DAY 1 – ARRIVAL

Arrive to the village of Leenane (we can help arranging transfers). Warm welcome and chance to settle in. You will be given your route pack and general information to study overnight. If there is time we will allocate bikes and equipment. Dinner is available in one of the restaurants in the village of Leenane.

DAY 2 – FAMINE TRACK WALK

You will be dropped to the starting point of Rosroe for the Famine Track Walk along the shore of Killary Harbour Ireland's only fjord, The "Famine Track", built after the Great Famine (1848) to provide some employment for the once extensive population of Connemara (3½ - 4 hours).  Return on the Western Way to Leenane village, which overlooks the harbour as you come into the village.

DAY 3 – CYCLE LEENANE TO WESTPORT

You leave Leenane this morning for Westport.  Westport is a lovely town with lots of shops and restaurants and very welcoming people.  Westport is also very well known for its Irish music in the pubs.  Your journey from Leenane brings you along by Aasleagh Waterfalls through the very scenic Doolough valley to Westport (45km - with longer option).   Stay the night in Westport B&B, and enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants that Westport has to offer.

DAY 4 – CROAGH PATRICK

You cycle from Westport to Murrisk, a short cycle of 10km from where the ascension of Croagh Patrick takes place (climb 750m to the top; 4-5 hours).  Lock your bikes at the car park and head up the clear pathway.  Croagh Patrick is Ireland's Holy Mountain. It is quite a tough climb, but the views from the top are fantastic.   The fact that you have walked where many pilgrims have before, makes this a very satisfying day.  You get back on your bike and return to your accommodation in the evening. 

DAY 5 – CYCLE WESTPORT TO CONG

Depart after breakfast from Westport and cycle via Aghagower, Toormakeady, Lough Mask, Finny, and Clonbur to Cong (58kms). A good long cycle through a variety of scenery; hills, fine trout lakes, small country roads and you will stop at a suitable pub along the way to buy your own lunch.  Stay the night in B&B in Cong, dinner is available in the village of Cong which has a number of nice restaurants. 

DAY 6 – CONG

A day to relax and enjoy a meander around historical Cong.  The majestic monastic remains that adorn Cong today are the relics of a monastery built by the High King of Ireland, Turlach O'Connor in 1120 for the Augustinians. Stroll around the monastic cloisters and cast your mind back to the psalm chanting monks following the ornate Cross of Cong which is now in the National Museum. A walk along the dry canal rekindles memories of the dreaded famine of 1845-1848. This era also saw the Oranmore and Brown family vacate Ashford House in 1852 and heralded the arrival of the famed Guinness brewing family to the area. Arthur Guinness (Lord Ardilaun) devoted much of his life and considerable wealth to the development of the castle.  Cong has also been made famous through the film the Quite Man starring John Wayne and Maureen O’ Hara. 

DAY 7 – CYCLE CONG TO LEENANE

Depart Cong after breakfast to cycle to Leenane (40kms).  You cycle through Joyce’s country.  This is a fairly straight road although the longer option on this day will be taking you over a variety of passes and through the Twelve Bens.  Be prepared to hold your breath in awe, as the approach to Leenane is spectacular from all directions. This pretty, old world village lies nestled between the Mweelrea, Devil's Mother and Maamturk Mountains and faces onto Killary Harbour - Ireland's only Fjord.

DAY 8

Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure!