Ireland: Galway & Connemara Coast

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

A VBT representative will greet you at the Shannon airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel in Ennis. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

You are free to relax or explore Ennis after an included breakfast this morning. If you like, visit its 19th-century cathedral or medieval friary. Plan to eat lunch or a snack on your own before meeting your VBT trip leaders, as the next scheduled meal is dinner. Meet your VBT trip leaders in the hotel lobby at 12:30 p.m. Your leaders will be wearing VBT staff garments and carrying a VBT sign.

Once the group has gathered, you’ll travel by private motorcoach from Ennis to Lisdoonvarna via the famous Cliffs of Moher. Rising up to 600 feet (183 meters) above the Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves, the Cliffs of Moher are western Ireland’s most dramatic vantage point.

Then, continue on to Sheedy’s Country House & Restaurant in Lisdoonvarna (total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours). This historic hotel is truly an Irish institution and one of Ireland’s best-loved small hotels and restaurants. Chef/owner John Sheedy, a seventh-generation owner, is considered one of Ireland’s finest chefs! After settling in, attend a group safety and bike-fitting session and take a warm-up ride. Later, get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Warm-up Loop — 8 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

This short loop ride from Lisdoonvarna gives you the opportunity to fit your bike, shift the gears, and practice riding on the left-hand side of the road. You ride along some quiet country lanes as well as local roads.

The calm peaceful countryside will allow you to get a sense of the of the local community’s slow pace of living. View the magnificent wild Atlantic Ocean and even catch a glimpse of the Aran Islands in the middle of today’s ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 km (5 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, begin cycling west along the rocky coastline toward the ocean, enjoying views of Galway Bay. This region, known as The Burren (“rocky coast” in Gaelic), is one of the few places on Earth where arctic, Mediterranean, and alpine plants thrive side by side. As you ride, view limestone paving, caves, underground streams, dolmens, stone forts, wedge and gallery graves, Christian crosses, old churches, and wooded valleys, as well as the endless wildflowers growing in sheltered crevices in the limestone pavement. You might also spot prehistoric monuments scattered throughout this otherworldly landscape, whose limestone plateau has been compared to the surface of the moon. You’ll ride around Black Head, a famous angling point that commands a magnificent view of the whole of Galway Bay, with a backdrop of the Connemara hills and mountains in the distance.

During the day, meet up with a local expert, Shane Connelly, for a walk and talk on The Burren’s archaeology, agriculture, and local history—delivered in a delightful brogue.

After lunch on your own in the quaint harbor village of Ballyvaughan, continue to admire the rugged beauty of this region. This afternoon, you will also have time to visit the Poulnabrone Megalithic Tomb, a Neolithic structure that predates the Pyramids.

After dinner at the hotel, maybe stroll into town and enjoy live music in Lisdoornvarna, a center of traditional Irish folk music.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Lisdoonvarna to Ballyvaughan — 29 km (18 miles)

Afternoon Ballyvaughan to Lisdoonvarna — 24 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s loop ride takes you to the rocky coastline, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the wild Atlantic Ocean to the left and The Burren to the right. You will ride past old castles, towers, an ancient Celtic Holy Well, and Black Head during your morning ride.

The afternoon’s ride, although slightly more undulating, brings you inland and offers further impressive views of this achingly haunting landscape.

Please bring walking shoes with you or stow them in the support vehicle. You may also want to bring swim gear, as there is an option to swim at Fanore Beach.

Cumulative Distance Range: 29 – 53 km (18 – 33 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycle or shuttle by van to the City of Seven Crosses, Kilfenora, the site of a sixth-century monastery. Stop to view the Burren Centre, St Fachtnan’s Cathedral, and the 12th-century Celtic Crosses at this site, which was once a spiritual center of immense importance in western Ireland.

Then, pass over rolling hills, through green countryside, and past old stone walls on your way to Noughaval, where you may stop to visit medieval churches, Neolithic tombs, and sacred sites. Continue on to Carran. Its isolated Corcomroe Abbey was once home to Cistercian monks. The cross-shaped abbey, now in ruins, functioned for about 400 years.

From Carran, you’ll take a private motorcoach to Galway, an ancient harbor town that is now a thriving city. Your trip leaders can provide tips on favorite eateries, pubs, and shops. Eat lunch and dinner on your own in Galway. In between, walk to Eyre Square in the center of town to shop for woolens, classic books, and other treasures. Or choose to explore historic sites such as Lynch’s Castle, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and other churches.

Please note: ATMs will not be available after Galway until you arrive in Dublin, so please ensure you have enough cash for the next few days of your tour.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Lisdoonvarna to Corcomroe Abbey — 36 km (22 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is along quiet country lanes and some undulating pastoral landscapes.

Cumulative Distance Range: 36 km (22 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Eat a full, traditional Irish breakfast before catching the shuttle and ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. (Ferry crossing is around 40 minutes.) Bikes are supplied today by a local bike-rental shop. Although not VBT bikes, they will be perfect for your island stay. After a short island ride, some guests enjoy this as a mainly non-cycling day, choosing instead to walk or hike around the island. Inhabited for centuries, the remote Aran Islands contain some of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe. If you choose to explore the eastern end of the island near Kilronan Harbor, you may opt to visit its Ionad Aran, the island’s Heritage and Interpretive Center.

Lunch is on your own today. Afterward, you have a short walk up to the impressive Dun Aenghus, among the most remarkable Druid sites. Spectacularly perched on the edge of a high cliff, this sacred site is at least 2,000 years old. The fort is impressively large among prehistoric ruins. Although clearly defensible, the particular location of Dun Aengus suggests that its primary purpose was religious and ceremonial rather than military. It may have been used for druidic seasonal rites involving rituals and bonfires that could be seen from the mainland. While you’re here, wander among some of the other mystic Celtic stones, monuments, and holy wells.

There’s also an optional ride that your trip leaders will inform you about today.

Lodging tonight  is in one of the guesthouses on the island, and dinner is included.

Please note: Plan to use your daypack for all of your overnight needs. Your larger luggage will not accompany you to the islands, but instead will be sent ahead and will be waiting in your room in Connemara.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Kilronan Harbor to Kilmurvey House — 8 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycling from the east of the island to the west, you’ll trace the low coastal route, passing endless rows of stone walls and fields with the renowned clints and grykes of the bare limestone escarpments from The Burren, of which these stunning islands were originally part.

Please bring your bathing suit, as there is an optional swim in the Atlantic Ocean at Kilmurvey Beach.

When staying at the Aran Islands Hotel

Morning: Kilronan Harbor Return – 16 km (10 miles)

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 km (5 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, ride from Kilmurvey House back to the pier at Kilronan, leaving your bike at the rental shop. The 12:00 noon ferry takes you to Rossaveel, where you can bike or shuttle into Connemara, Ireland’s “Wild West.” In this rugged and magical countryside, framed by the Twelve Bens Mountain range and Roundstone Bog, you’ll encounter glittering beaches, shimmering lakes and rivers, and Ireland’s famous peat bogs. This romantic landscape has inspired many famous paintings and literary figures over the years, and many ancient Irish traditions and customs are preserved here, revealing a rich linguistic, musical, and folklore heritage.

Later, arrive at your inviting hotel, set on the shores of Lough Inagh. Enjoy time to relax and freshen up before your small group gathers for dinner, prepared by the hotel chef.

Important note: For those tours that feature the Aran Islands Hotel, you will have an optional morning ride around the island before meeting at the pier in Kilronan to catch the noon ferry to the mainland. Alternatively, you may relax at the hotel or explore the village before meeting your trip leaders and fellow travelers at the pier.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Kilmurvey House to Kilronan Harbor — 8 km (5 miles)

Afternoon Rossaveel Ferry to Lough Inagh Lodge — 50 km (31 miles)

What to Expect:

Disembark the ferry in Rossaveel, and spin across a landscape that becomes a mixture of rivers, lakes, woodlands, and rich meadows with breathtaking views of the dramatic Twelve Bens Mountain range on the left and Maumturk mountains on the right. Watch out for the stacks of peat turf along the final section before arriving at the hotel.

You may wish to cycle to lunch and take a support vehicle ride to the hotel. Alternatively, you may cycle to lunch, take a break, and jump back on your bike for the final breathtaking five miles (8 km) through the Inagh Valley.

When staying at the Aran Islands Hotel

Morning: Optional Island Ride – 10 km (6 miles)

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 – 58 km (5 – 36 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycle along Lough Inagh toward Kylemore Abbey—the oldest Benedictine abbey in Ireland. Built 350 years ago, it now is home to a community of nuns. Enjoy views of this iconic structure, and then roll past stunning coastal views of crashing surf, silver bays, and rocky coastlines as you trace the unspoiled, tranquil Renvyle Peninsula. This serenely magical place was the inspiration for renowned works of art by Yeats, Gogarty, and Oscar Wilde and remains unchanged today. Perhaps you’ll stop and wiggle your toes in the sand and enjoy an included lunch before returning to the hotel.

Pedal back to the hotel at your own pace, then relax a while before a festive farewell dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Lough Inagh Lodge to Kylemore Abbey and Renvyle House Hotel — 22.5 km (14 miles)

Afternoon Renvyle House Hotel to Lough Inagh Lodge — 30.5 km (19 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is through the dramatic and pristine Connemara landscape to Kylemore Abbey, then continues on to the Renvyle Peninsula.

Your return ride takes you past Glassilaun Beach, a long expanse of white sand with beautiful views. Continue along Lough Fee, with its spectacularly impressive glaciated valley, and onto the bog road to Lough Inagh Lodge.

If you wish to go swimming at Glassilaun Beach, please bring a swimsuit.

When staying at Rosleague Manor
Morning: Rosleague Manor to Kylemore Abbey and Renvyle House Hotel — 32 km (20 miles)

Afternoon: Renvyle House Hotel to Rosleague Manor — 13 km (8 miles)

Cumulative Distance Range: 22.5 – 53 km (14 – 33 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart by coach at 8:00 a.m. for Dublin and the Schoolhouse Hotel (approximately five hours). There is no VBT representative on the coach ride.

VBT provides you with city information, which includes helpful tips and recommendations on what to see and do in Dublin.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast* this morning, complimentary transportation to the Dublin airport will be provided (an approximately 20 to 30 minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast meet your VBT trip leaders at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis at 12:30 p.m. Your VBT trip leaders will be wearing VBT staff garments and carrying a VBT sign. Please note: Plan to eat lunch or a snack on your own before meeting your VBT trip leaders, as the next scheduled meal is dinner.

Once the group has gathered, you’ll travel by private motorcoach from Ennis to Lisdoonvarna via the famous Cliffs of Moher. Rising up to 600 feet (183 meters) above the Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves, the Cliffs of Moher are western Ireland’s most dramatic vantage point.

Then, continue on to Sheedy’s Country House & Restaurant in Lisdoonvarna (total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours). This historic hotel is truly an Irish institution and one of Ireland’s best-loved small hotels and restaurants. Chef/owner John Sheedy, a seventh-generation owner, is considered one of Ireland’s finest chefs! After settling in, attend a group safety and bike-fitting session and take a warm-up ride. Later, get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Warm-up Loop — 8 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

This short loop ride from Lisdoonvarna gives you the opportunity to fit your bike, shift the gears, and practice riding on the left-hand side of the road. You ride along some quiet country lanes as well as local roads.

The calm peaceful countryside will allow you to get a sense of the of the local community’s slow pace of living. View the magnificent wild Atlantic Ocean and even catch a glimpse of the Aran Islands in the middle of today’s ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 km (5 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

Today, begin cycling west along the rocky coastline toward the ocean, enjoying views of Galway Bay. This region, known as The Burren (“rocky coast” in Gaelic), is one of the few places on Earth where arctic, Mediterranean, and alpine plants thrive side by side. As you ride, view limestone paving, caves, underground streams, dolmens, stone forts, wedge and gallery graves, Christian crosses, old churches, and wooded valleys, as well as the endless wildflowers growing in sheltered crevices in the limestone pavement. You might also spot prehistoric monuments scattered throughout this otherworldly landscape, whose limestone plateau has been compared to the surface of the moon. You’ll ride around Black Head, a famous angling point that commands a magnificent view of the whole of Galway Bay, with a backdrop of the Connemara hills and mountains in the distance.

During the day, meet up with a local expert, Shane Connelly, for a walk and talk on The Burren’s archaeology, agriculture, and local history—delivered in a delightful brogue.

After lunch on your own in the quaint harbor village of Ballyvaughan, continue to admire the rugged beauty of this region. This afternoon, you will also have time to visit the Poulnabrone Megalithic Tomb, a Neolithic structure that predates the Pyramids.

After dinner at the hotel, maybe stroll into town and enjoy live music in Lisdoornvarna, a center of traditional Irish folk music.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Lisdoonvarna to Ballyvaughan — 29 km (18 miles)

Afternoon Ballyvaughan to Lisdoonvarna — 24 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s loop ride takes you to the rocky coastline, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the wild Atlantic Ocean to the left and The Burren to the right. You will ride past old castles, towers, an ancient Celtic Holy Well, and Black Head during your morning ride.

The afternoon’s ride, although slightly more undulating, brings you inland and offers further impressive views of this achingly haunting landscape.

Please bring walking shoes with you or stow them in the support vehicle. You may also want to bring swim gear, as there is an option to swim at Fanore Beach.

Cumulative Distance Range: 29 – 53 km (18 – 33 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycle or shuttle by van to the City of Seven Crosses, Kilfenora, the site of a sixth-century monastery. Stop to view the Burren Centre, St Fachtnan’s Cathedral, and the 12th-century Celtic Crosses at this site, which was once a spiritual center of immense importance in western Ireland.

Then, pass over rolling hills, through green countryside, and past old stone walls on your way to Noughaval, where you may stop to visit medieval churches, Neolithic tombs, and sacred sites. Continue on to Carran. Its isolated Corcomroe Abbey was once home to Cistercian monks. The cross-shaped abbey, now in ruins, functioned for about 400 years.

From Carran, you’ll take a private motorcoach to Galway, an ancient harbor town that is now a thriving city. Your trip leaders can provide tips on favorite eateries, pubs, and shops. Eat lunch and dinner on your own in Galway. In between, walk to Eyre Square in the center of town to shop for woolens, classic books, and other treasures. Or choose to explore historic sites such as Lynch’s Castle, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and other churches.

Please note: ATMs will not be available after Galway until you arrive in Dublin, so please ensure you have enough cash for the next few days of your tour.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Lisdoonvarna to Corcomroe Abbey — 36 km (22 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is along quiet country lanes and some undulating pastoral landscapes.

Cumulative Distance Range: 36 km (22 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Eat a full, traditional Irish breakfast before catching the shuttle and ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. (Ferry crossing is around 40 minutes.) Bikes are supplied today by a local bike-rental shop. Although not VBT bikes, they will be perfect for your island stay. After a short island ride, some guests enjoy this as a mainly non-cycling day, choosing instead to walk or hike around the island. Inhabited for centuries, the remote Aran Islands contain some of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe. If you choose to explore the eastern end of the island near Kilronan Harbor, you may opt to visit its Ionad Aran, the island’s Heritage and Interpretive Center.

Lunch is on your own today. Afterward, you have a short walk up to the impressive Dun Aenghus, among the most remarkable Druid sites. Spectacularly perched on the edge of a high cliff, this sacred site is at least 2,000 years old. The fort is impressively large among prehistoric ruins. Although clearly defensible, the particular location of Dun Aengus suggests that its primary purpose was religious and ceremonial rather than military. It may have been used for druidic seasonal rites involving rituals and bonfires that could be seen from the mainland. While you’re here, wander among some of the other mystic Celtic stones, monuments, and holy wells.

There’s also an optional ride that your trip leaders will inform you about today.

Lodging tonight  is in one of the guesthouses on the island, and dinner is included.

Please note: Plan to use your daypack for all of your overnight needs. Your larger luggage will not accompany you to the islands, but instead will be sent ahead and will be waiting in your room in Connemara.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Kilronan Harbor to Kilmurvey House — 8 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

Cycling from the east of the island to the west, you’ll trace the low coastal route, passing endless rows of stone walls and fields with the renowned clints and grykes of the bare limestone escarpments from The Burren, of which these stunning islands were originally part.

Please bring your bathing suit, as there is an optional swim in the Atlantic Ocean at Kilmurvey Beach.

When staying at the Aran Islands Hotel

Morning: Kilronan Harbor Return – 16 km (10 miles)

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 km (5 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, ride from Kilmurvey House back to the pier at Kilronan, leaving your bike at the rental shop. The 12:00 noon ferry takes you to Rossaveel, where you can bike or shuttle into Connemara, Ireland’s “Wild West.” In this rugged and magical countryside, framed by the Twelve Bens Mountain range and Roundstone Bog, you’ll encounter glittering beaches, shimmering lakes and rivers, and Ireland’s famous peat bogs. This romantic landscape has inspired many famous paintings and literary figures over the years, and many ancient Irish traditions and customs are preserved here, revealing a rich linguistic, musical, and folklore heritage.

Later, arrive at your inviting hotel, set on the shores of Lough Inagh. Enjoy time to relax and freshen up before your small group gathers for dinner, prepared by the hotel chef.

Important note: For those tours that feature the Aran Islands Hotel, you will have an optional morning ride around the island before meeting at the pier in Kilronan to catch the noon ferry to the mainland. Alternatively, you may relax at the hotel or explore the village before meeting your trip leaders and fellow travelers at the pier.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Kilmurvey House to Kilronan Harbor — 8 km (5 miles)

Afternoon Rossaveel Ferry to Lough Inagh Lodge — 50 km (31 miles)

What to Expect:

Disembark the ferry in Rossaveel, and spin across a landscape that becomes a mixture of rivers, lakes, woodlands, and rich meadows with breathtaking views of the dramatic Twelve Bens Mountain range on the left and Maumturk mountains on the right. Watch out for the stacks of peat turf along the final section before arriving at the hotel.

You may wish to cycle to lunch and take a support vehicle ride to the hotel. Alternatively, you may cycle to lunch, take a break, and jump back on your bike for the final breathtaking five miles (8 km) through the Inagh Valley.

When staying at the Aran Islands Hotel

Morning: Optional Island Ride – 10 km (6 miles)

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 – 58 km (5 – 36 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cycle along Lough Inagh toward Kylemore Abbey—the oldest Benedictine abbey in Ireland. Built 350 years ago, it now is home to a community of nuns. Enjoy views of this iconic structure, and then roll past stunning coastal views of crashing surf, silver bays, and rocky coastlines as you trace the unspoiled, tranquil Renvyle Peninsula. This serenely magical place was the inspiration for renowned works of art by Yeats, Gogarty, and Oscar Wilde and remains unchanged today. Perhaps you’ll stop and wiggle your toes in the sand and enjoy an included lunch before returning to the hotel.

Pedal back to the hotel at your own pace, then relax a while before a festive farewell dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Lough Inagh Lodge to Kylemore Abbey and Renvyle House Hotel — 22.5 km (14 miles)

Afternoon Renvyle House Hotel to Lough Inagh Lodge — 30.5 km (19 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s route is through the dramatic and pristine Connemara landscape to Kylemore Abbey, then continues on to the Renvyle Peninsula.

Your return ride takes you past Glassilaun Beach, a long expanse of white sand with beautiful views. Continue along Lough Fee, with its spectacularly impressive glaciated valley, and onto the bog road to Lough Inagh Lodge.

If you wish to go swimming at Glassilaun Beach, please bring a swimsuit.

When staying at Rosleague Manor
Morning: Rosleague Manor to Kylemore Abbey and Renvyle House Hotel — 32 km (20 miles)

Afternoon: Renvyle House Hotel to Rosleague Manor — 13 km (8 miles)

Cumulative Distance Range: 22.5 – 53 km (14 – 33 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transportation is provided to the Dublin airport, arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m. The tour ends here, or you can continue to the Schoolhouse Hotel with the rest of the group.

Included Meals: Breakfast