Best of the West

Best of the West is an eight-day self-guided luxury tour of Connemara, the Aran Islands and the Burren, with every night spent in a castle, manor house or boutique hotel. Quiet, remote roads and coastal routes cover 30 - 60 km a day, with meals built around local produce.

After a private airport transfer and a night in Galway, the route heads to Cong and The Lodge at Ashford Castle, then past Lough Mask and Killary Harbour to Delphi Lodge. The next ride passes Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park, with a short optional hike on Diamond Hill, before a night at Abbeyglen Castle in Clifden.

A ferry to Inis Mór reveals the Seven Churches, the Black Fort and the Dun Aengus cliff fort, then the tour crosses to the Burren for two nights at Gregans Castle, with the Cliffs of Moher, Fanore beach and Kinvara nearby.

Highlights:

• Nights at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Delphi Lodge, Abbeyglen Castle and Gregans Castle
• Cong, The Quiet Man filming location, and its 12th-century abbey
• Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park
• Dun Aengus, the Seven Churches and the Wormhole on Inis Mór
• Cliffs of Moher, Fanore beach and Corcomroe Abbey
• The Sky Road and Clifden

Surface and terrain:
Mostly quiet sealed country and coastal roads through open sheep-grazed land and bog, with rolling hills throughout. Daily ascent is 340 - 530 m. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times, particularly on the Aran Islands and the Burren coast.

Suitable for:
Fit riders wanting luxury accommodation, comfortable with consecutive days of 50 - 60 km on quiet public roads. Rated Medium by the operator; the included e-bike option makes the hills easier.

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