This 5-night, 6-day Adventure is available as both a Deluxe and Classic package and showcases the very best of the Burren and Connemara. The Burren & Connemara tour is one of our original, and best offerings. The Burren is located on the west coast of Ireland, above the River Shannon (Ireland’s longest river), below Galway Bay and home to the world famous Cliffs of Moher, and the breathtaking Dolmen Poulnabrone (a five thousand year old burial tomb; older the Pyramids of Egypt, and older than Stonehenge). This is also home to some of the best bike routes and links golf courses in Europe and also possesses one of Ireland’s most innovative restaurants at Gregan’s Castle Hotel. Connemara, which we visit at the end of the week on this trip is located on the other side of Galway Bay and is made up of granite deposits, post glacial landscapes and offers the rider unparalled coastal scenery coupled with breaktaking valley passes, stunning lakes and glorious hotels. Fresh Eire Adventures specialises in worldwide bike tours, family vacations, walking, golf and gourmet tours. We offer Deluxe & Classic hotel level categories to suit all budgets in Ireland and worldwide.
Dates Burren and Aran | Prices Burren and Aran | Included Burren and Aran | Extras Burren and Aran
Itinerary
Day 1 & 2
We meet in Shannon Airport or Ennis and transfer to our first hotel in the Burren where we spend two nights.
During our first and second days riding, we'll visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, perched high above the Atlantic Ocean. We ride along the coast to the village of Ballyvaughan and meet with local expert Shane Connolly for a short hike onto the rocks of the Burren to learn all about this unique landscape; it's flowers for example are among the most diverse in the world. You'll get up close and personal with Poulnabrone - a 5,000-year-old dolmen (burial chamber) and cycle right past one of the oldest law schools in the world (Brehon law was one of the most advanced forms of law 1,200 years ago). We'll sample the finest food from the region - smoked salmon from the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna and St Tola's goats cheese for example. Our first night together we'll all dine together in Sheedy's Hotel & Restaurant while on your second night you'll dine at your hotel.
Day 3
On our third day, after breakfast we'll ride towards the village of Kinvarra and cross the county border into Co. Galway as we meander along the south side of Galway Bay. We'll finish our ride and enjoy a gorgeous pub lunch in this peir village where you can look across towards Dungaire Castle and perhaps spot a few curraghs or Galway hookers in the port. We'll transfer to Galway city for a walking tour and you'll have a some free time to do some shopping. We'll transfer then to Connemara, to the first of our hotels in this granite landscape. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel.
Day 4
After breakfast, we'll ride through the Lough Inagh Valley for a visit at Kylemore Abbey where you'll be free to explore the Victorian Walled garden and visit the Castle and the crypt. We'll have lunch weather here or in the nearby village of Letterfrack and then enjoy an afternoon ride on the Renvyle peninsula before returning to our hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own, in the nearby town of Clifden.
Day 5
Our final day biking together will see us complete a loop ride from Roundstone. We shall follow the coast past Dogs Bay beach (a glorious white sand, blue water coral beach which looks like it belongs in the Carribbean!), through Ballyconnolly, past the Alcock & Brown landing site, past the Marconi station and into Clifden - the capital of Connemara. After lunch you can opt for one of the best rides of the week - The Sky Road. Afterwards we take the tranquil bog road back to our hotel - often times guests comment on this ride; they say it's the most enjoyable of the week; it's just you, the mountains, heathers, gorse, bog cotton, turf, lakes and sheep. We'll have a hot whiskey at the end of our ride together to mark a week well spent on our bikes!
Tonight's dinner is a real treat - prepared by one of the best chefs in Ireland. Siobhan Vaughan has been taking care of her guests in the family-run restuarant for more years than she cares to remember. Prepare to be wowed by local seafood, amazing Connemara lamb, sumptuous grass-fed beef or a delicious, innovative vegetarian dish. After dinner we'll be sure to check out what's happening in the Shamrock Bar and hopefully get to hear some music.
Day 6
After breakfast on our sixth day, we'll transfer back to Galway where the tour will end. You will be given tickets for your Day Trip to Inis Mor for the following day.
Average daily biking is 25 miles (additional riding is available to those so inclined, less riding is also an option – this is your vacation, not bootcamp!).
Classic accommodations include 3-star hotels and guest houses. Deluxe accommodations include 4 star hotels (for four out of the 5 nights; on the island we all stay in the same hotel – a glorious guest house at the bottom of an ancient ring fort, Dun Aengus. However Deluxe package includes room upgrades at this hotel).
Great value extension packages available in exciting cities like Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork. You can avail of these either as a pre-trip or post-trip option.
Dates Burren and Aran
Any start dates available upon request (subject to availability)
Prices Burren and Aran
- Classic: US $4,795 pps. Single supplement US$500
- Deluxe: US $5,795 pps. Single supplement US$1000
Included Burren and Aran
- Use of hybrid bike and helmet. More about our bikes
- Transfers from Shannon airport or Ennis on Start Day
- Transfers to Galway City centre or Shannon Airport on End Day
- 4 exquisite dinners & wine
- 3 gourmet lunches & wines
- Admissions to all included attractions & tastings
- Ferry crossings to/from Inis Mor, Aran Islands
- Baggage transfers
- Tips for hotels/restaurants
- Healthy snacks, water, full guiding services, support vehicle.
- 5 nights B&B in 3 star (Classic) and 4 star (Deluxe) hotels (Full Irish & Continental breakfast)
Extras Burren and Aran
- Upgrade to a carbon road bike or e-bike at extra cost. More about our bikes
- Self-guided extension packages available in Galway, Dublin.
- Gratuities for guides
- Golf club hire (you are welcome to bring your own of course!)
Additional Guided services or Fresh Eire Adventures packages.
Co. Wicklow Escape (ex Dublin)
Includes gourmet lunch at Powerscourt, visit to Monastic site of Glendalough, Dinner and Irish dancing show at the world famous Johnny Fox's 'Hooley Nights'.
- Pick up Shelbourne 9am, Return 10.30pm.
- Includes full guiding services, gourmet lunch in Powerscourt, dinner & Irish dancing show at Johnny Fox's and all entrance fees.
- $399 per person.
- $749 per couple.
- $999 for group of 3 persons.
- $1149 for group of up to 4 persons
- $279 per person thereafter
Advance booking is required.
Spa or Golf in the K Club* (ex Dublin)
Includes green fees on Arnold Palmer designed Ryder Cup (2006) course, clubhouse lunch, Buggy rental, all transfers. Clubs may be hired for an additional charge. If you’d prefer to spend the day in the spa, then the package includes 2 treatments and an all day pass including lunch. Additional treatments may be booked for an additional charge.
- $699 single
- $1199 per couple
- $1799 for group of 3 persons
- $2199 or a group of 4 persons.
*Advance Booking is required, Subject to availability. Four players maximum per tee time. Additional players must book an additional tee-time.
Day trip to Waterford and Kilkenny (ex Dublin)
- Includes visit to Waterford Crystal Museum, Reginald’s Tower, gourmet lunch in Mount Juliet Estate, walking tour of Kilkenny Castle, Museum of Design Icons at Newbridge Silver.
- $799 single
- $1299 per couple
- $1899 for a group of 3 persons
- $2299 for a group of 4 persons
- Additional Guests charged at $549 per person.
Advance Booking is required.
