galway.
This is an easy and enjoyable cycle route. There is very little by way of climbing, and the lower milage leaves plenty of time to explore your stunning surroundings. The distance of the routes also makes this tour more suitable for younger cyclists. There are plenty of options available, on a number of days, if you fancy a break from cycling. For example we arrive early in Leenane, giving you the choice of either relaxing in the hotel spa or riding on to find some fantastic routes.
When you arrive in Galway make your way to your accommodation anytime after 2.00pm.You can then explore this bustling medieval city.
Day 2: Galway / Cong to Leenane (35kms)
In the morning we transfer you to Cong (near Clonbur) where the cycle starts! You head north along quiet back roads through rolling green fields full of grazing sheep. You cycle on beautiful backroads via Lough Nafooey, en route to our overnight accommodation, the small village of Leenane looking out over Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. There is an option in the afternoon of cycling to the beautiful Kylemore Abbey or else relaxing in the spa in our hotel.
Day 3: Leenane to Westport (52 kms)
In the morning you head north through one of the highlights of the tour, the stunning Delphi Valley with its beautiful lakes overlooked by Ben Bury the highest mountain in Connemara. Your lunch stop is the charming village of Louisburgh before you continue on your journey between Croagh Patrick and the beautiful Clew Bay with its many small islands to the town of Westport where you are staying two nights.
Day 4: Rest day in Westport
In 2012 Westport was voted by the “Irish Times” as the best place to live in Ireland and it is easy to understand why. The town is beautifully located at the top of Clew Bay, it is one of the few towns in Ireland that was formally planned and has a great beauty and charm about it. You can spend the day relaxing in the town, visiting Westport House, or there are golf and horse-riding available nearby. For something a bit different you could visit Clare Island (you would need to take a taxi for 14 miles to Roonagh Quay.
Another highlight of the trip is todays cycle. The day is spent on the “Greenway Cycle”, a route that offers gentle gradients and some of the most idyllic scenery in the west of Ireland. The cycle forms part of the National Cycle Network and it is the longest dedicated cycling path in the Country! The route brings you all the way to Achill Sound, the gateway to Achill Island (via a bridge ) where we are spending the night.
You spend your day exploring Achill Island where there are so many options for cycling. There several dramatic cycling routes around Achill, the most impressive being the Atlantic Drive, with its wonderful coastal views and beautiful landscape. You can also head to Keem bay for a swim on its white sandy beach. For those feeling energetic, you could climb to the top of the nearby cliffs some of the highest in Europe, where you are rewarded with the most breathtaking views of the week.
Day 7: Achill Island via “Museum of Country Life” in Castlebar - Galway 47kms
The first 17km of our day we head back on the Greenway cycle ( there is only one way realistically in and out, which is lucky it is so lovely! ) before you make a detour to Lough Beltra in the heart of Mayo. The final part of our tour will take you to the Museum of Country life of Castlebar where there is a nice coffee shop and where you can visit the museum. A taxi will meet you here mid-afternoon and bring you back to Galway city for a final night on the trip.
Day 8: Galway, Departure
Tour finishes after breakfast the next morning.
Route Overview:
This tour does not involve any major climbs and is a good option for those looking to take it a bit easier. Due to the lower milage of the routes it is a good option for younger cyclists. Routes can be adapted for those looking to do more/ less cycling, and there are plenty of stops along each route. Route is mainly on cycling paths and quiet roads.
Start/ End Point: Galway
Difficulty: Easy
Daily Ave: 40-52km
Weekly Ave: 202-260km
Map for Guiandance Only.
How to get to Galway:
It is possible to fly to either Dublin airport or Shannon airport. (Please note: Flying into Dublin airport will have more route options)
From Shannon aiport:
There is a bus service to Galway city available, approx €16 per person (Check BusEireann for info). Duration 1 hour 50 minutes.
From Dublin airport:
There are a number of Bus services that will take you directly from the airport to Galway(BusEireann or City Link)
Alternatively you can take the Airlink shuttle bus into Dublin city and transfer to a train to Galway city (€7 single ticket) - duration approx 40 minutes)
The Train to Galway takes approx 2hrs 20mins. (IrishRail)
7 NIGHT TOUR INCLUDES:
24 Speed, unisex touring bikes available for rental on this tour. E - Bike upgrade also available.
All rentals come with a pannier, lock, helmet and repair equipment.
Fairhill House Hotel Clonbur
Fairhill Hotel is nestled in between Lough Corrib and Lough mask two of Ireland best fishing Loughs
The hotel has a great bar with lots of traditional music nights and a lager section of whiskeys along with some of the freshest salmon in Ireland straight from the loughs- makes this a memorable place to spend the night.
Leenane Hotel
Against a backdrop of mountains and on the shore of Killary Harbour, this traditional seasonal hotel occupies a 18th-century coaching inn.Low-key, individually decorated rooms come with mountain or harbour views.
A stylish restaurant with hardwood floors serves gastropub fare. There's also a bar and a cosy lounge with a fireplace.
Boffin Lodge
Rosmo House
The B&Bs we use in Westport are away from the busy town and down on the quays by the ocean. They are often family run and offer an insight to the Irish home with some fantastic breakfast too.
Achill Island Hotel is a new building built on the ground of the on old hotel that was a old coach house in the 1800s. The hotel has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The rooms are spacious with all the modern necessity's.
In Galway we stay in a variation of small guesthouses which are located close to the beach and within walking distance to town centre.
Family run and a warm welcoming atmosphere make these guesthouses a highlight of any tour.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by calling 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Seasons | |
Season 1 | April to June | September to October |
Season 2 | July to August |
Season | |
Season 1 | £790.00 |
Season 2 | £820.00 |
Single room supplement (if traveling with others) | £215.00 |
Single tour supplement (for solo travelers) | £375.00 |
Extra | |
Touring Bike | £75.00 |
E Bike | £170.00 |
Date From | Date To |
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18 April 2021 | 03 October 2021 |