Connemara Guided Group Tour

This is the Iron Donkey tour which has stood the test of time and has proved over many years to be a firm favorite among the Iron Donkey clientele. We have had several clients join us on the tour twice, so we must be doing something right!

Connemara and the Aran Islands make for an excellent tour because, in addition to the magnificent scenery

• The region is typically 'Irish', and provides a great introduction to the country for first time visitors.
• The terrain is, for the most part, gently undulating. Although there are mountains at the heart of the region, the roads go around them rather than over them. There are however, some good climbing opportunities for those who want a challenge on the latter half of the tour.
• There are plenty of biking options available, allowing each rider to bike just as much, or as little, as he or she wants on any given day.
• There are plenty of great accommodation options.
• There is the opportunity to enjoy traditional music session on several evenings
• An overnight on the Aran Islands is a real highlight.
• The region is readily accessible from both Shannon International and Dublin International Airports.

Outline itinerary:

• Day 1 (Saturday)
  We meet at the Connemara Gateway Hotel in Oughterard in the afternoon (flexible timing). After checking in, bikes and equipment can be tried out during a short trip by the shore of Lough Corrib. Over dinner, you can get to know your fellow travelers, and Tony Boyd will run through the itinerary for the week ahead. Then you might just want to sample a Guinness before retiring!
  
  
• Day 2 (Sunday)
  The biking proper starts with a beautiful 20-mile ride over moorland to the port of Rossaveal, from where we take a 40-minute ferry ride to Inishmore, largest of the Aran Islands. On arrival at Kilronan, we can lunch in the port before checking into Ard Einne guesthouse. The rest of the day is free for exploring the island by bike and on foot, either on your own or with your trusty guide. The cliff top stone-age fort of Dun Angeus is a must your agenda. The whole island offers a fascinating insight into what life was like in a simpler, bygone age. Dinner in the evening can be followed by a visit to one of Kilronan’s lively pubs.
  
  
• Day 3 (Monday)
  After an early breakfast, there is a chance to visit the Black Fort and perhaps do a little shopping (for an Aran sweater, perhaps?) before we catch the ferry back to Rossaveal. After lunch we bike west through the magnificent Connemara landscape to the town of Clifden, the 'capital' of the region. The ride offers plenty of great vistas of the Twelve Bens – the mountain range that sits at the heart of Connemara. Along the way there are several locations where peat is dug for fuel. The quaint town of Clifden is renowned for its craft shops, its lively musical pubs and for its spectacular location. Accommodation for the next two nights is in the family-run Foyles Hotel in the centre of the town.
  
  
• Day 4 (Tuesday)
  Today’s biking route is a figure-of-eight loop. The first loop takes us out on the legendary Sky Road, while the second heads south around the coast through Ballyconneely to the fishing village of Roundstone, where you can watch traditional musical instruments being made in the craft centre. If you get back to Clifden in time, you might want to spend a little time shopping for a few presents or souvenirs. Alternatives for those considering a day away from their bicycles include horseback riding or a round of golf at the lovely links near Ballyconneely.
  
  
• Day 5 (Wednesday)
  Leaving Clifden, we ride east on the beautiful (if not so beautifully named) Bog Road before turning north past Lough Inagh to visit Kylemore Abbey, one of Connemara’s architectural treasures. The setting is perhaps even more impressive than the abbey itself. From the village of Letterfrack, where we stop for lunch there is a stunning coastal route from Tully Cross that culminates in a glorious downhill run to the village of Leenane, at the head of Killary Fjord, Ireland’s oner and only fjord. The village’s chief claim to fame is that it was the setting for “The Field”, a disturbing film (starring Richard Harris) that explores the relationship that existed between the Irish and the land. The Leenane Hotel provides tonight’s accommodation.
  
  
• Day 6 (Thursday)
  From Leenane we head south before climbing steadily over a saddle and then dropping down to follow the shores of Lough Nafooey and Lough Mask to the village of Toormakeady. This is a stunningly beautiful ride on roads that al to all extents and purposes devoid of traffic. After lunch at one of the local pubs, there is a choice of the low road or the high road to our destination town of Westport on the shores of Clew Bay. The mountain road is spectacular – but challenging! The lower road is a more gentle, pastoral alternative. Westport has plenty of musical pubs and craft shops. The impressive Atlantic Coast Hotel on the Quays is where we stay for the next two nights.
  
  
• Day 7 (Friday)
  Today’s loop route takes us south from Westport to Aasleagh Falls, and then north through Delphi and the very atmospheric Doolough Valley to Louisburgh, one of the homes of Grace O’Malley, the pirate queen of the West of Ireland. From here we follow the Clew Bay coastline east towards Westport. On the way we pass the striking sculpture which commemorates the 'coffin ships' that carried countless thousands of Irish emigrants to America. Close by is the foot of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain and popular destination for pilgrims. The steep path to the summit is rewarded by fantastic views over Clew Bay. And yes- you can climb it if you have the inclination (and the energy!). Our farewell dinner is back at our Westport hotel. You might like to top off your tour with a visit to one of the town’s many musical pubs – Matt Molloy’s (Matt of Chieftains fame) is a favourite.
  
  
• Day 8 (Saturday)
  Depart by train or bus to Dublin, or by bus to Shannon – or to anywhere else in the country!
  

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