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      | Cycling in Connemara

      Self Guided Plus+ Cycling

      Connemara & The Burren

      11 reviews

      Deposit From: €608€608
      Region: West – Connemara, Burren & Aran Islands
      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
      Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book

      Next Departure: 2nd - 8th Aug 2025
      Accommodation: Classic

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 196kg ? 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.

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From: €2,360 View Prices & Dates

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Darragh Devaney

        Two of the wildest and most iconic regions of Ireland are the Burren and Connemara. Exotic and desolate, the Burren is a place of exposed limestone hills, brilliantly exploding with vibrant colour every spring upon the arrival of its famed wildflowers. Connemara is a remote, rural place made up of mountains and bogs. Tiny country lanes weave amongst its rugged heather-cloaked peaks, winding between quaint villages.

        Home to many of Ireland’s Gaeltacht communities, you’ll surely get the chance to hear the Irish language spoken amongst the inhabitants. The best way to explore these two regions is by bike – go at your own pace as you soak up the region’s raw beauty. Biking along the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way is a fantastic way to experience the unspoilt beauty of Ireland!

        This is a self guided+ supported cycling tour. You will have a soigneur (support guide) to transport you to/from the start/end of your day’s bike ride, deliver your luggage each day and act as a mechanic on call if you require assistance. This means you can enjoy linear routes and more flexibility. Ride at your own pace with lots of support but without a guide on the road with you while you’re cycling.

        Road bike hire/rental is included in this itinerary, and an E-bike upgrade is available for an additional supplement. For more details, see our bike rental page.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – The Cliffs of Moher Read Less

        Day 1

        The Cliffs of Moher

        Meeting you at Galway Train Station, your soigneur (support guide) for the week will whisk you into the wild. After checking in at your hotel, meet your bike for the week – one of our top-class Trek bikes. After a quick fitting, it’s time to hit the road! Following an ocean-side route along the swirling Atlantic Coast, this afternoon loop will sweep you past the mystical Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic sites. The picturesque Doolin village is your home for the next few days. Famous throughout Ireland for its traditional pubs, fantastic trad music and colourful facades. The best way to recover after your afternoon ride is by a roaring fire with a pint in hand, while your soigneur takes care of the bikes.

        Meals Included: None
        Ride Details: 28 km / 17 miles | 360 m / 1,181 ft

        Day 2 – The Wild Burren National Park Read Less

        Day 2

        The Wild Burren National Park

        Having explored the coastline yesterday, today’s route takes in the wild rolling interior of the Burren National Park. It’s easy to see how this exposed limestone landscape fed inspired JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth in his fantasy masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. As you pedal along quiet roads lined with quaint limestone walls that weave through this limestone expanse, marvel at the stony crevices dotted with pockets of rare wildflowers. There are holy well sites here as well as mysterious neolithic tombs including one of Ireland’s largest dolmens. Want to learn more about this unique region? We recommend making time to stop at a perfumery that uses the landscape to inspire their fragrances as well as create the most delicious freshly-baked organic goodies. After all that cycling, you’ve earned a treat!

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 59 km / 37 miles | 557 m / 1,827 ft

        Day 3 – The Clare Coast Read Less

        Day 3

        The Clare Coast

        One of our favourite biking routes in the west of Ireland takes you from the village of Doolin along winding coastal roads and past the wild and windswept headland of Black Head. Here, the highest peaks of the Burren flank one side and the crashing waves of the Atlantic fall off to the other. For some of the Wild Atlantic Way’s best and uninterrupted views, stop at the historical lighthouse, manned until the 1970s. The village of Ballyvaughan is a perfect spot for a cosy picnic lunch with a view and after taking on the switchbacks at the short but accurately named ‘Corkscrew Hill,’ your day finishes with a long and gentle descent into Doolin town. Wrap up your day with a traditional music session at one of the local pubs for which Doolin is famous.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 55 km / 34 miles | 360 m / 1,181 ft

        Day 4 – The Spectacular Sky Road Read Less

        Day 4

        The Spectacular Sky Road

        This morning, your soigneur will transfer you northwards along the Wild Atlantic Way. If you’re looking for a little cosmopolitan liveliness, you have the option to stop in the famous west coast city of Galway. Soak up its vibrant atmosphere and spend a few hours wandering Galway’s cobbled streets. Part of the magic of Ireland is the sheer variety of landscapes – north of Galway, you’ll leave the windswept rocky expanses of the Burren behind for the heather-clad hills and craggy granite peaks of Connemara. Today’s route is a short local classic that is a favourite with cyclists. Cycling along Sky Road, expect a blast of fresh air and stunning sea views as you follow this rewarding loop. You’ll finish up back in the fantastic village of Clifden, your home for the next few nights.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 17 km / 11 miles | 160 m / 525 ft

        Day 5 – Connemara’s Southern Shores Read Less

        Day 5

        Connemara’s Southern Shores

        A bike route around Connemara’s most picturesque coastline awaits you today. Pedal along the beautiful Coral Beach and Dog’s Bay and into the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone. Enjoy amazing views and a seaside lunch in Roundstone before heading back towards Clifden town via the ‘bog road’ – a long stretch that traverses the heart of the blanket boglands that are an ever-present feature of the Connemara landscape. In the distance, the peaks of the Twelve Bens and the Mamturks make an evocative backdrop to your Connemara route. We recommend dinner in one of Ireland’s best seafood spots that sources some of the best local Connemara produce.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 43 km / 27 miles | 115 m / 377 ft

        Day 6 – Connemara National Park Read Less

        Day 6

        Connemara National Park

        Circumnavigating Connemara National Park, wild and empty scenery awaits. History lovers may like to stop at the dramatic Kylemore Abbey to admire its fantastic neo-Gothic facade, dazzling interior and idyllic Victorian walled gardens. Continuing onwards, pedal along Connemara’s myriad of tiny lakes, heading for the pass between the region’s two prominent mountain ranges. Turn for home through the picturesque Inagh Valley where a Victorian fishing lodge makes for an epic rest stop. Sheep and the occasional fly fisherman are usually all you have for company on this stretch but keep an eye out for golden eagles that are enjoying a resurgence here. Finish the day with a final pint of Guinness in one of Clifden’s lively pubs.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 65 km / 40 miles | 230 m / 755 ft

        Day 7 – Depart Read Less

        Day 7

        Depart

        This morning, your soigneur will drop you at Galway Train Station where you can choose to explore this colourful city or continue onwards with your travel plans.

        Meals Included: Breakfast

        Download Itinerary

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        Self Guided plus+ Cycling
        Connemara & The Burren

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

        Fields marked with * are mandatory

        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 your telephone number including the country code.

        Trip Dates & Prices

        All payments taken in local currency EUR

        Trip Dates for 2025AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
        2nd Aug - 8th Aug 20258 place(s) leftGuaranteed €2,360Book Now
        13th Sep - 19th Sep 202512 place(s) leftAvailable €2,360Book Now

        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 preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

        Enquire Now Learn More
        X
        Self Guided plus+ Cycling
        Connemara & The Burren

        For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

        Trip Details

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        Accommodation Read More

        This self guided cycling trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. Expect small, comfortable and characterful lodgings. You will have the choice between cosy B&Bs or 3-star family-run hotels or guesthouses, with options in towns or rural communities. Accommodation rooming is a choice of double or twin rooms, which are en-suite with a shower.

        For those who wish, it is possible to upgrade to Deluxe standard accommodations on this trip (note that it is not possible to upgrade to luxury due to the available accommodations in the region).

        Room Types

        Single – A private room with one large bed. Available for an additional supplement. Limited availability; allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

        Double – A shared room with one large bed.

        Twin – A shared room with two separate single beds.

        Meals Read More

        Each morning, enjoy a homemade breakfast of your choice at your accommodation. We will provide local suggestions for lunches and dinners, to be taken according to your own preferences.

        Inclusions Read More

        This trip includes the following:

        • 6 nights in classic graded accommodations- 3-4 star locally-owned small hotels and guesthouses
        • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
        • Trek road bike (E-bike available for a supplement)
        • Soigneur/support guide (who is also a bike mechanic and first aider) available 24/7 while on the trip
        • A support vehicle throughout the trip who will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed
        • Essential equipment: helmet, GPS device with pre-loaded daily routes, bike lock, bike tool and on-road puncture repair kit
        • Bike fitting and welcome briefing on day one
        • All luggage transfers
        • Local maps, cycling route notes and a local area guide
        • Bike cleaning and maintenance throughout the trip

        This trip includes all accommodation as well as some meals. It does not include drinks or any gratuities you may choose to leave.

        Grading Read More

        At Your Own Pace

        Self-guided trips can be taken at your own pace, meaning that you can travel whenever and at whatever pace you feel comfortable, leaving time for optional extra activities, explorations or relaxing.

        On this self-guided cycling adventure, you will have detailed route notes to follow each day. On most days, you will also have the option to extend your cycling routes with optimal extensions ranging from 5 to 25 miles.

        Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

        Meet your guide at Galway Ceannt Train Station at 12:00 on Day 1 of your trip. At the end of your trip, your guide will drop you off at Galway Ceannt Train Station at 12:00 where you can continue your onward journey. If you’d like to arrange an extension before or after your trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

        Bike Hire / Bring Your Own Bike Read More
        Bike Hire/Rental

        Road bike hire/rental is included in this itinerary, and E-bikes are supported on this trip. If you prefer an E-bike, they are available for a supplement.
        Find Out More

        Bring Your Own Bike

        You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike.

        If you choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced – either by you or by a reputable bike shop.

        In addition, please bring the following:

        • Multi-tool, including a chain tool
        • Mini pump and/or CO2 canisters
        • Two spare tubes and a puncture repair kit

        Because we will need to load your bike onto one of our trailers, please ensure that:

        • Your rear wheel is clear of any obstructions; including lights, mudguard or panniers
        • Your tyres are no wider than 45mm

        Due to the nature of our trips, we are unfortunately unable to carry bike boxes or bags with us, so please make prior arrangements if necessary.

        If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

        Speak to an Expert

        Darragh Devaney

        One of our expert team members, Darragh is Wilderness Ireland’s Operations Manager. As the team’s resident bike expert, Darragh has helped research, design and even guide nearly all of Wilderness Ireland’s bike trips. When not in the office, Darragh can usually be found exploring a little-known corner of Ireland on two wheels or camping in the countryside with his family.

        Ask Darragh a Question

        Difficulty Grades Explained

        At Your Own Pace

        Self-guided trips can be taken at your own pace, meaning that you can travel whenever and at whatever pace you feel comfortable, leaving time for optional extra activities, explorations or relaxing.

        On this self-guided cycling adventure, you will have detailed route notes to follow each day. On most days, you will also have the option to extend your cycling routes with optimal extensions ranging from 5 to 25 miles.

        Find Out More

        Trip Reviews

        Rated 4.91 out of 5 based on 11 review(s) of Self Guided plus+ Cycling – Connemara & The Burren

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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.

        KY

        Kate Yonkers

        Reviewed on 19/08/2024

        Age: 50 - 60
        Country: USA
        Trip Date: 03/08/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        This is a great trip for anyone fit enough to do it. The pace was just right for our family of 5, and we enjoyed the adventure of exploring on the bikes and spending time together outside in Ireland even during a week of wet, windy weather. Both our guide and all of us enjoy sea swimming and that became and extra adventure throughout the week we didn't know we were going to enjoy as well.

        Show More
        CW

        Chris Wells

        Reviewed on 09/07/2024

        Age: 60 - 70
        Trip Date: 22/06/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        Relatively high cost but worth the money. V good.

        Show More
        SW

        Steven Wilkinson

        Reviewed on 01/07/2024

        Age: 60 - 70
        Country: United States
        Trip Date: 22/06/2024
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        Great trip and a very positive experience. We shall certainly be back to tackle the southern part of the Wild Atlantic Way with Wilderness Ireland.

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