IRELAND SELF-GUIDED BIKE TOUR - Trek Travel
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Ireland Self-Guided Bike Tour
EXPLORER | 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS
TREKTRAVEL.COM | 866-464-8735
IRELAND SELF-GUIDED BIKE
TOUR
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE UNTAMED BEAUTY OF THE WEST
COAST
From
Welcome to a place of contrasts, colors, wilderness, and warm hospitality $2899
on the west coast of Ireland. Take a deep breath of fresh salty air as you
Rider Type
enjoy rolling routes immersed in a breathtaking landscape along the Wild Active
Atlantic Way. Get under the skin of this fascinating country, exploring sites
Hotel Style
associated with Ireland's long and complex history, from pre-historic times
Explorer
to the recent past. You’ll uncover the natural history of the varied
landscape, from green pastures to wild mountain scenery along fantastic Duration
6 days | 5 nights
bike routes, and through meeting people to learn about life on Europe’s
western edge. A pint of Guinness by a fireside is as much a part of the true Start | End
Irish experience as scaling a hill to enjoy the spectacular views of the Westport, Ireland |
Clifden, Ireland
Connemara Natural Park. Superb cycling, traditional music and hearty food
will make for an unforgettable self-guided Ireland bike tour that will steal Dates
Dates Coming Soon
your heart away!Learn more about Self-Guided trips and if they're right for
you »
TRIP WOWS
Ride through stunning mountain passes and past golden sand beaches on some of Ireland’s best-loved biking routes
Visit music-filled Irish pubs, fill your bellies with the freshest seafood, and meet local people as you explore the area
Relax and enjoy overnights at two carefully-selected small hotels in charming Irish towns and villages
Discover the warm hospitality of the people as you ride off the beaten track through the rugged coastline of
Connemara
Visit an oyster farm at your leisure and enjoy a one of a kind tasting with fresh-from-the-sea oysters!
DAILY ITINERARY
2020
TODAY'S RIDE:
Day Newport Greenway loop
Approximately 15 miles with 890 feet
of climbing
1
DESCRIPTION:
Meet your guide in bustling Westport, an utterly charming coastal inlet town, near to countless wildlife wonders including
seals and humpback whales. After checking-in at your luxury hotel, walk to a local cafe for lunch where your guide will
familiarize you with your itinerary for the week. Following lunch you may change into your cycling gear and your guide will
fit you to your bike, ensuring the best comfort on your bike for the week. Then you'll start your self-guided Ireland bike tour
with a ride through the rolling, green Mayo countryside, along a traffic-free bike path that follows the route of a transformed
Victorian railway. After tracking between hills and sea, you will turn inland at quaint Newport Village and circle back to your
hotel in Westport town. If you want to experience some great live music in a welcoming and friendly environment, don't
miss the opportunity to visit one of the many local pubs and mingle with the locals over a pint of beer! For dinner we
recommend to try a traditional Irish meal choosing from the list of our guides' favorite places in town.
HOTEL: INCLUDED MEALS:
Westport Plaza Hotel LunchTODAY'S RIDE: SHORT OPTION:
Day Sheefrey Pass loop
Approximately 44 miles with 2,560
Croag h Patrick loop
Approximately 27 miles with 1,760
feet of climbing feet of climbing
2
DESCRIPTION:
This morning, savor your first hearty Irish breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a fantastic tour through a spectacular
landscape little touched by human hands and a series of ever-more spectacular vistas. Heading out from your hotel by
bike, you'll pedal past Croagh Patrick, a conical mountain which overlooks Clew Bay, considered the holiest mountain in
Ireland and a pilgrimage site for millennia. As you ride past this iconic mountain you head into the lesser travelled parts of
south County Mayo. The route takes you at the premises of Glen Keen Farm, where you have the chance to meet the
farmer and watch his sheepdogs at work herding sheep. After your visit, your ride continues along Delphi valley, a wild and
unspoiled valley of extraordinary beauty nested between the Sheefrey and Mwelrea Mountain ranges, with some of the
region's most beautiful scenery laid out before you. Finish your ride at the hotel and take some time to relax with some
spa treatments if you wish. Tonight make good use of our hand-selected recommendations by our local experts when
choosing the restaurant that best suits your palate.
HOTEL: INCLUDED MEALS:
Westport Plaza Hotel Breakfast
TODAY'S RIDE: SHORT OPTION:
Day Westport to Clifden
Approximately 42 miles with 1,980
Leenane to Clifden
Approximately 22 miles with 1,220
feet of climbing feet of climbing
3
DESCRIPTION:
Say goodbye to Westport Village as you make your way south into the Connemara region, one of the most iconic Irish
destinations. Your luggage will be transferred to your next hotel and you will find it already in your room upon arrival. Enjoy
the luxury of travelling worry-free and focus on your ride, pedalling at your own pace through a landscape described by
Oscar Wilde as a "savage beauty". As Connemara unfolds before you, you'll get a sense of why the famous writer described
the region this way. Passing through Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only true fjord, you'll enjoy epic views of the surrounding
mountains that rise steeply from the water’s edge. You'll ride below the hills of Maumturks, a picturesque mountain range
with unrivaled views over the Atlantic Ocean. If you’d prefer a more relaxed day, take the morning to explore Westport,
popping into some of the numerous craft shops and boutiques in the town, before transferring south by our pre-arranged
shuttle to the shores of the fjord in Leenane, and continuing to your next hotel by bike. Whatever option you choose, make
sure you stop for tea at Kylemore Abbey, an impressive Benedictine monastery beautifully set on a lake in the heart of
Connemara, before finishing your ride at the Quay House in Clifden. A former Harbor Master’s house, then a Franciscan
monastery, a convent, and finally a family-owned hotel, this cozy place will be your home for the next three nights.
HOTEL: INCLUDED MEALS:
The Quay House Hotel Breakfast
TODAY'S RIDE: AVID OPTION:
Day R oundstone loop
Approximately 26 miles with 1,050
South Connemara loop
Approximately 63 miles with 2,500
feet of climbing feet of climbing
4
DESCRIPTION:
Today, you will have the opportunity to ride along the tranquil country roads of Connemara, characterized by sweeping wild
mountains, golden sand beaches, and rocky hillsides. Native Connemara ponies and small homesteads set the scene as
you bike through quintessential Irish countryside. The route we have designed for your self-guided tour takes you to a
quaint fishing village where you can enjoy a delicious lunch at our favorite restaurant overlooking the harbor. You will also
have the chance to visit a coral beach and enjoy the open vistas of the classic Irish bogland. If you prefer to relax at your
hotel and enjoy a quiet day, we suggest to explore Clifden. Known as the “Capital of Connemara” this town boasts a unique
and picturesque setting between the foothills of the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean. If you have the chance, stop by a
playing field to watch Gaelic football, the ancient and most-played sport in Ireland. It is a very unique sport that combines
elements found in rugby, basketball, volleyball, and football.
HOTEL: INCLUDED MEALS:
The Quay House Hotel BreakfastTODAY'S RIDE:
Day Connemara loop
Approximately 40 miles with 1,730
feet of climbing
5
DESCRIPTION:
Don’t forget your camera today as you embark on one of the most scenic rides surrounded by unspoiled nature! Mountain
slopes sweeping down to some of Ireland’s best salmon fishing rivers and lakes are the backdrop for today’s ride. There is
a photo opportunity at every turn as the Inagh Valley road winds its way between the majestic heather-covered mountains
of the Twelve Bens, and the Maamturks, separated by the valley and its picturesque lakes. Soak in the crisp air of the
ocean as you pedal towards the coast. Here you’ll have the chance to meet a local oyster producer and visit their farm on
the quiet shores of Clifden Bay.Don't miss the opportunity to lunch on fresh-from-the-sea oysters and learn about life on
Ireland’s west coast before riding back to town. Tonight, celebrate with one last dinner of your choosing in Clifden and
toast to an incredible self-guided Ireland bike tour in this understated yet incredible part of the world!
HOTEL: INCLUDED MEALS:
The Quay House Hotel Breakfast
TODAY'S RIDE:
Day Sky R oad loop
Approximately 10 miles with 780 feet
of climbing
6
DESCRIPTION:
Take this morning to sleep in and relax, savoring a long breakfast, or choose to have a final blast of Atlantic air on this
beautiful local road. The aptly named Sky Road climbs above the coast out to the tip of the peninsula, where panoramic
vistas await. Back in Clifden, a Trek Travel guide will meet you at the hotel at 11:00 AM to take your bike and say farewell
before you make your way to Galway or other wonderful Irish destinations.
INCLUDED MEALS:
Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
For us, the details matter most
Every moment of a Trek Travel self-guided bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery.
More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that's how we help you
create more memories.
What's Included
• Five nights of accommodation at handpicked hotels
• Daily breakfast
• Day 1 lunch with the guide
• Daily lunch and dinner recommendations
• Ride a Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 road bike or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+
• Up to three daily route options on riding days
• Trek Travel water bottles to keep
• Trek Travel Bontrager cycling jersey to keep
• Each bike is equipped with a flat pack, frame pump, phone mount, front and rear lights
• Bontrager helmet (optional if you do not bring your own)
• Bontrager saddle (we suggest you bring your own for the most comfortable fit)
• Shimano clipless pedals or flat pedals (optional if you do not bring your own)
• All luggage transfers during your trip
• A bike lock, all necessary chargers and a floor pump
• Bike fit on the first day to help you find your optimal position for comfort, with recreational or avid set-up along with saddle
preference
• Ride With GPS app on your phone to navigate and get all the information you need on your self-guided adventure
• Optional daily phone or video call with the guide to prep you for the next day’s adventure
• Support on the ground in case of emergency
Gear
• Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 road bike or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, available in a limited quantity•Trek Travel Bontrager cycling jersey to keep
•Trek Travel water bottles to keep
•Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, or flat pedals (optional if you do not bring your own)
•Bontrager helmet (optional if you do not bring your own)
•Bontrager men's and women's specific saddles
•Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
•Each bike is equipped with a flat pack, frame pump and phone mount
•A bike lock, a flat pack, all necessary chargers and a floor pump
•Upgrade your bike to include carbon wheels (+$200)
•Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Your coupon will be delivered via email prior to your trip.
•For the most comfortable ride, you may choose to bring your own pedals, saddle, and helmet on the trip. Your guides will install
your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
THANK YOUR GUIDE, BY TIPPING
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guide are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7.5-10% of your trip price, preferably
in the local currency. Please tip your guide at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care, and service.
What’s Not Included
• Airfare and transportation to and from the trip meeting/departing locations
• Lodging before and after the trip
• Personal items purchased during the trip
• Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
• While we provide daily breakfast and one lunch, the other meals are not included. On self-guided trips, Trek Travel provides
restaurant recommendations and invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.
HOTELS
WESTPORT PLAZA HOTEL THE QUAY HOUSE
WESTPORT, IRELAND CLIFDEN, IRELAND
Located in central Westport, this The Quay House is Clifden’s oldest
award-winning 4-star hotel is the building, dating from about 1820 and
perfect base to explore the wild standing right on the harbor. It was
Atlantic Coast or simply to relax originally the Harbor Master’s house
surrounded by stunning countryside. but later became a Franciscan
The sophisticated yet welcoming monastery, then a convent, and
atmosphere of the hotel begins with finally a hotel owned by the Foyle
the spacious and beautifully family. Family portraits, period
designed rooms, offering king-sized furniture, cozy fires, and a warm Irish
beds and Italian marble bathrooms. welcome make for a unique
You can unwind in ultimate luxury atmosphere of comfort and fun. All
thanks to the fine-dining restaurant, a rooms are different and furnished
chic bar serving indulgent cocktails, with some good antiques and
and excellent spa facilities. The original paintings; several have
superb cuisine and friendly service working fireplaces. The owners
create a genuine sense of relaxed Paddy and Julia Foyle will make you
warmth and hospitality. feel at home and will be delighted to
offer you advice on fishing, golfing,
riding, walking, swimming, sailing,
and dining – all close by.
MEETING &DEPARTING
How To Get There Meeting Time And Location
We suggest that you arrive at least Your guide will meet you at Westport train station at 11:00 AM on the first day of
one day prior to the trip start, which the trip and will take you to your first trip hotel in Westport where you can leave
will enable you to adjust to the time your bags. Together you will walk to a local cafe for lunch and your guide will give
zone and minimize the risk of you a brief orientation of the week ahead. After lunch you may change into your
missing the trip start due to flight- cycling gear and your guide will fit you to your Trek bike, ensuring you find your
related delays. We recommend that optimal position for comfort for the week. After a safety talk, you can set off on
you fly into Dublin airport (DUB) and your self-guided Ireland bike tour.
then take a train to Westport. Make
sure you book the intercity train from If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform
Dublin, which is direct without any your guide. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their name
changes, and takes approximately and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, The
three hours. Train schedules can be Westport Plaza (+353 98 51166), and leave a message with your expected arrival
found at www.irishrail.ie. time and contact details. A taxi from Dublin to the trip hotel will cost
approximately $400.
Departing Time And Location
A Trek Travel guide will meet you at 11:00 AM at the Quay House Hotel to take
your bike and equipment before your departure. We recommend spending some
time in Galway and then fly out of Dublin (DUB) or Shannon airport (SNN). There
are no international flights into or out of Galway.
There is a daily bus from Clifden to Galway. The bus stop is situated just 800 mt
from the hotel. It costs about $20 and can be booked online at
www.buseireann.ie/ or paid with cash or credit card to the bus driver. American
Express is not accepted, so cash or pre-booking are the best options. There are no
trains from Clifden to Galway.
If you prefer to transfer by private shuttle to Galway the service will cost
approximately $180 and will take around one and a half hours. We suggest you
contact our local driver ahead of time to arrange the transfer. Our Trip Consultant
can provide you with our recommended local contact information.
From Galway to Dublin there are frequent direct trains. The trip takes
approximately two and a half hours and costs about $25. Train schedules and
tickets can be found at www.irishrail.ie.
PARAMOUNT HOTEL
Before: Dublin, Ireland This medium-sized hotel is situated in the heart of Temple Bar. The rooms are
spacious and carefully decorated with an Art Deco flair.
While there is an endless amount of www.paramounthotel.ie/
things to see in Ireland as a whole,
Dublin is a destination that can't be ~ 270
missed! Dublin is a relatively small
and accessible city, small enough
THE MORGAN
and safe enough to get around on
foot, while the Luas tram system and
the suburban rail system, the DART, Opened in 1997, this boutique hotel in the Temple Bar district boasts ultra-stylish
provide excellent transport links rooms, enhanced with modern undertones and artwork.
throughout the city. There are www.themorgan.com
countless things to see, but here is a
list of suggestions that you may ~ 200
enjoy in one of the friendliest capital
cities in the world: spend a few days BUSWELL'S
in downtown Dublin listening to live
music in the thriving Temple Bar This hotel is comprised of five Georgian townhouses and is tucked away on a
district; visit Trinity College’s Old quiet side street, across from the National Museum. It is a short walk away from
Library, which houses the famous Dublin’s famous Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green, and Temple Bar. Each
Book of Kells; view Ireland’s visual charming room is large and period-furnished.
history at the National Photographic
Archives; enjoy distillery tours, such www.buswells.ie
as the Guinness Storehouse and the
Old Jameson Distillery. Dublin's ~ 200
entertainments are legendary, fromthe boozy delights of Temple Bar to
more cultured nights at the theater to
dining in one of the city's fine
eateries including five one-star
Michelin restaurants and one two-
star eatery. We recommend the
following accommodations for your
pre-trip hotel:
HARDIMAN'S HOTEL
After: Galway, Ireland Located right in the heart of the famous Eyre Square, just a few minutes walk
from the main transport hubs, this hotel lies in the center of Galway’s bohemian
Galway City is a thriving, bohemian, social scene, strolling distance from bars and theaters to restaurants and
cultural city on the western coast of historical sights.
Ireland. Along with being a popular www.thehardiman.ie/
seaside destination with beautiful
beaches and long winding ~ 270
promenade, it also has a buzzing
cosmopolitan city center. The city is
THE PARK HOUSE HOTEL
a joy to explore with its labyrinthine
cobbled streets, colorful shop
facades, and busy café and bar With a perfect location in the heart of Galway city, the 4-star Park House Hotel has
culture. A visit to Galway City been welcoming guests since 1975 and has a reputation for excellence in
Museum or the National Aquarium accommodation, customer service, and food.
will happily fill a rainy afternoon. On www.parkhousehotel.ie/
sunny days, your options are
endless. The clean beaches in ~ 270
Salthill draw crowds of swimmers
and the city streets come to life with GLENLO ABBEY
buskers and street performers. The
unspoilt Burren region across Galway About three miles from the city center, nestled peacefully on a stunning 138-acre
Bay in Clare is worth a visit. The estate on the edge of Ireland’s largest lake, Lough Corrib, this 5-star hotel offers a
weathered limestone landscape warm and luxurious base during your travels to Galway. Enjoy a meal in their
holds traces of the past with Pullman Restaurant, situated inside two original carriages of the famous Orient
megalithic tombs, ringforts, cairns, Express.
holy wells, souterrains and stone
walls scattered throughout the area www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie/
to explore. You’ll find plenty to do at
night in Galway, whether it's drama, ~ 350
traditional music, late night clubs, or
simply soaking up the vibe on the
bustling city streets! The Town Hall
Theater is the best option for seeing
a visiting production company’s
latest dramatic performance.
* Hotels listed above are local properties we love. We do not have special rates available.
FAQS
What Are The Daily Rides What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
Like?
There are a variety of non-riding options on this trip for riders who want to take
• Rider Type | 3 - Active the afternoon off or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the
saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please
• Average Daily Mileage | 29.5
contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Except as specified in
• Terrain | Hilly the itinerary, expenses and transportation to these activities are not included in
• Average Daily Elevation | 1,498 feet the trip price. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
• Total Miles | 177
• Total Elevation | 8,990 feet • Hiking
• Golfing options in Westport and ClifdenAverages and totals are calculated • Boat ride excursions in Leenane to Killay Fjord
from our "Today’s Ride" options. • Sheep-dog demonstration and historical walk on a farm
• Visit an oyster farm with tasting
The terrain is varied with sustained
• Microbrewery visit and tasting at Mescan Brewery
ascents and somewhat challenging
climbs, if you opt for the more • Seaweed foraging in Roundstone
difficult routes. Our Ireland self- • Visit of Kylemore Abbey
guided bike tour is best suited for our
Type 3 Riders. Those who wish to
ride every mile but are concerned Trip Changes
about their physical ability may want
to try our electric bike option–you See itinerary for specific daily ride distances and elevation options. On all of our
still get a workout but can climb vacations, Trek Travel seeks to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to
alongside even the strongest rider. experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Our itineraries
Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer every guest a
mileage the avid route options offer. vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed
here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip
experience.You can also read
