Connemara Family Cycling Adventure

Self-guided cycling holiday suitable for families and guests who like to cycle at a more leisurely pace

There is plenty to explore in Connemara such as the magnificent fortresses on the island of Inishmore. Take part in sheepdog and sheep shearing demonstrations. Here it is easy to enjoy an unforgettable family holiday, whereby every member of the family has a great time on and off the bicycles. Due to the distances this tour is not suitable for children younger than 8 years of age unless they are attached to the parent’s bikes.

Starting Dates

April – October

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival into Oughterard

27km/16mls Gradient +231m/-231m

Arrive in Oughterard (30min from Galway, there are regular buses from Shannon or Dublin airport to Galway), easily reached by bus or taxi from Galway. Stay the night in a B&B or small hotel. We will meet you in the afternoon for a personal introduction to your bicycles and the days ahead. If time allows, there is a beautiful lake side cycle along the banks of Lough Corrib.(27km/16mls Gradient +231m/-231m)

DAY 2 - Oughterard – Rossaveal – Aran islands

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

Cycle to the ferry port of Rossaveal to catch the ferry to the island of Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands. The route brings you on a very quiet back road onto a plateau of bogs, moorland, lakes and forests. There are stunning views back over lake Corrib and then onto the Atlantic. The crossing takes about 1 hour. Explore the sites on this fascinating and unique island, with beautiful beaches, unique geological features such as the “Wormhole” and many blowholes, ringforts and ruins of early Christian sites. Highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Aengus, the Seven Churches and the Black Fort. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name. Stay the night on the island to get a feel for island life.
(To ferry: 28km/17mls Gradient +352m/-360m; On island: 18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m)

DAY 3 - Inishmore Island

On island: 18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m

Another day to explore the sites on this fascinating island with charming thatched cottages, grazing ponies and hidden beaches with crystal-clear waters. Visit the island's unique geological features such as the “Wormhole” and many blowholes, ringforts and ruins of early Christian sites. (On island: 18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m)

DAY 4 - Aran island / back to Rossaveal cycle to Carna

42km (26mls) Gradient +245m/-245m

Spend the morning enjoying the unique landscape of the island before catching the lunchtime ferry back to the mainland. You will be heading north into Connemara proper. There are great views towards the Twelve Bens (the 12 mountains at the centre of the Connemara National Park). Turning west you ride along the indented coastline of South Connemara, passing through the village of Kilkieran before reaching the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village of Carna. This area boasts beautiful sandy beaches. (42km (26mls) Gradient +245m/-245m)

DAY 5 - Carna – Clifden

41km (25mls) Gradient +280m/-301m – can be extended

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 town of Clifden, known as the capital of Connemara, with cozy pubs, great seafood, and a lively atmosphere. You will cycle through blanket boglands, sparkling lakes, and the distant peaks of the Twelve Bens as you make your way to Clifden. (41km (25mls) Gradient +280m/-301m – can be extended)

DAY 6 - Clifden – Loop rides

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

DAY 7 - Departure - Clifden

Breakfast and departure for your onward journey. Leave bikes at your accommodation and we will collect them later. There are buses back to Galway City from where there are busses and trains to Galway.

Tour Details

Included

Accommodation & Meals

6 nights ensuite guesthouses/B&Bs/hotels inclusive of 6 breakfasts

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 aluminum 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+.

Important note regarding electric bikes: Electric bikes are not permitted on the ferry, e-bikes are left at the ferry ticket office and a regular hybrid bike will be rented for you on the island.

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

Oughterard (40min from Galway city)

Departure Location

Clifden – there are regular direct buses back to Galway City from where there are regular buses and trains to Dublin

Tour Accommodations

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

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.

Kilmurvey House

A beautifully restored 18th century farmhouse, Kilmurvey is located at the bottom of Dun Aengus, the biggest of the ring-forts on the island. It is run by the family who are farming on this side of 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.

From €1,300

Frequently asked questions

Information about Family 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.