Connemara is the name that is given to the area in county Galway which lies in south western Ireland between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Corrib in the east. It is a beautiful and at times desolate area filled with coves, cliffs, loughs (lakes), peat bogs and quiet moorland. It is home to Connemara National Park and The Twelve Bens, a small mountain range that can be climbed in a day by the very fit. There are numerous pretty, small villages and the gorgeous Kylemore Abbey to visit.

Cycling the quiet back roads, especially along the coast, is lovely but avoid any of the larger roads with the ridiculous and very high speed limits. These are great roads for would be racing car drivers! Pubs are to be found in every small town and the Irish brand of hospitality is ever present.The 300 square kilometres that make up the Burren region are located to the south of Galway in the northwest corner of County Clare. It is a region renowned for its wild flowers, endless amounts of limestone rock and beautiful vistas, which on a clear day include the Aran Islands. In fact, at times you’ll see nothing but rock and the sea. Not to be missed in the Burren area are the Cliffs of Moher with its high bird concentration and spectacular vistas.

The Aran Islands are located in the mouth of Galway Bay a short ferry ride away from Rossaveal to the north and a slightly longer and more exposed ferry ride away from Doolin in the south. They consist of three islands – Inisheer, Inishmaan and Inishmore. About 800 people, many of whom are Irish speakers, call the largest island, Inishmore, home. The islands have a dual personality as they are at once bleak, moody and desolate as well as being romantic and utterly gorgeous. Limestone rock is everywhere, feedstock for the endless walls crisscrossing every which way and the ruins of old forts, especially the famous, Dun Aengus. The islands are almost devoid of vegetation but some great bird life appears here. Horse and buggy carts out number cars and the islands make a fine cycling destination.

Some of the trip highlights include:

• Beautiful shoreline and rocky hills as you cycle into the Burren region
• Views from the Cliffs of Moher
• Pub in Doolin
• Quiet, back roads of the Aran islands
• Gorgeous bike ride on the R341 especially near Roundstone
• Biking Sky Road near Clifden
• Kylemore Castle and its grounds
• The wind at your back instead of in your face
• Gorgeous scenery as you ride from Leenaun to Westport
• Croagh Patrick
• Village of Cong
• Charming B&B’s and their Irish hospitality
• Guiness for the beer drinkers

Inside the guide look for everything you need to book and do your own trip. Packing lists and links to tour companies are also provided.

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