Jewels of Connemara Cycling Tour

Exploring the Heart of Connemara

Jewels of Connemara – a short bike tour in Galway and Connemara along the beautiful west coast of Ireland

Discover the unspoiled beauty of Ireland’s west coast on this enchanting 4-day self-guided cycling journey through Connemara and the Aran Islands. This tour blends scenic cycling with rich cultural encounters, featuring overnight stays in quaint, welcoming villages, a night on the historic island of Inis Mór, and the lively town of Clifden. You will cycle on quiet backroads, enjoying the peaceful Irish countryside, dramatic coastlines, and ancient stone walls, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

Starting Dates

April – October

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival – Oughterard

DAY 1 - Arrival - 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.

DAY 2 - Oughterard

DAY 2 - Oughterard – Rossaveal – Inishmore

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.

DAY 3 - Inishmore - Clifden

DAY 3 - Inishmore – return to the mainland and cycle to Clifden

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

Return to the mainland on the morning ferry and continue cycling north into Connemara with great views of the Twelve Bens, the mountains of the Connemara National Park. You will cycle along the indented Connemara coastline and across the blanket bogs. The town of Clifden is your target, here you find traditional music being played in the pubs.

DAY 4 - Departure – Clifden

DAY 4 - Departure - Clifden

Breakfast and departure for your onward journey. Leave bikes at your accommodation and we will collect them later. There are direct buses back to Galway City from where there are trains to Dublin. Alternatively spend an extra night in Clifden to cycle some amazing loop rides.

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 of 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.

Upgrade Option 1: Trek Checkpoint Gravel Bikes + €90
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 + €90

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.

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 (30min from Galway city)

Departure Location

Clifden – there are regular direct buses back to 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.

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 are 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.