Best of west

Luxury Tour

7 night cycling tour through Connemara and The Burren

Self-guided luxury bicycling tour in Ireland

Luxury Tour

This is a stunning 7 night tour in Connemara, the Aran Island and the Burren that takes you to the most remote and most beautiful parts of the west of Ireland, stopping each night in the most luxurious castles, country houses and hotels. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of the region, enjoying locally-sourced cuisine and exclusive experiences that capture the essence of Irish hospitality.

Starting Dates

April – October

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival - Galway

Arrive to Dublin / Shannon Airport where you will be greeted and transferred to your 5 star accommodation in Galway. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the narrow pedestrian medieval streets. Galway has an excellent selection of traditional Irish pubs, most of which will have music and story-telling in the summer evenings. Enjoy an evening meal in one of Galway’s finest restaurants before retiring for the night.

DAY 2 - Galway – Cong

30km/19mls Gradient +337m/-368m

After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel for the tour briefing and bike fitting after which, you will be transferred to your starting point in the heart of Connemara. As you set off, take in the breathtaking views of the Connemara mountains while gliding down into Maum. Along the way, admire the stunning vistas of Lough Corrib and its many picturesque islands. Arrive in the charming village of Cong, famously known as the filming location of The Quiet Man, starring Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. Explore the historic Cong Abbey, founded in the 12th century, and the Monk’s House before unwinding for the evening. Your hotel for the night is The Lodge at Ashford Castle, where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Wilde’s Restaurant. Savor locally sourced, classically inspired dishes while soaking in the tranquil views over Lough Corrib.

DAY 3 - Cong – Delphi

51km/32mls Gradient +425m/-408m

A beautiful and gentle day in the valleys of Connemara and Mayo on very quiet roads, as you cycle along the shores of Lough Mask, Lough Nafooey and Lough Corrib. The route passes through peaceful countryside with traditional stone walls and grazing sheep. Finish the day with a great downhill to the beautiful village of Leenane located on Ireland’s only fjord, Killary Harbour. Continue along the shore of Killary harbour to your luxury accommodation, nestled in the heart of the Delphi Valley. Delphi Lodge is a stunning country house offering an unforgettable Irish retreat. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of Connemara, this historic 19th-century fishing lodge is perfect for those who appreciate luxury, nature, and tranquility.

DAY 4 - Delphi - Clifden

59km/36mls Gradient +514m/-517m

After a hearty breakfast at Delphi Lodge depart for the coastal cycle along one of the most breathtaking routes in Ireland, offering stunning views of the Atlantic coastline, rugged mountains, and serene countryside. The route is known for its wild beauty and vast open landscapes dotted with sheep. As you approach the village of Letterfrack, you will see Connemara National Park, home to the majestic Diamond Hill, a great place for a short hike if you want to stretch your legs. Visit the famous Kylemore Abbey with its historic chapel and Victorian 19th century gardens. The cycle then continues toward the Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and offshore islands. Finally, you’ll arrive in Clifden, known as the capital of Connemara, with cozy pubs, great seafood, and a lively atmosphere. As evening falls, retreat to the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, a luxurious and characterful stay set against a stunning Connemara backdrop.

DAY 5 - Clifden – The Aran Islands

DAY 5 - Clifden – the Aran Islands

58km/36mls Gradient +359m/-378m

This morning you will cycle along the indented South Connemara coastline and across the bogs to catch the ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Explore the sites on this fascinating and unique island, with its beautiful beaches, unique geological features such as the “Wormhole” and many blowholes, ringforts and ruins of early Christian sites. Highlights include the Seven Churches, the Black Fort, the cliff top fort of Dun Anghus. Perched high on the sea cliff, this 3,000 year old fort will remain in your memory for many years to come. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name. Stay the night on the island to get a feel for island life.

DAY 6 - The Aran Islands - Ballyvaughan

60km/37mls Gradient +402m/-401m

After breakfast you will catch the morning ferry to Doolin on the Burren coast. From here you will visit the famous Cliffs of Moher, that rise to 700 feet about the Atlantic coast. Doolin is famous for its welcoming pubs that come alive in the summer evenings with the sound of live traditional Irish music. One of the highlights of the trip, today you will cycle the coast road to Ballyvaughan via Fanore beach. The journey offers awesome views of the Galway bay and the rugged rocky Atlantic coast. Ballyvaughan is a quaint coastal town with excellent cafes and bars to enjoy in the evening. Spend the night in the stunning Gregans Castle Hotel.

DAY 7 - Ballyvaughan loop

55km/34mls Gradient +528m/-528m

Moving north from Ballyvaughan, you will cycle to Kinvara via Corcomroe Abbey, an 800 year old mosaic ruins and national monument. Visit the Flaggy shore on the way and sample some of the finest seafood on the Atlantic coast. Continue cycling to the pretty village of Kinvara before returning for the night to Gregans Castle.

DAY 8 - Departure

DAY 8 - Departure - Clifden

Breakfast and transfer to Shannon / Dublin Airport.

Tour Details

Included

Accommodation & Meals

Stay 7 nights in hand-selected 4* boutique hotels, elegant manor houses, or historic castle properties — each chosen for their charm, setting, and exceptional service. Your package includes gourmet breakfasts daily and five evening meals showcasing regional cuisine and local ingredients, served in atmospheric settings.

Meet & greet

Your journey begins with a warm welcome from one of our experienced local guides. You’ll receive a private bike fitting and full tour briefing, with personalised recommendations for making the most of your luxury cycling experience.

Bicycles & Equipment

Our premium touring fleet includes Trek hybrid bikes, electric, road, or gravel bikes to match your preference and terrain. Each bike comes fully equipped with high-quality panniers, helmet, repair kit, lock, and a handlebar pouch. E-bikes feature quiet Bosch motors and long-range batteries for relaxed, extended touring.

Option 1 - Trek FX2 Hybrid Touring Bike

The FX2 is strong, stable, fun and perfectly suited for Irish roads. Customised for our tours with puncture resistant tyres, mudguards and rear rack. Also available with ladies specific frame.

Includes: Helmet, bike lock, pannier, repair kit.

Option 2 - Trek Checkpoint Gravel Bikes

For riders seeking performance, versatility, and comfort on mixed terrain, the Trek Checkpoint is a superb upgrade. This lightweight gravel bike features drop handlebars, wider tires for extra stability, and a responsive frame ideal for Ireland’s quiet country roads and occasional gravel paths. It's perfect for guests who want a faster, sportier ride without sacrificing comfort on longer days in the saddle.

Option 3 - Trek Road Bike

Our Trek road bikes are sleek and lightweight, designed for speed and efficiency on paved roads. With drop handlebars and a smooth-shifting Shimano drivetrain, it's ideal for cyclists who prefer a more aerodynamic riding position and want to cover longer distances with ease. A great choice for guests seeking a faster, road-focused experience while exploring the west of Ireland.

Option 4: Trek Electric Bikes We use the high quality, reliable E-bikes. These bikes are pedal assist meaning they travel a lot further when you push the pedal compared to a regular bike. Comfortable, strong and stable bikes combined with a quiet, powerful Bosch motor and a fully integrated high-capacity battery ensure many miles of care-free cycling. On a full charge they are good for 80km+.

Airport Transfers

Private arrival and departure transfers are included from Dublin or Shannon Airport

Luggage Transfers

All daily luggage transfers are taken care of – your bags will be waiting at your next hotel so you can ride free and light

Roadside Assistance

Enjoy peace of mind with dedicated local support contact. In the unlikely event of a breakdown or weather disruption, we’ll have you back on the road — or comfortably transported — without delay.

Tour pack

Your bespoke tour pack includes detailed daily route notes, custom maps, and GPX navigation files for your smartphone. You’ll also receive a beautifully prepared local guide with insights on the landscape, history, and our favourite places to visit, dine, and unwind along your route.

Starting / Departing Location

We collect you from Dublin or Shannon Airport and return you there at the conclusion of your tour — or to another onward travel point by arrangement. Your luxury experience begins and ends in comfort and style.

Luxury Cycle Tour Accommodation

You are opting for a luxury bicycling tour in Ireland and your hotels at the end of each day are handpicked to represent the most luxurious, welcoming, comfortable, and authentic accommodation in castles or manor houses. Each one has character, charm, a magnificent setting and excellent standards of service. Their spas offer the pinnacle of relaxation and care, the perfect way to be pampered after a rewarding bicycle ride. And their restaurants are home to award-winning chefs, sophisticated dining rooms, and well-stocked cellars, all ready to provide you with gourmet meals using the best of local produce.

The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Nestled within the breathtaking 350-acre Ashford Castle estate in County Mayo, The Lodge at Ashford Castle offers a luxurious yet relaxed country house experience in one of Ireland’s most scenic locations. Originally built in 1865 as the estate manager’s residence, the Lodge seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort, providing guests with a unique getaway filled with warm Irish hospitality.

Gregans Castle Hotel

A family-run luxury, eco and gourmet retreat, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Burren on Ireland's west coast, Gregans Castle Hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1940s. A stunning 18th century manor house, set in its own established and lovingly-attended gardens on the Wild Atlantic Way with spectacular views that stretch across the Burren hills to Galway Bay. Inside, you'll find welcoming open fires, candlelight and modern art and antique furniture. With warm Irish hospitality, stylish accommodation, outstanding service and exceptional fine dining in the award-winning restaurant, Gregans Castle is truly a country house of the 21st century.