Family Connemara Adventure

Arrive in Oughterard (there are regular buses from Shannon and Dublin Airports, there are also trains from Dublin to Galway, there are regular buses from Galway to Oughterard 30min away). Stay the night in guesthouse/B&B. We will meet you in the evening or first thing the following morning (depending on arrival time) to adjust the bicycles for you and talk you through the days ahead.

Galway – Rossaveal – Inishmore, Aran Islands
Cycle to the ferry port of Rossaveal to catch the ferry to the island of Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands. The route brings you on a very quiet back road onto a plateau of bogs, moorland, lakes and forests. There are stunning views back over lake Corrib and then onto the Atlantic. The crossing takes about 55min. Stay the next two nights on the island. (25km/15mls climb 242m)

Inishmore Island
Another day to explore the sites on this fascinating and unique island, with it’s beautiful beaches, unique geological features such as the “Wormhole” and many blowholes, ringforts and ruins of early Christian sites. Highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Anghus, the Seven Churches and the coast road to the west of the port village of Kilronan. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name.

Aran island / back to Rossaveal cycle to Carna
You have the choice of a morning ferry to give you the entire day for the exploration of the beautiful south Connemara countryside. Ride along rivers, lakes, and the indented sea-shore to Derryinver. From here you cycle along the coast to Kilkieran and on to Carna. Stay the night in B&B.
(43km (27mls) climb 280m)

Carna – Clifden
Continue your cycle along the coast via Roundstone where you can see traditional musical instruments being made by hand. On the way you come past the village of Ballyconneely and the site where Alcock and Brown crash landed their biplane after completing the first transatlantic flight in 1919. There are some very beautiful beaches here. If you still feel energetic there is a wonderful a ride out along the Sky Road to enjoy some sublime coastal scenery. The shorter route will bring you over a wonderful bog road. Stay the night in Clifden, this colourful small town is often labelled the metropole of Connemara and you may enjoy traditional Irish music in its pubs.
45kms (28mls) longer option available

Clifden – Loop rides
There are various options to choose from, cycle around the Sky Road offering you most wonderful views over the Atlantic and the islands lying in it (there is some climbing involved), alternatively cycle around the Erislannan Peninsula just south of Clifden, where a monument to Alcock and Brown stands. They crash landed their biplane after completing the first transatlantic flight in 1919 in the bog nearby. Visit Erislannan Manor where you can horseback ride and/or children can also fish in their lake for trout. Continue further south where there are some very beautiful beaches here.

This self-guided family cycle holiday in Ireland is designed to stay in comfortable,friendly, wonderful guesthouses and small hotels such as underneath. Accommodations could be upgraded if you prefer.