Start: Galway

Your Itinerary


Galway and Connemara Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Self-Guided | 8 days | 7 nights | From £725 per person

Book the Galway and Connemara cycling holiday here >>

Along the Wild Atlantic Way there are plenty of interesting sights to discover, such as Dungaire Castle near Kinvarra. Starting from Galway, the first leg takes you through County Clare to the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan.

The following day you are cycling in the unique karst (limestone) landscape of the Burren to Doolin, renowned for traditional Irish music, for a two night stopover. The Burren coastline and more importantly to the Cliffs of Moher.

You’ll catch the ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands for a night. You depart the island from Galway Bay, from where you ride west through Connemara to Clifden, often labeled the capital of Connemara, for your last 2 nights.

Cycle Route: Galway and Connemara

The average stage of this tour is about 40 – 60 km. You mostly cycle on secondary roads, only on a few passages there is a little bit of traffic. We recommend cyclists with a decent level of fitness.

The approximate difficulty level for this tour

Difficulty Scale

Day-by-Day Cycling Holiday Itinerary


Day 1: Arrival in Galway

Arrive in Galway (there are regular buses from Shannon Airport or Dublin Airport). Stay the night at B & B or guesthouse. Depending on arrival time, our partner wants to meet you with your rental bicycle. Galway is a bustling university town and with 67,000 inhabitants the fourth largest city in Ireland. The city center back to the middle is not difficult to find a pub.

Day 2: Galway – Ballyvaughan approx. 55-70 km

The route takes you away from the city along the coast to Oranmore and you leave the busier roads behind as soon as you reach Kilcolgan. From there it is on quiet backroads past the ruins of Kilcolgin Castle. Kinvarra is a beautiful fishing village. Continue your journey further south into the area known as The Burren. Finish the day at the colorful village of Ballyvaughan.

Day 3: Ballyvaughan – Doolin approx. 40 km

A very beautiful day that will bring you into the Burren National Reserve, your first glimpse of this very unusual and unique region. You are passing by the Burren Perfumery, Ireland’s only perfumery, with its informational visitor center, entertaining you on the unusual botany of the region. Carroll for lunch on the way back to Lisdoonvarna (along the route to the Polunabrone Dolmen adds 4km) and finish the day in the colorful village of Doolin.

4th day: Rest day in Doolin or loop rides approx. 45/60 km

If you have not done it the previous day cycle (or walk) to the Cliffs of Moher. There is also a beautiful cycle along the coast road to Fanore with its sandy beach favored by surfers. From here, turn in on the unique Burren landscape to cycle back to Doolin on minor back-roads.

5th Day: Ferry ride to the Aran island of Inishmore

Cycle to the pier (not included) to the island of Inishmore (the largest of the 3 Aran Islands). The Angkor, the semi-circular fort is over 3,000 years old and holds a special place in Irish mythology , Less known is the Black Fort (Dun Duchathair) where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful cliffs on the island. There are early Christian churches, monasteries and cemeteries. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name. Spend the night on the island to get a feel for Iceland life.

6th Day: Inishmore (Rossaveal) – Clifden approx. 60 km

The Black Fort (a promontory continues with 3 sides falling steeply into the sea and the 4th side protected by a massive wall) There will be time to visit the shops at the harbor Offering traditional Aran sweaters in front of Rossaveal at noon, you will be taken to Connemara along the coast and over sections of the bog-roads to the market town of Clifden.

Sign: shorter variation possible

7th Day: Clifden along the coast (several options)

You have the opportunity to visit the island of Inishboffin. Leaves from Cleggan (10km one way). Roundstone, where you can see traditional musical instruments (bodhrans) being made by hand. There is also a beautiful a ride out of the sky to enjoy some sublime coastal scenery and views across the Atlantic and the islands.

8th Day Departure or extension

Breakfast, followed by your onward journey by bus to Galway from where you can travel to Dublin (by train or bus). Alternatively by bus to Shannon airport.

Map & Route Information

Route Profile
The average stage of this tour is about 40 – 60 km. You mostly cycle on secondary roads, only on a few passages there is a little bit of traffic. We recommend cyclists with a decent level of fitness.

Where is the starting point of the holiday?


Tour Route Map

Tour Information

Holiday Information.

The Galway and Connemara tour stays in Guesthouses, 3* and 4* hotels can be arranged in some or all locations carefully chosen for their location, hospitality and proximity to your tour route.

Included services

- Route maps, cue sheets and written directions
– Directions to and contact details for accommodations
– Information about en route attractions and interest sites
– Details of en-route services including suggested refreshment stops
– Information about trailhead town, staging towns and destination town
– Suggestions for evening meals and for evening entertainment
– Telephone helpline

Star Star Star

Your Prices

Galway and Connemara, 8 days, 7 nights
All prices are per person and include bike hire.

Cycling Holiday Prices:

Prices are based on seasonal date bands:

Season 1: April to September
Arrival daily

Category A: Prices per person including bike hire
Season 1: £725 | Book online here >>
Single Room Supplement: £Availible on Request

Hotel Category Descriptions
Accommodation in comfortable hotels can be arranged in some or all locations

Extra nights are available to book on this tour
Prices are per person per night and based on two sharing. Single supplements apply.

For extra nights, you will stay in the same hotel. Please let us know if you wish to book extra nights at the start or at the end of the tour when completing your ‘Booking Request’.

Any local tourist taxes are not included in the holiday price and are payable at the hotel.

Holiday Price: From £725
Single Supplement: From £1865

Click here to book now
Call: 01706 618155

Wheel2Wheel Holidays is part of KE Adventure Travel Ltd.

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