The Grand Tour of West Ireland | Green Marble Tours

The Great Western Greenway Adventure

A long distance self-guided cycling holiday in Ireland

Over the course of 20 days you will explore traditional villages, cycle winding country roads, and immerse yourself in Ireland’s legendary hospitality. This is an unforgettable cycling journey along the rugged, windswept coastline of western Ireland — a region shaped by ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and the welcoming nature of the Irish people. Whilst on this cycling holiday in Ireland you visit the most beautiful spots all the way from Clare to Mayo.

The tour starts with a night in the medieval City of Galway and then goes towards the Cliffs of Moher and the limestone landscape of the Burren. From there the tour goes along the Wild Atlantic Way passing through seaside towns of Lahinch and Kilkee. The tour also travels north to the vibrant town of Westport and Achill Island with its towering sea cliffs and idyllic beaches. You will pass along the banks of Ireland’s only fjord of Killary Harbour before passing by Kylemore Abbey and the beautiful landscape of Connemara. Here you can hear the Irish language being spoken, not to mention the traditional Irish music and dancing (sean nós style) that is thriving in Connemara.

As you traverse a landscape where every bend in the road reveals something new. From windswept beaches to peat bogs, from cozy pubs to ancient castles, each day brings a new adventure.

This itinerary is crafted specifically with seasoned cyclists in mind — those comfortable with sustained daily distances, including some hilly sections. From dramatic coastal cliffs to remote country lanes, it’s a journey best suited to riders with prior touring experience. More than just a bike tour, it’s an immersive adventure through the heart of Ireland’s landscapes and culture.

Starting Dates

April – October

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival – Galway

Arrive in Galway and explore the City. Sample the atmosphere that has made Galway a mecca for musicians, artists, actors and tourists alike. The cobbled pedestrianised streets are lined with bohemian cafes, traditional pubs and craft shops. During the summer months the city has a vibrant and welcoming feel making it one of the most loved cities in Ireland. Depending on your arrival time we will meet you in the afternoon or the next morning for a personal introduction to your bicycles and the weeks ahead.

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 16 - Clifden – Loop rides or rest day

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 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.

Tour Details

Included

Accommodation & Meals

19 nights ensuite guesthouses/B&Bs/hotels inclusive of 19 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 + €250

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 + €280

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.

Upgrade Option 3: Trek Electric Bikes + €350

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+.

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

Galway – there are regular busses from Dublin, Shannon and Ireland West Airports and trains from Dublin City

Departure Location

Galway City from where there are regular busses and trains to Dublin

Not Included

Luggage transfers can be booked separately for total of €1,000 for 2 people + €100 for each extra couple

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.

Lydons Hotel Cong

Established in 1975, Lydons Lodge continues to be a family run business and combines a warm welcome with old world charm. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long trip or a day's cycling.

From €3,500

Frequently asked questions

Information about self-guided cycling holiday 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.