Family Connemara Adventure
Self-guided cycle holidays in Ireland for families
There is plenty to explore in Connemara such as the magnificent fortresses on the island of Inishmore. Take part in sheepdog and sheep shearing demonstrations. Here it is easy to enjoy an unforgettable family holiday, whereby every member of the family has a great time on and off the bicycles. Due to the distances this tour is not suitable for children younger than 8 years of age unless they are attached to the parent’s bikes.
Tour Itinerary
DAY
1
DAY
2
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)
DAY
3
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.
DAY
4
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)
DAY
5
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
DAY
6
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.
DAY
7
Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey. There are direct buses back to Galway from where there are trains to Dublin.
Map
Price 2023
€950 per adult sharing
€600 child sharing parent’s room
€750 children sharing twin/triple room
adult price based on 2 adults travelling
Level
Easy
Starting Dates 2023
depending on travel restrictions – normally April – Oct
Included
Accommodation & Meals
6 nights in guesthouses, B&Bs, and hotels inclusive of 6 breakfasts
Transfers
luggage transfers
Miscellaneous
Detailled daily route notes, maps, and route notes, gpx files, personal meet and greet, and emergency support.
Bicycles
Stevens hybrid bicycles for adults, children bicycles, trail-gator, tag-alongs, and child-trailers are available
Arrival Location
Oughterard (40min from Galway city)
Departure Location
Clifden (there are regular busses to Galway)
Tour Accommodations
Kilmurvey House
A beautifully restored 18th century farmhouse, Kilmurvey is located at the bottom of Dun Aenghus, the biggest of the ring-forts on the island. It is run by the family who are farming on this side of the island for centuries, and Treasa’s home-baked breads and scones are to die for. Close by is Kilmurvey Beach, beautifully sandy and safe for swimming.
Seamist House
This beautiful house is located within a stones throw of the centre of Clifden. Enjoy the elegance, unrivalled hospitality and all the benefits of modern conveniences, like orthopaedic matresses, and free wifi.
Gallery of Tour Pictures