Having cycled all over Ireland, we have found the western coast region including the Burren, Aran Islands and Connemara to have the most spectacular scenery, with a tremendous abundance of historical monuments, a rich and unique culture, warm and inviting people, and surprisingly few tourists. The hotels and food are a highlight with genuine hospitality. This is one of our favourite tours!
Location
Ennis
Ennis, County Clare, Ireland
Day 1
Doolin
Doolin, County Clare, Ireland
Day 2+3
Aran Islands
Aran Islands, Galway, Ireland
Day 4
Inishmore
Inishmore, County Galway, Ireland
Day 5
Cashel Bay
R342, Co. Galway, Ireland
Day 6+7+8
Whatâs Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED INÂ REGULAR TRIP
7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers (we enlist your help to take your baggage onto and off the ferry)
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Any start date between April 1 and October 31
We recommend to start this tour on a Thursday to see the open air market in Ennis held every Friday.
We recommend to start this tour on a Thursday to see the open air market in Ennis held every Friday.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
8 days / 7 nights with at least 6 of days cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Ennis / Cashel or Roundstone or Ballynahinch
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate: 40-60km daily
TERRAIN
Mostly level with some rolling hills
COST
Classic Accommodation: US$2625
Single supplement: US$660
Luxe Accommodation: US$3125
Single supplement: US$780
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$320
E-Bikes: US$560
E-bikes are generally available but are on an âon request basis â and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, weâll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable. Â
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us at info@randonneetours.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.
Getting There
Your tour begins from Ennis, which is close to Shannon airport. There are frequent buses that leave from the airport to Ennis, and take approximately 45 minutes. If you prefer to fly into Dublin, there are train connections to Galway (approximately 4 hours travel time); from Galway buses depart frequently for Ennis and take approximately 1 hour. Our recommendation would be to fly into Shannon and leave time after the trip for visiting Galway. After your trip You can transfer to Galway from Clifden easily by bus; Bus Eireann has departures at 9:00 arriving at 11:05. If you are continuing on to Shannon airport there is a departure from Galway at 12:05 which arrives at Shannon airport at 1:50. For info and booking www.buseireann.ie. We will provide you more information with your confirmation package.
1
Day 1
Ennis
Arrival day: Ennis. Youâll start our tour from Ennis, a pleasant village in County Clare with an 13th century Friary at its center. You will want to arrive in time to visit the museum in town, which gives a good introduction to the region.
2
Day 2
Doolin
You begin cycling from Ennis north to county Clare through the region known as the Burren, where megalithic tombs, stone forts and castles are in abundance.
Ride Distance: 49 km, elevation gain 469 m or 60 km, gain 606 m.*Â
3
Day 3
Doolin
Youâll cycle the coastal road to Ballyvaughan; we recommend enjoying lunch at a traditional cafĂ© in this village. Options for the return are either along the Burren Way or via Lisdoonvarna. The famed Cliffs of Moher are a short ride from Doolin also, which you can see late afternoon or early next day before you cross to the Aran Islands.
Ride Distance: 69 km, elevation gain 692 m or 56 km, gain 560 m.*Â
4
Day 4
Aran Island
Inishmore. Ferry to Aran Islands. No visit to this part of Ireland would be complete without a visit to Inishmore, where horse-drawn carriages transport luggage and everyone (including the locals) ride bikes.
Ride Distance: 8 km, or 20 km, with Cliffs of Moher option.*Â
5
Day 5
Inishmore
Enjoy a full day on Inishmore with a chance to visit Dun Aengus; this stone fort is one of the finest example of Iron age building in Europe. Spend a typical Irish evening in the pubs in Kilronan.
Ride Distance: 12 km or 27 km, elevation gain 133 m.*Â
6
Day 6
Cashel Bay
After a short ferry ride to Rosaveel, you will continue past monastic remains in lush countryside on rural roads to Cashel.
Ride Distance: 43 km, or 64 km, elevation gain up to 309m.*
7
Day 7
Cashel Bay
Your ride continues to Clifden, under the dramatic Twelve Bens mountains. Along the way, you will visit Roundstone, where the bodhran instruments are still made by hand and a loop ride along Skye Road, arguably one of the the most scenic routes in Ireland.
Ride Distance: 72 up to 107 km, elevation gain up to 813 m.*
8
Day 8
Linger before departure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis
This 4-star hotel boasts an excellent location just steps from restaurants and sites in Ennis. The rooms are comfortable and welcome warm.
Sheedy's Doolon, Doolin
Located in the centre of Doolin village this modern B&B operated by Frank and Marian Sheedy offers luxurious accommodation and an array of gourmet food for Breakfast. It has been awarded National Winner of the Irish Breakfast awards & Highly commended B&B of the year By Georgina Campbell Guide. Also listed in McKennaâs 100 best places to stay.
Kilmurvey House, Aran Islands
This venerable inn with just 12 rooms has been hosting guests for generations. Teresa and Bertie Joyce are truly special hosts who go out of their way to welcome guests.
The Zetland country house, Cashel
This 4 star hotel stands on the edge of Cashel Bay in Connemara and is set amid a landscape of mountains, lakes and a sea-coast brimming with white sandy beaches. Truly an oasis of tranquility and warm hospitality, a superb hotel to finish your stay in Ireland. Alternate: Roundstone Hotel, Roundstone
Luxe
Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
This ivy covered former manor house, dating back to the 18th century, offers luxury hotel accommodation in the center of Ennis. With modern amenities and an attentive staff, this is the finest hotel in Ennis.
Doolin Hotel, Doolin
This boutique hotel is Irelandâs first certified carbon neutral hotel. The restaurant serves modern Irish dishes, and thereâs also a pub that offers craft beers and hosts regular live music.
Kilmurvey House, Aran Islands *Classic Inn
This venerable inn with just 12 rooms has been hosting guests for generations. Teresa and Bertie Joyce are truly special hosts who go out of their way to welcome guests
Ballynahinch Castle, Recess
Built in the late 18th century, and boasting over 300 acres of park, this luxurious castle-hotel is one of Irelandâs finest. Comfort without ostentation is the hallmark here- the restaurant is excellent also.
Trip Reviews
“Accommodations were first rate. The Area Manager was wonderful. Directions were very straightforward and accurate. Routes were very well planned. Overall – an excellent experience. I would definitely consider another self guided tour.”
“The Area Manager was amazing! He went above and beyond, taking us on an unforgettable hike in the Burren the afternoon we arrived. Everything was exceptional! Well planned logistics allowed for smooth execution across the board. Thereâs not one thing weâd change!”
“West coast of Ireland was simply amazing! Castles, ruins, sheep, cows and more! Not to mention the breathtaking countryside! All of the accommodations were incredible! Our Area Manager was amazing and so very helpful plus easy to contact!”
“We enjoyed the scenery, the hotels, and the people. We enjoyed all the accommodations – they were very good. Our Area Manager went above and beyond his job and was on call whenever we needed help.”
“The quay house in clifden, kilmurvey house on irishmore and temple gate in ennis particular were special places to stay. The service by your office was great and had my questions answered. Your area manager was friendly and willing to stay as long as we needed. Overall, the trip met our expectation. “
âMany thanks to our Travel Advisor for setting up a great trip, and for being incredibly helpful with all my questions and backup information. Your personal help was invaluable. It was a good trip and I am glad I went. The route descriptions were quite accurate, and the restaurant recommendations accurate and good to boot. Again thank you for your help throughout this trip.â
“I felt the staff was so very helpful and responded immediately to our requests, changes, etc. I would recommend RandonnĂ©e to anyone.”
“The trip was fabulous! ⊠Thank you so much for helping to fit this tour into our odd schedule – it worked out perfectly!!”
“I have nothing but complimentary words about all aspects of this tour in Ireland. The natural beauty of the spectacular landscape and the warmth of the people certainly contribute to a most pleasant journey, but due credit must be given to Randonnee. My compliments to Randonnee for planning an itinerary of invigorating diversity of landscape, with a variety of fascinating points of interest along the way, and just enough challenge in pedaling for a recreational bike rider.”
âWe especially liked the Kilmurvey House on Inshmore and the Zetland House in Cashel! We had a really great time. So beautiful!â
âWe loved the inn on Inishmore (really lovely people and food) and the Zetland House was great (same thing, lovely place, great food and wonderful staff). Our area manager was great! Really knowledgeable and helpful. He went out of his way to be helpful. The overall experience was wonderful.â
âEveryone at each place was exceptional. They were warm, friendly, inviting. Good food and hospitality.â
âWe loved all the places where we stayed, especially the the Kilmurvey House (on Inishmore) and Zetland Country House.The trip was great. We loved Ireland and thought that the routes/lodging/service provided by Randonnee was great. We already are planning our Randonnee trip for next year.â
“Our Area Manager was great!”
“Can’t believe how beautiful Ireland is. Beautiful routes and we lucked out on the weather.”
“The cycling, weather, acommodations, and food were all better than expected.”
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