Experiences

Family Connemara Adventure

Our Connemara Family Bike Tour

Itinerary

Our Connemara Family Bike tour in Ireland’s wild and glorious  Connemara. See Ireland through your child’s eyes and explore  unspoiled countryside at your own pace.

Connemara~Killary Fjord~Clew Bay~Westport
6 Days / 5 Nights Guided Family Bike Tour

Connemara is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. It is an area of heartbreaking barrenness and unique beauty, with dark bogs and tall jagged mountains punctuated by curving glassy lakes dotted with green islands. Unique to this area is the signature scent of strong, smoky burning turf (peat).

Located in the peaceful and pristine West Coast, Connemara is a haven for activities and the great outdoors. Biking here becomes a terrific adventure, especially as you realise you share the roads with local sheep instead of cars! With our intimate knowledge of small backroads, we prepare daily rides with you in mind. Steeped in history, we regale tales of pirates, princes and wild horses as you bike this wonderful coastline.

Optional activities include golfing, horse-back riding (Connemara Ponies), surfing, hill walking, fly fishing, sea weed baths or a fjord cruise.

 

DAY 1: Untamed Landscapes
Arrival and tour start point in Galway City at midday. We transfer to the heart of Connemara, where your tour begins. Enroute we visit the carefully restored Aughanure Castle where we have a guided tour. Steeped in local history, the castle is located close to the banks of Lough Corrib and conjures strong medieval images of the feuding O’Flaherty clan and their adventures in trading and piracy. You will also learn of Grainuaile, Grace O’Malley, the pirate queen of Ireland’s west, whose castle ruins dominate the coastline from Ballyconneeley to Achill Island. We arrive at your hotel where we have an introductory briefing and bike fit out. Dinner follows with an offering of local specialities: seafood, Connemara Lamb, Killary mussels, wild salmon if in season, for example. Warm up loop ride in the afternoon if desired.

 

DAY 2: Seascapes and Stunning Coastline
Early morning start to Roundstone village, the most picturesque fishing harbour in Connemara where traditional Galway Hookers, (traditional fishing boats of the West of Ireland) lovingly cared for over the years, can be seen on Bertraghboy Bay. Departing Roundstone to Ballyconneely village via Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay beaches, we follow the rugged coastline to Ballyconneely, taking time to visit the Connemara Smokehouse (open for viewing on a Wednesday) perched on the water’s edge.  We bike to the Alcock and Brown monument, dedicated to the first transatlantic flight in 1919 from New Foundland – that crash landed in the bog nearby (no casualties). We take the scenic ‘bog road’ home – where sheep are our only distraction.
Daily Miles: from 23 miles, with extensions available. Custom miles for children.

DAY 3: Carpe Diem
This morning you have the opportunity to explore the little galleries, bookstores, craft and designer stores of Clifden town. There are optional activities today including the opportunity to Golf and the Connemara Championship Links Course or Horse Ride at one of the local Connmemara Pony locations.  We bike the Sky Road. ‘C’est Magnifique’, I heard someone say, one day, as we absorbed the island vista before us. We make our way to Connemara National Park and Letterfrack village, arriving at the splendid neo-gothic, Kylemore Abbey. We continue through the Lough Inagh Valley – described as one of the most beautiful valleys in Ireland. Daily Miles: from 19 miles, with the average miles to day covering 32- 45 miles. Extensions available. Custom miles for children.

 

DAY 4: Sand, Sea and Sky.
On this morning’s bike ride you’ll see a stunning vista of peatlands, lakes, and forests. Passing through Tully Cross village and onward by Lettergesh beach we spin through some amazing landscapes. We have the opportunity to stop by a practicing sheep farm to see a sheep dog demonstration and engage in a discussion about the use of peat. Today we also take a spin around the Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only fjord, surrounded by Maamturk and Mweelrea mountains. Overnight in Leenane , the setting for the Oscar winning film “The Field” with Richard Harris. Ease into the evening as you watch the sunset and enjoy the local gourmet delights and shared tales of the day’s adventure. Daily miles: Day’s average 22 miles with extensions up to 42 miles. Custom miles for children.

Day 5: Clew Bay Biking
Immerse yourself in your surrounds this morning. We pedal by Doolough, spectacular in its dark beauty. This route is often referred to as the Famine Trail, dating back to tragic local events during the famine years of the 1840’s. We reach Louisburgh, which translates to the delightful name of ‘Meadow of the Buttercups’ and continue westward along Clew Bay. We arrive at Croagh Patrick, the west of Ireland’s pilgrim mountain.  Onward to the lively heritage town of Westport, a charming planned town with a unique blend of the old and new. Walk along the tree lined river at ‘The Mall’ and enjoy a late afternoon drink to unwind from your day. Overnight in Westport. Daily miles: Daily Miles: days average miles 22, with optional challenging extension ride over the Sheefry Hills if desired. Custom miles for children.

 

DAY 6: Castle Extension or Departure
Today, sadly, today we bid you farewell. This morning you depart from Westport to your next point. We can assist you with any planning, be it rail, flight or car hire. Please also see our ‘trip arrival and departure’ instructions’ for transport options.  Please also ask about our extended stay options in Ireland for further trip suggestions.

Come join us on this Connemara Biking adventure and let your imagination do the rest…..

Contact us at cyclewest.ireland@gmail.com with any questions you may have

What’s Included?

What’s not included?

Dates and Pricing

Helpful Notes