Why not Explore Connemara by Bike?
One of the most common requests for information received by Connemara Coastal Cottages is where and how you can hire a bike locally, and once you have one which are the best places to visit our friends at Clifden Bike Shop have all you need to get on the road. They have mapped out some great cycle routes so you can experience the best scenery that Connemara has to offer so you can satisfy your thirst for discovery and adventure on one of Connemara’s Cycle Loops. Cruise gently along the bog road, discover secluded beaches like Mannin bay and simply breathe the fresh sea air. Starting in the delightful market town of Clifden, Cycling Connemara is the perfect way to explore one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most scenic areas. Here are some examples of what Connemara has to offer.
Clifden Bike Shop are delighted to offer customers of Connemara Coastal Cottages a discount to make your cycle hire even more
Sky Road: 20 kilometre cycle route.
Overlooking Clifden Bay to the South and Streamstown Bay to the North, this route rises more than 150 metres above sea level and has spectacular views of the Atlantic, the islands of Inishturk, Turbot and Clifden. You will also see the ruin of Clifden Castle, former home of John D’Arcy who founded the town at the start of the 19th century. One of the most popular cycles with amazing views, picturesque picnic spots and a fantastic swimming beach at the end of the peninsula, what isn’t to love about this cycle?
Errislannan Loop & Derrigimlagh: 18 kilometre cycle route.
Pause to view the Owenglen Cascade, where salmon can be seen leaping upstream before continuing on up a steady hill, while enjoying fine views of Clifden Bay. The Alcock & Brown monument (marking the crash-landing site of the first transatlantic flight) offers a magnificent panorama of Mannin Bay on the left and the Twelve Bens mountain range on the right. Look out for seals on a rocky seaweed covered shore and observe these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat. Water and stone are the themes of this short circuit.
Roundstone & Bog Road: 44-kilometre cycle route.
Take in the lovely natural wilderness of Derrigimlagh and Roundstone bogs. See the crash-landing site of the first transatlantic flight by Alcock & Brown, as well as the old Marconi transatlantic wireless station. Stop off at Coral Strand for a stunning photo opportunity. At Roundstone fishing village, cyclists can experience the local fishermens’ catch of the day, direct from its busy harbour. Visit the spectacular beaches of Gurteen and Dog’s Bay with their pristine white sands and azure waters.
Cleggan & Claddaghduff: 31-kilometre cycle route.
This route travels north to the rocky Connemara coast around Cleggan, following the fringes of Streamstown Bay. The route passes Omey Island and cyclists can opt to visit this small island on foot when the tide is out. Near the fishing village of Cleggan, visitors can climb Cleggan Head with spectacular views of Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island and the Twelve Bens. From Cleggan, a mountain road climbs gradually through a forested area before a speedy descent back down to the town.
You can go it alone or use one of the guides that are available to show you the magnificent scenery and share lots of information about the area.
For more information contact Clifden Bike Shop Market Street, Clifden Connemara, Co. Galway H71 DW67
Call: +353 (0)95 22630
