Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
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Connemara Lazy Days
This tour is specifically designed for independent travellers, who wish to cycle less of a distance and spend relaxing lazy days along the way. It allows for in-depth explorations of the various cultural and natural attractions of the wonderful Connemara region. Connemara is the western wonderland of Europe, where rugged mountains soar above wild Atlantic beaches. Your route will take you both inland and along the coastal region, giving a glimpse of the dramatic scenery of Connemara.
Daily cycling will average 25 -35 kilometers on low traffic back-roads, the terrain is not flat, but neither is it hilly, rather a rolling countryside. In the evenings, you will enjoy traditional Irish hospitality with the option of staying in either distinguished hotels or wonderful guesthouses and bed & breakfasts.
Highlights
- Sky Road
- Views of the Atlantic Ocean
- Connemara National Park
- Renvyle Peninsula
- Twelve Ben Mountain range
- Killary Fjord
- Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
- Celtic Ireland
- Mannin Bay
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours or see more cycling tours in Ireland.
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Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Arrival in Clifden
Warm welcome and a chance to settle in. You will be given your route notes and general information and your bikes and equipment will be delivered to your accommodation. One of our representatives will meet you on either the afternoon of your arrival or the following morning at your first night's accommodation to answer all your questions and go through your routes together.Clifden is a small, colorful town, also often labeled the "Capital of Connemara." There are many restaurants where you can choose a lovely evening meal and a great selection of traditional pubs where often you will find Irish music.
Overnight in ClifdenDay 2: Clifden – Renvyle (22-28 miles/35-45 km)
After a hearty breakfast, you will set off along the Sky Road, if you opt for the longer option (45 km), it offers fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean and its islands. Traveling quiet back roads, you will pass through the quaint fishing village of Cleggan and on to Letterfrack, home of the Connemara National Park.Then your journey will take you to the Renvyle Peninsula which is steeped in history and archaeological sites and is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and spectacular vistas of the Twelve Ben mountain range.
Overnight in RenvyleDay 3: Renvyle – Leenane (20 miles/26 km)
Leave Renvyle after a hearty breakfast. You will set off, passing through Tullycross with its many thatched cottages and meander along the coast passing perfect beaches to the small village of Leenane, situated at the head of Ireland's only fjord.You could take the boat along Killary Fjord for a sightseeing expedition at either 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm or 4:30pm (ticket not included). This is a 1.5-hour boat ride on the Connemara Lady catamaran. The trip is often honored by the company of leaping dolphins and always includes commentary on all major points of interest along the way. Tonight you will stay the night in Leenane.
Overnight in LeenaneDay 4: Leenane – Lough Inagh (15 miles/23 km)
After breakfast you will continue your journey leaving Leenane. You cycle away from the coast back towards the mountains on a road through lake-strewn moorlands to the stunning Inagh Valley.You will have the option to visit one of Ireland's top visitor attractions, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens. This gothic fairytale lakeside castle lodged in a wooded hillside is the site of one of Ireland's finest gardens. The six-acre Victorian walled garden at Kylemore was created by Mitchell Henry along with the building of Kylemore Castle in 1867. It has won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award for Gardens. Tonight you will be staying in welcoming accommodation overlooking spectacular Lough Inagh.
Overnight in Lough InaghDay 5: Lough Inagh – Roundstone (17 miles/28 km)
Cycle back towards the coast today, leaving the mountains behind as you head towards Roundstone. You will be traveling along a route dotted with pretty fishing villages. You will cycle through peat bogs and lovely moorlands still divided by the Neolithic field systems. Your journey will bring you into the Gaeltacht (Gaelic speaking) region, which is considered the last bastion of Celtic Ireland. You will rest and relax tonight in the small picturesque fishing village of Roundstone.
Overnight in RoundstoneDay 6: Roundstone – Clifden (15 miles/24 km)
Well-fed and well-rested, you will begin your day with a gentle cycle along Mannin Bay. With its coralline beach and glorious turquoise bay, it is a paradise for the beachcomber. This route brings you past Ballyconneely, or can be made shorter by taking the Bogroad. Roundstone bog is unique in that it is an unspoiled area of bogscape with rare acid-loving plants.You will arrive back at your starting destination of Clifden where you will spend your last night getting a second chance to enjoy the "craic" in this vibrant town - one of the last true treasures in Western Europe.
Overnight in ClifdenDay 7: Departure
Breakfast, followed by departure.Surface and terrain
Daily cycling for an average of 16-22 miles/25-35 km on low traffic back-roads; the terrain isn't flat, but neither is it hilly, rather a rolling countryside. Longer mileage options available on most days.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.
3-star hotels
Renvyle House Hotel, Renvyle
Leenane Hotel, Leenane
Lough Inagh Lodge, Recess
Rush Lake House, Roundstone
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Shannon (SNN), Ireland or Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
Nearest bus station: Clifden, IrelandFrom Shannon Airport to Clifden:
Visit Bus Eireann for details of bus service from the airport to Galway city. From Galway city, there is a direct bus service to Clifden. Visit Citylink or Bus Eireann for timetables. Journey time is approximately 3 - 4 hours.From Ireland West Airport Knock to Clifden:
Visit Bus Eireann for bus timetable from the airport to Galway city by bus. There is a direct bus service from Galway city to Clifden. Visit Citylink or Bus Eireann for timetables. Journey time is approximately 3 - 4 hours.From Dublin to Clifden:
You can take a Citylink bus or a Gobus directly from Dublin airport (or from Dublin city centre) to Galway and then a Citylink bus or a Bus Eireann bus from Galway directly to Clifden. Journey time is approximately 4 - 5 hours.Tips on getting to and from your tour
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Dates
Mondays*: Apr 1-Oct 31, 2023
Low season: Apr 01, 2023 - May 31, 2023, Sep 1, 2023 - Oct 31, 2023
High season: Jun 01, 2023 - Aug 31, 2023
*Alternative start days may be bookable (depending on availability) see price chart for details.Prices
Tour package
Low season High season Per person, double occupancy €1185 €1195 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1380 €1390 Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room) €1835 €1855 Bike Rentals
Hybrid touring bike upgrade (front suspension) €70 Electrically-assisted bike €240 Side pannier €20 Additional services
Alternative start day (per person) €100 Printed route documents and tour briefing (per set) €125 Included services
- 6 nights accommodations
- Daily Irish breakfasts
- All luggage transfers
- Roadbook for Discovery App* (where all your tour details live including route details and hotel list)
- Emergency contact service hotline in case of problems or questions (between 6pm-9am, leave a message)
- Hybrid touring bike
*Tour briefing and paper route documents are not included in the tour, as all details are included in the Roadbook for Discovery App. If you wish to book a tour briefing and receive paper route documents, this can be requested for a surcharge, see price chart for more details.
Bike rentals
Bikes available for this tour and included in the tour cost (reserved at time of booking):
- Hybrid touring bike
Bikes available to rent on this tour (reserved at time of booking):
- Hybrid touring bike with front suspension
- Electrically-assisted bike*
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Equipment included with the rentals:
- Helmet
- Front handlebar bag
- Repair kit
- Pump
- Lock
Side panniers are available upon request for an additional fee.
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes. The tour company will help you change your pedals.Helmets:
Helmet rental is included on this tour. However, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Karen54 August 5, 2018
Best Week in Ireland
We had a wonderful week long bike trip in Connemara. The scenery was amazing, the equipment was great and the lodging was fanastic. This is the best way to see Ireland! Our support team provided us with maps, and great places to stop along the way and amazing detours. They also called us on rainy days to see if we wanted to hitch a ride, but the weather never stopped us. It was a little rainy and windy sometimes, but our trip was in early May. We highly recommend this tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ PKinGeorgia August 17, 2017
Beautiful Connemara
This was a great trip that I took on the roads of western Ireland with my 14 year old son. We had good maps and bicycles and the B & Bs were excellent. I recommend it highly to people like us who are not the most physically fit, but enjoy the outdoors.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 17 - 21
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ katrien August 11, 2017
Admiring nature while cycling with kids in Connemara.
We did this trip with our 3 children (6-12 years) and we loved every minute of it. The bikes were great, the maps and organisation really good. It did not feel that "lazy", with trips of 50 km and lots of wind and activities along the way. Nice were: the beaches, islands, pubs, abbey, sheep farm and swimming pool in one hotel. We all fell in love with the nature of this piece of the world!
- What was the date of your tour?
- juli 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Tee Jay August 8, 2017
Interrupted trek
Fabulous day and a half. An unfortunate accident resulted in a trip to the hospital. Wet grounds and inexperienced riding led to crash and 9 stitches. Great help by tour staff to get us from hotel to hotel to finish the route. We recommend warning riders of the risks of skids and to always wear helmet. BTW modify your brochure to show riders to wear helmets. It doesn't.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 18, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- None
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Brendan July 12, 2017
Beautiful bike ride but not a good value at the price.
This is a remarkable part of Ireland with an amazing history and a haunting landscape that is quickly changing as this part of Ireland attracts more visitors.
First the good parts: we were a family of six and had a wonderful biking vacation. The people at Connemara Adventure Tours were very helpful and kind. Specific thanks to Conor and Chloe who were so thoughtful as we arrived and set out on our first day. There were no issues with baggage transfers etc.
But here are a few critical things to consider before booking this trip.
1. Clifden is the only true town on this trip and yet only the first and last nights are spent here. If you are looking for music, as an example, it will be difficult (if not impossible) to find at the other destinations. In Clifden there are several pubs with music every night of the week and a much wider selection of eating options.
2. The idea of a Connemara Loop is nice in concept when looking at the map but the B&Bs we experienced were not at all consistent and a couple just seemed cheap considering what we paid. One happy exception was Connemara Country Lodge on our last evening. "Singing Mary", the host, was the epitome of Irish hospitality.
3. At €900 ($1000) this is not an inexpensive trip for six people. But if I had friends wanting to repeat this trip, I would suggest they find a good bike rental in Clifden (€100/week per person). Get a nicer B&B or house rental in Clifden and stay put and bike north and south from there. And then work with a local guide to plan daily loops that align with the ability and interest of your group. It would also be easier to manage the weather issue since this part of Ireland is often cloudy and wet.
4. The maps and assistance by Conor on routes and restaurants along the way were very helpful. But the condition of the bikes were just average. And when they charged for panniers and "souvenir" water bottles as we prepared to leave, I felt nickel and dimed. Note to Connemara: when a family pays more than $6k for a week of cycling, kick in the panniers and water bottles or price accordingly so basics are not being charged. Grrrr.
Our family biked through Normandy earlier in the summer and the bikes and hotels were far better for a minor increase in cost. The lesson for me is that our next bike tour will be direct with a local operator so costs, routes, equipment and expectations about hotels and restaurants are better aligned.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 3 - 9
- How many tours have you completed?
- +10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson July 13, 2017
Thank you very much for your feedback. I'm sorry you weren't fond of the route and many of the overnight locations. When I did this tour two years ago with a friend, we actually loved the route and where we stayed. Likewise, all clients who have rated this tour until now have given it 5 stars, including for route and hotels. But you're absolutely right that it's not the best route if you want music and nightlife each evening. It's more for those who prefer rustic settings. Preferences definitely come into play.
We're going to be in touch with Chloe at Connemara Adventure Tours and inquire why you were charged for the panniers and water bottles. To my knowledge, that has never happened before. If you send an email to me at jim@biketours.com, I'll make sure we reimburse you for those costs.
You mentioned that next time you'd book directly with the local operator. As you noted, Connemara Adventure Tours was the local operator in your case. BikeTours.com serves as their representative, and we keep their pricing. We have similar relationships with about 70 local companies across Europe. So, while we were an intermediary, you traveled with the local tour company that designed and operated your tour. And we hope you'll continue to book your tours through us!
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★★★★★ hapberly November 6, 2016
Awesome tour of the West Coast!
This bike trip was a great way to see the beautiful country in western Ireland. The route was easy to follow and there was a lot to see. I would highly recommend it.
We had only one day of rain, and two windy days. Those were probably the hardest days, because of the weather, not the route. Be sure to pack rain gear. We chose to stay in the bed and breakfasts, which I highly recommend. Most of the bed and breakfast were great, the hosts very friendly. It gave us a chance to get to know locals and ask lots of questions about what we were seeing.
Most of the bed and breakfasts were located near the town and pubs. The pubs had great food and friendly locals. We were not disappointed with any of the food on our trip. We saw lots of sheep, donkeys, cows, mountains, and the ocean.
The bikes provided were great, the maps and other information was also very easy to use and follow.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Keats October 18, 2016
Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland
My wife and I greatly enjoyed our tour along Ireland's west coast. The slow pace allowed for many stops, great views, and meeting locals in B and B's and pubs. Mostly on back roads, we encountered very little traffic, and even when we did, the local drivers were well aware of us, slowed until they could safely pass, or expressed appreciation when we pulled over to let them pass. Our longest days were 45 and 38 km, and the rest closer to 30 km. We were in pretty good condition for the tour, though we do not bike these distances regularly, and felt comfortable with them each day, albeit a little saddle sore.
Weather was cool and cloudy, so good for cycling, and only occasional showers for which we were well prepared with rain gear. The bike were in good condition, and geared appropriately for the hilly terrain. Tools for adjusting seats and gear shifters were provided, and we made use of them. We would have preferred to sit more upright on the bikes, but this was not possible since handle bars could not be raised. With this exception, the bikes were comfortable. We rented one pannier between the two of us for rain gear and extra clothing.
Wind was occasionally a factor, especially when facing west toward the Atlantic, but as soon as we headed east or northeast, it was at our back and an asset.
The B and B hosts were friendly and helpful with advice. Most were well located near pubs for dinners, and all provided very hearty and tasty breakfasts. The pubs along the way were great for a generous bowl of seafood chowder and a beer--a good energy boost on cool days, as well a spots to dodge occasional showers.
The scenery was spectacular along the route, including seascapes and pristine beaches, lakes, farms, sheep, Connemara ponies, donkeys, the 12 Bens mountains, and small, friendly towns.- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept. 19-Oct. 1
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Tzee September 11, 2016
Beautiful Ireland West Coast Bicycle Trip
A great way to experience this wonderful region of Ireland. My wife and I decided on a late August tour and weren't disappointed, but be prepared for changeable weather each day, from rain and clouds to sunny and warm. Definitely rent some panniers to hold rain gear, jacket, etc. The bicycles performed well and we cycled through all the gears in the hilly countryside.
The Connemara Tour staff were friendly and very helpful.
Many of the B&Bs had fabulous views out to the sea and mountains and all rooms were comfortable and near town centers or other points of interest.- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 21-28
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Heidy December 3, 2015
Beautiful Scenic Bike Tour
The perfect way to experience Ireland! My husband and I biked this tour in September 2014 and were totally taken away by beautiful Connemara region. Along the way, we enjoyed beer and seafood in local pubs and a smoked mackerel and champagne in Ballynahinch Castle. The bicycles were in good condition and the accommodation in B&Bs was fine for us. The hosts were friendly, the facilities clean and the Irish breakfast huge and delicious. I bought us all the rain-gear I could find, but we did not need it once. Some mornings were foggy but it only added to the charm of the countryside.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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