Cycling in West Ireland, Connemara

Stay the night in a B&B in this lively historic university town. Depending on your arrival time, you will be met by a local guide for a personal introduction to your bicycles and cycling tour.

This is a shorter day allowing you to spend some more time in Galway. You head out from Galway on the back roads over the hill towards Moycullen continuing to cycle towards Lough Corrib. Near Oughterard, you can stop for a visit of Aughnanure Castle – a Norman towerhouse which is open to the public. Spend the night in the small town of Oughterard, famous for its fishing on Lough Corrib.

Today, we go southwest over the hill via the windfarms at Formoyle, before heading downhill to the Atlantic coast near the Ferry port at Rossaveal. There is a climb from Oughterard with stunning views of the south Connemara Atlantic coast and Lough Corrib. Once at the coast, you head west and cycle along the coast to Carna. This part is mainly flat with beautiful views of the Connemara bogland and mountains.

Continue your cycle along the scenic coastline, passing through the village of Roundstone – well known for its traditional Irish craftsmanship, including handmade musical instruments. As you cycle on, you’ll pass through Ballyconneely. This stretch of coast is also home to some of Connemara’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches.

If you have the energy, take a detour along the stunning Sky Road, which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic and rugged coastline – truly one of the highlights of the region. The shorter route takes you along a quiet bog road. Your day ends in Clifden, a lively and colourful town often considered the unofficial capital of Connemara. Here, you can enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music in one of its welcoming pubs.

Begin your day by cycling across the Errislannan Peninsula, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens Mountain range. From here, make your way to Derrigimlagh Bog, a remote landscape that holds great historical significance. It was here that Guglielmo Marconi established one of the world’s first transatlantic wireless stations, and where Alcock and Brown made their historic landing after completing the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 1919.

Your route then takes you along a peaceful stretch of the old bog road, a quiet and scenic path that leads to the charming coastal village of Roundstone. After a relaxed lunch, continue your cycle along the shoreline, with the option to pause at Dog’s Bay – one of Ireland’s most stunning white-sand beaches. From there, enjoy a gentle ride back to Clifden to round off your loop through this unforgettable corner of Connemara.

Leave Clifden and head into the heart of Connemara, cycling through the breathtaking Lough Inagh Valley – an amazing U-shaped valley in the Maumturk Mountains. This peaceful stretch of countryside offers some of the region’s most dramatic scenery, with shimmering lakes, rough bogland, and endless views of the wild landscape.

Along the route, you’ll pass through Kylemore, where you might choose to stop and explore the iconic Kylemore Abbey, sitting at the foot of the mountains beside a tranquil lake. You’ll also ride by the elegant Ballynahinch Castle and the charming Lough Inagh Lodge – both ideal spots for a coffee break or photo stop.

Your day ends in the quiet village of Leenane, perched on the border of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Surrounded by steep hills and sea views, Leenane is best known as the filming location for The Field and is a peaceful place to unwind after a day’s ride through one of Ireland’s most scenic regions.

Enjoy a peaceful and scenic day cycling through the tranquil valleys of Connemara and County Mayo, following quiet country roads that manoeuvre along the shores of three beautiful lakes—Lough Nafooey, Lough Mask, and Lough Corrib. This is a gentle route, ideal for soaking up the stillness and natural beauty of the west of Ireland.

Your day ends in the charming village of Cong, famously used as the setting for the classic film The Quiet Man, starring Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. Here, you can explore the historic Cong Abbey, founded in the 12th century, as well as the nearby Monk’s Fishing House, perched on the river.

Just outside the village, the magnificent Ashford Castle overlooks the lake and offers a perfect spot to pause for cream tea in luxurious surroundings – an indulgent way to round off a wonderfully relaxed day in the Irish countryside.

Breakfast, followed by departure. A transfer back to Galway is included.