Guided Connemara Bike Tour | Green Marble Tours

Guided bike tour in Connemara

A fully guided group cycling tour in Connemara

This guided bike trip is especially designed to visit the most beautiful spots in Connemara on the West coast of Ireland.

The West of Ireland is perfect for biking with quiet back-roads, stunning landscapes, myriad of historic sites, colourful villages and towns, friendly locals and amazing food and drink. This is a guided cycle tour, thus you will cycle with your local tour guide in a support vehicle to enjoy their vast knowledge of the sites along the way or anything Irish in general. The support vehicle takes care of the logistics, the luggage and can offer help to anybody wishing to avail of it. We make sure that you do not get lost, but you can bike at your own pace and longer and shorter options are available, making your bike tour of Ireland just the way you want it.

During our guided bike tours in Ireland, you are free to immerse yourself in your biking – your guide and support vehicle will take care of everything else for you.

Starting Dates

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival – Galway

DAY 1 - Arrival

We will collect you in Galway and transfer you to Oughterard, where after checking in you can try out your bikes and equipment during a short trip along Lough Corrib. Over dinner, you can get to know your fellow cyclists, and your guide will run through the itinerary for the week ahead. Then you may just want to sample a Guinness before retiring.

DAY 2 - Oughterard - Inishmore

To ferry: 28km (17mls) Gradient +352m/-360m; On island: 18km (11mls) Gradient +170m/-170m

The biking proper starts with a beautiful cycle to the port of Rossaveal. We take a 50min ferry ride to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. After lunch there is time to explore some of the many magnificent historic sites on the island, such as the cliff-top stone-age fort of Dun Aenghus, the Seven Churches, Dun Eoichall, or Teampall Chiaran. Dinner in the evening can be followed by a visit to the lively pubs in Kilronan.

Please note e-bikes are not allowed on the ferry, we will provide a hybrid bike to you for cycling on the island.

DAY 3 - Inishmore – return to mainland & cycle to Clifden

58km (36mls) Gradient +379m/-359m – more options available

There is a chance to visit the impressive Black Fort and perhaps do a little shopping for one of the famous Aran sweaters before we catch the noon ferry back to Rossaveal. After lunch we cycle west through the magnificent Connemara landscape to the town of Clifden, often labelled the metropole of Connemara. The bicycle ride offers plenty of great vistas of the Twelve Bens – the mountain range that sits at the heart of Connemara. Along the way there are several locations where peat is dug for fuel. Accommodation for the next two nights is the centre of Clifden.

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. The third loop is the Sky Road loop, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and offshore islands.

DAY 5 - Clifden – Leenane

49km (30mls) Gradient +498m/-484m – 3 additional optional loops

Leaving Clifden, cycle along the Atlantic coast. Enjoy the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way and pristine beaches. Stop for lunch in Kylemore Abbey, one of Connemara’s architectural treasures. The setting is perhaps even more impressive than the abbey itself. This is followed by a stunning coastal route from Tully Cross that culminates in a glorious downhill cycle to the village of Leenane. This small village located at the head of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, was the location for the film “The Field” with Richard Harris.

DAY 6 - Leenane to Westport

52km (32mls) Gradient +365m/-388m

From Leenane we head north past the Aasleagh Waterfalls and into the beautiful Delphi Valley to Louisburgh, one of the homes of Grace O’Malley, the West of Ireland Pirate Queen. From here we follow the Clew Bay coast to Westport. On the way we pass the striking Famine Memorial and the foot of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain. The steep path to the summit is rewarded by fantastic views over Clew Bay, and yes you can climb it if you have the inclination (and the energy – best to do it the following day). Our destination for the next two nights is the bustling small Mayo town of Westport.

DAY 7 - Westport – Loop Rides

Up to 92km (57mls) Gradient +344m/-344m

Various options for today, hike Ireland’s Holy Mountain Croagh Patrick, cycle the Greenway one of Ireland’s only dedicated cycle trails along the old railway line from Westport to Achill Island before returning to Westport. You might like to top off your tour with a visit to one of the town’s many musical pubs – Matt Malloy’s (Matt of Chieftains fame) is a favourite.

DAY 8 - Depart - Westport

Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey.

Tour Details

Included

Accommodation & Meals

7 nights ensuite room in 3* hotels inclusive of 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners

The accommodations included on your tour will be small hotels. 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 each morning and 5 evening meals are included in the package. 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.

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.

Important note regarding bikes and a ferry to the island: Electric bikes are not permitted on the ferry, a hybrid bike will be provided for the island.

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+.

Guided Van support

Our guided tours are van-supported, meaning you will have the peace of mind of having a dedicated guide and support vehicle with you throughout the journey. The guide ensures a seamless experience and provides:

On-Road Support: Assistance with bike maintenance, punctures, and other technical issues.

Navigation Assistance: No risk of getting lost—your guide will keep everyone on track and provide real-time direction if needed.

Snacks & Hydration: Light refreshments, snacks, and water available from the support van during rides.

Cultural Interpretation: Your guide brings the landscape to life with insights into local history, folklore, and heritage at scenic stops.

Meal Companionship: The guide joins the group for evening meals, facilitating a warm and social atmosphere.

Luggage & Personal Items: The support vehicle carries luggage and can transport guests if a rest from cycling is needed.

Tour Pack

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

Arrival Location

Galway – there are regular busses from Dublin, Shannon and Ireland West Airports and trains from Dublin City

Departure Location

Westport from where there are regular busses and trains to Dublin

Not included

Airfares, lunches, transfer to Galway for start of the tour, transfers from Westport to departure airport

Tour Accommodations

This 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.

Kilmurvey House

A beautifully restored 18th century farmhouse, Kilmurvey is located at the bottom of Dun Aenghus, the biggest of the ring-forts on the island. It is run by the family who have been farming on the island for centuries, and Treasa’s home-baked breads and scones are to die for. Close by is Kilmurvey Beach, beautifully sandy and safe for swimming.

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.