The Must-Sees of Connemara

After a hearty Irish breakfast, your first day of cycling will take you from Clifden along the Sky Road, offering impressive views of the rocky Atlantic coast.

You will pass through the village of Letterfrack, home to Connemara National Park. Take a break and enjoy a walk offering splendid views of the Atlantic and the islands in the distance, or have a coffee and learn more about this ancient Irish landscape at the charming visitor centre.

Your itinerary ends today on the Renvyle Peninsula, where you will spend the night. This wild peninsula, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, is full of archaeological sites, historical ruins, and white sand beaches just waiting to be explored.

Your route today, from the Renvyle Peninsula, follows a winding coastal road along the edge of the deep green Atlantic Ocean, past white sand beaches and through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. We highly recommend stopping at this Gothic castle, steeped in fascinating history. Built in 1867, it boasts one of Ireland's finest Victorian gardens and is also an excellent place for lunch.

As you continue along the road, a breathtaking panorama of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, will unfold around a bend. Your destination is the small village of Leenane, nestled beneath the Maamturk Mountains at the end of the fjord, where you will spend the night.

Despite its small size, the village is always lively and friendly, with two pubs and restaurants offering excellent cuisine made with local produce. Take the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing Guinness in one of the village's traditional pubs!

Today's route takes you from Leenane along the shores of Killary Fjord to the beautiful Delphi Valley – once densely populated, now sparsely populated and empty. You'll reach Doolough Valley (Valley of the Dark and Deep Lake). At the northern end of the valley, just off the road, is a poignant memorial to the victims of the Great Famine, which devastated this region.

Your route then follows the winding road to Louisburgh. This picturesque 18th-century coastal village offers one of the most panoramic views in Ireland, with mountains to the east and south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north. Stop at the visitor centre to learn about the life and times of the legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley.

Follow the coastal road again along the island-dotted shores of Clew Bay, with the sacred mountain of Croagh Patrick as a backdrop. Along the way, stop to visit the 14th-century Murrisk Abbey. You'll then arrive in the historic town of Westport, where you'll spend the night. This vibrant town is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity and has been voted "Best Place to Live in Ireland." Spend the evening exploring the many restaurants and pubs, and don't forget to catch a live performance of traditional Irish music on the last night of your trip.

After breakfast, your tour concludes and it's time to continue your journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Ireland. Slán go fóill! – we hope to see you again soon.