Region Overviews: Ireland Travel Guide: Overview
Ireland is an enchanting place, and the serene, beautiful scenery features breathtaking views and stunning landscapes throughout the whole country.
Biking
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Ireland's Connemara Bike Tour
Windswept Coast & Castles on the Emerald Isle
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $4,999 - $5,249 pp dbl occ
($1,600 for sgl occ)
Way out west on the Emerald Isle is a land beckoning you to explore. Bike through traditional villages and visit ancient castles that feel as lost in time as they do in the gentle mist. Pass wildly beautiful heaths and bogs. Follow the winding curves of the Wild Atlantic Way and climb up to the Twelve Bens mountain range. Rocky inlets jut dramatically into the sapphire blue sea. Rustic stone fences stretch across sheep-dotted green pastures. And the melodious sounds of the sea resonate in the lilt of the Gaelic language, heard widely along the coast. Ride to your heart's content. Ireland's Connemara was made for this.
Ireland Connemara Bike Tour map
Ireland
Start/End Dublin
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Delve into Connemara, a sparsely populated land sprinkled with postcard-perfect villages, stone fences and lively pubs
- Discover a wealth of traditional Irish culture—from the haunting sounds of bodhran music to the nuanced flavors of local whiskey
- Bike along Sky Road, part of the Wild Atlantic Way, with spectacular views of rugged cliffs, billowing grasslands, labyrinthine inlets and craggy mountains
- Luxuriate at our magnificent abodes nestled on sprawling private estates, with the option to golf, fish or indulge at world-class spas
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Bike through sparsely populated Connemara, a land peppered with small loughs (lakes) and villages | Traditions thrive here, where the lilt of Gaelic is ubiquitous | Rest your head at the glorious Ballynahinch Castle | Explore a winding route along Ireland's windswept western coast | Cycle meandering country roads, where breathtaking views of the sapphire ocean, windblown grasses and golden beaches abound | After grabbing a bite at a pub near the beach, dip your toes in the Atlantic | Hear the heartbeat of pub music with a stirring bodhran demonstration.
Accommodations
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Recess
| Premiere Hotel This stunning castle-hotel is nestled amid 700 enchanting acres of parkland, with the Twelve Bens mountains as its backdrop.
Day 3
Description
Pedal beneath the jagged Twelve Bens mountains | Wander the quintessentially Irish town of Clifden | Sip some of the area’s best whiskey | Relax amid the old-world charm of a local pub feel the infectious rhythm of traditional Irish music.
Accommodations
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Clifden
| *Casual Hotel Stay in well-appointed rooms at this stylish castle hotel, a short walk from the bustling village of Clifden, where you can enjoy fantastic shopping and lively little pubs.
Days 4-6
Description
Cycle around majestic Croagh Patrick, a sacred pilgrimage site | Bike through a kaleidoscope of landscapes, including craggy shores, soaring mountains, shimmering lakes and a deep fjord | Pedal into Joyce Country, a region rich in Gaelic speakers and rolling farmland | Rejuvenate at the Lodge at Ashford Castle, set on an expansive royal property | Take a peaceful stroll in Cong, a quaint village with medieval abbey ruins | Enjoy one last ride past beautiful farms framed by ancient stone walls.
Accommodations
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Cong
| Premiere Hotel Set on the magnificent Ashford Castle estate, this luxurious country lodge overlooks Lough Corrib and offers an unrivaled range of onsite activities (spa).
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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Activity Level:
2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
On this trip the terrain varies from relatively flat to rolling, with a few steeper climbs. Other conditions such as rain, headwinds and bumpy roads can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
On this trip the terrain varies from relatively flat to rolling, with a few steeper climbs. Other conditions such as rain, headwinds and bumpy roads can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Air-Conditioning
While Ballynahinch Castle is a Premiere Hotel and offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Air-Conditioning
While Ballynahinch Castle is a Premiere Hotel and offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
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