Connemara by bike
Cycling in the mythical wilderness of the West of Ireland
© Big Smoke Studio
© Failte Ireland
© Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark
© Tourism Ireland
© Failte Ireland
© Failte Ireland
© Failte Ireland
© Failte Ireland
© Big Smoke Studio
Highlights
Connemara's scenic beauty
Lakes, mountains, peat bogs...
Picturesque countryside and seaside villages
The legendary Sky Road, one of Ireland's most beautiful roads
Kylemore Abbey
Irish culture and traditions
Discover the wonders of Connemara by bike
Welcome to Connemara. Pedal your way through a legendary land of strong identity and fabulous landscapes. Located on the west coast of Ireland, in County Galway, Connemara is a region that has a lot to offer cycling travelers.
It’s a land of contrasts, where nature is as raw as the inhabitants are warm-hearted. Wild and spectacular landscapes rub shoulders with small, quiet villages.
Set off from Galway, a typically Irish city where traditional music resonates in pubs on every street corner. You pedal through the countryside, between sparkling lakes and majestic mountains, soon to reach the ocean, the sheer cliffs and sublime beaches of the Irish coast. Connemara’s landscapes also include desolate moors battered by the winds, peat bogs, lush green valleys and rivers winding their way through unspoiled countryside.
With the strength of your legs, make your way along the Sky Road, the country’s most mythical road. Pedal along a winding, narrow road with playful twists and turns. You gently gain altitude to overlook the cliffs and treat yourself to wild and typical panoramas.. The sea, with its small islands scattered here and there, creates a soothing and rejuvenating landscape. In the middle of the heather, between 2 low stone walls, in bright sunshine or overcast, you ride through photogenic colors and contrasts between sky, land and sea.
In the saddle, you greet some of the flocks of sheep that graze freely here. You may also slalom between a few of them along the Sky Road. Stay focused on your handlebars!
Your journey will also take you to meet the Irish people and their traditions, with stops in picturesque villages with dry-stone walls, or typical little seaside harbours. Connemara cultivates a strong identity: here, Irish traditions and folklore are particularly present, and the locals are very attached to them, perhaps more so than elsewhere in Ireland. The region’s cultural heritage also includes such gems as Kylemore Abbey, Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle.
There’s no doubt that with this trip to the heart of authentic, unspoiled Ireland, you’ll fall in love with Connemara and its people!
Fit From GALWAY to OUGHTRERARD 45km 271m 
You leave Galway on the back roads over the hills, leading you to the village of Moycullen and then to Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake. Arriving near Oughterard, don’t miss Aughnanure Castle, built in the 15th century. Overnight in the small town of Oughterard, a popular fishing destination on the shores of Lough Corrib.
From OUGHTRERARD to CARNA 69km 611m
You head south-west, first taking a climb that will give you a breathtaking view of Lough Corrib on one side and the Connemara Atlantic coast on the other. You pedal across the moors, before going to the coast near the port of Rossaveel. Once on the coast, you cycle along it, heading west. This part of the route is mainly flat, giving you views of the bogland and mountains of Connemara. You arrive at the seaside village of Carna, where you spend the night.
From CARNA to CLIFDEN 40km 284m
You cycle along the coast passing through Roundstone, one of Connemara’s most beautiful villages. On the way you also pass the site where Alcock and Brown crash-landed their biplane after making the first transatlantic flight in history in 1919. You then take a bog road to Clifden. This colourful, lively little town is often referred to as the ‘capital’ of Connemara.
- For a few more km 59km 436m
Take a trip along the Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most famous and beautiful roads, offering breathtaking views of the ocean!
CLIFDEN, BOUCLE DE DOG'S BAY 54km 492m
This beautiful loop takes you first to the picturesque Errislannon peninsula, which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens, the mountain range that runs through Connemara. You then take the serene bog road to the charming little port of Roundstone. Continue along the coast to Dog’s Bay, one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. Enjoy a break in this exceptional setting before heading back to Clifden.
From CLIFDEN to LEENANE 53km 367m
Leave Clifden behind to cycle through the magnificent valley of Lough Inagh, a spectacular U-shaped valley in the heart of the Maumturk Mountains. You pass through Kylemore, where you can visit its abbey, nestling at the foot of a lakeside hill: one of the region’s most iconic sites! The road offers magnificent views of the peat bogs, lakes and landscapes of Connemara. You reach Leenane, a small village on the edge of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.
From LEENANE to CONG 40km 383m
A beautiful, gentle day in the Connemara and Mayo valleys, on very quiet roads, along the lakes of Lough Mask, Lough Nafooey and finally Lough Corrib, which you find again, this time on the north side. You finally arrive in the typically Irish village of Cong, where the film “The Quiet Man” was shot. Cong Abbey, founded in the 12th century, and the magnificent Ashford Castle on the shores of Lough Corrib are among the must-sees in this timeless village.
From CONG to GALWAY, Transfert en navette privée
Transfer from Cong to Galway after breakfast then end of your trip. Welcome back!
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1315€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- Additional services included:
- A complete roadbook with maps, itinerary and recommendations on the best places to visit and eat along the way
- GPX files to download for smartphone navigation
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting in english with our team at the beginning of the trip to do a bikefitting and receive your travel documents.
- Day 8 : Private shuttle - CONG - GALWAY
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
- Tourist taxes
A “homemade” tour by a local partner specializing in Ireland:
- Routes chosen with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked and removed from trafic
- Accommodation chosen for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization that adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check the availability of accommodation to ensure your departure.
Assistance close at hand :
- A personalized welcome on the first day of your trip by a local guide who will give you your travel documents.
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE team
- Local telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Luggage transfer service
Simple itinerary tracking:
- A roadbook containing all the useful addresses and tourist information, maps and a km-by-km description of the route.
And also:
- Comfortable bike rentals, ideal for this itinerary on mainly cycle paths.
- The option to subscribe to a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in case of problems or the unexpected
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring bike
Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Electric bike
Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Getting here
Departure city : GALWAY
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at more than 16h from AMSTERDAM
- at more than 16h from MILAN
Coming by plane
- Dublin Airport
- Ireland West Airport
- Shannon Airport
Arrival city : GALWAY
Coming by car
- at more than 16h from PARIS
- at more than 16h from AMSTERDAM
- at more than 16h from MILAN
Coming by plane
- Dublin Airport
- Ireland West Airport
- Shannon Airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Fit
Departure date From April 1st to October 31st
Destination EuroVelo 1
EuroVelo 2
Ireland
Themes Sea & Ocean
Heritage
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Expert
GALWAY
Arrival in Galway on your own.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, meet our local guide at your departure point. This is the perfect time to catch up on the latest practical advice, find out about the addresses and experiences you shouldn’t miss, answer any questions you may have, make the final adjustments to your bike and get your trip off to the best possible start.