[wptabs style=”wpui-green” mode=”horizontal”] [wptabtitle] <big>Connemara Whistlestop </big> [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
You might not have time to spend a full week on hoildays, but you still want to be on the road and see as much as possible in the time you have available. This short cycling tour is perfect for you. Our Connemara Whistlestop Tour captures the essence of this beautiful region on the west coast of Ireland. Discover the unique beauty of Killary Harbour, the stunning white sand beach of Glassilaun, Clifden the “Capital of Connemara”, and many other attractions along the way.
Connemara must qualify as the western wonderland of Europe. Rugged mountains soar above wild Atlantic beaches and winding valleys play host to seemingly bottomless lakes. Here you will find a peace that is hard to find in a busy city. Leave behind all your cares and enjoy a slower pace of daily life. Accommodation is provided in either 3* hotels with character and charm or cosy B&Bs and guesthouses. Route descriptions, local information and maps are provided.
Tour Price 2015:
B&B option: From €495.00 per person sharing.
3* Hotel : From €625 per person sharing.
Single Supplement €150 – only available as part of a group of two or more.
Duration: 5 Days /4 Nights
Availability 2015: This tour starts every Thursday (between April and October).
Level: Easy cycling days with average of 40-45km a day, with shorter and longer options available on most days.
Bicycle:Touring bike (Hybrid upgrade bike €40 extra)
Equipment: Side panniers (if required), water bottles, bicycle repair-kits and lock. Helmets not provided
Extras: Route note and OSI maps (1:50,000) and Kylemore Abbey entrance fee
Meeting Point : A Connemara Adventure Tours representative will meet you on either the afternoon of your arrival or the following morning at your first night’s accommodation. (There is a daily direct bus service to Clifden).
Tour Accommodation: Is on a twin/double sharing basis in comfrtable B&Bs. We can arrange additional accommodation either before or after the tour for you. Prices are on request according to availability.
[/wptabcontent] [wptabtitle] <big>Tour Itinerary </big> [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Clifden town, the “Capital of Connemara” to start your tour. Clifden is bursting with culture, traditional music, quaint streets, cosy pubs and restaurants. We will meet you at your accommodation either on the evening of arrival or the following morning (depending on your arrival time), to go through your itinerary and answer any questions you have about your tour. All bikes and equipment will be delivered to you and we will make sure that everything fits you perfectly!
Day 2: Clifden to Renvyle 45km :The second day will bring you via the Sky Road from Clifden to the Renvyle Peninsula where you will spend your second night. The Sky Road brings you to the very edge of Connemara with soaring views over the rocky Atlantic coastline. Pausing at the vantage points you will be able to see all of Clifden Bay and its many islands stretching out before you. Further along the way you will be passing by the Connemara National Park in the village of Letterfrack, where you can take a break from the bike and enjoy a walk in the park, climb Diamond Hill or take a look at the informative visitor centre. Your arrival at your accommodation will be greeted by the friendliness and warmth for which Connemara is renowned.
Day 3: Renvyle to Leenane 25km. Making your way from the Renvyle peninsula you will pass through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages. You will soon come to Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions and the entrance cost is included in your package. This gothic-style castle was built in 1867 and boasts one of Ireland’s finest gardens. The six-acre Victorian walled garden at Kylemore was created by Mitchell Henry in tandem with the building of Kylemore Castle. Leaving Kylemore you will experience the full majesty of the Twelve Bens mountain range as you pass beneath their brooding peaks. Killary Harbour, reputed to be Ireland’s only fjord, and certainly its most dramatic, will appear beside you as you round a corner.
Day 4: Leenane toWestport 55km Leaving the village of Leenane you will continue along the shores of Killary Fjord, before leaving the water and making your way into the Delphi Valley with its nurturing hills and native trees. The road then winds alongside Doolough (the dark, deep lake) past rugged, unpopulated landscapes to bring you to the coastal town of Louisburgh. Before you leave Doolough you should stop at the top of the hill and look back along the valley for what is surely one of the most spectacular views you will ever behold. In Louisburgh you will witness the gentle pace of a small agricultural west of Ireland town conducting its daily business. From there you will re-join the coastal road along the shores of Clew Bay in the impressive shadow of the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick, continuing on to the charming town of Westport. Unique and beautifully planned, the heritage town of Westport is a captivating blend of traditional and modern. From the cosiest corner of an antique pub to state-of-the-art conference facilities; from the heart-stirring beat of traditional music to the cosmopolitan approach, contrast and paradox are just part of its charm. Enjoy an evening exploring this old market town on your final day before your departure the following morning.
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