FAQ’s

Please find below many of our frequently asked questions. If your questions aren’t here please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to answer any queries you have. 

Do I need to book a bike?

For rental dates between April and October we recommend booking as early as possible to ensure availability. See our Book Now page to reserve your bike. We prefer you to book as we can have the perfect bike and size ready for you when you arrive. Bikes often get booked out also, especially eBikes.

We advise you to book at least a week in advance via our website. But for peak season we advise you to book much earlier

 Each loop is different. Go to our Routes page here and choose the right one for you.

Every rental requires an ID per small group, such as a driver’s licence or national ID card. For groups, more than half of the members if adults must have identification. When it comes to school or tour groups, the person in control or the leader must show identification and take full responsibility for all bikes. When all bikes are returned to Clifden Bike Shop in the same condition as when they left, they will get their ID back. A “bike hire agreement” must also be completed and signed when making an online reservation or picking up the bikes in person.

 We accept driver’s licence or id cards if you don’t carry an ID, We can take Credit Card details or a deposit.

 Yes, helmets are compulsory with every hire, helmets  are included in the hire and we have all sizes available from toddlers to Extra Large – we haven’t met a head yet that we couldn’t cover.

For day hire and short trips:

helmet, Hi-viz vest, lock, map of routes, and roadside assistance up to 20km from the shop and a small pannier if available.

For multi day hire and road bikes: rentals include:

Helmet, Hi-vis, Map of routes and roadside assistance up to 20km from the shop

– Flat pedals (specialty pedals available for hire or bring your own)

– Bike kit: lock, spare tube, tire levers, mini pump & multi tool

Our rental day is from opening time 9am to 5pm daily. We do not have a half day or hourly rate.

Our Trek Bikes are professionally maintained and checked before every bike rental. We offer roadside assistance within 20km free of charge, most routes are within this distance. If there is a mechanical problem you call us with the numbers you have been given and we will sort out any issues you are having.

We open all year except for two weeks in January.

There is a great public transport system coming to Clifden, from Galway, Westport and Dublin and from all around Ireland. Check out Citylink and bus Eireann for bus times and also the TFI Local Link. 

For Road Bikes Only Not for our regular bikes. Please let us know when booking which pedals you have or require for your road bike.

Yes but there is a charge and needs to booked at least a week in advance. Please email or call and discuss this with us. 

We have high end trek Ebikes with 500 Watt batteries. See our bikes section.

While on the bike please bring a light waterproof jacket just in case it rains. Also bring water and a snack.  In summer time it can be cool too so please bring an extra layer of clothes. Sunscreen and rainwear, be prepared for all types of weather. No such thing as bad weather just bad clothing.

We don’t refund for wet weather, unless there is a weather warning suggesting it would be dangerous to cycle and we are not allowing our bike out on the day.

Ireland’s weather is as unpredictable and exciting as its people. Whether you’re dancing in the rain or blowing in the wind, the sun is always there, but sometimes above the clouds.

We may characterise our climate as moderate, humid, and variable with plenty of rainfall and few extremes in temperature. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see all four seasons in a single day! 

 Extreme winters are uncommon, and average winter temperatures range from 40°F/5°C to 46°F/8°C. You’re more likely to be greeted by a mild damp day or a breezy bright sunshiny day.

In general, summertime temperatures range from 60°F/15°C to 70°F/20°C. Rain is one thing that is almost certain to occur —it’s what keeps our grass so green—so remember to bring rain gear, a few layers and sunscreen!

We can pick you up at a cost to you. 

If a bike gets stolen or is damaged due to misuse the customer is liable for costs of the bike depending on the damage and cost of repair.

Yes we have lots of children’s bikes and electric cargo bikes also, there is also a very family friendly cycle for small kids which is all off road.

 Yes We can store your bags in our store.

There is great coastal cycling in Connemara which is perfectly suited to explore by bike. We send you on routes that are suited to you and your family’s ability. Most routes are on the roads with cars but we send you on quiet roads with less traffic. And for the little ones there is the Connemara Greenway.

We don’t have tag-a-longs to hire but we do have the Follow-me system which is similar or we have Ecargo Bikes.

We prefer to only attach the trailer to our own bike, but please call us to discuss also, our trailers are for children only and not for pets. 

No we don’t allow outside attachments to our bikes, but please call and speak to us about your requirements.

Children must be over 1 year old for the kids seats and trailers. And there is a weight limit but the max age is usually around 5 – 6 years old.

Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway  offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in the area:

– Visit Kylemore Abbey: Explore the historic Abbey, a magnificent mansion with beautiful gardens, and estate.

– Climb Diamond Hill : Embark on a challenging hike up Diamond Hill, Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Connemara National Park from the summit. 

– Enjoy Clifden’s amazing Music and Arts Scene: Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditional Irish music and arts scene of Clifden. Attend live music sessions at traditional Irish pubs or attend one of the amazing festivals. Live Music 7 nights a week from March until the End of October and on all weekends throughout the year in Clifden.

– Play Golf: Golf enthusiasts can tee off at The Connemara Golf Links, an excellent golf course, offering scenic fairways and challenging holes. Voted Best Links Course in Connaught 2023 by Golfers Guide to Ireland. ​ When playing Connemara you are mesmerised by the landscape around you, with views of the 12 Bens and the Wild Atlantic ocean.

– Visit the Alcock and Brown and Marconi Site where two remarkable events of 20th century history took place. The remnants of the world’s first permanent trans-Atlantic radio station, built by Marconi more than a century ago and burned to the ground during the Irish War of Independence lives here and a white aeroplane wing-shaped memorial to Alcock and Brown, who crash landed, into Derrigimlagh Bog in 1919 at the end of the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic.

– Relax on our amazing white sandy beaches: Head to nearby beaches north, south or west of Clifden for a day of relaxation, sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, Kayaking, coasteering and Surfing. Lots of secluded beaches to be found.

– See the famous Connemara Ponies along all the bike routes around Clifden, experience the friendliness of this wonderful breed and even get a chance to go pony trekking along the Wild Atlantic Way.

 – These represent just a small sample of the numerous pleasures that Clifden provides. The town’s historical significance, array of activities, and scenic surroundings make it an excellent travel destination. Wonderful shopping at independently owned businesses, a great nightlife in classic pubs and restaurants, and a welcoming environment are all present. It is a must that every visitor visiting Ireland come and visit Clifden. 

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