Difficulty Rating : 4 Start : GALWAY CITY Finish : GALWAY CITY Terrain : This tour does not involve any major climbs and it is a good option for those looking to take it a bit easier. Daily Average : 40-52km Weekly Average : 202-260km Tour Type : Self Guided,Group Teaser : Due to the incredible popularity of Connemara as a cycling destination, we have two tours running in this beautiful part of the country
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Due to the incredible popularity of Connemara as a cycling destination, we have two tours running in this beautiful part of the country. The other tour in this area is Connemara, Galway & Mayo

On the Connemara - Best of the West trip we take in some of the best that Connemara has to offer including Killary Harbour and the stunning Delphi Valley and the beautiful town of Westport. However we head north into Mayo and cycle along the lovely Greenways Cycle towards the island of Achill. We have a chance to explore Achill with its stunning beaches before finishing up our tour cycling on quiet backroads to the Museum of Country Life near Castlebar. A transfer at the of the week brings us back to the start point, the city of Galway.

This is an easier cycle, there is one day of climbing on our Connemara, Galway & Mayo tour which is not on this tour. Also mileage on this tour is a little lower which makes it a more suitable cycle for younger legs. There are also options to take a break from cycling on a number of days, for example we arrive early in Leenane and you have the choice of relaxing in the hotel spa or you can keep cycling on some fantastic routes.

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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Dossiers Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Galway City

When you arrive in Galway make your way to your accommodation anytime after 3.00pm. 

We will have sent you the GPS tracks before the tour .  A printed set of the route details plus a tour map and more information on the places you are staying as well things to do will be waiting for you at your accommodation

You can then explore this bustling medieval city with its shops,  art galleries and abundant restaurants,   cafes & pubs!.

Day 2

Galway via Cong to Leenane ( 35kms )

In the morning we organise a private transfer to Cong where the cycle starts! You head north along quiet back roads through rolling green fields full of grazing sheep.  

You cycle on beautiful backroads via Lough Nafooey, en route to our overnight accommodation, the small village of Leenane looking out over Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.

There is an option in the afternoon of cycling to the beautiful Kylemore Abbey or else relaxing in the spa in our hotel!

Day 3

Leenane to Westport ( 52 kms )

In the morning you head north through one of the highlights of the tour, the stunning Delphi Valley with its beautiful lakes overlooked by Ben Bury the highest mountain in Connemara.

Your lunch stop is the charming village of Louisburgh before you continue on your journey between Croagh Patrick and the beautiful Clew Bay with its many small islands to the town of Westport where you are staying two nights.

Day 4

Rest day in Westport

In 2012 Westport was voted by the “Irish Times” as the best place to live in Ireland and it is easy to understand why. The town is beautifully located at the top of Clew Bay, it is one of the few towns in Ireland that was formally planned and has a great beauty and charm about it.

You can spend the day relaxing in the town, visiting Westport House, or there are golf and horse-riding available nearby. For something a bit different you could visit Clare Island (you would need to take a taxi for 14 miles to Roonagh Quay.

Day 5

Westport to Achill Island - Greenway Cycle ( 54kms )

Another highlight of the trip is todays cycle,   the day is spent on the “Greenway Cycle”.  A route that offers gentle gradients and some of the most idyllic scenery in the west of Ireland. The cycle forms part of the National Cycle Network and it is the longest dedicated cycling path in the Country!

The route brings you all the way to Achill Sound, the gateway to Achill Island (via a bridge ) where you are staying for two nights.

Day 6

Achill Island Roundtrip 14km, 47km, 72kms ( different options! )

You spend your day exploring Achill Island where there are so many options for cycling.

There several dramatic cycling routes around Achill, the most impressive being the Atlantic Drive, with its wonderful coastal views and beautiful landscape. You can also head to Keem bay for a swim on its white sandy beach. For those feeling energetic, you could climb to the top of the nearby cliffs some of the highest in Europe, where you are rewarded with the most breathtaking views of the week.

Day 7

Achill Island via “Museum of Country Life” in Castlebar - Galway 47kms

The first 17km of our day you head back on the Greenway cycle ( there is only one way realistically in and out, which is lucky it is so lovely! ) before you make a detour to Lough Beltra in the heart of Mayo.

The final part of your tour will take you to the Museum of Country life of Castlebar where there is a nice coffee shop and where you can visit the museum. A taxi will meet you here mid-afternoon and bring you back to Galway city for a final night on the trip.

Day 8

Galway departure

Tour finishes after breakfast the next morning.

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.

  • 7 nights  accommodation with breakfast mix of 3 star hotels & guesthouses
  • Luggage transfer
  • GPS tracks
  • One printed set of route details and maps per booking
  • Private transfer from Galway to Cong on the morning of Day 2
  • Private transfer from Castlebar to Galway at the tour end on Day 7
  • 24 hour service hotline.

Bike Rental is not included in the basic tour price.
All rentals come with a pannier, lock and repair equipment.

Galway

In Galway we stay in a variation of small guesthouses which are located close to the beach and within walking distance to town centre.

Family run and a warm welcoming atmosphere make these guesthouses a highlight of any tour.

LEENANE

Leenane Hotel

Against a backdrop of mountains and on the shore of Killary Harbour, this traditional seasonal hotel occupies a 18th-century coaching inn.Low-key, individually decorated rooms come with mountain or harbour views.

A stylish restaurant with hardwood floors serves gastropub fare. There's also a bar and a cosy lounge with a fireplace.

    

WESTPORT

Boffin Lodge

Rosmo House

The B&Bs we use in Westport are away from the busy town and down on the quays by the ocean. They are often family-run and offer an insight to the Irish home with some fantastic breakfast too.

ACHILL ISLAND

Achill Island Hotel is a new building built on the ground of the on old hotel that was a old coach house in the 1800s. The hotel has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The rooms are spacious with all the modern necessity's.

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 aiport:
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).

On a self guided tour we will organize your bike hire, the accommodation and the luggage transfer. You will have the route on gps tracks and one set of route details will be waiting for you in your first night’s accommodation.
We provide 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.

Bike rental is not included in the basic tour price

In Connemara you can rent a Merida Crossway Urban 20-D bicycle for our tours. These are a 24 speed alloy frame & fork with twin hydraulic disc brakes. Each bike is fitted with muds, alloy pannier rack, kick stand & handle bar bag.
The pannier bags are waterproof 40 liter bags.
Bikes come in different sizes and in gents and ladies style frames.
It is very important you give us your height on booking so that we can allocate the correct bike to you.

An E-bike can also be rented
We use Lappierre Overvolt Urban 300-Wh Electric bikes
This Lappierre 300 Wh model bike has a range 70-100km kilometers on a fully charged battery, depending on the person's weight, hills, wind, road surface and setting they on the bike.
There are 3 setting: Eco - Normal - Turbo ( Eco will last long ) 120km

Our normal daily cycling route A to B is between 50-60k

Looking at a scale from 1 - 10 (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest) we are giving this tour 4 - 5 points.

Other than young children, whom we discourage from attending, people of all ages and abilities come on the tours, so do not worry if you are not super-fit. You have all day to cover the recommended route, and while Irish roads rarely follow a straight line, there are few really high climbs.
A great tour if you are looking to take it a bit easier! Still includes many of the highlights of Connemara and the "Greenway" cycle route, but there are more opportunities to take a break from cycling to indulge in some other pursuits. Unlike our other Irish Tours, on this trip you will stay two nights in Westport and also two nights on Achill Island. You have the option to cycle on the rest day or chose from other activies on offer.

The average daily cycling distance is around 34- 57 km. On this tour there are two rest days with options to cycle or to do something different instead. The cycle around Achill Islands is the most challenging on this trip.

You are sent the GPS tracks before the tour, but you need to bring your own device.
On arrival in your first nights accommodation you will receive one set of printed route details and a map per booking

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)

You have the option of booking different room types:
Double room = Room with one big bed for two people
Twin room = Room with two single beds for two people
Single room = Room with one single bed
Triple room = Room with one double and one single for three people OR room with three single beds
Family room = Room with one double and two single beds

If the room type you would like to book is not listed on the booking form, you can specify this in the
section "other details"

You will be staying in Galway, Clonbur (group tour), Westport and Achill Island during this tour.
Please click here to see our sample accommodation list.
Its possible to upgrade the accommodation in Galway and/or Westport.

To confirm you onto our tour, we require a 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.

hould 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:
> 60 days before departure – retention of deposit (300 euro per person)
60-14 days before departure – 50%
< 14 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

We got back to Germany yesterday and here is our feedback: everything was just perfect, we feel there is nothing you could improve.
We had a lovely holiday and will certainly book another tour with you.

Thanks again for your kind support and thanks to all of the Cycling Safaris team for the great tours you offer. We will tell others about it.

Vera Muller (Connemara - Best of the West )

We had an absolutely fabulous trip! Everything went as scheduled and planned - no glitches!
We have no complaints about the accommodations or the food! Our hosts were all warm and welcoming (My personal favourite was Maureen in Galway). Our luggage transfers all went very smoothly; pick-up and delivery were all on time and according to schedule. As well, we really enjoyed our taxi drivers that did the transfer to and from our start/end point - entertaining and knowledgeable about Ireland. We love our bikes! And we didn't even have any mechanical problems. We really enjoyed the few days we have spent in Dun Laoghaire and our stay at the Haddington.
You live in a beautiful country and it lived up to and exceeded all of our expectations!

Ken & Deb Chute (Connemara, Best of the West self guided )

Once again we enjoyed travelling with Cycling Safaris very much. Every day was a pleasure to be out and cycling in the Connemara area. We were surprised by the Killary Fjord, the spectacular views and of course all the sheep we encountered at the side of the road and on the road! There are no words really to describe Achill Island, amazingly beautiful, and we enjoyed the hospitality at the Achill Island Hotel and especially the hotel/restaurant/pub.
Our special thanks to Stella of the Consilio B&B for her most delicious breakfast, warmth and kindness!

Marcel and Marga Schuit (Connemara, Best of the West self guided )

On each day of our trip, the six of us commented about how impressed we were with the cycle tour. We all loved the bikes. Every single accommodation was good - including the breakfasts. Our luggage was always waiting for us at each destination. The map book was easy to follow and we appreciated the recommendations for places to stop and/or to eat. We especially liked the Blue Bicycle Tea Room.

Joan & Cam Zaremba (Connemara, Best of the West self guided )

Everything was fine on our recent trip. The bikes, organisation, the B&Bs, the route, maps, luggage transfers etc, all worked like clockwork and it was most enjoyable.
High points would be the warm welcome at the accommodation especially the B&Bs and also the beautiful scenery. The bikes and equipment were excellent.

Jon White (Connemara, Best of West self guided )

Everything went very smoothly. Accommodations were excellent, our luggage was always there when we arrived. The bikes were great. The ride was absolutely beautiful. All in all, everything was well organized and we had a fantastic time.

Deborah & Cyril Marchildon (Connemara, Best of the West self led )

We had a lovely tour. The bikes were good quality and in nice working order. The route was well described and we had no problems following it. The accommodations were as we expected. The food was simply fantastic. Thanks for a great tour!

Abra & Holly (Connemara Best of the West )

Yes, I had a great week. Highly recommend it. Aidan was a great guide.

Rika O Sullivan (Best of the West group )

2025 TOUR PRICE 7 NIGHTS (SELF GUIDED)

  • € 1250.00 per person sharing off peak
  • €  75.00 per person sharing high season supplement July & August
  • € 380.00 single occupancy (if travelling with others)
  • € 300.00 solo traveller / an additional charge if travelling on your own to cover the costs of transfers

Note that for 2025 bike hire is separated out of the tour price

  • €125.00                 24 speed touring bike with  lock, helmet and a small pannier bag
  • €260.00                 E-bike

Self Guided Tour Information

Self guided tours are available from 16th April to 1st October and can start any day of the week.

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

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Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

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Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

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Accommodation

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Please select your preference below

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €300.00 non refundable deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The balancing payment is required two months prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The full payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client 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:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.