Cycle Galway & the Connemara Coast

7 Days & 6 Nights 5 Read 1 reviews

Cycle the Atlantic coastline of Galway, Connemara & Mayo
Take a day trip to the rugged island of Inishbofin
Enjoy traditional Irish music and a pint of Guinness Galway's pubs
Sample freshly steamed Killary Harbour mussels
Ride to the shores of Lough Corrib and the timeless village of Cong

Discover the rugged landscapes, Wild Atlantic Way coastline and traditional Irish pubs on this cycling tour of Galway, Connemara and Mayo. After arriving into the lively city of Galway, a private transfer will take you to the Connemara coastal town of Clifden. Here ferry hop to the rugged island of Inishbofin and ride between deserted bays and emerald green pastures. Ride north, to the town of Leenane and dine on freshly steamed mussels from Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Cross into County Mayo and pedal across wild moorland towards the pilgrim’s mountain of Croagh Patrick, overlooking the Georgian town of Westport. A final roll south leads to the shores of Lough Corrib and the timeless village of Cong. Returning to Galway by way of private transfer, there is plenty of time to discover the lively bars and watch traditional Irish music being played out over a pint of the black stuff!

Read All

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

The tour is graded moderate with each ride between 45-60km. By bike, discover the Atlantic coastline and raw beauty of Ireland’s loughs and mountains as you cycle along the country and coastal roads of Galway, Connemara and Mayo. Experience the world famous Irish hospitality, spending each night in the heart of villages and towns at family run B&B’s and guesthouses, always within easy reach of a traditional pub or two!

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Biking | A classic point to point biking tour, staying in a different location each night

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travelers, Multi-Generational

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wildlife
Historical Journeys
Coastal & Island

Inspiration:

Most Popular
Classic

Activity Level & Terrain

Graded moderate, each cycling route follows country and coastal roads and lanes. There are also some stretches on busier routes when passing through towns and villages, so please do be mindful of other road users at all times.

Navigation

The detailed routes notes and maps are easy to follow during your self-guided adventure and we also supply GPX tracks via our easy to use Macs Adventure Navigation App, which make for an easy paper free ride. Please always pay attention to the advice on your navigation app and route notes provided.

Should you require assistance, local 24/7 telephone support will also be available throughout your trip.

Accommodations

During this trip you will stay in B&B's and a 3* hotel. Depending on the time of year you are travelling, you may be accommodated in a hotel or inn of equal standard, within the surrounding area.

Solo Cyclists & Single Rooms

If you’re cycling with friends or family and prefer to have your own room, single rooms are available subject to a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists.

Meals

All breakfasts are included and usually consist of fresh fruits, juices, breads, pastries, porridge and muesli. You will always have a choice of a cooked breakfast as well. There is always a plentiful supply of tea and coffee. Dinner are not included but your centrally located accommodation means you are never far from restaurants and bars. Suggestions for lunch will be outlined in your notes and if you prefer your accommodation may be able to provide a picnic lunch to take with on your ride. Should you have any special dietary requirements please let us know. We try to accommodate all requirements where possible.

Included

5 nights in B&B's and 1 night in a 3* hotel
6 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Transfers from Galway to Clifden (day 1) and Cong to Galway (day 6)
Information pack
Access to route notes, detailed maps, and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to / from Galway
Bike hire
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Ferry journeys
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire
Airport transfers

When To Go

You can start your cycling adventure on any day from mid-April through to the end of September. This region of Ireland is particularly busy over the summer months, so if you are planning on travelling between June and August, it's probably wise to confirm your dates as soon as possible.

2019 departures begin Mid-April.

Getting to the Start

For general travel planning, we recommend the helpful site www.rome2rio.com

By Air

Galway does not have an airport but is within easy reach of Knock and Shannon international airports. Both airports are approximately a 1-hour drive from Galway. We can easily add private airport transfers to Galway to your booking if you wish.

There is a direct bus service from Knock Airport to Galway. The no. 64 departs from the airport bus terminal and costs €15 one way (around 1hr 40min journey time).

From Shannon Airport, there is also a direct bus service to Galway (no.51 from Shannon Airport bus terminal). Journey time is around 2hrs and costs approximately €20.

Dublin Airport connects through to Galway with hourly train services (approx. 2hrs 30mins journey time. Please check Irish Rail for timetables, prices and tickets.

If you are planning to drive to Galway, please let us know at the time of booking so we can best advise on parking options.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation.

General Information

All bike tours are unescorted. The distances listed are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, cycle clothing and personal medications etc.

Equipment

Trek FX hybrid bikes are available to rent. Each bike comes with a rear pannier bag for your personal possessions, basic repair kit and a lock. Helmets are included, although your own is likely to be a better fit. Ebikes are also available to hire, as are Trek Road 1 series road bikes.

If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this tour.

If you do intend to bring your own bike, please do let us know at the time of booking as extra transfer arrangements may be required for any large bike cases/boxes.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?

How far in advance do I need to book?

What personal equipment do I need?

When is the best time of year?

What happens if I can’t cycle a stage?

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Galway, transfer to Clifden Day 2 Cycle to Cleggen, ferry to Inishbofin 37.5 miles / 60 km Day 3 Cycle to Leenane 28 miles / 45 km Day 4 Cycle to Westport 28 miles / 45 km

Departing Leenane, continue riding around the head of the fjord towards the small settlement of Delphi, shadowed by the Mweelrea Mountains. Soon you’ll arrive at the shores of Doo Lough. Here you will turn east along the Westport to Leenane cycle route and ride through a landscape of true wilderness. From afar you will be able to view the distinct peak of Croag Patrick mountain, where St. Patrick is said to have completed a 40 day Lenten fasting and penance. Arriving into Westport via Clew Bay, follow the water’s edge and relax with a local pint at one of the many harbour bars. Later that evening, explore the streets of this easy going town.

Overnight Westport

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Clew Bay Hotel

The Clew Bay Hotel is a beautifully appointed 3 star hotel in Westport, town centre. Combining a genuine welcome, & an outstanding location, this family-owned Mayo hotel promises to create a truly memorable experience for you. Their mission is “that our customers arrive as guests and leave as friends”. All guests have complimentary access to the 4* Westport Leisure Park located next door to the hotel.

Rosmo House

Liam is your hosts here, this hotel in picturesque country gardens on the outskirts of Westport, this laid-back B&B is a 4-minute walk from the harbour front. All have en suite bathrooms with showers. There's a quaint dining room for full Irish, vegetarian or continental breakfast.

Waterside B&B

The Waterside Bed & Breakfast is ideally situated on the picturesque Westport Harbour and commands breathtaking views of Clew Bay & Croagh Patrick. The guest bedrooms are all shower en-suite with flat screen TVs, Tea/Coffee making facilities, Hair Dryer, and Free Wifi. Guests can enjoy a full Irish breakfast. Special Diets are catered for but requirements must be confirmed prior to arrival.