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.

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 Dossiers 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)

 

After a private transfer to the village of Cong,  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 (53 kms)

 

The day starts with a 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 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.

Tonight you stay in the small village of Leenane which looks out over Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.

Day 4

Leenane ~ Clifden (58kms)

The route takes you into the heart of Connemara overlooked by the Twelve Bens mountain range where you can 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 head 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 Bens Mountains.

The afternoon cycle takes you through Gaelic speaking areas to the ferry in Rossaveel which will bring you 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 private transfer back to Galway city for a final night on the town

Day 8

Galway departure

 

The tour finishes after breakfast.

Download Tour Dossiers

Your Plan

Connemara Galway Mayo self guided 2025

• 7 nights  accommodation with breakfast mix of 3 star hotels & guesthouses
• Luggage transfer
• Ferry ticket to the Aran Islands
• GPS tracks
• One printed set of route details and maps per booking
• Private transfer from Galway to Cong at the tour start
• Private 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 :  €125.00 
Electric bike                : €260.00

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 )

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 )

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 Guinness and the lovely Irish people.   Many thanks, 
Carole & Roger Dyer (Connemara, Galway & Mayo )

Thanks. The connections and the accommodations, as in past trips, were terrific. The weather even cooperated.
Rob Ruck (Connemara, Galway & Mayo )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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, )

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 )

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 )

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 )
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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 )

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 Group )

Enjoyed the tour as usual. Daniel was a terrific guide, who worked very hard to tend to everyone’s needs.
Wayne Rosso (Connemara Group )

Daniel has an awesome personality – great tour guide! Loved the entire trip!
Lori Solomon (Connemara Group )

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 Group)

Guides were very helpful and fun to be around.
Lyle Cook (Connemara group )

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 )

We absolutely loved our cycling tour. We miss it already! Thank you so much for the wonderful cycling experience.
Rowena Helman (Connemara group tour )

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 )

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 )

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. 
Thanks so much for an excellent tour.
Steve Asakawa (Connemara )

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 )

2025 :  7 NIGHT TOUR PRICES (SELF GUIDED)
€ 1,280.00 per person sharing off-peak
€   75.00 per person high season supplement in July & August
€ 380.00 single room supplement (if travelling with others)
€ 260.00 solo tour supplement (additional charge to cover cost of transfers)

Bike Rental 7 Night Tour
€125.00 24 speed touring bike 
€260.00 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

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.

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.

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

Foyles Hotel

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

Pier House B&B

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.

Aran Islands Hotel

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.

Connemara Galway Mayo self guided 2025