senior cycling
*


Connemara Inn to Inn Cycle

self-guided bicycling tour in Ireland

This tour is specifically designed for independent travellers, who wish to cycle less of a distance and spend time along the way for indepth explorations of the various cultural and natural attractions of the wonderful Connemara region. Connemara - the western wonderland of Europe, where rugged mountains soar above wild Atlantic beaches. Here there is a peace no longer found in the populated areas, and a purity so refreshing in contrast to the pollution of the cities. It is also a land of great contrast from mountain to sea. Daily cycling will range from 20 to 30miles on low traffic back-roads, the terrain isn't flat, but neither is it hilly, rather a rolling country-side. Accommodation is in wonderful guesthouses, B&Bs and hotels, all dinners bar the last one in Westport are included, but the lunches are left to your own sourcing. Very detailed route descriptions, including recommendations for lunches, proper maps (1:50000), and emergency call outs are also part of our service.

 
 

Connemara Inn to Inn - self-guided bicycling tour

PLEASE note that we can customise this trip should you wish to change anything on the itinerary.

DURATION: 8 days (7 nights)
LEVEL: easy
Tour DATES: any date (April - Sept)
GROUP SIZE: individuals
ACCOMMODATION: hotels & guesthouses
BICYCLE: comfortable lightweight hybrid bicycles (Cannondale)
MEALS: 5 dinners, 7 Irish breakfasts
TRANSFERS: all luggage transfers
MISCELLANEOUS: detailed route notes and maps

For details and prices of  our tours  log onto the new website www.killarytours.com


senior tour

enjoying a walk on deserted sandy beaches      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
famine memorial

famine memorial near Westport      
Daily itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive in Clifden (we can help arranging transfers). Warm welcome and chance to settle in. You will be given your route pack and general information to study overnight. If there is time we will allocate bikes and equipment. Dinner in restaurant. Clifden is a colourful small town, also often labelled the metropole of Connemara.
Day 2
Roundstone, a small picturesque fishing village is todays target. It offers wonderful views over its harbour with the Twelve Bens as background. Cycle along Mannin Bay, with its coralline beach - heaven for the beachcomber - and past Ballyconneely, or shorter take the Bogroad, (20km). Stay the night in guesthouse, and dinner at your own expense in one of the many restaurants. Roundstone bog is unique in that it is an unspoilt area of bogscape with rare acid loving plants.
Day 3
Leave Roundstone along the coast of Bertraghboy Bay, passing Cashel and along the coast of the Kilkieran Peninsula to the small village of Carna (23miles), situated on one of the many creeks which indent this wild coastline. Off the coast near Carna is the small St MacDara's island, where there is a beautiful stone-roofed oratory. Boatmen passing this island dip their sails three times in honour of the saint. Stay the night in small family run hotel, where dinner is served.
Day 4
Continue your journey around the Peninsula, which is one of the last areas to speak Gaelic as their first language, passing the small fishing harbour of Kilkieran to arrive in the small hamlet of Glencoh/Screeb (25miles). Stay the night in either a fishing lodge (or private B&B if Lodge booked), dinner at accommodation (30miles). You are passing Pearse's cottage, where the author and 1916 leader studied the Irish language. It is open to the public.
Day 5
Cycle away from the coast back towards the mountains on a road through lake strewn moorland to Maam Cross, the meeting point of the roads, and a local sheep market place. Continue on over a low mountain pass to enter the Maam Valley, with fantastic views of the Maam Turks mountain range. From here on the road takes you along Lough Corrib to the small village of Cornamona. Stay the night in homely B&B, where dinner is served for you. Cornamona is also an ideal centre for fishing on Lough Corrib.
Day 6
From Cornamona your cycle will bring you to the shores of the next big lake (Lough Mask), whilst you cycle to the small village of Toormakeady (20miles), where you stay the night in a Georgian guesthouse (where dinner is served).
Day 7
Continue your cycle along the shores of Lough Mask and todays target is the market town of Westport (20miles), whereby a small excursion to Ballintubber Abbey is recommended. The abbey was founded in 1216 by the King of Connacht, for the order of St Augstine. Recent archaeological investigation of the monastic precincts has uncovered much of interest, including the guesthouse where pilgrims were received. Stay the night in guesthouse/hotel in Westport, dinner not included but at your own choice in one of the many restaurants.
Day 8
Breakfast, followed by tearful farewell and departure!


For a more detailled programme, list of suggested equipment or any questions contact tours@killary.com

For details and prices of  our tours  log onto the new website www.killarytours.com |


 
Killary Tours
Leenane, Connemara, Co. Galway,
Ireland