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There are so many possibilties for cycling tours in Connemara. On our Connemara Sportive the distances are higher than our standard tours a great way to see more beautiful countryside in fewer days!
The trip starts in the village of Cong before heading North into the Partry Mountains and the fantastic town of Westport. There follows a cycle into the Delphi Valley, arguably one of the most beautiful roads in Ireland, to an overnight stop in Leenane village. The trip continues by hugging the coast to Cleggan where we stop for a wonderful lunch before heading to Clifden. A rest day in Clifden affords the opportunity to cycle the coast road to Roundstone and a chance to take a drip in the amazing Dogs Bay beach. The last day on the bike brings you through quiet old bog roads in wild remote roads that could only be found in Connemara. The cycle finishes in Oughterard where we will arrange a transfer back into Galway city.
We can arrange private groups on request and self guided tours from anytime from summer through to the end of October.
For our full tour dossier : Connemara-Sportive-self-guided-2025
Why not check out our other Connemara tours where the distances a lower
Connemara Best West Self Guided 2025
Connemara Galway Mayo self guided 2025
A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Dossiers Tab
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive in Galway
When you arrive in Galway you make your way to your accommodation anytime after 3.00pm. You can then explore this bustling medieval city. We will send you on full accommodation details and the necessary contact details for your tour closer to your departure date.
Day 2
Galway / Headford to Westport (85km/740m)
Your cycle starts in Headford and heads to “Joyces Country” where rolling green fields full of grazing sheep looking out on mountains and lakes line your route.
Soon you descend down to Lough Mask, the fourth largest lake in the country and a wonderful cycle along the shores ensues.
At the village of Tourmakeady you have your biggest climb of the week over the Partry Mountains with wonderful views back to the Lough and to the Croagh Patrick in the distance. The cycle continues on quiet back road with stunning views to Westport.
Day 3
Westport to Leenane (65km/550m)
You cycle between Croagh Patrick and the beautiful Clew Bay with its many small islands, to the village of Louisburgh where you can stop for lunch. In the afternoon you head 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.
Overnight is in the small village of Leenane which looks out over Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.
Day 4
Leenane to Clifden (68km/650m or 78km/830m)
The cycle heads into the heart of Connemara overlooked by the Twelve Bens mountain range and a visit to Kylemore Abbey, a wedding gift from a wealthy Liverpool businessman to his wife in 1868. Continuing along quiet backroads past small fields with grazing cattle you will arrive at the seaside village of Cleggan where you stop for lunch.
In the afternoon you follow the scenic coast road to Clifden where you can watch cars travel across the beach to Omey Island only accessible when the tide is out! Clifden, the capital of Connemara , where you spend the next two nights. A pretty and bustling town of art galleries, cafes, pubs and restaurants established 200 years ago at the whim of John D’Arcy
Day 5
Clifden Loop (62km/450m)
An "easy" cycle around the coastline to Ballyconneely and Roundstone returning via a spectacular Bog road with wonderful views of the mountains. The road is interspersed with many beaches, including one of the loveliest in Ireland at Dogs Bay. Roundstone is a pretty fishing village and a great place to take some refreshments. A must do hillier option is the Sky road with its great views and descent back to Clifden.
Day 6
Clifden to Galway (80km/680m)
Cycle out of Clifden along a beautiful waterside roads crossing extensive wild peat bogs against a backdrop of the Twelve Benns Mountains. As you reach close to Rosaveel the route will take a turn in land ono a spectacular road. This is a wild and remote place with wonderful views back to the sea and Connemara wild ponies. There is then a lovely descent into the attractive town of Oughterard. You then take a short transfer to avoid the busy roads into the centre of Galway for the final night.
- Six nights hotel & guesthouse accommodation with full Irish breakfast
- GPS Route maps and details
- Luggage transfer each day
- Transfer from Galway to Headford & from Oughterard to Galway
- 24 hour service hotline
Not included:
Bike rental ( see our price page for more details )
On a self guided tour we will organize your bike hire, the accommodation and the luggage transfer. Your route details will be waiting for you in your first night’s accommodation. In the route details you will also find recommendations for lunch stops and places to have dinner. You will set off by yourself and the luggage will be transferred to the next stop by our local taxi transfers. And should there be a day you won’t be able to cycle, it is possible to arrange a lift with the luggage transfer.
You can also contact us in the office (info@cyclingsafaris.com) or on our emergency number if you need assistance.
You can start the cycling tour on any day that suits you.
If you prefer to cycle with a support van and/or guide we are happy to send you a customized quote for this.
On a self guided tour it is possible to add extra days or shorten the trip if you wish to or we can customize the route for you
The route is sent to you on a gps format before the tour, but you need to bring your own device.
We would seriously recommend that you bring padded cycling shorts and / or a gel saddle cover that will definitely make your day’s cycling more comfortable. Cycling gloves are also a good investment. You can also bring your own saddle which we should be able to attach to our bikes.
We provide 40l pannier bags (waterproof) in which you can keep your day-to-day items. Otherwise you may prefer to use a daypack and there are back carriers on each bike for this purpose.
We do not provide rain gear so be sure to bring your own light weight waterproofs.
Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses, sun hat as well as a bathing suit for that refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
Our rental bikes don’t have lights – no problem on the long summer evenings, but if you are travelling in May or September, please bring your own light or high-visibility vest.
Finally if you wish to use toe clips please bring your own pedals with toe clips which we can attach to our bikes (the pedals on our bikes do not accommodate toe clips)
To confirm you onto our tour, we require a non refundable deposit of 300 euro per person.
After your initial booking request, we will be in touch with payment details.
The remaining balance for the cycling tour will be due 60 days prior tour start.
Should you wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:
Up to 60 days before departure – retention of deposit (300 euro per person)
60-14 days before departure – 50%
less than14 days before departure – 100%
To claim the balance back, you need to send the details on to your travel insurance who should reimburse you. Please make sure that your travel insurance covers the costs for unforeseen cancellation before signing up.
2025: 6 NIGHT SPORTIVE TOUR (SELF GUIDED)
€ 1100.00 per person sharing off-peak
€ + 65.00 per person peak supplement in July & August
€ 350.00 single room supplement (if travelling with others)
Note that bike hire is separated out of the tour price
€220.00 Cannondale Road Bike
€250.00 E-bike
Self Guided Tour Information
Self guided tour is available from May to October and can start any day of the week.
Private group tours with a guide and back up support van are available on request
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 airport:
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 )
As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).
Galway
Your first & last night in Galway is typically spent in the coastal area between Spanish Arch in the city centre and Salthill, image of one of our guesthouses to the left
You can upgrade to a hotel in the city centre, for example the Hardiman Hotel ( image to the right )
Westport
Typically you stay in guesthouses in the harbour area of the town, Boffin Lodge ( image the left ) is one of our guesthouses
You can upgrade and stay in the town centre, for example Wyatts Hotel ( image on the right )
Leenane
In Leenane we stay in the beautifully located Leenane Hotel.
On arrival you can relax in the beer garden overlooking Killary Harbour
Clifden
Your two night stay in Clifden is typically spent in the wonderful Foyles Hotel, located in the heart of this bustling town
Connemara-Sportive-self-guided-2025
Why not check out our other Connemara tours where the distances a lower
Connemara Best West Self Guided 2025
Connemara Galway Mayo self guided 2025