Connemara at Its Best Tour | Green Marble Tours

Discover the Best of Connemara

Connemara at its best – one of our most popular week long self-guided Ireland cycling tours

Connemara which can roughly be defined as the area north-west of Galway from Barna, Oughterard to Clifden and as far north as Killary Harbour is one of the most scenic regions in Ireland. It is in many ways a very unique landscape with dramatic mountain peaks being dominated by the Twelve Ben Mountain range, expansive sandy beaches, rivers rich in salmon and sea-trout, and plenty of bogs with lakes strewn throughout. This leads to a dramatic contrast of sea, sky, land and bog, and you will be surprised at the changes in the landscape even after a relatively short cycle.

Connemara’s rich tapestry of history, culture and heritage is woven into the fabric of the landscape and you can hear the Irish language being spoken, not to mention the traditional Irish music and dancing (sean nós style) that is thriving in Connemara. You will be able to experience all of this during your cycling tour in Ireland.

Starting Dates

April – October

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival - Cong

Arrive in the quaint village of Cong, location for the film “The Quiet Man” with Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. Visit Cong Abbey founded in the 12th century as well as the Monk’s House. Ashford Castle Hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib invites you to explore its magnificent gardens. Depending on your arrival time we will meet you in the afternoon or the next morning for a personal introduction to your bicycles and the week ahead.

DAY 2 - Cong – Leenane

40km (25mls) Gradient +371m/-373m

A beautiful and gentle day in the valleys of Connemara and Mayo on very quiet roads, as you cycle along the shores of Lough Mask, Lough Nafooey and Lough Corrib. The route passes through peaceful countryside with traditional stone walls and grazing sheep. Finish the day with a great downhill to the beautiful village of Leenane located on Ireland’s only fjord, Killary Harbour. Leenane was the location for the film “The Field” with Richard Harris.

DAY 3 - Leenane – Clifden

49km (30mls) Gradient +498m/-484m

This coastal cycle is one of the most breathtaking routes in Ireland, offering stunning views of the Atlantic coastline, rugged mountains, and serene countryside. The route is known for its wild beauty and vast open landscapes dotted with sheep. As you approach the village of Letterfrack, you will see Connemara National Park, home to the majestic Diamond Hill, a great place for a short hike if you want to stretch your legs. The cycle then continues toward the Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and offshore islands. Finally, you’ll arrive in Clifden, known as the capital of Connemara, with cozy pubs, great seafood, and a lively atmosphere. Here you will stay for two nights.

DAY 4 - Clifden – Loop rides or rest day

Loop 1: 22km (14mls) Gradient +187m/-189m
Loop 2: 41km (25mls) Gradient +288m/-288m
Loop 3: Up to 30km (19mls) Gradient +368m/-368m

Today you can explore the beautiful coastal area along quiet country roads from Clifden or alternatively you can enjoy a rest day. The first short loop goes south and leads to Derrygimlagh, which was the site of two major historical events: in 1907, Guglielmo Marconi built a pioneering radio station here, making it the first place in the world to send a transatlantic wireless message to Canada; and in 1919, aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown crash-landed here after completing the first-ever non-stop transatlantic flight. The longer cycle loop south continues to Roundstone, a charming fishing village, which is a great spot for a seafood lunch. You can also visit Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay, two of Ireland’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. If you did not have a chance to do it yesterday you can cycle the Sky Road loop.

DAY 5 - Clifden – Carna

(41km (25mls) Gradient +280m/-301m

A breathtaking ride through the heart of Connemara’s wild and rugged landscape, offering a mix of coastal views, mountains, and traditional Irish culture. Your destination today is the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village of Carna, a quiet seaside village known for its rich Irish culture, traditional music, and beautiful coastline. You will cycle through blanket boglands, sparkling lakes, and the distant peaks of the Twelve Bens as you make your way to Carna. If you did not have time to do the Roundstone loop yesterday you will have the option to visit it today.

DAY 6 - Carna to Rossaveal for ferry to the Aran island of Inishmore

To ferry: 42km (26mls) Gradient +245m/-245m,
On island: 18km(11mls) Gradient +170m/-170m)

The cycle will continue along the indented south Connemara shoreline to the pier in Rossaveal for the ferry to the island of Inishmore (the biggest of the 3 Aran Islands). The island is rich in historic and pre-historic sites and highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Anghus, the semi-circular fort is over 3,000 years old and holds a special place in Irish mythology. Less known is the Black Fort (Dun Duchathair) where you can experience some of the most beautiful cliffs on the island. Furthermore there are early Christian (starting with the 6th century) churches, monasteries and cemeteries. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name. Spend the night on the island to get a feel for island life.

DAY 7 - Inishmore – return to the mainland and transfer to Galway

18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m

Spend the morning enjoying the unique landscape of the island before catching the lunchtime ferry back to the mainland. We will transfer you from Rossaveal to Galway for you to avoid cycling on the increasingly busy road. Explore the bustling, historic Galway city, where you will spend your final night.

DAY 8 - Galway – Departure

18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m

Breakfast and departure for your onward journey.

Tour Details

Included

Accommodation & Meals

The accommodations included on your tour may be small hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs. They are clean, comfortable, family run businesses that we have been using for many years. They are all very highly rated and are well set up to cater for cycling holiday guests.

Each room will have its own private bathroom and shower. Breakfast is included in the package. Sometimes the small hotels will have a small restaurant and bar too. All the venues are located in the centre, or very close to the centre of a small village or town with local bars, cafes and restaurants all within easy walking distance.

In some locations, accommodation can be upgraded to 4/5 star on request.

Meet & greet

Meet and greet with one of our local experienced guides on day 1 for bike fitting and tour briefing

Bicycles & Equipment

Trek FX2 Hybrid Touring Bike – Included in tour price

The FX2 is strong, stable, fun and perfectly suited for Irish roads. Customised for our tours with puncture resistant tyres, mudguards and rear rack. Also available with ladies specific frame.

Includes: Helmet, bike lock, pannier, repair kit.

Upgrade Option 1: Trek Checkpoint Gravel Bikes + €180

For riders seeking performance, versatility, and comfort on mixed terrain, the Trek Checkpoint is a superb upgrade. This lightweight gravel bike features drop handlebars, wider tires for extra stability, and a responsive frame ideal for Ireland’s quiet country roads and occasional gravel paths. It's perfect for guests who want a faster, sportier ride without sacrificing comfort on longer days in the saddle.

Upgrade Option 2: Trek AL3 Road Bike + €180

The Trek AL3 is a sleek, lightweight aluminium road bike designed for speed and efficiency on paved roads. With drop handlebars and a smooth-shifting Shimano drivetrain, it's ideal for cyclists who prefer a more aerodynamic riding position and want to cover longer distances with ease. A great choice for guests seeking a faster, road-focused experience while exploring the west of Ireland.

Upgrade Option 3: Trek Electric Bikes + €225

We use the best quality E-bikes on the market. These bikes are pedal assist meaning they travel a lot further when you push the pedal compared to a regular bike. Comfortable, strong and stable bikes combined with a quiet, powerful Bosch motor and a fully integrated high-capacity battery ensure many miles of care-free cycling. On a full charge they are good for 80km+.

Luggage Transfers

We provide you with our luggage tags at the beginning of the tour and we transfer the bags from accommodation to accommodation each day. Guests usually bring 1 or 2 bags per person.

Ferry Tickets

Ferry tickets will be provided during your tour briefing.

Roadside Assistance

Local support & roadside assistance in the unlikely event of a breakdown

Tour pack

Detailed daily route notes, maps, gpx files & local countryside info booklet Recommendations for the best places to visit, eat and drink along the way

Arrival Location

Cong, Co Mayo (we can help arranging transfers from Galway to Cong)

Departure Location

Galway City from where there are regular busses and trains to Dublin

Tour Accommodations

This self-guided cycling tour is designed to stay in comfortable, friendly, wonderful guesthouses and small hotels such as underneath. Accommodations could be upgraded if you prefer.

Lydons Hotel Cong

Established in 1975, Lydons Lodge continues to be a family run business and combines a warm welcome with old world charm. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long trip or a day's cycling.

Foyles Hotel Clifden

This impressive building, which has played host to many famous personalities over the years, has recently been redesigned to the highest modern standards, yet retains much of its old charm and atmosphere. Foyles Hotel Clifden is the ideal central point from which to explore Connemara and enjoy the many amenities it has to offer.