FRIDAY: DAY 7
DISTANCE OPTIONS A 24 MILES, B 35 MILES, C 45 MILES, D 50 MILES
Accommodation: The Hardiman Hotel, Galway city centre.
So, the last day. We want to make the most of time available today. The first part of today’s route takes us along the Atlantic coast through the village of Letterfrack just outside the town of Clifden as you ride along the Sky Road and the Connemara Loop.
We always stop in the village of Cleggan for a spot of lunch in Oliver’s seafood restaurant before heading out on what has to be my favorite 8 miles of the entire tour. Riding between lakes and overlooking the Atlantic coastline. We even get to go swimming here when the weather offers. I really need to upload some video of this section just to show you what a smashing place it is to cycle. Back to the cycling. The route continues through the village of Letterfrack and onto Tully Cross. This route will eventually takes you to Leenaun . This will be the end point for the cycling. We will transfer the group to Galway city for the final night of the tour. Galway city is located about 45 minutes from Maaum Cross. Tonight we stay in the Hardiman hotel overlooking Eyre Square and only a short walk from the cultural heart of Galway city, Quay street.
Your hotel in Galway city for the final night of the tour is pretty special
The Hardiman hotel first opened its grand doors to guests in 1852, it was then known as the Great Southern Railway Hotel. It was completed for the Midland and Great Western Railway Company. The company’s architect, John Skipton Mulvany, designed both the Galway railway station and hotel. Mulvaney incorporated a secret passage between the hotel and the train station. I’ll show you where it’s located and you can use it to walk straight from the hotel onto platform 1 in Galway train station, just as all visiting celebrities do these days when avoiding the paparazzi. If you are considering spending an extra day to explore galway this is without doubt the place to stay. Situated in the cultural heart of Galway you would need to book it immediately. I make reservations for the tour a year in advance so as to be sure of availability. Not only will you stay in one of Galway’s landmark historical buildings you will stay in the hotel engrained in the history of Galway city for just over 160 years.
Galway is situated about one and a half hours North of Shannon airport
If your flight departs early on Saturday morning I can arrange to get you closer to Shannon Airport on Friday evening, after the farewell dinner. This will eliminate a very early start on Saturday morning. Let me know what your departure plans are and I can advise you of the options available. If your flight departs late on Saturday or anytime on Sunday you can spend some time in Galway city and take the bus which leaves every hour for Shannon airport. Talk to me before you make your flight arrangements so I can advise you how to maximize your time in Ireland.
Continuing Your Stay
If you are planning to spend a few more days in Ireland its handy to know Galway is a transport hub. We have a train station, bus station and local airport in Galway. You can also arrange car hire if you wish to do so. Just let us know what your time frame is and we can assist and advise you in relation to a car tour of the remainder of the country. If your arrival flight originally landed in Shannon you should check out the option of departing from Dublin airport. This would streamline your continued exploration of Ireland after the bike tour
