Connemara is ideal cycling country where roads go around the hills rather than over them. The scenery changes from dramatic mountain ranges and fiords to sweeping open bogland and a rocky fractal coastline.

DAY 1 - SATURDAY - GALWAY CITY

Meet with your guide at 6:30 pm in the Centre of Galway city. After an introductory talk from the tour guide an evening meal is organised while your luggage is transferred to your guesthouse accommodation.

DAY 2 - SUNDAY - GALWAY/CONG TO WESTPORT - 39 miles/62kms

A coach transfer is organised to Cong to collect your bikes and head out on quiet roads along Lough Mark to the busy market town of Westport.

DAY 3 - MONDAY - WESTPORT TO LEENANE - 30 miles/48kms

Cycle west between Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay before hearing south through the dramatic Delphi Valley to the quiet village of Leenane.

DAY 4 - TUESDAY - LEENANE TO ROUNDSTONE - 31miles/49kms

There are a number of different routes that you could follow, one of which takes you through the Lough Inagh nature reserve and then on via Cashel and Toombeola to the seaside village of Roundstone for your two day stop in this seaside village.

DAY 5 - WEDNESDAY - REST DAY IN ROUNDSTONE

The day can be spent in rest and relaxation or you can take part in a variety of activities that can be organised from the village.

DAY 6 - THURSDAY - ROUNDSTONE TO CARRAROE - 34miles/54kms

Head east along a spectacular coastline to the Irish speaking Gaeltacht region of Carraroe.

DAY 7 - FRIDAY - CARRAROE TO GALWAY

On the last day, one option is to take the morning boat to Inis Mor the largest of the Aran Islands. Spend the day touring the unique landscape of the Island and then return in the evening to Galway City.

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis in a mixture of family run hotels and guesthouses with breakfasts included. On booking we will need to know whether sharing will be on a twin (two beds) or double (one bed) basis. Due to the isolated nature of several of the places on the itineraries, single rooms cannot be guaranteed. For people traveling alone, we can twin share them with another single person on the tour. In exceptional cases one single room may be provided at a supplement of 100.00 Irish Pounds for the week. This is on a request only basis.

FITNESS, DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY

Other than young children whom we discourage, people of all ages and abilities come on the tours, so do not worry if you are not super-fit. You have all day to cover the recommended route and while Irish roads rarely follow a straight line, there are few really high climbs. Sore bottoms are an occupational hazard on a cycling tour, but a pair of padded cycle shorts or a gel saddle cover can work wonders. Complete beginners might also take a few practice rides before coming on the tour. The average cycling distance is an easy 30 miles with longer routes being available each day. The safaris are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but the tours are not suited for children under 13 years of age. The Ring of Kerry, The Highlands of Donegal and the Derry Air tours have more hills than the other routes.

MEALS

The guide will recommend a lunch stop each day where a snack lunch will cost between 3 -5 Irish Pounds. A group evening meal is also organised by the guide each night, which costs between 10 - 15 Irish Pounds.

THE BICYCLE

A 21 Trek Hybrid touring model is available for the tours. Each booking should give the clients name and approximate height. Repair equipment, helmets and pannier bags are available on request.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance.

STARTING TIMES

Each of the tours start with a meeting of the group at 6.30 pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train and bus station. This is only a meeting point, typically the group will be staying in nearby guesthouses. The guide is able to return to the meeting place at 9.30 pm again that evening and the following morning for those arriving late. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct clients to their first nights accommodation in bed & breakfasts.

WHAT TO BRING

As baggage is transferred each day you are free to bring the ball gown and tuxedo should you wish to. However, we find that more experienced travellers arrive with one compact piece of luggage and look on with amusement at those who have to drag their kitchen sink containers along airport corridors. Do bring a comfortable outfit for the cycling and a pair of cycling shorts if you have them. The Irish sun is stronger than people think, so a sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream are also recommended.