Connemara

Day 1: Arrival in Galway
Day 2: Cong - Westport, 38 mi. (60 km)
Day 3: Westport - Leenane, 33 mi. (52 km)
Day 4: Leenane to Clifden, 35 mi. (58 km)
Day 5: Rest day in Clifden
Day 6: Clifden to Aran Islands 35 mi. (58 km)
Day 7: Aran Islands to Galway, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Departure from Galway

* All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.

Day 1: Galway city
Arrival in Galway city. If you arrive early, you can explore the bustling medieval city of Galway on your own. 

Day 2: Cong - Westport, 38 mi. (60 km)
For those who are cycling self-guided, you will be transferred to Clonbur where your bike tour begins. First, you head north along quiet back roads through rolling green fields full of grazing sheep and then descend down to Lough Mask to cycle along the shores of the lake. After lunch, the biggest climb of the week awaits you over the Partry Mountains, before continuing along a quiet back road with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is possible to avoid the climb by going a route around the Partry Mountains (a much straighter route with 40.5 km, but not as scenic). The day ends in the colorful village of Westport.

Day 3: Westport - Leenane, 33 mi. (52 km)
You will cycle between Croagh Patrick and the beautiful Clew Bay with its many small islands, to the village of Louisburgh where can stop for lunch. In the afternoon, the route continues south through one of the highlights of the week, the stunning Delphi Valley with its beautiful lakes overlooked by Ben Bury, the highest mountain in Connemara. The night will be spent in the small village of Leenane which overlooks Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.

     Sample accommodation: Leenane Hotel. On the shore of the Killary Harbor, this traditional seasonal hotel occupies an 18th-century coaching inn.

Day 4: Leenane - Clifden, 35 mi. (58 km)
Today you will cycle into the heart of Connemara overlooked by the Twelve Bens mountain range and visit Kylemore Abbey, a wedding gift from a wealthy Liverpool businessman to his wife in 1868. The cycle continues along quiet backroads past small fields with grazing cattle to the seaside village of Cleggan where you will enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, you will cycle along a scenic coastal road to Clifden where cars travel across the beach to Omey Island; only accessible when the tide is out! Clifden, the capital of Connemara, is a pretty and bustling town full of art galleries, cafes, pubs, and restaurants established 200 years ago.

     Sample accommodation: Foyles Hotel. A classic Victorian hotel in the heart of Connemara with one of the best restaurants in all of Ireland.

Day 5: Rest day in Clifden
The day can be spent in rest and relaxation or you can take part in a variety of activities including walking, golf or horseback riding. You can also spend the day just relaxing on one of the many beautiful white sandy beaches, or visit the landing site of the first transatlantic flight. The town itself is a nice place to spend time visiting the museum, art galleries, book shops and cafes. In the evening there are a number of bars which have traditional live music.

Day 6: Clifden - Aran Islands, 35 mi. (58 km)
Cycling out of Clifden along beautiful waterside roads, you will cross extensive wild bogs with freshly cut peat waiting to be harvested against a backdrop of the Twelve Benns Mountains. The afternoon cycle takes you through Gaelic speaking areas to the ferry in Rossaveel which will cross to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands.

     Sample accommodation: Aran Islands Hotel

Day 7: Aran Islands - Galway, 22 mi. (35 km)
The day can be spent touring the unique landscape of the island with its wealth of ancient stone forts and monastic sights. In the late afternoon, you will return to the mainland and take a bus back to Galway city. 

     Sample Accommodation: variety of small guesthouses that are located close to the beach.

Day 8: Departure from Galway

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You will be staying in guesthouses, B&B’s, or occasionally small hotels. The majority of the time, these small establishments do not have elevators so please pack accordingly. All hotel bookings are based on availability. If the preferred accommodation is not possible, a suitable alternative of an equal standard will be booked. You can take a look at the day-to-day itinerary for the preferred accommodation used.

Bicycles

Cannondale Quick 5 Bike

Frame	SmartForm C3 Alloy
Fork	Chromoly, 1-1/8" steerer
Handlebar	6061 Alloy Double-butted
Stem	6061 Alloy
Seatpost	6061 Alloy, 27.2 x 350mm
Saddle	Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density
Pedals	Flat
Shifters	Shimano M315 Rapidfire Plus, 7-speed
Front Derailleur	Shimano Tourney, 31.8 clamp
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Tourney
Brakes	Promax mechanical disc

Ease-E + 2 Electric Bike

Motor	Giant SyncDrive Silent drive front hub motor, 30Nm
Sensors	Giant PedalPlus 2- sensor technology
Display	RideControl LED
Battery	Giant EnergyPak 300, 36V Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Panasonic
Frame	ALUXX aluminum
Fork	ALUXX aluminum
Handlebar	Aluminum
Stem	Aluminum adjustable
Seatpost	Aluminum
Saddle	Selle Royal Nuvola
Pedals	Anti-slip
Shifters	Shimano 8 speed Tourney Revoshift
Rear Derailleur	Shimano RD-M310 Altus
Brakes	Linear Pull