The Land of Saints and Scholars
This region of Ireland is steeped in history, with thousands of years of endurance and evolution recorded in the very landscape. The mountains dip down and level out into the lunar landscape of the bog, pocked with small lakes and golden ponds, and all of this runs right in to the Atlantic. The diversity of nature, coupled with the constantly changing weather, breeds a character all its own, and this week will be full of such encounters. In the numerous villages and towns we’ll bike through, one can’t help but feel the true Irish welcome.
Bistro trips offer more independence (more meals on your own), and the hotels are likely to be stylish 4-stars instead of off-the-chart. But the heart of every one is exactly the same as our marquee trips— incredible scenery, events, insider access and B&R guides. Find out more about our Bistro trips »
Trip Details
Moderate
Galway to Galway
6 Days / 5 Nights
Price per person from: $4,395
Single supplement: $300
See departure dates for exact pricing
Choose a Date
Day by Day
Head into the heart of Connemara and bike north toward the Maumturk Mountains, Joyce Country, and the Twelve Pins. After lunch, pedal through the valleys and into the town of Leenane.
Explore Killary Harbour and the castle at Rinvyle Point before heading to a mollusk farm to learn about the cultivation and harvest of oysters and mussels with a local expert.
Bike to Louisburgh in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, the region's highest peak, and later roll into the vibrant market town of Westport.
Ride into County Mayo along Clew Bay before stopping for lunch in Pontoon at the scenic and locally-revered Healy’s, whose specialty is fish caught fresh from Lough Cullin.
Pedal to Foxford, a settlement of historic woolen mills, and take the afternoon to relax by the pool or indulge in a breathtaking ride through the Ox Mountains to the east.
After breakfast this morning back down to Galway City, where rental cars, trains for Dublin or connecting transfers to Shannon Airport are available.
Hotels
Delphi Lodge, Delphi
Focused around an 1830s country house, Delphi Lodge sits mid spectacular natural beauty. Delphi prides itself on being an experience more than a hotel, and truly the options to be active beyond biking are legion. Try your hand at snooker or horseback riding, or grab some tackle to engage in its legendarily good fishing. View hotel website »
Knockranny House Hotel, Westport
Knockranny’s position on a hill above the town centre gives it tranquility in the evening, and tremendous views over Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. Common areas and rooms are spacious, and its spa is excellent. On the main floor, its highly-rated Le Fougere restaurant is a great option for those wanting a more formal dinner with romantic atmosphere. View hotel website »
Mount Falcon Resort, Ballina
This luxurious four-star retreat sits on the banks of the River Moy among the woodlands of County Mayo, one of Ireland’s best-preserved forest areas. The hotel boasts a heated indoor pool and Elemis spa among its amenities. If golf is your thing, twelve courses lie within a 19-mile radius. View hotel website »
Activity Level
Moderate
We rate this trip Moderate. The terrain is generally up or down, with rare flat sections until the fi nal two days. That said, the climbs (and descents) are generally neither long nor steep. Daily distances average around 50 km (31 mi.), with a couple of challenging longer options available. Please be advised that on this trip only hybrid bikes are available, in both men’s and women’s styles.
Gear
The Bikes
You can't enjoy a great biking trip without a really great bike. On this trip, we’ll use well-tuned, high-quality, local bikes that provide a good fit to your size and weight.
What's Included
- All hotel accommodation
- All breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners, including wine
- Services of B&R guide(s) and support van
- All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees
- All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
- Use of a hybrid bike fitted to your personal specifications, and equipped with handlebar bag and helmet
- Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle
- All baggage transportation
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
At Your Service
We take pride in choosing guides who are not only exceptional travelling companions, but who’ll go far beyond the call of duty to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Accolades
“Our trip was amazing and our guides were unbelievable. They went out of their way to cater to our every need and desire, and cheerfully arranged and rearranged plans for each one of us. Thanks B&R!.”
— Christine Heekin,
Bespoke Ireland Biking 2010
Notes from the Road
- In Ireland, an Ancestral AdventureTo set the mood for writing this Irish yarn, I am sitting here drinking a pint of Guinness and listening to the Chieftains, picturing green pastures and Jack Dillon, my Irish-Catholic New Yorker grandfather (who ironically cared neither for Guinness …
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