West of Ireland Highlights
Connemara (A)
Connemara, a region that captures the essence of the West of Ireland, is a cyclist’s paradise. The peaks of the Twelve Bens rise above a plain of bog lands, boulders and black lakes that combine to produce a unique landscape. The encircling coastline is a beautiful patchwork of little islands, mini-peninsulas and promontories. The Connemara roads go around rather than over the hills. “Must do” rides include the Sky Road to the west of Clifden, the Lough Inagh Valley, the coastline from Roundstone to Clifden, the Bog Road (much more beautiful that it sounds!), the coastline around Renvyle and the shores of Lough Fee.
Clifden, the “capital” of the region is a great place to base yourself for a couple of nights – there are plenty of musical pubs and great restaurants. Other attractions in the region include the Connemara National Park (great for short hikes), Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, the fishing village of Roundstone and Inishboffin Island.
(picture shows Connemara lake)
Galway City (B)
The city of Galway, the most convenient access point for the region, is deserving of a visit in its own right. Compact, lively and cosmopolitan, there are lots of musical pubs, theatres and clubs. The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music. Nearby, stone-clad cafes, boutiques and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which retains portions of the medieval city walls. The Claddagh or ‘An Cladach’ on the western side of the city was once an ancient fishing village, dating from the fifth century. This community, most of whom sold their daily catches at market near the Spanish Arch sailed in the famous Galway Hooker boats and spoke a particular Irish dialect. They even had their own king, who led the fishing fleet and settled disputes in the community.
(picture shows Shop Street)
Clare, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher (C)
The Loop Head Peninsula in the southwest corner of Clare is a relatively undiscovered scenic gem - the views from the Loop Head lighthouse are sublime! The Atlantic coastline north of Kilkee is a series of spectacular strands – some of Ireland’s best surfing resorts are found here. North of Lahinch the majestic Cliffs of Moher are one of the most outstanding natural features in the country. The fishing village of Doolin at the northern end of the cliffs is famous for its traditional music sessions.
In the north west of Clare is the unique area called The Burren – this vast limestone plateau is packed with interest for geologists and botanists. The stark bare rock resembling a lunar landscape is littered with dolmens, cairns, round towers and Celtic crosses.
The coast road north from Doolin to Ballyvaughan is another cycling gem – dolphins and seals can often be seen from the viewpoint at Black Head. Just south of Ballyvaughan are the Ailwee Cave, and the much photographed Poulnabrone Dolmen.
(picture shows Cliffs of Moher)
The Aran Islands (D)
Rossaveal, on the northern shore of Galway Bay is the main departure point for ferries that make the 40-minute crossing to Inishmore, largest of the three Aran Islands that guard the entrance to Galway Bay. The islanders are fiercely proud of their culture and traditions – and Irish remains the principal language. Attractions include the dramatic cliff-top forts of Dun Aengus and the Black Fort, local crafts including the knitwear that bears the Aran name, and traditional music sessions. The bicycle and the pony and trap are the most common forms of transport on the islands. Although not vast in area, there is enough biking for half a day and the island is a great place for an overnight stop. Ferries also run from Doolin on the south shore of Galway Bay.
(picture shows aerial view of Inishmore)
Joyce Country (E)
East from Connemara, Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only true fjord, is a spectacular natural deep-water anchorage. Over the hills from here lies the Maam Valley and Joyces Country, a region traversed by green valleys and lonely roads which takes its name from a Welsh family who settled here in the 13th Century. It is an area of great scenic beauty with rivers, mountains and valleys lying between the great lakes of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. The Partry Mountains, a sparsely inhabited upland region between Cong and Clew Bay offers some wonderfully quiet cycling routes.
In the village of Cong, which was the setting for “The Quiet Man”, Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle are the main attractions.
(picture shows descent to Lough Nafooey)
Westport and the Murrisk Peninsula (F)
The town of Westport is an intriguing mix of the old and the new, with traditional shops, eclectic restaurants and renowned musical pubs.
West from the town along the shores of island-strewn Clew Bay is Murrisk Abbey - the starting point for the ascent of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain. A half day is needed to hike to the summit and back. A superb loop ride from Westport takes in the the Sheeffry Hills and the hauntingly beautiful Doolough Valley. The Westport Greenway is a traffic-free cycle route linking Westport with Achill Island to the north. The island has several wonderful cycling loops.
(picture shows Croagh Patrick in the distance)
Recommended Itineraries
5 to 7 day itineraries starting in Ennis and finishing in Galway.
7 to 10+ day itineraries starting in Galway and finishing in Westport.
Fixed base itineraries in Connemara, Mayo and Westport.
(picture shows Poulnabrone Dolmen)