Tours

All TIOs (tourist information offices) in the West provide lists of suggested cycling tours. The only guided bus tours in the region, which take in the main sights of Connemara (€20), start from Galway and Westport and run between June and September only. Book at the bus station or tourist office.

Clew Bay Bike Hire and Outdoor Adventures. Cycling breaks and guided daylong cycle tours in the Westport area are available, as well as sea kayaking, and the opportunity to finish the day with a mini cruise across Clew Bay. The most popular product, however, is day hire of electric bicycles that take the hard work out of cycling. The company also has a free drop-off and pickup service via minibus and cycle trailer—invaluable if the weather takes a turn. Distillery Rd., Westport, Co. Mayo. 098/37675; www.clewbaybikehire.ie. From €20.

Connemara Adventure Tours. Self-guided or customized tours for walkers, cyclists, golfers, and horseback riders are available from this company. Groups of 8 to 16 people participate in three-, four-, or seven-day programs, staying in a comfortable B&B near Westport, or traveling to a new destination each night with luggage transfer. Walk Clare Island, climb Diamond Hill, or gallop along a sandy beach on Clew Bay. Killary Adventure Centre, Leenane, Co. Galway. 095/42276; www.connemaraadventuretours.com. From €395 for 3 days.

Connemara Safari Walking Holidays. Choose between three and five-day residential walking holidays starting in either Clifden or Westport. The company specializes in "island hopping" and remote-island hikes. Sky Rd., Clifden, Co. Galway. 095/21071; www.walkingconnemara.com.

Croagh Patrick Walking Holidays. This company runs weeklong walking holidays at various dates between April and September, based in B&B accommodations near Westport; contact Gerry Greensmyth. Belclare, Westport, Co. Mayo. 098/26090; www.walkingguideireland.com. From €800.

Galway Tour Company. This Galway-based company runs a Connemara tour that takes in Clifden, Kylemore Abbey, and Cong, the famed location of the classic movie The Quiet Man. Tickets can be purchased from the Galway Tourist Information Office or on the tour bus. 091/566–566; www.galwaytourcompany.com. From €30.

Lally Tours. Galway City–based Lally Tours runs a €30 day tour through Connemara and County Mayo. 4 Forster St., Galway City, Co. Galway. 091/562–905; www.lallytours.com. From €20.

Michael Gibbons Walking Ireland. This Clifden-based company organizes everything from daylong mountain treks to weeklong holidays, with an emphasis on archaeology. Island House, Market St., Clifden, Co. Galway. 095/21379; www.walkingireland.com.