Burren, Aran Islands & Connemara
9 days/8 nights

A Self-Guided Cycling Tour through Connemara and the Burren

This nine-day self-guided cycling holiday brings together the Burren, the Aran Islands and Connemara in one journey across the west of Ireland. Beginning in Galway, you cycle south through the limestone landscape of the Burren to Ballyvaughan and Doolin before taking the ferry to Inis Mór.

From the Aran Islands, the tour continues through South Connemara to Clifden, with two nights to explore the Sky Road, Roundstone and the surrounding coastline. The final stages take you past Kylemore Abbey to Leenane and through Joyce Country to Cong.

Your accommodation is booked in locally run hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses, while we transfer your luggage each day. The tour finishes in Cong, with an included transfer back to Galway on the departure morning.

Highlights

Spectacular scenery of the Burren and Connemara National Parks
Traditional Irish villages, music pubs and Gaeltacht communities
The Wild Atlantic Way
Ancient prehistoric sites
The Cliffs of Moher
The Aran Islands - Dún Aonghasa, one of Ireland’s most spectacular prehistoric sites
Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle
Killary Fjord and Kylemore Abbey
The famous Sky Road cycle
Flexible daily routes with shorter and longer cycling options

This self-guided cycling tour begins in Galway and travels through the Burren National Park, the Aran Islands and Connemara National Park before finishing in the historic village of Cong.

Most cycling days are between 40 and 60 km, with longer route options available for those who want more. The two-night stay in Clifden also allows you to choose shorter local rides or take a full rest day.

The terrain is mainly rolling, with some longer gradual climbs through the Burren and Connemara, but no long, steep mountain climbs. This tour suits leisure cyclists who want to experience a wide variety of landscapes over seven days of cycling.

Departure dates:
Any date between April and October subject to availability

How to get to Galway from Dublin or Shannon Airport ?

Day 1. Arrive in Galway city

Accommodation: B&B Galway city

When you arrive in Galway, we will arrange to get you fitted with bikes and equipment and brief you on the tour. Afterwards you can 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.

Day 2. Cycle from Galway to Ballyvaughan

Distance & climb: 61 km • 380 m, or 72 km • 580 m via the heart of the Burren
Accommodation: Hotel/B&B Ballyvaughan

Leave Galway behind and follow quiet roads south towards the Burren. Both routes pass through the colourful seaside village of Kinvara, with the option to stop at Moran’s Oyster Cottage along the way.

The shorter route continues through the limestone landscape of north Clare, passing Hazel Mountain Chocolate and the ruins of Corcomroe Abbey before reaching Ballyvaughan.

The longer route takes you deeper into the Burren National Park, passing the Burren Perfumery and the 5,000-year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen. From the heart of the Burren, you descend through open limestone country to the coastal village of Ballyvaughan, where you will stay for the night.

Day 3. Cycle the Burren Coast from Ballyvaughan to Doolin + Cliffs of Moher

Distance & climb: 29 km • 275 m to Doolin
plus 14 km • 230 m return to the Cliffs of Moher
Total: 43 km • 505 m | Accommodation: B&B Doolin

Today’s route follows one of the most scenic coastal roads in Ireland. Leaving Ballyvaughan, you cycle beneath the bare limestone slopes of the Burren, with Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean stretching away to your right.

The road passes Black Head Lighthouse and continues past Fanore, where you can stop at the long sandy beach. From Fanore, continue south through the Burren landscape to Doolin.

After arriving in Doolin, take a 14 km return cycle to the Cliffs of Moher. Rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs are one of Ireland’s most impressive natural sights. Return to Doolin for the evening, when the village’s pubs come alive with traditional Irish music.

Day 4. Ferry from Doolin to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands

Cycling distance: 15 km to 30 km on the island Accommodation: B&B Inis Mór

After breakfast, take the ferry from Doolin to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. The island landscape is a continuation of the Burren, with limestone fields divided by miles of dry-stone walls and quiet roads that are ideal for exploring by bike.

Visit Dún Aonghasa, a spectacular cliff-top prehistoric stone fort perched high above the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the maze of winding, quiet roads and historic sites before spending the night on Inis Mór and enjoying the island after most day visitors have departed.

Day 5. Ferry to Rossaveel and Cycle through Connemara to Clifden

Distance & climb: 58 km • 375 m
Accommodation: Hotel/B&B Clifden

Take the morning ferry from Inis Mór to Rossaveel, where you begin cycling west through the flat blanket bogland and scattered lakes of South Connemara. Enjoy spectacular views of the Maumturk Mountains in the distance. Stop for a break at the Pádraig Pearse Cultural Centre before continuing along quiet rural lanes to the vibrant town of Clifden.

With its cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs, Clifden is an excellent place to spend the next two nights.

Day 6. Explore the Coast around Clifden

Distance & climb: Sky Road 31 km • 370 m
Errislannon 22 km • 190 m
Roundstone 42 km • 305 m
Accommodation: Hotel/ B&B Clifden

Choose from three excellent cycling routes around Clifden today.

The famous Sky Road loop is one of Connemara’s most spectacular coastal rides, with sweeping views across the Atlantic coastline. The Errislannon Peninsula offers quiet roads and a shorter option closer to Clifden.

The longer Roundstone route passes through Derrigimlagh, a remarkable site associated with two milestones in transatlantic history: Marconi’s pioneering wireless station and the landing place of Alcock and Brown following the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919. From here, continue south towards the colourful fishing village of Roundstone before looping back to Clifden for the night.

Day 7. Cycle from Clifden to Leenane

Distance & climb: 46 km • 480 m, or 66 km • 690 m including the Cleggan coastal extension
Accommodation: Hotel Leenane

Set out north from Clifden towards the small coastal village of Leenane. You can choose from several routes, adding longer coastal loops depending on how far you would like to cycle.

The longer options visit the small harbour villages of Cleggan and Claddaghduff before continuing towards Kylemore Abbey, an impressive Victorian castle set beneath the Connemara mountains. Stop here for lunch or take time to explore the abbey and its gardens.

Continue through Letterfrack and the villages of the Connemara Loop, cycling between mountains, lakes and the Atlantic coastline before reaching Leenane, overlooking Killary Fjord.

Day 8. Cycle through Joyce Country from Leenane to Cong

Distance & climb: 41 km • 385 m, or 78 km • 650 m including the Doo Lough Valley
Accommodation: B&B Cong

Your final day of cycling takes you through the valleys and lakes of Joyce Country on quiet rural roads. Longer route options include a loop through the spectacular Doo Lough Valley before leaving Leenane.

Continue beside Lough Nafooey and through the newly designated Joyce Country and Western Lakes UNESCO Global Geopark. The route passes sheep farms, stone walls and open mountain scenery before continuing through Clonbur towards Cong.

Spend your final night in this historic village, with time to visit the ruins of Cong Abbey and the grounds of nearby Ashford Castle. After breakfast the following morning, an included transfer will take you from Cong back to Galway City.

Option 1:

Trek FX2 Hybrid Touring Bike – Included in tour price

The FX2 is strong, stable, fun and perfectly suited for Irish roads. Customised for West Ireland Cycling with puncture resistant tyres, mudguards and rear rack. Also available with ladies specific frame. Bike lock, helmet, repair kit, pump and spare tube is also included.

Upgrade Option 1:

Upgrade Option: Trek 520 Adventure Touring Bike + €200

The 520 is the classic steel touring bike. One of the longest-running touring bikes in the world. If you are a committed touring cyclist looking for the best in comfort and durability, this is the bike for you.

Upgrade Option 2:

Upgrade option: Trek Electric Bikes + €300

Our Trek electric touring bikes combine a comfortable riding position with a quiet Bosch motor and high-capacity battery. The pedal assistance makes longer distances and gradual climbs more manageable, while still allowing you to cycle at your own pace.

Electric bikes cannot be carried on the ferry to Inis Mór. Guests can easily rent an e-bike for their cycling on the island from the bike-hire shop located directly beside the ferry pier. Your West Ireland Cycling e-bike will be available again when you return to the mainland at Rossaveel.

Stay comfortably in our carefully hand-picked accommodations

The tour includes eight nights in comfortable, locally run hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Galway, Ballyvaughan, Doolin, Inis Mór, Clifden, Leenane and Cong, including two nights in Clifden.

Every room has a private en-suite bathroom, and breakfast is included each morning. We choose accommodation in or close to the centre of each town or village, with pubs, cafés and restaurants within easy walking distance.

We have worked with many of these hosts for years. They know the local area well, understand the needs of cycling guests and will be happy to help during your stay. Your luggage will be transferred ahead each day and will be waiting when you arrive.

Can’t make the dates or prefer to do this tour in your own group?

No Problem. We understand this set itinerary may not suit everyone.

If you would like to do this tour as a private group, please just email tours@westirelandcycling.com and we will design a custom tour to suit your schedule.

Fantastic Cycling Holiday

West Ireland Cycling provided the bikes (excellent), panniers, custom guidebook, transfers at the start and end of the trip, and comfortable accommodations each night. Our guide book included cycling routes and maps along with optional extensions, points of interest, and dining recommendations. We especially loved the alternative, car-free routes in and out of Cong, as well as the incredible bog road.

We highly recommend experiencing Ireland by bike and letting West Ireland Cycling plan your trip. Gorgeous country, excellent roads (many nearly car-free), patient drivers and lovely people made our trip better than we’d imagined. Thanks, John and everyone at West Ireland Cycling!

Anne, USA, July 2026.

Can’t wait to go back

We were looking for a self-guided trip in Ireland and came across West Ireland Cycling. From beginning to end, John did an amazing job at putting together a 6 night trip. I couldn’t decide between the Conamarra or Burren trip, so he put a trip together that included both! The Trek touring bikes were in great shape. The roads we cycled on were spectacular- along the water, bogs and mountains- full of green, sheep, cows and limestone. The seafood was superb- fresh as can be. I will dream of the oysters when I get home. It was great not to carry luggage and to stay in a warm B and B each night. I would highly recommend this company.

Steven, Switzerland, Sept 2026.

Experience of a life-time

My mom and I spent 7 days cycling with West Ireland Cycling in May. It was absolutely amazing. It was obvious that John and his team had put a ton of effort into the tour to make everything run extremely smoothly.

John provided us with high quality bicycles and maps with very detailed instructions. It’d be impossible to get lost or turned around. The instructions included great cafes, restaurants, lunch spots, and notable sites. There was flexibility within the routes and being able to go at our own pace was great. Every evening we’d arrive at another adorable, clean b&b with our luggage and a comfy bed waiting.

I can’t recommend this particular tour highly enough. John and team went above and beyond several times throughout the trip to make this one of our most memorable vacations. The price is well worth it considering the quality of care, bicycles, and accomodations you get in return. Do it!

Kathy, Canada, June 2026

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Winner 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 Travellers’ Choice 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024.

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