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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Easy |
| Duration: | 6 Nights |
| Distance: | 12 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Daily from April 1 to Oct 31, 2012 and 2013 |
| Tour price: | €565 |
| Start city: | Clifden, Ireland |
| End city: | Leenane, Ireland |
This circle offers families with children (above the age of 8 years) independent cycling in fantastic settings, the opportunity to discover the many untouched places at their own pace and leisure. Starting any day of the week, this is a truly independent program. The average mileage is around 20km for the children to enjoy their holiday as well as the parents.
Several choices are there to decide from, should you wish to cycle longer distances and it will take a route both inland and along the coastal region, giving a glimpse of some dramatic scenery and the opportunity to meet real Irish characters. We provide well-chosen pre-booked accommodation, as well as bikes and any equipment that is needed. The luggage is transferred each day in order to lighten the load. A full itinerary, maps, and suggested options are also part of this attractive package.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
This circle offers families with children (above the age of 8 years) independent cycling in fantastic settings, the opportunity to discover the many untouched places at their own pace and leisure. Starting any day of the week, this is a truly independent program. The average mileage is around 20km for the children to enjoy their holiday as well as the parents.
Several choices are there to decide from, should you wish to cycle longer distances and it will take a route both inland and along the coastal region, giving a glimpse of some dramatic scenery and the opportunity to meet real Irish characters. We provide well-chosen pre-booked accommodation, as well as bikes and any equipment that is needed. The luggage is transferred each day in order to lighten the load. A full itinerary, maps, and suggested options are also part of this attractive package.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to the town of Clifden (direct bus service or we can help arrange a taxi), often called the Capital of Connemara, is located amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery and beautiful coastline of Ireland's western region known as Connemara. Clifden is a modern, self-sufficient, thriving town and popular tourist destination. You will get a warm welcome and chance to settle in. Your bikes and route notes will be delivered to your accomodation for you.
Day 2: Clifden - Cleggan (24 miles/38 km)
You leave Clifden to day heading for Cleggan, a small picturesque fishing village. You will cycle along the sky road that offers wonderful views over the coast with the Twelve Bens in the background. Arrive at your charming accommodation where the lady of the house will warmly welcome you.
Overnight in Cleggan.
Day 3: Inishbofin (4-9 miles/6-15 km)
Today you have the option of taking the ferry to Inishbofin (included in the price) a lovely island peppered with ancient sites, including the breathtaking Dun More promontary fort, set high above the crashing waves, and Cromwell's gaol at the entrance to the Island's harbour. Or if you want to spend a day in different type of saddle we can provide you with an exhilarating day riding horses along Omey strand (extra charge for the horseriding) and with a dropping tide explore on horseback the tidal island and its monastic heritage (this option is not included in the price). Later you will return to Cleggan for a second night.
Overnight in Cleggan.
Day 4: Cleggan-Renvyle (14 miles/23 km)
Well rested and well fed, you will set off along fuchsia clad back roads to the beautiful peninsula of Renvyle. Passing through the pretty village of Letterfrack and on to Derryinver quay, where you will be met by a friendly local fisherman, John, who will take you out around the bay on his glass bottomed boat and you’ll get the chance to catch your dinner! Tonight you’ll be staying in a seaside B&B where Noreen will provide you with a friendly welcome.
Overnight in Renvyle.
Day 5: Renvyle- Leenane (24 miles/38 km)
After a hearty breakfast, your destination today is the village of Leenane. Your route offers wonderful views over the Ocean and skirts along pristine white sandy beaches, where a beach picnic would be the perfect hiatus, before travelling on to Leenane. Leenane feels the shade of the Maamturk Mountains at its back as it enjoys some splendid views of the Mweelrea Mountain across the blue waters of the harbour. The Sheep & Wool Museum guarantees answers to all your woolly or sheepish questions. Here you will spend the night in a delightful B&B.
Overnight in Leenane.
Day 6: Leenane (6 miles/10 km)
After a delicious breakfast, you will travel a short distance to the renowned adventure centre on the shores of Killary Harbour where you will have a range of activities to choose from. These vary between some laid back kayaking along the shore or showing off your aiming skills with archery, to the more aadrenalin filled high ropes course, abseiling & giant swing. A tasty homemade lunch will be set up for you on site. After your action packed, fun-filled day you will return to your accommodation in Leenane village to spend your final night in enjoying a well deserved rest and the peace and tranquillity this lovely village has to offer.
Overnight in Leenane.
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast, followed by a fond farewell and departure!
Daily from April 1 to Oct 31, 2012 and 2013
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3-star hotels and bed and breakfasts accommodations |
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bed and breakfast accommodations |
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| Category C | |
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These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Category A: hotel accommodations, and one bed and breakfast accommodations
Day 1: Foyles Hotel, Clifden
www.foyleshotel.com
Foyle’s Hotel, formerly the Clifden Bay is situated on the square in Clifden. It is Connemara’s longest established hotel and is owned and managed by the Foye Family since 1917. The hotel has restaurant and bar and patio garden to the rear of the hotel
Days 2 and 3: Seaview Bed and Breakfast, Cleggan
www.seabreezeconnemara.com
Family home with relaxed atmosphere. Panoramic views of Cleggan Bay, Twelve Bens and Inishbofin. Peaceful location. Warm welcome. Five minutes walk to village. Turn right down a short lane as you leave Cleggan village heading past the post office and for Claddaghduff.
Day 4: Renvyle House Hotel, Renvyle
www.renvyle.ie
A romantic old country house set in the wild splendor of Connemara, amid the magical beauty of sea, lake and mountains. The keynotes are warmth and comfort with award winning fine fare. Turf fires and cosy lounges make you relax and feel at home.
Days 5 -7: Leenane Hotel, Leenane
www.leenanehotel.com
Located on the N59 20 miles from both Westport and Clifden and 5 minutes walk from the Village of Leenane it has been operating close to 200 years as a coaching Inn.
Category B: bed and breakfast accommodations
Day 1: Buttermilk Lodge Guesthouse, Clifden
www.buttermilklodge.com
A warm, friendly home from home, 400 meters from Clifden center, located on the Westport Road. The en-suite, spacious bedrooms have multi-channel TV, DD phone, personal toiletries, hairdryer & ironing facilities.
Days 2 and 3: Seaview Bed and Breakfast, Cleggan
www.seaviewhouse.ie
Family home with relaxed atmosphere. Panoramic views of Cleggan Bay, Twelve Bens and Inishbofin. Peaceful location. Warm welcome. Five minutes walk to village. Turn right down a short lane as you leave Cleggan village heading past the post office and for Claddaghduff
Day 3: Seabreeze, Renvyle
www.seabreezeconnemara.com
Sea Breeze is a family home situated in a quiet and scenic location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Wake up to a magnificent sunrise over Croagh Patrick and Maoil Reidh mountain, the highest in Connacht. Just a short walk from the village of Tully. Located down the Gurteen road on the right before you come into Tully village.
Days 5-7: Portfinn Lodge, Leenane
www.anu.ie/portfinn
Set among some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland, and situated in the village of Portfinn Lodge is a family run Seafood Restaurant and Guesthouse.
Category C: hostels
Day 1: Clifden Town Hostel, Clifden
www.clifdentownhostel.com
The Clifden Town Hostel is a small friendly hostel offering a warm welcome to all of our guests. Clifden Town Hostel is located on Market Street in the centre of Clifden. Clifden scathing the western seaboard of Ireland and bounding the periphery of Europe is a most tempting and welcoming oasis to the seasoned and novice traveller alike.
Days 2 and 3: Seaview Bed and Breakfast, Cleggan
www.seaviewhouse.ie
Family home with relaxed atmosphere. Panoramic views of Cleggan Bay, Twelve Bens and Inishbofin. Peaceful location. Warm welcome. Five minutes walk to village. Turn right down a short lane as you leave Cleggan village heading past the post office and for Claddaghduff
Day 4: Letterfrack Lodge, Letterfrack
www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Letterfrack-Lodge/Connemara/11454
The Hostel is new, clean and well run. There are free maps available showing walks in the area for all grades of walkers. Michael, the owner, has a vast knowledge of the area and will point you in the right direction
Days 5-7 Sleepzone Hostel Connemara, Leenane
www.sleepzone.ie
Sleepzone Connemara is spectacularly situated in the heart of Connemara overlooking The Killary – Ireland’s only fjord, which runs 16km from the village of Leenane to where it opens onto the Atlantic Ocean. In his famous book of 1,000 'Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die' Steve Davey included Killary Harbour in the Top 40 - and we agree!
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Category A: hotel accommodations, and one bed and breakfast accommodations
Day 1: Foyles Hotel, Clifden
www.foyleshotel.com
Foyle’s Hotel, formerly the Clifden Bay is situated on the square in Clifden. It is Connemara’s longest established hotel and is owned and managed by the Foye Family since 1917. The hotel has restaurant and bar and patio garden to the rear of the hotel
Days 2 and 3: Seaview Bed and Breakfast, Cleggan
www.seabreezeconnemara.com
Family home with relaxed atmosphere. Panoramic views of Cleggan Bay, Twelve Bens and Inishbofin. Peaceful location. Warm welcome. Five minutes walk to village. Turn right down a short lane as you leave Cleggan village heading past the post office and for Claddaghduff.
Day 4: Renvyle House Hotel, Renvyle
www.renvyle.ie
A romantic old country house set in the wild splendor of Connemara, amid the magical beauty of sea, lake and mountains. The keynotes are warmth and comfort with award winning fine fare. Turf fires and cosy lounges make you relax and feel at home.
Days 5 -7: Leenane Hotel, Leenane
www.leenanehotel.com
Located on the N59 20 miles from both Westport and Clifden and 5 minutes walk from the Village of Leenane it has been operating close to 200 years as a coaching Inn.
Category B: bed and breakfast accommodations
Day 1: Buttermilk Lodge Guesthouse, Clifden
www.buttermilklodge.com
A warm, friendly home from home, 400 meters from Clifden center, located on the Westport Road. The en-suite, spacious bedrooms have multi-channel TV, DD phone, personal toiletries, hairdryer & ironing facilities.
Days 2 and 3: Seaview Bed and Breakfast, Cleggan
www.seaviewhouse.ie
Family home with relaxed atmosphere. Panoramic views of Cleggan Bay, Twelve Bens and Inishbofin. Peaceful location. Warm welcome. Five minutes walk to village. Turn right down a short lane as you leave Cleggan village heading past the post office and for Claddaghduff
Day 3: Seabreeze, Renvyle
www.seabreezeconnemara.com
Sea Breeze is a family home situated in a quiet and scenic location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Wake up to a magnificent sunrise over Croagh Patrick and Maoil Reidh mountain, the highest in Connacht. Just a short walk from the village of Tully. Located down the Gurteen road on the right before you come into Tully village.
Days 5-7: Portfinn Lodge, Leenane
www.anu.ie/portfinn
Set among some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland, and situated in the village of Portfinn Lodge is a family run Seafood Restaurant and Guesthouse.
Category C: hostels
Day 1: Clifden Town Hostel, Clifden
www.clifdentownhostel.com
The Clifden Town Hostel is a small friendly hostel offering a warm welcome to all of our guests. Clifden Town Hostel is located on Market Street in the centre of Clifden. Clifden scathing the western seaboard of Ireland and bounding the periphery of Europe is a most tempting and welcoming oasis to the seasoned and novice traveller alike.
Days 2 and 3: Seaview Bed and Breakfast, Cleggan
www.seaviewhouse.ie
Family home with relaxed atmosphere. Panoramic views of Cleggan Bay, Twelve Bens and Inishbofin. Peaceful location. Warm welcome. Five minutes walk to village. Turn right down a short lane as you leave Cleggan village heading past the post office and for Claddaghduff
Day 4: Letterfrack Lodge, Letterfrack
www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Letterfrack-Lodge/Connemara/11454
The Hostel is new, clean and well run. There are free maps available showing walks in the area for all grades of walkers. Michael, the owner, has a vast knowledge of the area and will point you in the right direction
Days 5-7 Sleepzone Hostel Connemara, Leenane
www.sleepzone.ie
Sleepzone Connemara is spectacularly situated in the heart of Connemara overlooking The Killary – Ireland’s only fjord, which runs 16km from the village of Leenane to where it opens onto the Atlantic Ocean. In his famous book of 1,000 'Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die' Steve Davey included Killary Harbour in the Top 40 - and we agree!
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
There are some occasional hill, average of 20km daily with shorter and longer options available on most days. The tour is rated easy and is cycling in mostly flat terrain.
There are some occasional hill, average of 20km daily with shorter and longer options available on most days. The tour is rated easy and is cycling in mostly flat terrain.
Tour start
Nearest airport:
Nearest bus station:
Tour end
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station
You depart from your last night’s accommodation in Leenane. The operator can help with arranging transfers if required. There is a daily direct bus service in the summer only (June- August).
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Tour start
Nearest airport:
Nearest bus station:
Tour end
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station
You depart from your last night’s accommodation in Leenane. The operator can help with arranging transfers if required. There is a daily direct bus service in the summer only (June- August).
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information
Ireland has a long and storied history, and the rich culture embraces both the triumphs and struggles of this ancient land. From the earliest Celtic inhabitants to invasions, religious struggles, and seven centuries of Anglo-Irish conflict, the Irish spirit remains alive today in this land of spectacular landscapes and friendly people.
Ireland's lush landscapes provide the backdrop for charming villages, sprawling acres of grazing animals, and ancient and medieval ruins. The endless green hills unfold across the island to dramatic coastal cliffs. The glens and rivers offer a mystical feel to the storied countryside, while Ireland’s thriving cities offer the best of modern amenities and old European character. Visitors are often welcomed in pubs and taverns to enjoy hearty fare, a good pint, and, with any luck, a bit of traditional Irish music.
More on bicycling in Ireland >
Ireland has a long and storied history, and the rich culture embraces both the triumphs and struggles of this ancient land. From the earliest Celtic inhabitants to invasions, religious struggles, and seven centuries of Anglo-Irish conflict, the Irish spirit remains alive today in this land of spectacular landscapes and friendly people.
Ireland's lush landscapes provide the backdrop for charming villages, sprawling acres of grazing animals, and ancient and medieval ruins. The endless green hills unfold across the island to dramatic coastal cliffs. The glens and rivers offer a mystical feel to the storied countryside, while Ireland’s thriving cities offer the best of modern amenities and old European character. Visitors are often welcomed in pubs and taverns to enjoy hearty fare, a good pint, and, with any luck, a bit of traditional Irish music.
More on bicycling in Ireland >
Connemara Adventure Tours is leading Irish Tour Operator with more than 25 years experience in organizing guided, self-guided and customized travel packages for cyclists, walkers and horse-riders.We offer you accommodation options on our self guided cycling and walking tours in Connemara. You can choose the accommodation that suits your budget: hotel, Bed & Breakfast or hostel.
We look forward to seeing you on our tours!
Connemara Adventure Tours is leading Irish Tour Operator with more than 25 years experience in organizing guided, self-guided and customized travel packages for cyclists, walkers and horse-riders.We offer you accommodation options on our self guided cycling and walking tours in Connemara. You can choose the accommodation that suits your budget: hotel, Bed & Breakfast or hostel.
We look forward to seeing you on our tours!
Booking
A deposit has secured your booking. This is a non-refundable payment. The balance of payments is due 60 days before the tour starts.
Cancellations
Cancellations must be made in writing and the deposit is non refundable. The balance is due 30 days before the start of the course and when taken is also non refundable. We strongly recommend that you purchase air fare and tour package cancellation insurance at the time you make the deposit.
For guided tours only:
In case of less than stated minimum numbers for any one tour, Connemara Adventure Tours reserves the right to cancel up to four weeks before commencement date. In this case we will refund total received amounts. Wherever possible we will suggest alternative comparable tour, or if we have to cancel due to small numbers and the participants are still interested we will offer the tour at a newly calculated price. In the case all participants agree the tour will go ahead.
Travel + Airport Transfers
We include airport transfers in our prices for guided tours only, please note that these are subject to the Connemara Adventure Tours time-table; normally we meet guests between 12.00 - 16.00 on day one and transfer back on the last day to be at the airport at approx. 12.00. Please contact us in advance so we can help plan your arrival and departure arrangements. We can and do arrange taxis from all airports to any of our tour destinations. Furthermore timetables and rates for National Rail and Bus services can be supplied. We do not organize travel to Ireland from overs eas destinations.
Health and Fitness
Most tours are active holidays, and require at least moderate fitness levels according to description. Tours may involve 4 - 6 hours walking, or 3 - 5 hours cycling a day. Checking the suitability of each tour can help you to avoid disappointment. Those unaccustomed to activity are advised to take gentle exercise before the tour to fully enjoy the experience. Please advise us of any special medical, physical, or health requirements you may have, or conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, disabilities, severe allergies, etc. and any medication you may be on.
Climate and Clothing
Ireland's climate is mild, frequently damp, highly changeable, with temperatures ranging from 53° to 82° F. we advise that both light and warm clothing is carried, rainwear is essential.
Food
Most special diets can be catered for, provided we are notified in advance
Children A lower age limit applies to some tours, please check with us in advance of booking.
Insurance
We provide full public liability for guests on our tours, however, we require you to purchase full health insurance, including coverage for repatriation. Please provide us with an indication that you have purchased this insurance at the time full payment is made. You can purchase this insurance from your travel agent.
Resonsibility
Connemara Adventure Tours act as agents for the traveler and can accept no responsibility for the service of any hotel, restaurant or carrier used in connection with these tours, nor any liability for claims, damages, expenses or other financial loss to persons or property. In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable Connemara Adventure Tours reserves the right to alter a tour should weather, clients preference, or other circumstances intervene. The right is reserved to cancel a tour and to decline to accept any pers on as a member of a tour at any time.
Due Diligence
The tours in our program have been designed to provide participants with an exposure of the true nature of the environment visited and therefore involve an element of personal risk and exposure to potential hazards above those associated with normal 'package holidays'. Bookings are accepted on the unders tanding that such risks are appreciated by the client.
Booking
A deposit has secured your booking. This is a non-refundable payment. The balance of payments is due 60 days before the tour starts.
Cancellations
Cancellations must be made in writing and the deposit is non refundable. The balance is due 30 days before the start of the course and when taken is also non refundable. We strongly recommend that you purchase air fare and tour package cancellation insurance at the time you make the deposit.
For guided tours only:
In case of less than stated minimum numbers for any one tour, Connemara Adventure Tours reserves the right to cancel up to four weeks before commencement date. In this case we will refund total received amounts. Wherever possible we will suggest alternative comparable tour, or if we have to cancel due to small numbers and the participants are still interested we will offer the tour at a newly calculated price. In the case all participants agree the tour will go ahead.
Travel + Airport Transfers
We include airport transfers in our prices for guided tours only, please note that these are subject to the Connemara Adventure Tours time-table; normally we meet guests between 12.00 - 16.00 on day one and transfer back on the last day to be at the airport at approx. 12.00. Please contact us in advance so we can help plan your arrival and departure arrangements. We can and do arrange taxis from all airports to any of our tour destinations. Furthermore timetables and rates for National Rail and Bus services can be supplied. We do not organize travel to Ireland from overs eas destinations.
Health and Fitness
Most tours are active holidays, and require at least moderate fitness levels according to description. Tours may involve 4 - 6 hours walking, or 3 - 5 hours cycling a day. Checking the suitability of each tour can help you to avoid disappointment. Those unaccustomed to activity are advised to take gentle exercise before the tour to fully enjoy the experience. Please advise us of any special medical, physical, or health requirements you may have, or conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, disabilities, severe allergies, etc. and any medication you may be on.
Climate and Clothing
Ireland's climate is mild, frequently damp, highly changeable, with temperatures ranging from 53° to 82° F. we advise that both light and warm clothing is carried, rainwear is essential.
Food
Most special diets can be catered for, provided we are notified in advance
Children A lower age limit applies to some tours, please check with us in advance of booking.
Insurance
We provide full public liability for guests on our tours, however, we require you to purchase full health insurance, including coverage for repatriation. Please provide us with an indication that you have purchased this insurance at the time full payment is made. You can purchase this insurance from your travel agent.
Resonsibility
Connemara Adventure Tours act as agents for the traveler and can accept no responsibility for the service of any hotel, restaurant or carrier used in connection with these tours, nor any liability for claims, damages, expenses or other financial loss to persons or property. In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable Connemara Adventure Tours reserves the right to alter a tour should weather, clients preference, or other circumstances intervene. The right is reserved to cancel a tour and to decline to accept any pers on as a member of a tour at any time.
Due Diligence
The tours in our program have been designed to provide participants with an exposure of the true nature of the environment visited and therefore involve an element of personal risk and exposure to potential hazards above those associated with normal 'package holidays'. Bookings are accepted on the unders tanding that such risks are appreciated by the client.
