Connemara Lazy Days Cycling

Day 1: Arrival in Clifden

Arrive in Clifden for a warm welcome and a chance to settle in. You'll be given your route notes and general information, and your bikes and equipment will be delivered to the accommodation. A tour representative will meet you either on the afternoon of your arrival or in the following morning at your first night's accommodation - they'll be at your service for any questions or to go through the routes together.

Clifden is a small, colorful town often labeled the 'Capital of Connemara'. There are many restaurants where you can settle down for a delicious evening meal, and a great selection of traditional pubs where you can tap your feet to tuneful Irish music.

Overnight in Clifden.

Day 2: Clifden – Renvyle
22-28 miles/35-45 km

After a hearty breakfast, you'll set off along the stunning Sky Road (if you opt for today's longer 45 km route). The Sky Road offers fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean and its gorgeous green islands. Traveling along quiet backroads, you'll pass through the quaint fishing village of Cleggan and then Letterfrack, home of the wonderful Connemara National Park.

Ride onwards to the Renvyle Peninsula, steeped in history and dotted with archeological sites. Renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, Renvyle also boasts spectacular vistas of the Twelve Ben Mountain Range.

Overnight in Renvyle.

Day 3: Renvyle – Leenane
20 miles/26 km

Riding away from Renvyle, you'll pass through Tullycross, with its many gorgeous thatched cottages, and meander along the coast. You'll pedal past perfect beaches towards the small village of Leenane, situated at the head of Ireland's only fjord.

Consider taking the catamaran tour along Killary Fjord for a superb sightseeing expedition (ticket not included) lasting 1.5 hours. The trip is often accompanied by beautiful leaping dolphins and includes commentary on all major points of interest.

Overnight in Leenane.

Day 4: Leenane – Recess
15 miles/23 km

After breakfast, you'll continue your journey away from the coast, riding back towards the mountains on a road surrounded by lakes, moorlands, and the stunning Inagh Valley. Today you'll have the option to visit one of Ireland's top visitor attractions - Kylemore Abbey & Gardens. This gothic fairytale castle (1867), lodged in a wooded hillside and graced by a lovely lake, is the site of one of Ireland's finest gardens - the 6-acre Victorian walled garden designed by Mitchell Henry. It has even won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award for Gardens!

Overnight in Recess.

Day 5: Recess – Roundstone
17 miles/28 km

Today you'll cycle back towards the coast, leaving the mountains behind as you head towards Roundstone. You'll travel along a route dotted with charming fishing villages, and will cycle through peat bogs and gorgeous moorlands still divided by the Neolithic field systems.

Your journey will bring you into the Gaeltacht (Gaelic-speaking) region today, considered the last bastion of Celtic Ireland. Rest and relax tonight in the small fishing village of Roundstone, enjoying the traditional Celtic atmosphere and the warm welcome of the locals.

Overnight in Roundstone.

Day 6: Roundstone – Clifden
15 miles/24 km

Well-fed and well-rested, you'll begin your day with a gentle cycle along mesmerizing Mannin Bay. With its blissful coralline beach and tantalizing turquoise bay, Mannin is a beach-lover's paradise. Your scenic route will bring you past Ballyconneely, or can be made shorter by taking the 'bog road' - Roundstone Bog is a uniquely unspoiled area of bogscape with rare, acid-loving plantlife.

Arriving back at your starting location of Clifden, spend your last night enjoying the 'craic' in this vibrant town for a second time. The local traditions, community spirit, and quaint surroundings are sure to warm your heart and leave you with lovely memories of the Emerald Isle.

Overnight in Clifden.

Day 7: Departure

Breakfast, followed by departure.

Don't want the adventure to end? Consider a cycling day tour in Dublin to top off your trip.