DISTANCE OPTINS A 25 MILES B 33 MILES C 45MILES D 57 MILES

ACCOMMODATION: Eldons Hotel, Rounstone

Today we start with a short transfer to Maaum cross. This 30 minute transfer takes you right into the heart of Connemara. Connemara is a vast open area of the West coast dotted with lakes and ancient bogland that began to develop shortly after the end of the last ice age. Fold mountains that developed 5.5 million years ago rise above the valleys. Evidence of the futile attempts of the native population to survive the ravages for the Potato famine 1845 to 1849 is still to be seen in the form of Famine ridges on the lower levels of the Twelve Bens (mountains). Evidence of glacial erosion is widespread and distinct, thanks to the detail trapped in the quartzite landscape.

Fabulous valleys flanked by striking mountains makes Connemara one of the most beautiful regions to cycle anywhere in the world. You will be very busy with the camera today. A system of land ownership called "commonage" allows several farmers to graze large tracts of land without the usual fencing you encountered riding through the small country lanes of East Clare on Day 1. This is big country. Mountains, lakes, the Atlantic, form the boundaries.

You will have an opportunity to visit Kylemore Abbey in its idyllic setting just before lunch in Tully cross. We always stop off at the Anglers Rest for a spot of lunch 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.

We then cycle along Lough Inagh as we make our war down the Inagh valley. I was thinking of this particular valley when I spoke about "big country" earlier. Due to the impermeable nature of the Quartzite rock the hillsides glisten with streams making their way to the lakes. After exiting the South end of the Inagh valley we then ride past Ballinahinch castle and make our way to my favorite village of the entire tour, Rounstone. We will spend tonight in the family owned Eldons Hotel in the center of the village. We will also have dinner in Eldons this evening. You will have to take a stroll through the village after dinner maybe stopping off in one of the local pubs for a pint and a chat with some of the locals. Great spot for some traditional music.