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Home > Top Tours > Connemara Guided |
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an Infomation Sheet on this tour |
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Connemara Guided |
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For discerning travellers we offer the option of enjoying cycling in fantastic settings, and explore the many attractions in the area with full support of guide and van. We cycle through mountain passes, by mountain lakes and by the shores of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask (Ireland’s largest and loveliest lakes), through moors and bogs, by waterfalls and alongside rivers and the rugged Atlantic shore, over the cliffs around Killary Harbour – Ireland's only Fjord, acclaimed for its remote cycling and majestic beauty. At the end of each day, you relax and enjoy the company of your surroundings with your fellow cyclists.
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| Duration: |
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7 days (6 nights) |
| Tour Dates 2009: |
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May: 3rd -9th 2009
17th-23rd 2009
31st -6th June 2009
June: 7th-13th 2009
21st-27th 2009
July: 5th -11th 2009
19th -25th 2009
August: 2nd-8th 2009
16th-22nd 2009
30th -5th September 2009
September: 6th-12th 2009
13th-19th 2009 |
| Level: |
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Moderate cycling with average distance of 60km a day. |
| Bicycle: |
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Quality 24 speed trek or touring bikes (with toe strap) CANNONDALE HYBRID €150 extra per bike TANDEM BIKES €200.00 extra per tandem |
| Equipment: |
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Helmets, front handlebar bag; pedal toe straps, water bottles. |
| Accommodation: |
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CLASSIC OPTION:
Hotels, Country Manors, and Spa Resort
CHARMING INNS OPTION:
Charming Inns and Guesthouses |
| Meals: |
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All Irish breakfasts, courtesy fruit & snacks, 5 evening dinners. |
| Transfers: |
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All luggage transfers, support vehicle, pick up in Galway City. |
| Miscellaneous: |
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Tour guide with personality. Detailed route notes and maps, daily briefing on tour routes. |
| Meeting Point: |
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Galway City (at a pre-arranged venue) |
| Departure Point: |
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You depart from WestportYou depart from Westport. There is both bus and train services on a daily basis from Westport. |
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Price 2009 |
CLASSIC OPTION: €1,975.00 per person sharing
(Hotels, Country Manors, Spa Resort)
CHARMING INNS OPTION: €1,515.00 per person sharing
(Charming Inns and Guesthouses) |
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Single Supplement
on request
All prices are in EURO, and based on per person sharing. Per person sharing means two people in one room.
Single Room supplement is applied when people require a room for themselves as part of a booking of two or more. This tour is subject to minimum numbers booking at least 30 days in advance. |
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Daily Itinerary |
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DAY 1 – Welcome & Arrival
Pick-up from Galway City and transfer to Connemara’ introductory dinner and overnight stay at Ross Lake House Hotel (CLASSIC OPTION)
a wonderful 19th century Georgian Country House set in the
magnificent wilderness of Connemara. And Waterfall Lodge (
GUESTHOUSE OPTION).
DAY 2
Rosscahill to Cashel. (70km)
Commencing at the gateway to Connemara, we pedal along tranquil roads towards Rossaveal. Scenery is wild and unspoiled. At Screebe we turn away from the beckoning Twelve Ben Mountains towards the rugged coastline, past mountain lakes to Derryrush. Here the mountain road narrows and a twisting medium gradient climb for a mile and rounds the shoulder of Cnoc Mordain. Overnight stay at Zetland House (CLASSIC OPTION), a manor house hotel in the village of Cashel at the foot of Cashel Hill /
The Anglers (GUESTHOUSE OPTION) in a lovely corner between
mountains and sea. Peace, space, peat fires, books and antiques
create an authentic atmosphere.
DAY 3
Cashel to Clifden. (45km - alternatives)
Early morning start to Roundstone village, the most picturesque fishing harbour in Connemara. Visit the Roundstone Musical Instrument centre - home of the Bodhran. Stunning beaches at Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay near Roundstone with rugged coastline and sandy beaches. Picnic lunch en route to Clifden . Choice of routes via the lakes, rivers and forestry surrounding Ballinahinch Castle. Our lodging in Clifden
is the historic Quay House (GUESTHOUSE OPTION), with its wide vista of the inlet of Ardbear Bay.
And the beautiful Ballynahinch Castle (CLASSIC OPTION). We will be here for the next two nights.
DAY 4
A free day (10km to 24km cycle to ferry - optional)
Today is a rest day with splendid opportunities to explore
the little antique stores and coffee shops of Clifden town.
Begin your day with an enjoyable breakfast of fresh fruit and
yogurt. Stroll through the art galleries and bookstores and
along the harbour front. Optional activities today include horse
back riding along the shores of Omey island from the village of
Cleggan; Golfing at the Connemara Golf Club in Ballyconneely or
Fly fishing at Ballynahinch castle.
For the more adventurous take a day trip from Clifden via the coastal village of Cleggan to Inishbofin Island, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled West coast islands. St. Colman settled here in the year 665 because of it’s tranquility. Traditional farming methods still practiced today resulting in the preservation of many endangered species of animals and birds, including the now rare Corncrake. Hopefully you will be lucky enough to hear one of them. Return to Clifden for overnight stay.
DAY 5
Clifden to Leenane (65km - alternatives)
Today our route will take us through the Lough Inagh
Valley, one of the finest valley in Ireland. One this morning's
bike ride you'll see a stunning vista of peatlands, lakes and
forest. On to Kylemore Abbey nestled between the cliffs of Doughruagh and Poulacappal Lough, followed by a terrific choice of great biking routes. Bike around Killary Fiord surrounded by Maamturk and Mweelrea mountains. Through the village of Leenane, the setting for the Oscar winning film "The Field" with Richard Harris. Stay at Portfinn Lodge (GUESTHOUSE OPTION) in Leenane where you share some local culinary delights with the hosts / Stay the night at the Mountain Lodge and Spa at Delphi (CLASSIC OPTION) a wilderness retreat, which is a delight of luxury and pampering.
DAY 6
Delphi to Westport. (40km)
We cycle onward through the Mountain pass between the Mweelrea and Sheeffry mountains via Doo
Lough, spectacular in its dark beauty, this route is referred to as the Famine Trail, dating back to tragic
local events during the Famine years of the 1840’s. We reach the village of Louisburgh in time for lunch. This village with beautiful local beaches translates to the delightful name of ‘Meadow of the Buttercups’. Continuing form there west along Clew Bay passing Croagh Patrick a pilgrims mountain and on to the lovely town of Westport, a charming ‘planned town’ with unique blend of old and new. Evening of traditional Irish music where the less fainthearted can join in and sing or dance should you so desire! Final night farewell dinner. Accommodation in
Knockranny House Hotel (CLASSIC OPTION) OR Adare Guesthouse (GUESTHOUSE OPTION).
DAY 7
Departure from Westport. Public bus and train links available in Westport.
Please be aware that the programme given for this tour is strictly intended as a guide only and may not be fully adhered to. Climatic conditions, safety regulations and travel options may subject the programme to changes and/or modifications without due notice, at any time. In such case, Killary Tours reserves the right to make any necessary decisions.
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