DELUXE CONNEMARA

Luxury Tour

A 5 night Self-guided luxury bicycling tour in Ireland

Luxury Tour

A trip to take in the best that Connemara has to offer whilst staying in beautiful country manor house hotels away from the hustle and bustle of cities. You have a chance to explore the magnificent countryside of Connemara at your own speed. Highlights of this tour are cycling through the Connemara National Park, visiting Kylemore Abbey, and the Sky Road. Stay in Clifden, a colourful small town, where you have a chance to listen to traditional music.

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Dublin or Shannon Airport before heading to Galway, where you’ll settle into a five-star hotel. Spend the evening exploring Galway’s medieval streets, lively pubs, and vibrant music scene before dining at one of its top restaurants. The next day, after breakfast, you’ll be fitted with your bike and transferred to Oughterard, the gateway to Connemara. Cycle through quiet back roads and stunning landscapes of bogs, lakes, and forests before arriving at the luxurious Screebe House. Unwind with a gourmet meal at Scríob Restaurant, enjoying modern Irish cuisine crafted from the finest local ingredients.

Continuing west, you’ll ride past the Twelve Bens mountains and along the rugged coastline to Ballynahinch Castle, where you’ll enjoy fine dining at Owenmore Restaurant. Explore the fishing village of Roundstone, visit the breathtaking Dog’s Bay Beach, and cycle the famous Sky Road with its stunning Atlantic views. Stops include Clifden Castle and Derrigimlagh, where Alcock and Brown made history with the first transatlantic flight. Your final night is spent at the charming Abbeyglen Castle Hotel before your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable Connemara adventure.

Starting Dates

April – October

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival

DAY 1 - Arrival - Galway (collection from airport)

Arrive to Dublin / Shannon Airport where you will be greeted and transferred to your 5 star accommodation in Galway. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the narrow pedestrian medieval streets. Galway has an excellent selection of traditional Irish pubs, most of which will have music and story-telling in the summer evenings. Enjoy an evening meal in one of Galway’s finest restaurants before retiring for the night.

DAY 2 - Galway – Screebe

(42km/26mls Gradient +443m/-446m)

After breakfast we will collect you from your hotel and bring you to our bike shop where we will fit you to your bike before transferring you to your starting point in Oughterard, the gateway to Connemara. From here you will travel on a very quiet back road onto a plateau of bogs, moorland, lakes and forests. As you ride, take in panoramic views stretching from the serene waters of Lough Corrib to the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Your destination is the exquisite Screebe House, a historic retreat overlooking the tranquil shores of Camus Bay. Upon arrival, your luggage will be waiting, allowing you to unwind and immerse yourself in luxury. In the evening, indulge in a gourmet dining experience at Scríob Restaurant, where modern Irish cuisine is crafted with the finest local ingredients.

DAY 3 - Screebe – Ballynahinch

(30km/19mls Gradient +190m/-202m)

You will head further west into Connemara with great views of the Twelve Bens, the mountains of the Connemara National Park. You will cycle along the indented South Connemara coastline and across the bogs. Your days ride concludes at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, a haven of luxury nestled amid woodlands and riverbanks. Enjoy dinner at the renowned Owenmore Restaurant, overlooking the serene Owenmore River. The menu showcases contemporary dishes crafted from the finest and freshest seasonal produce, with a focus on the West Coast's abundant fresh fish and game.

DAY 4 - Ballynahinch Loop

(54km (33mls) Gradient +363m/-358m)

You will have the opportunity to visit the charming fishing village of Roundstone, a picture-perfect coastal town that has long been a haven for artists and writers. Stroll along its quaint harbour, where traditional Galway Hooker boats bob in the water, and explore its local craft shops, art galleries and seafood restaurants serving the freshest catch of the day. Just a short ride from Roundstone, is Dog’s Bay Beach, often regarded as one of Ireland’s most breathtaking and unspoiled beaches. With its pristine white sand—composed of tiny, crushed seashells rather than rock—and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Dog’s Bay could easily be mistaken for a tropical paradise. After a day of adventure, return to the luxurious Ballynahinch Castle, nestled in a stunning 700-acre estate of woodland, rivers, and mountains.

DAY 5 - Ballynahinch to Clifden

DAY 5 - Ballynahinch - Clifden

(30km (19mls) Gradient +200m/-206m)

Today, you will cycle to the vibrant town of Clifden, often called the "Capital of Connemara." Nestled between the Twelve Bens mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Clifden is a charming and lively hub known for its colourful shopfronts, welcoming atmosphere, and rich history. Take the scenic Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most breathtaking cycling routes, offering spectacular views of the rugged coastline, offshore islands, and the vast Atlantic horizon. Along the way, stretch your legs with a short walk to the evocative ruins of Clifden Castle, a 19th-century manor house that once belonged to John D'Arcy, the town’s founder.

History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Derrigimlagh where Alcock and Brown completed the first transatlantic flight in 1919. As evening falls, retreat to the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, a luxurious and characterful stay set against a stunning Connemara backdrop.

DAY 6 - Departure - transfer to Airport

DAY 6- Departure - transfer to Airport

Breakfast and transfer to Shannon / Dublin Airport.

Tour Details

Included

Accommodation & Meals

Stay 5 nights in hand-selected 4* boutique hotels, elegant manor houses, or historic castle properties — each chosen for their charm, setting, and exceptional service. Your package includes gourmet breakfasts daily and 4 evening meals showcasing regional cuisine and local ingredients, served in atmospheric settings.

Meet & greet

Your journey begins with a warm welcome from one of our experienced local guides. You’ll receive a private bike fitting and full tour briefing, with personalised recommendations for making the most of your luxury cycling experience.

Bicycles & Equipment

Our premium touring fleet includes Trek hybrid bikes, electric, road, or gravel bikes to match your preference and terrain. Each bike comes fully equipped with high-quality panniers, helmet, repair kit, lock, and a handlebar pouch. E-bikes feature quiet Bosch motors and long-range batteries for relaxed, extended touring.

Option 1 - Trek FX2 Hybrid Touring Bike

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.

Option 2 - Trek Checkpoint Gravel Bikes

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.

Option 3 - Trek Road Bike

Our Trek road bikes are sleek and lightweight, 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.

Option 4: Trek Electric Bikes

We use the high quality, reliable E-bikes. 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+.

Airport Transfers

Private arrival and departure transfers are included from Dublin or Shannon Airport

Luggage transfers

All daily luggage transfers are taken care of – your bags will be waiting at your next hotel so you can ride free and light

Roadside Assistance

Enjoy peace of mind with dedicated local support contact. In the unlikely event of a breakdown or weather disruption, we’ll have you back on the road — or comfortably transported — without delay.

Tour pack

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

Starting / Departing Location

We collect you from Dublin or Shannon Airport and return you there at the conclusion of your tour — or to another onward travel point by arrangement. Your luxury experience begins and ends in comfort and style.

Luxury Cycle Tour Accommodation

You are opting for a luxury bicycling tour in Ireland and your hotels at the end of each day are handpicked to represent the most luxurious, welcoming, comfortable, and authentic accommodation in castles or manor houses. Each one has character, charm, a magnificent setting and excellent standards of service. Their spas offer the pinnacle of relaxation and care, the perfect way to be pampered after a rewarding bicycle ride. And their restaurants are home to award-winning chefs, sophisticated dining rooms, and well-stocked cellars, all ready to provide you with gourmet meals using the best of local produce.

Screebe House Hotel

Screebe House is a historic Victorian country house built in 1872, nestled along the serene shores of Camus Bay in Connemara, County Galway. Originally established as a fishing lodge, it was meticulously restored in 2010 to blend its rich heritage with modern luxury.

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

This beautiful Castle Hotel has been home to the Martyn family of Galway before being owned by a Maharajah, and then becoming a hotel. The hotel owns the rights to the river and fly-fishing for salmon and sea-trout is very popular. It has won many awards for the cuisine, the service and is just simply stunning, yet still very relaxed.

From €3,550

Frequently asked questions

Information about Self-guided luxury cycling tour in 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.