The Grand Tour

DAY 2 - Galway – Ballyvaughan

75km (46mls) Gradient +439m/-442m

The route takes you away from the city along the coast to Oranmore and you leave the busier roads behind to cycle along the backroads to the village of Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan, from where you turn to ride past the ruined Kilcolgan castle. The route then keeps for a little while along the coast before turning inland to head to Ballindereen and then to Kinvara. This colourful village is picturesquely situated on Galway Bay. The day's cycling ends in the pretty village of Ballyvaughan where you will spend the night. Ballyvaughan has a number of excellent cafes and restaurants and also one of the best whiskey bars in Ireland.

DAY 3 - Ballyvaughan – Doolin

46km (29mls) Gradient +353m – longer options available

This is a stunning ride along the amazing coast passing Black Head from whereon it will then become obvious to you why this is such a unique area. Doolin is famous for traditional Irish music being played in the local pubs.

DAY 4 - Doolin

Island: 18km (11mls) Gradient +170m/-170m
Cliffs of Moher: 15km (10mls) Gradient +236m/-233m
longer option available

Another night in Doolin to explore the many sites in this area or perhaps consider a day trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. Ferry (ticket not included & must be booked in advance. The island is rich in historic and pre-historic sites and highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Aenghus, the Seven Churches and the coast road to the west of the port village of Kilronan. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name.

From Doolin it is a relatively short cycle to the Cliffs of Moher. They stretch for 8km (5miles), as the crow flies, along the Atlantic coast and reach 214m (702 feet) at their highest point. There is a walking path along the Cliffs offering spectacular views.

DAY 5 - Doolin to Kilkee

69km (43mls) Gradient +661/-665m

You are heading steadily south via the coastal village of Lahinch, famous for surfing and golfing, to the small town of Kilkee where you will stay for two nights. There are some stunning beaches along the way. Kilkee is a safe swimming beach and has been a popular holiday destination since the Victorian times.

DAY 6 - Kilkee Loop

(40km (25mls) Gradient +352m/-352m)/-256m or
longer loop to lighthouse 65km (40mls) Gradient +540m/-540m

There is a beautiful bicycle ride around Loop Head. The tip of the head is occupied by a graceful lighthouse, the land is level and bright with wild flowers, pink thrift, yellow vetch and white campion. You can climb the Loop Head Lighthouse for panoramic views, extending north and south along the coast of Ireland – from Kerry to the Cliffs of Moher. The cycling is on quiet backroads, along you can visit Carrigaholt Castle, a typical Norman towerhouse.

DAY 7 - Kilkee Ennis

57km (37mls) climb +466m/-471m - longer option available

Turning inland you ride through the stone walled fields of this beautiful pastoral landscape on the quiet backroads of County Clare. The bustling small town of Ennis is your destination. Traditional Irish music is playing in most of the pubs lining the pedestrianised main road with charming shops and welcoming atmosphere, offering an authentic taste of Irish culture.

DAY 8 - Ennis – Galway

76km (46mls) Gradient: +476m/-475

Cycle north to Galway from Ennis through quiet rolling countryside via Kilmacduagh, a substantial early Christian monastic settlement, including a (leaning) round tower. Continue via the pleasant seaside village of Kinvara before proceeding to Galway for the night.

DAY 9 - Galway – Cong

60km (37mls) Gradient +351m/-344m

Continue north again on the quiet backroads to Headford where you will find another important monastic settlement (Ross Errilly), like the one of yesterday, it is substantial but not on the tourist trail and thus invites exploration. Cong is a quaint beautiful village, famed for being the location of Ashford Castle, one of Ireland’s finest hotels. The grounds of the hotel invite you to walk and admire the various trees that the Guinness family had planted here centuries ago. Other interesting sites are Cong Abbey and the Monk’s fishing house.

DAY 10 - Cong – Westport

60km (37mls) Gradient +708m/-703

Starting from Cong you ride along the lakes of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask to the village of Tourmakeady. Here you decide to either cycle over the Partry Hills giving you stunning views or you can keep on the lake shore on a low level cycle. Today’s target is the colourful market town of Westport, numerous times winner of Ireland’s tidy towns award as well as being voted the best town to live in Ireland. It is also a place to listen to excellent music.

DAY 11 - Westport – Achill

46km (29mls) Gradient +347/-358

A day of cycling on a dedicated cycling path called the Great Western Greenway, the distance from Westport to the end of the trail at Achill sound is 45km and has recently been extended onto the island proper.

DAY 12 - Achill Island loops

Loop 1: 28km (17mls) Gradient +309m/-309m
Loop 2: 25km (15mls) Gradient +264m/-271m
Loop 3: 51km (32mls) Gradient +736m/-736m

Achill island fascinates with fantastic cliffs, stunning beaches and historic sites such as the Deserted Village, and Norman tower house owned by the pirate queen Grace O’Malley.

DAY 13 - Achill – Westport

46km (29mls) Gradient +347/-358

Return from Achill to Westport along the Greenway

DAY 14 - Westport – Leenane

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

Today’s cycle will bring you along Clew Bay to the small town of Louisburgh and then through the scenic Delphi Valley to the shores of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, and the village of Leenane, which was the setting for the film “The Field” with Richard Harris.

DAY 15 - Leenane – Clifden

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

This coastal cycle is one of the most breathtaking routes in Ireland, offering stunning views of the Atlantic coastline, rugged mountains, and serene countryside. The route is known for its wild beauty and vast open landscapes dotted with sheep. As you approach the village of Letterfrack, you will see Connemara National Park, home to the majestic Diamond Hill, a great place for a short hike if you want to stretch your legs. The cycle then continues toward the Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and offshore islands. Finally, you’ll arrive in Clifden, known as the capital of Connemara, with cozy pubs, great seafood, and a lively atmosphere. Here you will stay for two nights.

DAY 16 - Clifden – Loop rides or rest day

DAY 17 - Clifden – Carna

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 Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village of Carna, a quiet seaside village known for its rich Irish culture, traditional music, and beautiful coastline. You will cycle through blanket boglands, sparkling lakes, and the distant peaks of the Twelve Bens as you make your way to Carna. If you did not have time to do the Roundstone loop yesterday you will have the option to visit it today.

DAY 18 - Carna to Oughterard

69km (43mls) Gradient +615m/-615m

Cycle along the indented South Connemara coastline to near Casla and from here it is a most beautiful road through the bogs to Oughterard located on one or Ireland’s biggest lakes (Lough Corrib)

DAY 19 - Oughterard to Galway

41km (25mls) Gradient +274/-281

The route will bring you on quiet back roads back to the coast through Salthill and into Galway City for another night in this bustling university town. Galway City offers everything from fantastic restaurants, great music pubs, theatre, street artists, a medieval pedestrianised city centre, to a most beautiful sea-front walk called “The Prom”.

DAY 20 - Depart - Galway

Breakfast and departure for your onward journey - you can catch a bus or train to Dublin.