Connemara at Its Best Tour | Green Marble Tours

Discover the Best of Connemara

Over seven nights, journey deep into Connemara by bike, beginning in Galway and travelling via Inis Mór, Clifden and Killary Fjord before finishing in the historic village of Cong.

Beginning in Galway City, this self-guided cycling tour leads you west towards Oughterard and the shores of Lough Corrib before continuing to Rossaveel for the ferry to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Spend the night on the island and explore its quiet roads, limestone fields, ancient stone walls and spectacular Atlantic coastline.

After returning to the mainland, cycle through south Connemara to Clifden, where you will spend two nights. Choose from several coastal routes around the town or take a rest day before continuing past Kylemore Abbey to Leenane, overlooking Killary Fjord.

The final cycling day follows peaceful roads through Joyce Country to the historic village of Cong. Your accommodation is arranged in welcoming local hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, and your luggage is transferred each day. After your final night in Cong, an included morning transfer will bring you back to Galway bus and train station.

Starting Dates

April – October

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival in Galway City

Your tour begins in Galway, a lively city of colourful streets, traditional pubs, independent shops and music. After checking into your accommodation, take some time to explore the city centre and enjoy the atmosphere before your cycling journey into Connemara begins.

We will meet you for a personal tour briefing and bike fitting, introduce you to the navigation system and make sure that you are comfortable with your bicycle and equipment.

If you arrive in Galway after 6pm, the briefing and bike fitting will instead take place at 10am the following morning, before you set out for Oughterard.

DAY 2 - Galway to Oughterard

34km (21mls) Gradient +238m/-231m
Optional Lough Corrib extension: additional 27km (17mls) Gradient +252m/-252m
Total with extension: 61km (38mls) Gradient +490m/-483m

Leave Galway behind and cycle west towards Oughterard, where the city gradually gives way to green fields, stone walls and open countryside. The main route is a relaxed introduction to the week, following quieter roads to this welcoming village on the edge of Connemara.

After arriving in Oughterard, you can settle in for the afternoon or continue with an optional out-and-back ride beside Lough Corrib. This peaceful extension follows a quiet country road with lovely views across the lake and the surrounding Connemara countryside before returning to Oughterard for the night.

DAY 3 - Oughterad to Inis Mór

DAY 3 - OUGHTERARD TO INIS MÓR

Cycle to Rossaveel: 29km (18mls) Gradient +356m/-364m
Cycling on Inis Mór: 16km (10mls) Gradient +169m/-152m, with options to explore farther

Today’s ride turns south from Oughterard, crossing a wonderfully open landscape of blanket bog, small lakes and scattered farms on the way to Rossaveel ferry port. Arrive in time for the 1pm sailing to Inis Mór, a journey of approximately 45 minutes across Galway Bay.

Once ashore, set out to discover the largest of the Aran Islands by bike. The suggested route leads through limestone fields divided by dry-stone walls towards Dún Aonghasa, the remarkable prehistoric fort standing above the Atlantic cliffs. The main island ride is approximately 16km, but there are plenty of quiet roads, historic sites and coastal viewpoints for those who wish to explore farther. Spend the night on Inis Mór and enjoy the island after many of the day visitors have departed.

Please note that e-bikes are not permitted on the ferry. Guests using one of our e-bikes will leave it at Rossaveel and take the battery to the island to charge overnight. An e-bike for exploring Inis Mór can easily be hired from the bike-rental shop beside the arrival pier. The cost of this island rental is not included in the tour price.

DAY 4 - Inis Mór to Clifden

DAY 4 - INIS MÓR TO CLIFDEN

58km (36mls) Gradient +376m/-357m

Begin the day with the morning ferry from Inis Mór to Rossaveel. If you are travelling with one of our e-bikes, collect it at the ferry port and reconnect the battery that you charged overnight on the island.

From Rossaveel, the route heads west across the broad, open landscape of south Connemara. Quiet roads wind between blanket bog, scattered lakes and small communities, with views of the Maumturk Mountains rising in the distance.

Take a break at the Pearse Cultural Centre before continuing through peaceful countryside towards Clifden. This colourful town is often described as the capital of Connemara and has an excellent choice of cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs. You will spend two nights here, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the town and explore its surrounding coastline.

DAY 5 - Clifden Loop Rides or Rest Day

Errislannan Peninsula loop: 22km (14mls) Gradient +187m/-190m
Sky Road loop: 31km (19mls) Gradient +370m/-369m
Roundstone loop: 42km (26mls) Gradient +305m/-305m

With a second night in Clifden, there is no need to pack up and move on today. Choose from three local rides of different lengths, or leave the bicycle behind and enjoy a complete rest day in town.

The shortest option explores the quiet roads of the Errislannan Peninsula, with open views of the Atlantic and the Twelve Bens. The Sky Road loop climbs above Clifden to one of Connemara’s best-known viewpoints, looking out across the coast and its offshore islands.

For a longer day, ride south through Derrigimlagh, where Marconi established his pioneering wireless station and Alcock and Brown completed the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919. Continue to Roundstone, a colourful fishing village with cafés and seafood restaurants, before returning to Clifden.

DAY 6 - Clifden to Leenane via Kylemore Abbey

DAY 6 - CLIFDEN TO LEENANE VIA KYLEMORE ABBEY

Main route: 46km (29mls) Gradient +479m/-490m
Optional Cleggan extension: additional 27km (17mls) Gradient +211 m/-209m

Today’s journey takes you north from Clifden towards the mountains and fjord of northern Connemara. Those looking for a longer day can follow the additional route via Cleggan, a small working harbour with views towards the offshore islands, before rejoining the main journey.

Continue through the villages of Letterfrack and Tullycross, where the road passes between the Atlantic coastline and the mountains of Connemara. Take time to visit Kylemore Abbey, beautifully positioned beside Pollacapall Lough, before cycling onwards to Leenane at the head of Killary Fjord.

If you arrive with time and energy to spare, there is also an optional ride from Leenane into the remote Doo Lough Valley. Alternatively, this can be enjoyed the following morning before beginning the final ride to Cong.

DAY 7 - Leenane To Cong

DAY 7 - Leenane to Cong

41km/25mls Gradient +385m/-382m

If you did not complete the optional Doo Lough Valley ride yesterday, you may choose to enjoy it this morning before leaving Leenane.

The main route follows peaceful roads through the valleys and lakes of Connemara and south Mayo. Cycle beside Lough Nafooey through a landscape of stone walls, sheep farms and rugged hills before continuing towards the village of Clonbur.

From Clonbur, the final section leads to Cong, a charming historic village between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. Take time to explore the ruins of Cong Abbey and the woodland paths surrounding Ashford Castle before enjoying your final evening of the tour.

DAY 8 - Departure From Cong

DAY 8 – Departure From Cong

After breakfast, there may be time for a final stroll through Cong before leaving the village.

At 10am, your included transfer will depart from Cong and bring you to Galway bus and train station, where your tour comes to an end.

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

Digital Navigation App with routes & tour info (paper maps on request at time of booking, €20 pp). Recommendations for the best places to visit, eat and drink along the way.

Arrival Location

Galway City (we can help advise on how best to get to/from Galway City from Dublin or the airport)

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.

From €1,500

Frequently asked questions

Information about Connemara Cycling Tours Ireland

Pricing

How much does a cycling holiday in Ireland cost?

It depends. But our 3 night tour starts from €800 per person and our 7 nights tours start from €1,500 per person. Luxury tours with castle and country house accommodation start from €2,950. Prices include Trek bike hire, ensuite accommodation, and full Irish breakfast daily. Luggage transfers and e-bike upgrades are available as add-ons.

What is included in the tour price?

Every tour includes a quality Trek bike fitted to you personally, ensuite accommodation at hand-picked guesthouses and small hotels, full breakfast each morning, digital navigation with route notes, a day-one local guide briefing, ferry tickets, transfers, luggage transfers (unless otherwise specified) and on-call support throughout.

Are luxury cycling tours significantly more expensive?

Luxury tours carry a higher price reflecting the accommodation — historic castles, country manor houses, and boutique hotels rather than guesthouses. Our luxury tours start from €2,950 per person. For guests celebrating a honeymoon, milestone anniversary, or special birthday, most tell us it was worth every cent. Bespoke private luxury tours can be designed around any budget — contact us directly.

Is a booking payment required to book?

Yes — we take a booking payment of €100 per person to secure your booking, with the balance due closer to your start date. Contact us directly to discuss availability and we'll confirm the payment schedule. We accept all major cards including through our secure Stripe payment system.

Are there any hidden costs I should know about?

No hidden costs. Dinners, lunches, and personal spending are not included — you're free to eat where you like each evening, and our route notes include recommendations for the best local restaurants and pubs. The only decisions to make upfront are which bike to choose. Everything else is clear from the start.

How to Book

How do I make a booking?

The best way to start is to email us at tours@greenmarblecycletours.com with the tour you're interested in and your preferred travel dates. We'll check availability, confirm the start date, and if you're happy to proceed, send you a payment request for the booking deposit of €100 per person. Simple as that.

What if I'm not sure which tour to choose?

Email us anyway. Tell us your dates, number of people, room requirements (double, twin, or single), and a comfortable daily cycling distance and we'll design a tour around you. We typically come back within 24 hours, though complex itineraries, large groups, or enquiries during our busiest months of February, March, and April may take a little longer.

How do I pay for my cycling holiday?

We accept card payments via Stripe — secure, straightforward, and the most common method. Bank transfer is also available for guests who prefer it, and wire transfers work fine for guests booking from the US. We'll confirm all payment details when we correspond by email and nothing moves forward until you're completely happy.

When is the final balance due?

Final payment dates are linked to your tour start date: April tours by 1 March, May and June tours by 31 March, July tours by 30 April, August tours by 31 May, September tours by 30 June, and October tours by 31 July. We'll remind you well in advance and send a payment request at the right time.

What information do I need to provide when booking?

We'll ask for guest heights for correct bike sizing, bike type preference, dietary requirements to pass on to your accommodation, and a contact phone number for the road. We'll ask for these at the right stage of the booking process — you don't need to have everything ready on day one.

What do I receive after making a booking?

Once your deposit is received we confirm your booking and provide advice on what to bring, how to get to the start of your tour, and how to get home from the finish point afterwards. After final payment is received, we send full accommodation details for every overnight stop on your tour.

What happens just before the tour starts?

We reconfirm your day-one meeting time with your local guide for bike fitting and tour briefing. At that meeting we provide a support phone number, walk you through the navigation app, fit and adjust your bike, and make sure you have everything you need before you set off. It's a relaxed, thorough start to the trip.