Family Tour of Connemara

On our family tours we have designed an itinerary with the younger traveler in mind (the cycling each day is approximately 18 – 25 miles with two rest days included). This tour explores the beautiful region of Connemara famous for its rugged granite landscape as well as its beautiful lakes and rivers. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to visit Granuaile centre on the life and times of Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen of the West Coast! On your rest days you can go windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, pony trekking or relax on the beach. 

What your Self-led Cycle includes:

- 7 nights twin sharing accommodation with full Irish breakfast
- 1 Dinner in Leenane
- 24 speed touring bike with front handlebar bag
- Detailed maps, route directions and historical details
- Luggage transfer each day

 

DAY 1 (Saturday) Arrival in Westport
Arrive to your guesthouse in Westport, County Mayo, where you will find your bikes, route details, maps and other useful information. You can then explore Westport town or just have a relaxing evening.

 

DAY 2 (Sunday) Westport to Louisburgh (19km / 12miles)
You head off on the coast road to Croagh Patrick where we can stop and explore the area. The stunning Clew Bay with its archipelago of many small islands unfolds before us as we make our way to the village of Louisburgh where we stop for the night. There are beautiful beaches in the area where you can relax for the afternoon. You can also visit the Granuaile Centre on the life and times of Grace O'Malley (c. 1530-1600), whose daring exploits on the Irish Sea are part of the folklore of the region.

DAY 3 (Monday) Louisburgh to Leenane (33km / 21miles)
You head south through one of the highlights of the week, the stunning Delphi Valley with its beautiful lakes overlooked by Ben Bury, the highest mountain in Connemara. That night you stay in the small village of Leenane which looks out over Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.

DAY 4 (Tuesday) Rest Day in Leenane
A chance to relax in this lovely village or else take part in one of the many activities available in the area. If you are feeling a bit more energetic, activities such as kayaking, Hobiecat sailing, orienteering, archery, water skiing, windsurfing and even clay pigeon shooting can be arranged for the day (age restrictions do apply on some of these pursuits).

DAY 5 (Wednesday) Leenane to Renvyle (39km / 24miles)
You cycle into the heart of Connemara overlooked by the Twelve Bens mountain range and visit Kylemore Abbey, a wedding gift from a wealthy Liverpool businessman to his wife in 1868. You then cycle along the coast to the villages of Tullycross and Renvyle where you stay for the night.

DAY 6 (Thursday) Renvyle to Clifden (35km / 20miles)
You follow the scenic coast road to Clifden where you can watch cars travel across the beach to Omey Island only accessible when the tide is out! Today's destination is Clifden, the capital of Connemara where you are spending the next two nights.

DAY 7 (Friday) Rest Day in Clifden
Clifden is a bustling town full of interesting shops and restaurants. You can head back to the nearby beaches of Ballyconnely or Cleggan for the day, or else take part in some local activities such as golfing, horse riding, sea fishing or take a lovely cycle to the nearby fishing village of Roundstone for the day

DAY 8 (Saturday) Back to Westport
The tour finishes after breakfast.

Tour Highlights
- Westport
- Croagh Patrick
- Delphi Valley
- Clifden

Note
Smaller framed bicycles are available for children, it is essential that full details of each childs age and height must be given upon booking.