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A wonderful adventure in the Western Wonderland of Europe
This tour is specifically designed for independent travellers wishing to cycle shorter distances and enjoy relaxing, 'lazy days' along the way. It allows for in-depth explorations of the various cultural and natural attractions of the beautiful Connemara region, known as the 'Western Wonderland' of Europe, where rugged mountains soar above wild Atlantic beaches.
Your gorgeous route will take you both inland and along the coast, giving you a glimpse of Connemara's dramatic natural scenery. In the evenings, you will enjoy traditional Irish hospitality with the option of staying in distinguished hotels, wonderful guesthouses, or bed & breakfasts.
Highlights
- Sky Road
- Atlantic Ocean views
- Connemara National Park
- Renvyle Peninsula
- Twelve Ben Mountain Range
- Killary Fjord
- Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
- Celtic Ireland
- Mannin Bay
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours or see more cycling tours in Ireland.
Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Dublin. -
Traveler photos
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Daily program
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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. -
You can add some activities at the START of your tour before coming to Connemara:
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor)
Please note that these options - for logistic reasons - can be added at the start of your tour only. In order to avoid paying the extra cost for alternative scheduling, you need to plan it so that your cycling tour in Connemara starts on a Monday. Please don't hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions.
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Accommodation
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.
3-star hotels
Clifden: Buttermilk Lodge
Renvyle: Renvyle House Hotel
Leenane: Leenane Hotel
Recess: Lough Inagh Lodge
Roundstone: Rush Lake House
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
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Bikes
Standard touring bike
Trek FX 2 disc
Sizes: 28", 30", 32"
Frame: Aluminium
Saddle: Bontrager Sport
Brakes: Hydraulic disc
Upgraded touring bike
Trek Dual Sport 3
Similar specs, but with some upgraded components including front suspension.Sizes: 28", 30", 32"
Frame: Aluminium
Saddle: Bontrager Sport
Brakes: Hydraulic disc
Electrically-assisted bike
Trek Verve - Low step - Turbo e-Bike
Size: 28
Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminium
Saddle: Royal Nuvola saddle
Shifters: Shimano Tourney RS45, 8 speed
Motor: Bosch Active Line, 250 watt
Battery: External battery*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Accessories
Bikes come equipped with the following at no additional cost:
- Helmet
- Front handlebar bag
- Side pannier (one pannier is provided, you may request a second pannier - see pricing chart)
- Bicycle repair kit
- Bicycle lock
- Phone holder
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes. The tour company will assist you with changing the 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.Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
Daily, Apr 1 - Oct 31, 2025
Low season: Apr 1 - May 31 | Sep 1 - Oct 31
High season: Jun 1 - Aug 31- Low season 2025 Daily Apr 1–May 31 & Sep 1–Oct 31 from € 14592025 departures: Daily Apr 1–May 31 and Sep 1–Oct 31
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1459 Single occupancy € 1659 Solo traveler € 1999 Bike rental Price Standard touring bike Included Upgraded touring bike with front suspension€ 74 Electrically-assisted bike € 285 *A mandatory fee of €125 will be added to each booking to cover the cost of an in-person tour briefing. - High season 2025 Daily Jun 1–Aug 31 from € 15592025 departures: Daily Jun 1–Aug 31
2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1559 Single occupancy € 1759 Solo traveler € 2099 Bike rental Price Standard touring bike Included Upgraded touring bike with front suspension€ 74 Electrically-assisted bike € 285 *A mandatory fee of €125 will be added to each booking to cover the cost of an in-person tour briefing. - Extra options
Extensions Cliffs of Moher € 444 Aran islands € 688 Aran islands and the Cliffs of Moher € 1063
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)
- Standard touring bike
Please note in addition to the included services above, you will also be provided with tour briefing with a mandatory fee of €125 per booking.
Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
Surface and terrain
Daily cycling measures an average of 16-22 miles/25-35 km per day. You'll travel on low-traffic backroads. The terrain isn't flat but neither is it hilly - rather, a gently rolling route. Longer mileage options are available on most days.
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.
Reviews
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★★★★★ Nicole Thomas 6 months ago
Wonderful trip !
Really enjoyed the trip and Connemara Adventures was amazing! Very helpful and responsive. The first day was quite the challenge but beautiful and we stayed at lovely accommodations! My boys said they felt like princes at Renvyle House Hotel and Resort because they staff was so welcoming.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was my first. It was unguided I accidentally hit wrong button above
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Christine Wilson September 25, 2023
Stunning self guided trip through Connemara
Cycling was the perfect way to see Ireland. We loved everything about it..our accomodations, the locations, landscapes and the food! The first day was the most challenging of the cycling days with the hills & terrain. My only suggestion is to confirm your bike size is correct. Mine was a medium upgraded hybrid bike which should have been a small. The bike was to big & heavy making the first day's ride more challenging for me, but I wouldn't have traded my experience of riding that day for anything! I did receive the correct size bike for the remainder of the trip. We had three exceptionally beautiful clear days and two very rainy days, which we were prepared for since we brought rain gear suggested for the trip. We had a true experience of Ireland weather! I would definitely recommend this cycling trip for anyone who is looking for an amazing adventure!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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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