8 days/7 nights with at least 6 of days cycling
Any start date between April 1 and October 31
We recommend to start this tour on a Friday to see the open air market in Ennis held every Saturday
Moderate 20-40+ miles daily
Terrain: Mostly level with some rolling hills
Classic Accommodation: US$2020/ CAD$2020
LuxeAccommodation:
US$2610/ CAD$2610 Single suppl. classic: US$520/ CAD$520
- 7 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Use of a top quality 21-speed hybrid bike complete with handlebar bag, pump, and all the necessary accessories for changing flats. We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons
- Detailed route instructions and map
- Luggage transfers (we enlist your help to take your baggage onto and off the ferry)
- Area Manager available throughout the tour
Your tour begins from Ennis, which is close to Shannon airport. There are frequent buses that leave from the airport to Ennis, and take approximately 45 minutes.
If you prefer to fly into Dublin, there are train connections to Galway (approximately 4 hours travel time); from Galway buses depart frequently for Ennis and take approximately 1 hour.
Reservations for trains can be made at Rail Europe at 1-800-387-6782 or visiting their web site at www.raileurope.com
Our recommendation would be to fly into Shannon and leave time after the trip for visiting Galway.
After your trip You can transfer to Galway from Clifden easily by bus; Bus Eireann has departures at 9:00 arriving at 11:05.
If you are continuing on to Shannon airport there is a departure from Galway at 12:05 which arrives at Shannon airport at 1:50.
For info and booking www.buseireann.ie
We will provide you more information with your confirmation package. |
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Randonnée Tours
Ireland
Connemara Cycling 8 Days
Having cycled all over Ireland, we have found the western coast region including Galway, Connemara, & the Aran Islands to have the most spectacular scenery, with a tremendous abundance of historical monuments, a rich and unique culture, warm and inviting people, and surprisingly few tourists. The hotels and food are a highlight with genuine hospitality.
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Day 1
Arrival day: Ennis. You’ll start our tour from Ennis, a pleasant village in County Clare with an 11th century Friary at its center. You will want to arrive in time to visit the museum in town, which gives a good introduction to the region.
Day 2
Doolin. You begin cycling from Ennis north to county Clare through the region known as the Burren, where megalithic tombs, stone forts and castles are in abundance. (44km)
Day 3
Doolin. You’ll cycle the coastal road to Ballyvaughan; we recommend enjoying lunch at a traditional café in this village. Options for the return are either along the Burren Way or via Lisdoonvarna. (55 or 61km)
Day 4
Aran Island. Inishmore. Ferry to Aran Islands. No visit to this part of Ireland would be complete without a visit to Inishmore, where horse-drawn carriages transport luggage and everyone (including the locals) ride bikes.
Day 5
Inishimore. Enjoy a full day on Inismore with a chance to visit Dun Aengus; this stone fort is one of the finest example of Iron age building in Europe. Spend a typical Irish evening in the pubs in Kilronan.
Day 6
Clifden. Ride past monastic remains in lush countryside on rural roads to Roundstone where bodhran instruments are still made by hand. Early afternoon arrive to Clifden, surrounded by the Twelve Bens Mts. You’ll finish with a ride along the Skye Road, arguably the best cycling route in Ireland. We have you staying at the historic Quay House Hotel, which boasts splendid views over Clifden Harbor. (49 or 99km)
Day 7
Clifden. After visiting Clifden in the morning, enjoy a day ride featuring spectacular Kylemore Abbey, set in a landscape of rhododendrons and fuchsia. Extend your day loop to Roundstone if you have not done so yesterday. (18km or 44km)
Day 8
Linger before departure.
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