Ireland – Connemara, Galway and Mayo
Connemara is one of the most popular destinations for cyclists coming to Ireland. It’s easy to see why Lonely Planet claimed that our Connemara Safari was one of the must do cycling trips in Europe.
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Trip Type
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ActivitiesNo Activities
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Group Size2 Min - 20 Max
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Reviews
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Locations
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Fixed Departure
Difficulty Rating
Start
Galway CityFinish
Galway CityDaily Average
35-62kmsWeekly Average
65kms
Terrain
Climbs on day one becoming easier each day, lots of choices to make route easier or harder.
WT-CODE 4826- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Gallery
- FAQ
- Downloads
- What people say...
- Pricing
- Travel
- Accomodation
- Resources
- Prices, Dates and Booking
Connemara is one of the most popular destinations for cyclists coming to Ireland. It's easy to see why Lonely Planet claimed that our Connemara Safari was one of the must do cycling trips in Europe.
Due to the popularity of the region we are offering two tours in this area, our Connemara, Galway & Mayo tour and our Connemara - Best of the West
Our route takes in the best of the area including the colourful town of Westport, the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, the stunning Delphi Valley, Killary Harbour, Kylemore Abbey, Clifden and the famous Sky Road. We ride across spectacular open bogland, pass deserted beaches. On our last day we take a ferry over to the Aran Island to visit the dramatic hill fort of Dun Aengus. We stay overnight stay on the Island and take the late afternoon ferry back to the mainland on our last day.
We also offer a 4 day short break tour in this area! See the tour dossier for more details or contact us in the office. info@cyclingsafaris.com
Connemara Galway Mayo self guided 2024
A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab
Itineraries
Day 1
Galway City
When you arrive in Galway make your way to your accommodation anytime after 2.00pm.
You can then explore this bustling medieval city.
Day 2
Transfer to Cong ~Westport (60 kms)
You head north along the quiet back roads through rolling green fields full of grazing sheep, before descending down to Lough Mask and a wonderful cycle along the shores of the lake.
After lunch, you have your biggest climb of the week over the Partry Mountains and then cycle along a quiet back road with stunning views of the surrounding landscape all the way to colourful village of Westport.
Day 3
Westport ~ Leenane (52 kms)
You cycle between Croagh Patrick and the beautiful Clew Bay with its many small islands, to the village of Louisburgh where we stop for lunch.
In the afternoon you cycle one of the highlights of the week, the stunning Delphi Valley with its beautiful lakes overlooked by Ben Bury, the highest mountain in Connemara. That night you stay in the small village of Leenane which looks out over Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.
Day 4
Leenane ~ Clifden (58kms)
You 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. You cycle along quiet backroads past small fields with grazing cattle to the seaside village of Cleggan for lunch.
In the afternoon you follow the scenic coast road to Clifden, the capital of Connemara , where you spend the next two nights. A pretty and bustling town of art galleries, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
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 horse riding. You can visit one of the many beautiful white sandy beaches which line the indented coastline or visit the landing site of the first transatlantic flight by Alcock and Brown. The town itself is a nice place to spend time visiting the museum, art galleries and book shops and cafes. In the evening there are a number of bars which have traditional music sessions.
Day 6
Clifden ~ Aran Islands (58 kms)
You cycle out of Clifden along beautiful waterside roads crossing 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 bring us to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands where you will spend the night.
Day 7
Aran Islands ~ Galway (35kmS)
The day is spent touring the unique landscape of the island with its wealth of ancient stone forts and monastic sights. In the late afternoon, you return to the mainland and take a transfer back to Galway city for a final night on the town
Day 8
Galway departure
Tour finishes after breakfast.
Download Tour Dossiers
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast mix of small hotels & guesthouses
- Luggage transfer
- Guide in support van (on guided tour only)
- Ferry ticket to the Aran Islands
- GPS tracks
- One printed set of route details and maps per booking
- Transfer from Galway to Cong at the tour start
- Transfer from Rossaveal Harbour to Galway at the tour end
- 24 hour service hotline
Bike Rental is not included in the basic tour price.
All rentals come with a pannier, lock and repair equipment
Hybrid Touring bike : €100.00
Electric bike : €250.00
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
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 50-60km
Looking at a scale from 1 - 10 (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest) we are giving this tour 4 points.
The average daily cycling distance is around 50km. There is one rest day in Clifden.
The first day of cycling to Westport is probably the most challenging of the week. The distance is 57.5 km. Its possible to avoid the climb by going a route around the Partry Mountains (much straighter route with 40.5 km, but not as scenic).
On several days on this tour you can chose between different routes to make it easier or harder for you.
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.
Sore bottoms are an occupational hazard on a cycling tour, but a pair of padded cycle shorts or a gel saddle cover can work wonders. Complete beginners might also take a few practice rides before coming on the tour.
We offer Garmin files on request, 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)
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, Westport, Leenane, Clifden & Inishmore/Aran Islands during this trip.
Please click here to see our sample list.
Its possible to upgrade the accommodation in three of the five places: Galway, Westport and/or Clifden. You can request an upgrade for all these nights or for only one or two night
To confirm you onto our tour, we require a deposit of 250 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:
> 60 days before departure – retention of deposit (250 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 up.
We had a great time on the trip! The bike rides were fantastic - from the Delphi Valley to the coast towards Clifden to the rural roads to the Aran Islands, it was absolutely gorgeous!
And, of course, we loved all the sheep and lambs and baby horses and cows.
In terms of travel arrangements, I thought all the details you provided were fantastic, and the flip book of directions were very good.
Thanks so much for everything! We love Cycling Safaris :).
Kate Vander Wiede (Connemara, Galway & Mayo 2019)
Nathan and I had a great time on the bike tour. It was our favorite part of our time in Ireland. The bikes were good quality and the saddle bags on them made a big difference for comfort. The route was beautiful particularly the first day and the day we saw the Delphi Valley. All of the food recommendations were excellent and we enjoyed each of the accommodations.
Thanks so much for everything!
Hannah McGuire (Connemara, Galway & Mayo 2019)
We had a great time and thanks for your help.
The accommodation was all good, some were a little out of town, but we thought that was a good thing, as it was quieter at night.
All the transfers, bikes, us and luggage, all went like clockwork. Even the bus from the airport to Galway and back worked well.
The bikes we were given for the trip were perfect for the type of riding, plenty of gears and they were like new.
All in, I would give the whole trip 10 out of 10. We will be back, even if just for the Guiness and the lovely Irish people.
Many thanks,
Carole & Roger Dyer (Connemara, Galway & Mayo 2019)
Thanks. The connections and the accommodations, as in past trips, were terrific. The weather even cooperated.
Rob Ruck (Connemara, Galway & Mayo 2019)
Thank you so much for facilitating this trip; I loved it.
The instructions were sufficient. Between us we managed to take the correct roads almost without fail, so I don’t think they could be much better.
The accommodation and recommended eating places were excellent. I’m really impressed with the hotels and restaurants you chose; their service was impeccable and the food far surpassed my expectations. In fact, the food (and lovely service) was a highlight, but equally matched of course by the stunning scenery.
Paul Mahony (Connemara, Galway & Mayo 2018)
Wanted to thank you, your staff and especially Dan for a wonderful vacation. We truly enjoyed the magic that is Ireland. Again thank you for all of your support and help planning our trip.
Francis S. O'Brien (Connemara, Galway & Mayo 2018)
My husband and I recently took a Connemara cycling tour with Cycling Safaris to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We were both very impressed and pleased with the tour organization. Our guides were knowledgeable and very personable. They added a great deal to our experience. The bicycles were in excellent shape The routes were well chosen to avoid traffic which we appreciated. The accommodations were all comfortable. We were pleased to be in small hotels, B & B’s, and Guest Houses rather than large, impersonal hotels. The food provided was excellent. We so enjoyed meeting people from all parts of the world. We highly recommend Cycling Safaris.
Prudy Holoski (Connemara, Galway & Mayo 2018)
First of all, we had SUCH a great time biking in the west coast of Ireland. The beauty exceeded our expectations. We came home feeling like we really had the chance to truly experience Ireland: it's land, people and culture.
We are thankful for finding your company online and through Lonely Planet guidebook. Had a memorable trip. We will recommend your services to others.
Rob & Kim Dunn (Connemara, Galway & Mayo 2018)
We had an AMAZING trip. The bikes were great, the sites were wonderful and the accommodations were perfect. A special shout out to our Galway hosts who were so lovely and helpful. Your meal suggestions were very useful. Loved the routes and we were so impressed at how patient and careful motorists were around us on those narrow roads - that just doesn't happen here! Everyone who was involved in transferring bags/us, hosting etc made our trip seamless and so enjoyable. It also helps that we had perfect weather for cycling.
We will be recommending this trip and your company to our cycling friends. So, thank you! Love your beautiful country and long to return one day!
Shelby Delaney (Connemara, 2018)
We spent last week with Daniel and wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the trip.
The itinerary was as promised, the accommodations great, restaurants spot on and Daniel a wonderful guide and all around nice guy. John and I were the "elders" on the trip and always way behind the pack, but Daniel was very attentive in making sure we were okay as the days unfolded. We were slow but sure, our only issue sore bottoms... We Yanks are used to wider saddles ;) Next time we'll bring gel seats.
Thank you for a wonderful trip!
Beth & John Holmes (Connemara, Galway & Mayo group tour 2017)
Sarah and I had a fantastic time and we're incredibly pleased with every aspect of the trip.
The bikes were excellent and we had no troubles with them. The guidebooks were super, we never missed a turn. We could not have been more pleased with the recommended routes and we took every scenic option. Although we aren't very experienced cyclists, we're both reasonable fit and the distance and hills were very manageable. We finished every day in good shape with plenty of time. The countryside was incredible and we loved the routes we travelled. All the connections worked well and we enjoyed each of the places you booked us for stays.
We couldn't have been more happy with the trip and are already talking about travelling with your company again.
Janiine Babcock (Connemara, Galway & Mayo self guided tour 2017)
All of our cycling days were sunny and blue sky company – we thank you for the great organization. All in all we were very happy with the route (well described and chosen!), the hospitality (all of the B&B’s, hotels) and the bikes (they were top) !
All the best and great success with your Safaris!
Simone & Stefan Ruest (Connemara self led 2012)
We thought the overall planning of the cycle was excellent.
The ladies who own each B&B are delightful & the B&B's all were most comfortable & situated well. The drivers we met were also brilliant. We thoroughly enjoyed our Connemara ride & shall have no hesitancy recommending Cycling Safaris .
Camille & Andrew Hickey (Connemara self led 2012)
The tour exceeded our expectations. We both agreed it was our best vacation and we've taken many. We were very impressed with your company and are already planning to do another self led tour with you next year.
Martin Willett (Connemara group 2012)
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were impressed with the organization, the accommodation and the selected routes that we went along. Very good.
Ross Horwood (Connemara group tour 2012)
We absolutely loved the trip! The accommodations were fantastic! The food at every place we stayed was also incredible. The bikes were fine, no concerns there.
In summary: Accommodations 10 out of 10, Food 10 out of 10, Directions 9 out of 10,Transport 10 out of 10
Dawn Goodling (Connemara self guided 2013)
Had a terrific time in Ireland and would not hesitate to see another part of that beautiful island again. We found everything well organized and well marked. Thank you for making our trip memorable.
Nancy & Peter C. (Connemara self led 2013)
Just wanted to let you know that we are having an absolute blast on our self guided Connemara Cycling trip!! The scenery is stunning, the routes are fabulous. The food and accommodations (and of course, the people) are exactly what we'd hoped for. Thanks so much for organizing such a wonderful experience for cycling enthusiasts like ourselves.
Lorie & Sharon (Connemara self led 2013)
Just wanted to thank you again for going the "extra distance" to make the week work out for us after our long planning process.
We would have hated to miss what was a trip of a lifetime! ... Loved your country!
Mona Matheus (Connemara self led 2014)
Your notes/maps etc were excellent and clear. We thought all of the places we stayed were fine and the bikes were great.
In particular, the route was perfect and beautiful. I think you almost underplay this in your material. We have been on a lot of cycling holidays in mainland Europe and think that the scenery on this was second to none.
Tom Lebus (Connemara self led 2015)
Overall, we had a great week. It was our first biking tour, and we will definitely do more! The organization was really excellent.
Thanks again for the stellar and very professional organization of this tour!
Anna Gruending (Connemara self led 2015)
Enjoyed the tour as usual. Daniel was a terrific guide, who worked very hard to tend to everyone’s needs.
Wayne Rosso (Connemara Group 2015)
Daniel has an awesome personality – great tour guide! Loved the entire trip!
Lori Solomon (Connemara Group 2015)
We had a wonderful trip!
I thought everything was very well organized, planned and executed. The bikes were great. The route materials were very accurate and plenty detailed. It was also very nice to have some history of the places we visited as well as recommendations for food and points of interest there.
Kara Daillak (Connemara self led 2015)
Guides were very helpful and fun to be around.
Lyle Cook (Connemara group 2015)
We are feeling on top of the world after the most wonderful vacation with your company. Everything was so outstanding; the scenery, the bikes, the hotels & B&Bs, Danny our guide - we can't wait for our next tour in a couple of years! We have so many great memories and photos, they should keep us going until we make it back.
Stephanie Kulke (Connemara group tour 2016)
We absolutely loved our cycling tour. We miss it already! Thank you so much for the wonderful cycling experience.
Rowena Helman (Connemara self led 2016)
We had a great time. Transfers went well, biking was wonderful, we weren't quite as lucky on the weather- nothing you can do about that. Danny was an excellent guide, knowledgeable about bikes, history of the area, and an accommodating, enjoyable person. We would recommend this trip to anyone. Thank you
Norman Graham (Connemara group tour 2016)
We could not have been more pleased with the trip. Your company is incredibly organized, reliable and accommodating. All of the pre-arranged hotels and B&Bs were lovely and the breakfasts were incredible. The bikes were much better than expected and everyone who works for you seems incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. We had the most wonderful trip and have been raving about your company and our vacation to all of our friends and family since our return. Thank you.
Hilary Jerico (Connemara self guided 2016)
Overall our tour was excellent and we had a great trip. All of our accommodations were good and expecting us. Our luggage was moved daily without any problems or worry on our part. The bikes were in fine condition and we didn't have to repair any flats. The directions were, by and large, detailed and accurate.
Thanks so much for an excellent tour.
Steve Asakawa (Connemara 2016)
Just completed Connemara group tour and want to tell you how much we enjoyed our tour and our guide Aidan, what a great guy! We will spread the word to Tripadvisor and beyond.
Ralph Tucker (Connemara Group 2016)
2024 : 7 NIGHT TOUR PRICES (SELF GUIDED)
€ 1,115.00 per person sharing off-peak
€ 50.00 per person high season supplement in July & August
€ 350.00 single room supplement (if travelling with others)
€ 235.00 solo tour supplement (additional charge to cover cost of transfers)
2024: 7 NIGHT TOUR PRICES (GUIDED TOUR)
€1,260.00 per person sharing
€ 350.00 single room supplement
Bike Rental 7 Night Tour
€100.00 24 speed touring bike
€250.00 E-bike
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 CITY
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.
WESTPORT
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.
LEENANE
Against a backdrop of mountains and on the shore of Killary Harbour, this traditional seasonal hotel occupies a 18th-century coaching inn.
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.
CLIFDEN
A classic Victorian hotel in the heart of Connemara with one of the best restaurants in all of Ireland.
This one of a kind hotel will be one of the highlights of any tour. With the hotel set in the centre of the town it’s the perfect place to set off and explore.
ARAN ISLANDS/INISHMORE
Settled just by the harbour within walking distance from all the main pubs and restaurants in Kilronan. A great starting point to explore the island and with the sound of the ocean it makes a very relaxing atmosphere.
The Hotel is modern oasis overlooking the harbour and the bay. With a well stocked bar and a wonderful restaurant along with live music makes a present night to remember before head off cycling in the morning.
Tour Date Options
Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = availableBooking Form
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