Introduction

Our 6 Day/5 Night Galway Bay Explorer mountain biking itinerary is unique in that it is the very first mountain biking tour of the Burren, Connemara and the Aran Islands.  It features 6 days of superb riding, taking in some of Ireland’s most magnificent and ancient sites. Our pioneering route covers 150km, offering a variety of explosive and awe-inspiring singletrack and cross-country trails,  perfectly suited for both the intermediate rider and beginner looking for a challenge.

Knock one off your bucket list and take the ride of your life!

Trip Highlights

• Ride some stunning singletrack and cross-country trails through the unique and ancient landscape of the Burren Global Geopark
• 150 km of magnificent tracks and trails in the spectacular West of Ireland
• Ride in the heart of the Connemara on one of Ireland’s newest bike parks
• Relax after a days ride in the hometown of traditional Irish music
• Enjoy some local, artisan food in your daily provided lunches, including winners of the Eden Award (European-wide food initiative award, awarded to the Burren region in 2015)
• Explore the beauty of the Aran Islands, including the prehistoric fort of Dun Aonghasa (also home to the Red Bull Cliff Diving)
• Discover the world famous Cliffs of Moher for yourself
• Uncover local haunts, off the beaten track

Trip Overview

START POINT – Doolin, Co Clare END POINT – Galway City or Doolin (choice is yours)

Day One – Arrive on the Wild Atlantic Way, Meet & Greet

Today is your arrival day!  We will get you settled into your accommodation in Doolin, home to traditional Irish music and our home for the next three nights. You will have a chance to explore the quaint village until the evening, when we will have our Meet & Greet at 830pm at our prearranged location.  Our Meet & Greet is a great way to get everyone acquainted and to also go over our routes for the next 5 days.

 

Day Two – Cliffs, Caves, & Traditional Irish Music

We start our first day of cycling at Liscannor Harbour on the shores of the wild Atlantic Ocean.  Today we head North, first to Hags Head, the southern-most tip of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, and then on to the Cliffs of Moher themselves, to take in the sights and the Visitor Centre. Back on the bikes, it’s all downhill back into the seaside village of Doolin, and your chance to see the Cliffs of Moher from the sea with an hour long boat cruise.

Distance: 30 km + hiking  

 

Day Three – Over the Hills & Far Away in the Burren  

Today you will get to experience some of the best single and cross country tracks Ireland has to offer, with some challenging climbs and technical downhills, this is the Burren like you never expected.  It’s rocky and barren yet lush with incredibly rich soil – alpine flowers, ancient stone walls, cattle, horses, wild goats – there are surprises around every bend.  It’s a full day in the saddle and in the wilds. We finish the cycle in the quaint village of Ballyvaughan, before enjoying the coastal drive back to Doolin for the evening.

Distance: 45 km

 

Day Four – Connemara & the Aran Islands  

Our third morning we head further North and up to Connemara, where the dramatic shift of landscape will mesmerize you as we continue on past Galway city and straight into the heart of Connemara. Here we go for a spin on the Derroura Mountain Bike Trail Network, which is over 16 km in length.  After, we head straight to the ferry port at Rossaveal where we will catch our late afternoon ferry to Inishmor, the largest of the Aran Islands, and our accommodation for the night. The evening is the perfect opportunity to pick your spot in a local watering hole and relax with some Irish tunes, a bit of banter, and an opportunity to learn a bit of Irish with the Irish-speaking locals.

Distance: 25 km

 

Day Five – Inishmor – West Island, Dun Aonghasa and Ancient Site

We start our very first morning on Inishmor by exploring the West side of the Island,  home to some of the oldest, and most important sites in Ireland. Today’s cross-country ride will bring you past many megalithic tombs, church ruins, ring forts and sandy beaches.  We get to really explore each track and trail crisscrossing the Island, and discover the history of the area – a truly unforgettable experience. We finish the day back in Kilronan for a celebratory last meal together, with some great tunes and maybe a pint or two!

Distance: 25 km + hiking  

 

Day Six – Inishmor – East Island, Galway City

Today is our last day on tour, so it’s up and about after breakfast to get in our final ride, taking in the East side of the Island,  before getting the ferry back to the mainland.  The tranquility of the quiet countryside coupled with restless sea, make for a memorable- if not spiritual – ride. Hand-built limestone walls frame the lush green fields, with ancient crosses and ruins springing up from the ground at nearly every turn, Inishmor is a place you will not forget. Finally we have to say our goodbyes to the Island and it’s friendly people and head back to the mainland. At our dropping off points, we wave farewell and  hope you can now put a big fat check mark beside that box on your bucket list! And most of all, we hope  you had the ride of your life!

Distance: 25 km

 

Trip Pricing

The trip price is €1995 per person sharing, based upon a group size of up to 8 clients. This includes the following:

• 5 nights accommodation in locally-owned guest houses and small hotels (B&B)
• Bike rental of a hard-tail Lapierre Mountain Bike with helmet
• All transport throughout the trip, starting in Doolin, Co Clare and finishing in Galway City or Doolin, Co Clare
• Return ferry tickets to Inishmor, the largest of the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher Ferry Cruise
• Gourmet, artisan lunch featuring local and Irish producers, as well as snacks daily, may include energy bars, nuts/seeds etc.
• A support vehicle & trailer throughout
• The services of qualified and experienced mountain bike guide
• All group safety and bike maintenance equipment.

Optional Extras:

• Shuttle service from Galway City or Limerick City
• A variety of Sea Kayaking Tours with our sister company North Clare Sea Kayaking.

These will be at an additional cost.

 

Download the full itinerary – Galway Bay Explorer Itinerary – or Email us for trip itinerary or for other date options.

NEW! 2018 Dates Now Available

November

Sun Nov 4 to Fri Nov 9

Sun Nov 18 to Fri Nov 23