Burren, Aran Islands & Connemara

This nine-day self-guided holiday brings together the Burren, the Aran Islands and Connemara in one journey across the west of Ireland. From Galway, riders pass through Kinvara and the limestone landscape of the Burren to Ballyvaughan, with a longer option via Poulnabrone Dolmen. They then follow the Black Head coast road to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher.

A ferry to Inis Mór allows an overnight stay on the island and a visit to Dún Aonghasa. Riders then take a ferry to Rossaveel and cross South Connemara's bogland to Clifden for two nights, with loops to the Sky Road, Errislannon or Roundstone.

The final stages pass Kylemore Abbey to Leenane on Killary Fjord, then cross Joyce Country, with an optional Doo Lough loop, to finish in historic Cong.

Highlights:

• The Burren and Connemara National Parks, including Poulnabrone Dolmen
• The Black Head coast road and the Cliffs of Moher
• An overnight stay on Inis Mór and Dún Aonghasa
• The Sky Road and Derrigimlagh (Marconi station and Alcock and Brown landing site)
• Kylemore Abbey, Killary Fjord and the Doo Lough valley
• Cong Abbey, Ashford Castle and traditional music pubs

Surface and terrain:
Quiet sealed rural roads and lanes, coastal roads and island laneways. Terrain is mainly rolling, with some longer gradual climbs through the Burren and Connemara but no long, steep mountain climbs.

Weather:
The tour runs April to October, so riders should expect changeable Atlantic conditions and pack wet-weather gear.

Suitable for:
Leisure cyclists comfortable with 40–60 km days who want a wide variety of landscapes. Longer route options suit fitter riders, and the two nights in Clifden allow a shorter ride or a full rest day.

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