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Ireland Cycle Explorer Guided

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8 days (Galway)

Destinations visited: Ireland, Galway City, World

Grading:

moderate

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

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Cycle through the scenic Connemara countryside. Famous for its rugged coastline, traditional villages and world famous Irish hospitality.

Discover Ireland's natural beauty as you cycle the scenic sealed back roads of Connemara. A region encompassing rugged coastline, mountains and ancient monuments, Connemara is rich in culture and heritage. From the bustling medieval hub of Galway to the ancient stone forts of the Aran Islands, there is plenty to explore. During this week long guided cycle journey, you will appreciate the coast, country and world famous Irish hospitality. A highlight is the ride through the stunning Delphi Valley with its beautiful lakes overlooked by Connemara's highest mountain, Ben Bury. At Roundstone we allow plenty of time to go sailing, walking, horse riding or just relax on the tranquil white sandy beaches.

Highlights

Cycling through the heart of the Connemara
Exploring the quaint villages which are full of historical intrigue
Experiencing the timelessness of the rugged coastal landscape
Enjoying the warm Irish hospitality

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Galway, transfer to Clonbur

Meeting with the guide at 6.00pm in Galway. After dinner and an introductory chat from the guide we take a coach transfer to the village of Clonbur which lies on the peninsula between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, on the Galway/Mayo border. Once settled into our accommodation there is a chance to enjoy a drink and some traditional Irish music.

Day 2 Clonbur to Westport (60km)

Once fitted out with bikes, we head north along the quiet backroads through rolling green fields full of grazing sheep, before descending down to Lough Mask and a wonderful cycle along the shores of the lake. After lunch we have our biggest climb of the week over the Partry Mountains and then cycle along a quiet back road with stunning views of the surrounding landscape all the way to colourful village of Westport.

Day 3 To Leenane (52km)

Todays cycle route takes us between Croagh Patrick and the beautiful Clew Bay with its many small islands, to the village of Louisburgh where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we head south through one of the highlights of the week, the stunning Delphi Valley with its beautiful lakes overlooked by Ben Bury the highest mountain in Connemara. That night we will stay in the small village of Leenane which looks out over Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.

Day 4 To Roundstone (72km)

We cycle into the heart of Connemara to visit Kylemore Abbey. We then head along quiet backroads past small fields with grazing cattle to the seaside village of Cleggan where we may stop for lunch. In the afternoon we follow the scenic coast road to Clifden, along a quiet country bog road surrounded by small lakes and freshly cut peat with wonderful views of the Twelve Ben mountain range. Tonight we stay in the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone where we will spend the next two nights.

Day 5 Rest Day in Roundstone

The day can be spent in rest and relaxation or you can take part in a variety of activities including a day sailing, walking, a game of golf or horse riding. You can also spend the day just relaxing on one of the two beautiful white sandy beaches just outside the village overlooking a clear blue sea. In the evening a ceili (typical Gaelic dance) is typically organised in the hotel where we are staying.

Day 6 To Rossaveel, then ferry to Aran Islands (51km)

We cycle along beautiful waterways and another picturesque bog road with its freshly cut peat waiting to be harvested, both offering wonderful views of the surrounding countryside before cycling the final afternoon stretch to the ferry in Rossaveel. The ferry will bring us to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, where we will spend the night.

Day 7 Explore the Aran Islands and return to Galway (35km)

The day can be spent touring the unique landscape of the island with its wealth of ancient stone forts and monastic sights. In the late afternoon we return to the mainland and take a bus back to Galway city. We have a final dinner and night on the town together before going our separate ways the following morning. You have all day to cover the trip so you can take your time to stop at places of interest. With the exception of roads in and out of Galway the traffic on the route should be quite light. However you should cycle carefully at all times, especially when going downhill or during any rain showers.

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Day 8 Trip concludes Galway

The trip concludes after breakfast

Additional Information

Inclusions

7 breakfasts – Irish breakfasts are served and usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon / sausages, tomato, toast (or any combination you prefer), coffee, tea and juices. This is a great start to the cycling day.
1 evening meal
7 nights accommodation in bed & breakfast accommodation on a twinshare basis
Transfer of luggage between hotels
24 speed hybrid touring bike equipped with panniers, tool kit and helmet – our partners reserve the right to charge for any damages caused due to loss or negligence.
Tour guide who drives the luggage van and looks after the tour
Coach transfer from Galway to Clonbur
Aran Islands ferry ticket
Map and travel documentation

Summary

BED & BREAKFASTS

Trip Main Activities

GUIDED CYCLE

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

The accommodation will be a mixture of family run hotels and guest houses. On booking you should indicate whether you would like a twin room (two beds) or a double room (one bed). Due to the isolated nature of several of the places this trip visits, we cannot guarantee the availability of single accommodation. If you are travelling solo we will twin share you with another single person in the group. In exceptional circumstances we may be able to offer a single room for a supplement – this is on request only.

Equipment Required

Cycle helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, sandshoes and sun hat. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking.

What You Carry

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USD$1,360

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