The Great Western Greenway and Connemara

This eight-day self-guided tour combines Ireland's oldest and longest cycling greenway with the mountains, bogs and coastline of Connemara. Designed around electric bikes, it suits groups, families and couples with mixed riding abilities.

From Westport, a full day on the traffic-free Great Western Greenway follows a former railway line towards Achill Island, with views over Clew Bay and stops in Newport and Mulranny. The route then enters Connemara through the Delphi Valley to Leenane on Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord.

Next comes Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park on the way to Clifden, with a rest day or loops to the Sky Road and Roundstone. The final days cross the bogs of south Connemara to the Irish-speaking village of Carna, finishing in Oughterard on Lough Corrib. Nights are spent in small family-run guesthouses and hotels.

Highlights:

• The traffic-free Great Western Greenway and Clew Bay views
• Delphi Valley and Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord
• Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park
• The Sky Road, Roundstone, Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay
• Derrygimlagh, site of Marconi's radio station and the Alcock and Brown landing
• Carna and the Connemara Gaeltacht

Surface and terrain:
Traffic-free rail trail on the Greenway, then sealed coastal and mountain roads through Connemara, with blanket bog and quiet back roads past wind farms. Daily ascent is generally 280 - 500 m, peaking at 615 m on the final day. 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.

Suitable for:
Mixed-ability groups, families and couples comfortable with 40 - 70 km days, with the Greenway day adjustable. Rated Easy by the operator, assuming e-bikes; on a standard bike the distances suit fitter riders.

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