Connemara Family Adventure

DAY 2 - Oughterard – Rossaveal – Aran islands

To ferry: 28km/17mls Gradient +352m/-360m;
On island: 18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m

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 1 hour. Explore the sites on this fascinating and unique island, with 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 Aengus, the Seven Churches and the Black Fort. 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.
(To ferry: 28km/17mls Gradient +352m/-360m; On island: 18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m)

DAY 3 - Inishmore Island

On island: 18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m

Another day to explore the sites on this fascinating island with charming thatched cottages, grazing ponies and hidden beaches with crystal-clear waters. Visit the island's unique geological features such as the “Wormhole” and many blowholes, ringforts and ruins of early Christian sites. (On island: 18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m)

DAY 4 - Aran island / back to Rossaveal cycle to Carna

42km (26mls) Gradient +245m/-245m

Spend the morning enjoying the unique landscape of the island before catching the lunchtime ferry back to the mainland. You will be heading north into Connemara proper. There are great views towards the Twelve Bens (the 12 mountains at the centre of the Connemara National Park). Turning west you ride along the indented coastline of South Connemara, passing through the village of Kilkieran before reaching the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village of Carna. This area boasts beautiful sandy beaches. (42km (26mls) Gradient +245m/-245m)

DAY 5 - Carna – Clifden

41km (25mls) Gradient +280m/-301m – can be extended

A breathtaking ride through the heart of Connemara’s wild and rugged landscape, offering a mix of coastal views, mountains, and traditional Irish culture. Your destination today is the town of Clifden, known as the capital of Connemara, with cozy pubs, great seafood, and a lively atmosphere. You will cycle through blanket boglands, sparkling lakes, and the distant peaks of the Twelve Bens as you make your way to Clifden. (41km (25mls) Gradient +280m/-301m – can be extended)

DAY 6 - Clifden – Loop rides

Loop 1: 22km (14mls) Gradient +187m/-189m
Loop 2: 41km (25mls) Gradient +288m/-288m
Loop 3: Up to 30km (19mls) Gradient +368m/-368m

Today you can explore the beautiful coastal area along quiet country roads from Clifden or alternatively you can enjoy a rest day. The first short loop goes south and leads to Derrygimlagh, which was the site of two major historical events: in 1907, Guglielmo Marconi built a pioneering radio station here, making it the first place in the world to send a transatlantic wireless message to Canada; and in 1919, aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown crash-landed here after completing the first-ever non-stop transatlantic flight. The longer cycle loop south continues to Roundstone, a charming fishing village, which is a great spot for a seafood lunch. You can also visit Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay, two of Ireland’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. The third loop is the Sky Road loop, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and offshore islands.
(Loop 1: 22km (14mls) Gradient +187m/-189m; Loop 2: 41km (25mls) Gradient +288m/-288m; Loop 3: Up to 30km (19mls) Gradient +368m/-368m)

DAY 7 - Departure - Clifden

Breakfast and departure for your onward journey. Leave bikes at your accommodation and we will collect them later. There are buses back to Galway City from where there are busses and trains to Galway.