Cycling from Clifden. Galway. Self-guided. 1
Cycling from Clifden. Galway. Self-guided. 2
Cycling from Clifden. Galway. Self-guided. 3
Cycling from Clifden. Galway. Self-guided. 4
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Cycling from Clifden. Galway. Self-guided.

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Galway, Ireland
Bike ToursSightseeing ToursAdventure ToursNature Tours
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About this activity

Explore Connemara's dramatic coastlines and cultural landmarks on a self-guided cycling adventure departing from Clifden. Choose your own route through bog roads, fishing villages, and Wild Atlantic Way scenery, with hybrid bikes and detailed maps provided.

Discover Connemara from a bike! This highly scenic cycling trip starts in the town of Clifden, Connemara, situated 78km from Galway. Clifden is the perfect base to explore Connemara’s rich history and heritage and to experience the spectacular land & seascapes of the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Pick up your hybrid bike, equipment and map in Clifden from 10.00am and choose how you will spend an unforgettable day in the unspoilt landscape that is Connemara. Start by planning your route individually. We suggest the following routes: 

1. Enjoy a scenic ride from Clifden along the haunting bog road to Roundstone, a picturesque fishing village. On the ride back to Clifden pass Ballyconneely, taking your time to admire the craggy Connemara coastline before stopping at Alcock & Brown Memorial - the landing site of the first trans-Atlantic flight. (2h15 - 40km) 

2. Set off for Tullycross and then take the renowned Connemara Loop to discover the beautiful Renvyle Peninsula and the former castle of the pirate queen Grace O’Malley! (3h - 50km) 

3. Another suggestion is to hit the road and ride along the Wild Atlantic Way heading for the charming fishing village of Cleggan. Pass by Claddaghduff and its beautiful Omey Beach on your way back and stopping of course for numerous photos of the evocative coastal landscapes. (1h30 - 23km) 

4. From Clifden, follow the world-famous Sky Road, that literally gives you a panoramic view of land and ocean along the Wild Atlantic Way. Stop at Clifden Castle to explore this charming ruin. (1h - 11km) 

For lunch, we suggest you choose Roundstone, Cleggan or Clifden depending on your itinerary. Enjoy delicious local seafood or taste traditional Irish fare. (price of lunch not included in the package). 

The bike and equipment should be dropped off at Clifden by 6.00pm. 

(Transport to the starting point is not included. Regular busses travel from Galway City)  

Highlights

  • ✓Self-guided flexibility—design your day around 4 suggested routes (23–50km options)
  • ✓Connemara Loop and Renvyle Peninsula with views of Grace O'Malley's castle ruins
  • ✓Alcock & Brown Memorial—site of the first transatlantic aircraft landing
  • ✓Sky Road scenic panorama overlooking mountains and Atlantic coastline
  • ✓Picturesque fishing villages: Roundstone, Cleggan, Claddaghduff with Omey Beach
  • ✓Bog roads, craggy coastlines, and unspoilt landscape photography

Insider tips

  • ★Start early from the 10:00 am bike collection to maximise daylight, especially in shoulder seasons
  • ★The Sky Road route is shortest (1h30) but most scenic—ideal if time or fitness is limited
  • ★Roundstone and Cleggan have pubs and cafés; pack snacks or plan lunch stops in advance
  • ★Wind is common on coastal stretches; dress in layers and expect bog roads to be muddy after rain

Good to know

  • •Hybrid bikes and maps included; helmets recommended (confirm availability at collection)
  • •8-hour window allows flexibility—return bike anytime before closure
  • •Collection point: Clifden town at 10:00 am; no guided support (self-guided only)
  • •Routes range 23–50km; moderate fitness suits longer loops; terrain includes bog roads and coastal climbs
  • •No public transport between routes—cycling is your only onward transport

Who it's for

Independent cyclists seeking flexible, self-paced explorationNature and history enthusiasts interested in Wild Atlantic Way heritage sitesPhotographers wanting dramatic coastal and landscape shotsCouples or small groups comfortable with moderate cycling fitness (up to 50km)

Best time to visit

Late spring through early autumn (May–September) offers dry roads, long daylight, and passable bog conditions. Summer weekends attract tourists to villages; midweek visits are quieter. Winter bog roads become waterlogged and daylight is limited.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€45
per person