The Great Western Greenway and Connemara

A self-guided bicycle tour of The Great Western Cycling Greenway and Connemara

This bike tour starts in the beautiful town of Westport where riders experience the longest and oldest cycling greenway in Ireland. The greenway is constructed along an old railway, 42km in length, linking Westport to Achill Island. The pretty towns of Newport and Mulranny are perfectly situated at equal intervals along the greenway and cyclists experience fantastic views of Clew Bay.

After Westport, the bike tour ventures into Connemara National Park via the spectacular Delphi valley. The route passes through Leenane, via Kylemore Abbey and continues to the small town of Clifden. From here, you will cycle east, via the blanket bogs of south Connemara to the gaeltacht region of Carna, before cycling to the pleasant fishing village of Oughterard, where the tour ends. This is a great tour for groups, families and couples, especially when not everyone rides at the same level.

This trip is especially designed to visit the most beautiful spots in Connemara and the Great Western Greenway whilst one or all are riding electric bicycles.

Starting Dates

April – October

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival - Westport

Arrive in Westport, a charming, bustling market town. Stay the next two nights in a central guesthouse, dinner at your own choosing in one of the many restaurants. We will meet you in the afternoon for a personal introduction to your bicycles and the days ahead.

DAY 2 - Westport - The Great Western Greenway

Up to 92km (57mls) Gradient +344m/-344m

Ride the Great Western Greenway heading along the northern shores of Clew Bay towards Achill Island (Ireland’s biggest island but it is connected by a bridge). This is a rail to trail route away from the traffic and as an out and back allows for adjustable length.

DAY 3 - 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. The village was the setting for the film “The Field” with Richard Harris.

DAY 4 - Leenane – Clifden

49km (30mls) Gradient +498m/-484m – 3 additional optional loops

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 5 - Clifden – Rest Day or 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. If you did not have a chance to do it yesterday you can cycle the Sky Road loop.

DAY 6 - 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 7 - Carna – Oughterard/Galway

69km (43mls) Gradient +615m/-611m

Cycle along the coast to Kilkerrin, continuing along the coast to Costelloe and then head over a very quiet backroad to Oughterard via the newly expanding windfarms. Stay the final night in the small town of Oughterard famed for its fishing on Lough (lake) Corrib

DAY 8 - Oughterard – Departure

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 buses and trains to Galway.

Tour Details

Included

Accommodation & Meals

7 nights ensuite guesthouses/B&Bs/hotels inclusive of 7 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+.

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.

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

Westport – there are regular trains from Dublin and busses available from Ireland West Airport

Departure Location

Oughterard (30min from Galway city) / Galway City – you choose

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.

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.

Leenane Hotel

Located overlooking Killary Harbour the hotel offers 66 rooms, all individually decorated and some with antique furnishings. The hotel also offers reception rooms and facilities, including a Bar, a spacious restaurant and a Private Residents Lounge, with free Wifi. The Restaurant has a deserved reputation for serving good food and fine wines with local produce high on the list of specialties. Killary Mussels are a famous specialty along with fresh Killary Bay Salmon and Rack of Connemara Mountain Lamb.

From €1,650

Frequently asked questions

Information about self-guided bicycle tour 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.