Connemara Bike Tour Reviews page 2
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- ★★★★★ PKinGeorgia
Beautiful Connemara
Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ katrien
Admiring nature while cycling with kids in Connemara.
Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ Tee Jay
Interrupted trek
Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ TJS53
Wonderful ramble in Ireland.
Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
We just returned from our 4th bike tour, the Wild Atlantic Way. We want to thank Connor and the entire Connemara team for the trip preparation. The bikes, although a bit on the heavy side, were in great shape and performed beautifully the entire week. The maps helped and never hindered the fun. Connor spent considerable time with us on the first day suggesting stops at historic or scenic sites, restaurants and shops. He also showed us how to extend each day with side routes. We took him up on this on a least four of the six days of riding. So, if you’re thinking of passing up this trip because there isn’t enough riding, you can more than double the mileage on all but one day if you wish. The tour presents a whole host of different landscapes to ride through: eerie bogs, the Bundarogha river, the Killary fjord and the dramatic bens that seem to rise right out of the water. We loved rolling under a green tunnel of trees, then entering a new vista of green fields edged in ancient stone walls. The excursion to the island of Inishbofin is well worth it and we were lucky enough to meet and mingle with the archeologists who are researching and recording the island’s fascinating history. The evenings are not just for taking notes about the day’s adventures: lots of pubs serve up live traditional music along with local lamb, beef and seafood. This is a great tour, well organized and supported. We highly recommend it.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 10 - 18, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- 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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ Matt
Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
Every day was different. The landscape was always awesome. Every place we stayed was great. Also every town had great choices for food and drink. Ireland it turns out has great restaurants with great prices. The bikes provided were excellent.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 3rd-July 10th
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is my first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ Brendan
Beautiful bike ride but not a good value at the price.
Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson
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!
- ★★★★★ hapberly
Awesome tour of the West Coast!
Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ Susan
Wild Atlantic Way - Late August 2016
Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
Varied scenery with the ocean, so many lakes and mountain views, we did not expect. The people were all so friendly and helpful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 26 - September 2
- How many tours have you completed?
- Three
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ Keats
Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland
Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ Tzee
Beautiful Ireland West Coast Bicycle Trip
Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ Brittany at BikeTours
Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
I went on this tour as a BikeTours.com staff member. Connemara is a dreamy, scenic region of Ireland! The views were magnificent. The route was 95% on quiet back roads. The cycling is definitely a level two tour, with intermittent rolling hills. As this tour has very low mileage, there is plenty of time to meander and take in the surroundings. I went at the end of the season (mid October), and I experienced closed establishments for the upcoming winter. However, there were 1 or 2 dining places to choose from in each village, even with the closures. I would recommend this tour to first-time travelers and travelers that want to have an off-the-beaten-path experience.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ JimJ
Far exceeded my expectations--which were already high!
Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
I went on this tour as a BikeTours.com staff member and was joined by a friend. More than a year later, we still talk about it: the quiet routes, the lush rural settings, the seaside views, the welcoming villages, the wonderful lodging, the charming people, the superbly attentive tour company and the tasty Irish cuisine (far tastier than I expected). Everything exceeded our expectations. I have the opportunity to go on tours all over the world, and I rarely do "repeats." I'd repeat this tour with joy. The daily distances were perfect for our leisurely cycling, the terrain mostly flat to rolling with just a few longer or steeper climbs that challenged us.
The Wild Atlantic Way is an amazingly scenic route covering the western coast from north to south. I've done not the whole route, but I'd rate this segment a 10 for sure. The mix of countryside, seacoast, farms, woodlands, rolling hills and even a spectacular fjord and a remote island (with overnight) made this bicycle tour one we'll remember even above most others.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 35
- 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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ Heidy
Beautiful Scenic Bike Tour
Connemara Lazy Days Cycling
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
