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      Bike Tour

      Connemara & The Aran Islands

      4 review(s)

      Next Trip: 13th - 19th May 2023 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      From €2,490 View Prices & Dates

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      Trip created by Patricia Doe
      View Patricia's Profile

      Region: West – Connemara, Burren & Aran Islands
      Trip Type: Biking
      Accommodation: Classic
      Max Group Size: 8
      Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book
      Deposit From €622.50 €622.50

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 152kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      Download Itinerary

      Imagine biking through the dramatic windswept bog-lands of Connemara on a mountainous backdrop, the steep cliffs of the Aran Islands, the lunar-esque limestone landscape of the Burren and the white sand beaches of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Follow the Wild Atlantic Way coastline to pedal through Connemara’s rugged moors, hop across the Aran Islands before biking to the Cliffs of Moher.

      Remote and wild, Ireland’s west coast has its own distinct culture and traditions – places like the Aran Islands are the last holdouts of the Irish Gaelic language. The Burren is one of Ireland’s most intriguing natural phenomena. On your Connemara and Aran Islands bike trip, pedal from coast to island to explore a landscape infused with the folklore, traditions, charm and spirit of the people by bike.

      Cosy pubs and warm conversation are natural compliments to the exhilaration of riding through these majestic landscapes. Looking for the perfect first-time bike trip in Ireland? You’ve just found it.

      Need a bike? See our bike rental page for details.

      Trip Highlights

      • Bike in Connemara National Park and along the famous Sky Road.
      • Two nights on the Aran Islands & off the beaten path visit to the Cliffs of Moher.
      • Discover why the otherworldly Burren National Park is the hidden treasure of West Ireland.

      Did you know?


      This trip can be booked as a private departure


      Learn more

      Day by Day Itinerary

      Day 1 – Connemara'a Sky Road

      After meeting in Galway, we head to Clifden, a small and charming village at the heart of Connemara. After your custom biking fitting, it’s time for a warm-up ride – and what a ride it is as we head out along the aptly-named Sky Road. There’s just enough climbing to get us warmed up for the trip ahead. But the climbs reward us with incredible elevated views over the spectacular Connemara Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Back in Clifden, discuss the journey that lies ahead over a delicious dinner. (L, D)

      Distance: 16 km/10 miles

      Day 2 – Biking Connemara National Park

      We begin our day at a local sheep farm in northern Connemara where we watch talented sheepdogs round up sheep against a backdrop of the Connemara wilderness. Continuing on our journey, we bike towards Lough Inagh, where we enjoy lunch at a traditional fishing lodge. The final stage of our day in the saddle follows the ‘Bog Road’, an undulating country road that sweeps its way through the lowlands of Connemara’s bogs and brings us back to Clifden. (B, L, D)

      Distance: 40 km/25 miles

      Day 3 – Connemara to the Aran Islands

      A bike route around Connemara’s most picturesque coastline awaits as we pedal along the beautiful Coral Beach and Dog’s Bay and into the wee fishing village of Roundstone. Stretch your legs with a stroll around Roundstone’s lovely centre before hopping on to a ferry across Galway Bay to Inis Mór. The largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór will be our cosy island retreat for the next two nights. Leaving our road bikes on the mainlands, we’ll pick up rental bikes once on Inis Mór – ideal for tackling the rough island roads. (B, L, D)

      Distance: 23 km/14 miles

      Day 4 – Exploring Inis Mor on the Aran Islands

      Waking up in our quaint island lodgings, we hop on our bikes to visit the impressive clifftop fort of Dun Aonghasa, balanced precariously on the edge of a sheer sea cliff. On the southwest edge of the island, those with a head for heights can descend onto a limestone shelf to view the worm-hole, an enormous rectangular blow-hole where the Red Bull World Cliff Diving Championship was recently held. After lunch, we have free time to explore fascinating Inis Mór by bike or on foot, perhaps digging deeper into its history or learning a bit of Gaelic from a local in an island pub. Sláinte! (B, L, D)

      Distance: 28 km/17 miles

      Day 5 – The Cliffs of Moher

      Returning to the mainland at Doolin village in County Clare, our first stop is the famous Cliffs of Moher, where we follow a narrow hiking trail along the clifftops to gaze out across the Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Back on our bikes, we set out on a beautiful coastal route. At the edge of the wild, moon-like Burren region, our route zips through beautiful craggy terrain, ending at the Atlantic. Feel the fresh, salty breeze off the ocean and listen to the tune of crashing waves below as you bike along this scenic headland. (B, L, D)

      Distance: 18 km/11 miles

      Day 6 – Biking the Burren National Park

      The Burren National Park may just be Ireland’s greatest secret. Its other-worldly limestone landscape contains a fascinating mix of unusual flora, fauna, geology and ancient archeology alongside thriving farming communities. Our ride is full of intrigue as we pedal up short climbs and across rolling terrain, admiring sights such as the amazing Neolithic-era monument, the Poulnabrone Dolmen. We save the most exciting stage for the end when we descend Corkscrew Hill back to Ballyvaughan. This twisting descent provides panoramic views across the Burren and Galway Bay – the perfect finale to our journey. The ideal way to end your trip through Connemara and the Burren is with a tasty celebratory dinner to toast your accomplishments. (B, L, D)

      Distance: 50 km/31 miles

      Day 7 – Depart

      After breakfast, we say goodbye to The Burren and start making our way back to Galway. On the way, we’ll have the chance to stop at the ruins of a lovely 13th-century Cistercian abbey or perhaps stretch our legs on the fascinating Flaggy Shore, home to rocks left behind by the Ice Age and a 19th-century Martello tower. (B)

      This itinerary is subject to changes and improvements.

      Download Itinerary

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      Biking
      Connemara & The Aran Islands

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter the best number to call you on.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      Trip Dates for 2023 Availability Status Price Book
      13th May - 19th May 2023 7 places left UNCONFIRMED €2,490 Book Now
      9th Sep - 15th Sep 2023 8 places left UNCONFIRMED €2,490 Book Now

      Trip Details

      Expand All
      Accommodation Read More

      This trip features local accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. All accommodations provide breakfast. Relax by the fire in comfortable, countryside hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses snuggled into some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery surrounding the famous Connemara National Park, the craggy Burren National Park and the rugged Aran Islands.

      We do not charge single person supplements to people booking on their own. However, you will be expected to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you specifically require a single room you will have to pay the single supplement charge which is subject to availability.

      Meals Read More

      Breakfast is provided each morning, and all lunches and snacks are provided throughout the trip. Dinner is provided every night as stated in the itinerary.

      All meals are included in the price of this trip. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes.

      On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 6 days of cycling with a lead guide plus assistant guide/support driver
      • 6 nights accommodation in unique and cosy 3* and 4* guest houses and hotels
      • All Meals as stated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
      • Pickup and transport during trip, starting and finishing in Sligo
      • Vehicle transport throughout including ride support
      • Regular luggage transfers
      • Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary
      • Ride snacks and drinks
      Trip Grading Read More

      Green Graded 1-3

      Our green graded trips would usually include shorter days, with fewer ascents and more stops along the way.
      The green graded trips have been designed to be accessible so that they appeal both to active people who enjoy road cycling but prefer flatter terrain and to people new to cycle touring but want a new way to experience the country.

      On most days the itinerary is a relaxed combination of saddle time, scenic lunch stops and time to explore the natural and cultural history.

      As with all of our road cycling trips, we have a guide riding with you on the road but also have a dedicated support vehicle, so if you need a break at any time, you can jump in the minivan and give your legs a rest.
      Distances typically range from 25-35 miles each day with possibly one or two slightly longer days between key stages of the itinerary. The terrain is generally flat with one or two short climbs.

      Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland guide at Galway Ceannt Train Station at 12.00 pm on Day 1 of your trip. We will drop you off at Galway Ceannt Train Station by 1.00 pm on the last day of the trip. For details on how to get to Galway, please see the travel section of our website.

      Photo Gallery

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Speak to an Expert

      View Profile
      Patricia Doe

      An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets – she particularly loves the under-appreciated regions of Mayo, Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. Having spent nearly a decade in the hospitality industry, Patricia is an expert on Ireland’s luxury and unique accommodations. As Wilderness Ireland’s General Manager and head of the sales team, Patricia is ready to help make your Irish adventure spectacular.

      Ask Patricia a Question

      Meet Your Guide

      View guides for all departures

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Green Grades 1-3

      The road cycling trips that we offer are graded to take into account a combination of the general level of fitness required and the number of miles cover as well as the daily ascent and estimated saddle time.

      Our green graded trips would usually include shorter days, with less ascents and more stops along the way.

      The green graded trips have been designed to be accessible so that they appeal both to active people who enjoy road cycling but prefer flatter terrain and to people new to cycle touring but want a new way to experience the country.

      On most days the itinerary is a relaxed combination of saddle time, scenic lunch stops and time to explore the natural and cultural history.

      As with all of our road cycling trips, we have a guide riding with you on the road but also have a dedicated support vehicle, so if you need a break at any time, you can jump in the minivan and give your legs a rest.

      Distances typically range from 25-35 miles each day with possibly one or two slightly longer days between key stages of the itinerary. The terrain is generally flat with one or two short climbs. Before joining this trip, the questions you should be asking yourself are:

      Are you generally active and enjoy riding a road or hybrid bike?

      Are you up for a challenge, cycling each day in a small group, and having a lot of fun?

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 4 review(s) of Bike Tour – Connemara & The Aran Islands

      4
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      Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

      That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

      MM

      Mairi Maciver

      Reviewed on 19/09/2022

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United Kingdom
      Trip Date: 10/09/2022
      Trips Taken: 2

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      We had an amazing fun filled trip with two great guides. We also had great weather which was an added bonus. Wilderness Ireland is a good company to book a cycling adventure with.

      Show More
      TL

      Tracey Loftus

      Reviewed on 19/09/2022

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: USA
      Trip Date: 10/09/2022
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      The standard has been set VERY high, as this was our first bike tour. The accommodations, food, guides, locations were all EXCELLENT. I would HIGHLY recommend Wilderness Ireland for your next adventure.

      Show More
      ED

      Eamonn Drayne

      Reviewed on 19/09/2022

      Age: 50 - 60
      Country: United Kingdom
      Trip Date: 10/09/2022
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      Everything I hoped for and more.

      Show More

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