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Cycling the Emerald Coast of legendary Connemara...stunning cliffs, thatched cottages and mystical Celticruins. Connemara welcomes us with winding country lanes, stone cottages, fields of peat and wildflowers and the twinkling eyes and lilting accents of the locals. Around every bend, a spectacular landscape unfolds of emerald mountains, misty lakes and deep blue sea. From the ancient abbey in Cong to the sweeping vistas of Sky Road and the rugged beauty of Inishmore, our week highlights the best of Connemara. Cycling along the backroads we come upon timeless Gaelic villages, stop by the colorful pubs and take in the gentle pleasures of the Irish way of life.
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• Relaxing by the turf fires
• Sharing a pint with the locals at O'Dowds Pub
• Shopping along High Street in Galway
• Biking along the Sky Road to Clifden
• Visiting the imposing ruins of Cong Abbey
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Day 1, 2 & 3 Cong, Leenane & Letterfrack
Transfer to County Mayo and the village of Cong, where we bike to the evocative ruins of Cong Abbey, first built in the 7th c. and rebuilt in 1120 a.d. by the King of Connacht. Biking on back lanes, past curly-haired sheep and Celtic crosses, we stop for tea at the Happy Kettle before one of our favorite rides along Lough Nafooey. The Maam Turk Mountains give way to a spectacular fjord as our ride finishes in the friendly village of Leenane.
• Overnight at Ashford Castle, one of Ireland's most prestigious hotels.
• Rosleague Manor, a Georgian country house overlooking Ballinakill Bay welcomes us for two nights.
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Day 4 & 5 Roundstone & Cashel
Thatched cottages dot the landscape and the sweet perfume of peat fills the air as we pedal along the Sky Road to Clifden, Connemara's capital. Lunch in the tiny fishing village of Roundstone...where if you listen closely, you just might hear Gaelic spoken by the locals. Opt for fly-fishing or a round of golf before dinner, including delectable Galway oysters, delicately smoked salmon and Connemara lamb, overlooking the River Owenmore.
• Two nights at The Cashel House, a gracious 4 star property set in the wilds of Connemara.
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Day 6 & 7 Aran Islands & Galway
An early morning transfer to catch the ferry to the Aran Islands. Famed for its rugged beauty and mystical ancient stone forts, we spend the day biking and hiking the windswept isle of Inishmore. Late afternoon arrival into Galway for a superb farewell dinner and plenty of traditional Irish music in the lively pubs that line Quay Street.
• Overnight at the g, a 5 star hotel located in Galway.
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"Crossing from County Galway to County Mayo was the best bicycle ride I've ever taken...the trip routes were wonderful: off-the beaten track roads through lovely landscapes and little to no traffic."
Departures Magazine
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Dates: Jun 15-21, Jul 20-26, Aug 3-9, Sep 7-13, Jun 14-20, 2009, Jul 19-25, 2009, Aug 2-8, 2009
See Ireland's Western Shore Family for additional departures.
Length: 7 days/6 nights
Level: 1 A/B
Daily Mileage: 15-35 miles on gently rolling terrain with a few hills.
Cost: $3980
Single Supplement: $800
Meals: All breakfasts, all dinners but 1; picnic lunch
Hotels: 4 & 5 star inns and country manors.
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