Ireland Biking
Cycle Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way
6 Days, 5 Nights
16
B&R Activity Levels
$8,495 USD
Single Supplement: $2,000 USD
View Dates
The west of Ireland has a character all its own. Cycling from the ancient limestone landscapes of the Burren through the wild Atlantic coastline and boglands of Connemara, this is a journey shaped as much by the people you meet as the miles you cover. Local writers, smokehouse keepers, whiskey pourers and sheep farmers bring this Gaelic corner of Ireland vividly to life. When the riding is done, the pubs, the music and the craic take care of everything else. This land loves company.
From wildlife writers and traditional musicians to sheep farmers and smokehouse keepers, the friends you'll meet along the way offer an intimate, insider's view of life on Ireland's wild west coast.
Ride through the ancient limestone karst of the Burren, along the windswept Wild Atlantic Way and out to the iconic Cliffs of Moher—some of Ireland's most dramatic scenery, best experienced from the saddle.
Rest your head each night in some of Ireland's most storied historic properties—from a Georgian manor in the Burren to the legendary Ballynahinch Castle in the heart of Connemara.
Preview the itinerary
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Rendezvous
Airport City: Dublin
Trip Start: The Hawthorn Hotel, Galway Bay
Time: 9:00 AM
Farewell
Airport City: Dublin
Trip End: Galway Train Station
Time: 10:30am
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Rendezvous and Farewell locations upon booking.
Day 1
Begin your journey through the limestone landscapes of the Burren, savouring its breathtaking ancient sites before a lunch stop at a local tea room in Ballyvaughan. The route continues along windswept Black Head and down Corkscrew Hill to your first hotel, Gregans Castle, where welcome drinks and dinner await.
Activity:
Daily ride: 60 km (37 mi) | Elevation 634 m (2,080 ft)
Day 2
Ride through the dramatic Burren landscape past the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen to a leisurely seafood lunch in Lahinch. A short ride to Doolin leads to a boat trip out to the iconic Cliffs of Moher—one of Ireland's great natural wonders. The evening winds down with a traditional Irish whiskey tasting at a local bar.
Activity:
Daily ride: 60 km (37 mi) | Elevation 189 m (620 ft)
Day 3
A coastal transfer to Galway kicks off a lively private walking tour through one of Ireland's most vibrant cities, sampling local flavours and craft beers along the way. The afternoon ride cuts through the ancient boglands and coastal inlets of southern Connemara to Ballynahinch Castle, guided by a local writer and wildlife presenter who knows this landscape intimately. The evening gathers around drinks and dinner at the castle's cosy pub.
Activity:
Daily ride: 40 km (25 mi) | Elevation 185 m (607 ft)
Day 4
Ride through the lunar bogland of Connemara's interior, framed by the dramatic Twelve Bens, before a stop at a local smokehouse perched above the Atlantic to discover how Ireland's finest smoked seafood is made. An optional afternoon ride takes in the Sky Road, one of the Wild Atlantic Way's great cycling highlights, with sweeping views over Clifden Bay. The evening is yours to explore Clifden for dinner on your own.
Activity:
Daily ride: 45 km (28 mi) | Elevation 176 m (577 ft)
Long option: 61 km (38 mi) | Elevation 188 m (617 ft)
Day 5
Pedal through Inagh Valley to discover Ireland’s only fjord in Killary. Lunch at Killary Harbour is followed by a visit to a local sheep farm, where a working dog demonstration offers a genuine glimpse into Irish farming tradition. The week closes with a farewell dinner and live traditional music—a thoroughly Irish finale.
Activity:
Daily ride: 31 km (19 mi) | Elevation 244 m (801 ft)
Long option: 52 km (32 mi) | Elevation 403 m (1,322 ft)
Day 6
After breakfast this morning, we’ll head back to Galway in time for the Dublin train. Your guides are happy to help arrange a private car to Dublin or Shannon airports, or onward to anywhere else in Ireland. Slán Go Fóill!
Dates & availability
Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to privatize.
Featured stays
Gregans Castle Hotel
Location: County Clare, Ireland
Ballynahinch Castle
Location: Recess, Ireland
What's included
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
All wines, cocktails and beer with included meals.
Choice of bike as appropriate for terrain (see below), equipped with handlebar bag and helmet.
A biodegradable B&R water bottle.
Use of a smartphone with downloaded GPS routes provided via RideWithGPS.
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.
Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Baggage transportation.
Access to the B&R support van every step of the way.
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Good to know
Air Conditioning
Most hotels and historic properties in Ireland are not air-conditioned, though temperatures on the west coast are generally mild. Fans are available in warmer weather.
Food
While Ireland is not known for its cuisine, expect outstanding fresh seafood and exceptional local produce throughout. Vegetarian and vegan options can be accommodated with advance notice.
Getting There
The trip assumes arrival into Dublin, with a train or transfer onward to Galway. Alternatively, Shannon Airport on the west coast is just one hour from our starting point and worth considering for a more direct arrival.
Equipment
Full Frame Touring Bike
Touring Bike
E-Bike
Road Bike
Why choose a Small Group trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.
Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.
Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.
Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it's an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
The landscape was magical
The landscape was magical—each day I would say that that particular day was the best. Not only was each ride memorable, each event was as well: Champagne at the Cliffs, traditional Irish music, Duncan's literary interlude and Eoin's song were standouts.
— Eileen G; New York, US