Best Cycling Routes

If you are looking for a peaceful, family friendly cycle to take in the splendid scenery of Connemara, the 6km Ballynahinch Greenway cycling route is for you. The route follows along the Ballynahinch River and Lake which includes the Old Clifden to Galway railway line and is away from busy roads. You’ll be immersed in nature on route with numerous species of wildlife inhabiting the forests of oak and beech trees on either side, that tower over the riverbank and lakeside trails as they wind along the water’s edge. Watch for otter families, iridescent kingfishers, or diving dippers looking for food for their young. Watch for salmon and trout leap in the Owenmore River while taking breaks on one of the many benches along the way. Ballynahinch Castle Estate offers bicycle hire for both hotel guests and for the general public. This relatively short section is part of larger plans to extend the Galway greenway from the town of Clifden to Galway City for 76km route tracing the historic railway line which closed in 1935.

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A full-day cycling tour of the Inis Mór is a wonderful way to discover the sights on this fascinating, and breathtakingly beautiful island,at the mouth of Galway Bay. This cycle route circles the entire island in a moderately long ride of 55 km, with stops at all the top attractions along the way. As anyone who has ever visited any of the Aran Islands knows, the best way to get around, if you’re able, is by bike. Renting a bike on Inis Mór only costs about €20 for the day (and comes with an island map and a helmet). Cycling around the island, you will notice it is covered in thousands of absurdly small fields, each with a wall that was meticulously constructed by hand, stone by tiny stone. The three Aran Islands reportedly have a combined length of about 1000 miles of ancient stone walls (that’s 1,000 miles of wall on roughly 16 square miles of land). Departing the ferry port at Kilronan all roads lead to Dún Aonghasa, the island’s main attraction and just over 8 kilometers from the pier. Although there is a marginally quicker inland route, it involves steep hills. The seaside route offers much more picturesque views that include a stop at the island’s seal population.

Your route around the island will take in Kilmurvey with its adorable craft village and stunning beach of the whitest sand. From here you can explore the immense ancient cliff fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched 300ft overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and dating from 1500bc. 1km to the south you’ll encounter Poll na bPeist, more widely referred to as the Worm Hole, a perfectly rectangular natural pool in the limestone along the island’s southern coast, where the Red Bull Cliff diving event was held some years back. Continuing west you’ll also Dún Eoghanachta and iron age fort and Na Seacht dTeampaill (The Seven Churches), which was once one of the largest monastic establishments and a major destination for pilgrims along Ireland’s west coast. After a long day in the saddle, stop in at Tí Joe Wattys Bar & Seafood Restaurant to top off one of the most interesting cycles in the west of Ireland.

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This scenic route involves a steady climb of about 150m above sea level early on, but cyclists are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Atlantic, the islands of Inishturk, Turbot, and Clifden town. It overlooks Clifden Bay to the south and Streamstown Bay to the north. Additionally, you will pass the ruins of Clifden Castle, which served as John D’Arcy’s home prior to the town’s founding in the early 19th century. The route will split into lower and upper roadways not long after you see the Castle Gates. The top road is the most well-known because of the views it provides over the entire area, while the lower road, which descends to the sea, will give you more close-up views of the area and islands. In the direction of the peninsula’s tip, the landscape is comparatively flat. Riders will return to the main route along the serene Streamstown Bay coastline.

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The Connemara Loop is a long but leisurely, 1– 3 day (150 km) circular scenic cycling route through the wilds of Connemara, visiting charming villages one after another, breathtaking beaches, and inspiring Wild Atlantic Way coasts in Co. Galway. The circuit, which departs from Clifden, is a looping route that passes through the most popular sights, encompassing the top activities, and picturesque towns like Ballyconneely, Roundstone, Kilkieran, Leenaun, and Letterfrack. The Sky Road, Derrigimlagh Bog, Bunowen Bay, Gorteen Bay, Finish Island (Oileán Fnis), An Gort Mór hill, Killary Harbour and Fjord, Crump Island view, the ferry to Inishbofin, and Omey Island are just a few of the Wild Atlantic Way stops that can be discovered on your travels.

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Discover the lovely forest trails and serene lake coastlines on this gentle family friendly cycle route in Clonbur. Co. Galway. You’ll come across geological wonders, wooded splendor, beautiful flowers and wildlife in this exquisite Wild Atlantic Way location. The Clonbur Wood Loop Cycle is a lush 7.5km trail, taking you through lovely mixed woods and along the peaceful surroundings of the south side of Lough Mask. The loop follows well maintained forest road and track and is simple and level throughout. Enjoy all the treasures of this County Galway setting, including the picturesque Clonbur River, the islands that dot Lough Mask, and the beautiful limestone walkways. This breathtaking natural picture is made up of both domestic and foreign tree species, including Beech, Ash, Hazel, Birch, Willow, Yew, Scots Pine, and Larch.

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The over 16 km long Derroura Mountain Bike Trail Network is situated some 7 kilometers to the west of Oughterard, where Connemara begins. Epic views of the Maam valley in the north and the Twelve Pins to the west are enjoyed from the bike tracks throughout the loop. Derroura is the best purpose built mountain biking course in Galway, all situated amid some of Connemara’s most breathtaking landscapes. Over this 16 km of singletrack waymarked trail, you’ll encounter tough, steep, and rocky spots with exposed rock slabs, boulders, muck, roots, loose gravel. From the halfway point of the routes, you will encounter the most arduous ascents and exhilarating descents with fantastic views including the entirety of Lough Corrib and its countless islands.

Towards the end of the route you’ll encounter raised timber boardwalk segments traversing dense pine forests, however care must be taken as they are quite narrow and can be slippery when wet. The trail is not far from Derroura MTB Hire where bikes and all equipment can be rented for the perfect biking experience. They also provide toilets and showers to clean up after an exhilarating ride.

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Discover the route that Galway locals like to take along the canals and River Corrib in Galway City. Starting at The Claddagh, follow the path by the old Eglinton Canal where you’ll pass the old lock with its impressive waterfall. Continue on until you reach the grounds of the University of Galway. Make your way through the college keeping the River Corrib to your right until you reach a winding gravel track which leads from the Quincentennial Bridge past the new engineering building all the way to Dangan Sportsgrounds. There are lovely wooded areas to discover as well as views of the enchanting Menlo Castle across the river. You can roll up your pants and dangle your feet in the cool waters of the river to take a break from the saddle in Dangan. The path circles back around the sports field, but if you can make it to Dangan House Nurseries by going through some woods, you can treat yourself with tea, pastries, or even curries in their Garden Centre tea rooms.

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Bonaveen is the longest trail in Portumna Forest Park. It winds along the open lakeshore and through a variety of conifer and deciduous forests, encompassing the beautiful Bonaveen Point area beside the lake and the western section of the park.

The western area of the park, including lovely Bonaveen Point near the lake, is part of this trail, which is the park’s longest loop. The visitor is introduced to a wide variety of habitats along the shoreline and in mature Scots Pine forests. It explores parts of the park that visitors have never before visited. Similar to the other trails in the park, bicycles must yield to walkers whenever they meet on narrow trails but most of the time, walkers return the favour to cyclists.

The narrow track leads north from the car park into extensive Scots Pine woodland. It then curves around the summit of Portumna Golf Club, passing through an older beech forest and a younger mixed broadleaf forest. High fences with deer gates will be there when you pass through them to prevent deer from accessing the golf course. When you get to the clubhouse, proceed straight across while keeping an eye out for vehicles entering and exiting the car park.

The following section takes you over a sizable turlough at the park’s western edge. This is a characteristic of low-lying limestone regions where the water table changes seasonally. Cranes, ducks, and other waterfowl find refuge here during the winter. It brings you close to the abandoned Bonaveen harbour and onto the lengthy section that circles the lakeside before turning onto a woodland road to the south of the golf club. This region of the park has some of the most beautiful scenery and offers fantastic views of the vast Lough Derg, which is a popular summertime destination for pleasure boats. Be prepared with appropriate clothing as the Bonaveen trail can be fairly exposed to poor weather at times.

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The smallest of the islands, Inis Oirr (Inisheer), is distinguished by its unique charm. With an area of only 3km by 3km in size, a bike is the ideal way to discover this microcosm of old Irish life. On a bike you can move at your own leisure and pause to explore everything that catches your eye while you navigate the island. There’s a bike hire shop right at the end of the pier and more dotted along the road leading to the beach, so you can’t miss them when disembarking the ferry. No advance booking necessary as there are heaps of bikes.

The Island itself genuinely evokes the atmosphere of a remote fishing community. From the pier, you are met by a pristine white sandy beach with turquoise water, as well as a number of fishing boats, their nets, and fishermen who are returning with their catch.

The highlights of your bike tour will be the Plassey Shipwreck, an iconic shipwreck which has now been resting on Inis Oírr since 1960, having crashed on rocks during a storm. Nearby you can visit the iconic lighthouse dating from the 1850s, with the Cliffs of Moher on the mainland in Clare providing a stunning backdrop. Closer to the village and overlooking the whole island is O’Briens Castle. Built in the 14th century, it is one of the first things you will see as you approach the island. The castle, one of the Aran Islands’ earliest ruins, was inhabited until 1652, when Cromwell’s troops seized the islands. Finally there is the sunken church, Teampall Chaomháin (St Kevin’s Church). Over the centuries sand swallowed up the church and it was saved from disappearing by the islanders who had to dig it out and preserve it for future generations. A half day will give you plenty of time to see everything and still have enough time to relax and enjoy lunch at one of the many pubs or cafes.

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Galway Wind Park, Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm and located in Connemara’s Cloosh Valley, has some of the best forest cycling routes in west County Galway. There are 6 recreational trails with a total combined distance of 48km. The routes are: The Connemara View Loop, Split Rock Trail, Turbine Trail, Seecon Lough Walk, Peak Ridge Path, and the Forest Cycleway. All of the Galway Wind Park routes are ideal for all fitness levels and are family-friendly. Wheelchair users and those with buggies can easily navigate the Split Rock Trail in particular.

The magnificent Galway City to Spiddal route takes riders from the fringes of the Galway city west to the beautiful gaeltacht village of An Spidéal. Along most of the route you’ll have unspoilt views of Galway Bay and on a clear day, you can see the renowned Cliffs of Moher and even the far-off Aran Islands in the distance. Spiddal, also known as An Spidéal in Irish, is about 19 kilometers west of Galway and has a rich cultural heritage and is well known for its strong Irish language traditions, traditional music, and celtic arts. The village is home to a number of craft shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a number of traditional-style thatched cottages which offer visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the area in the past. The route from Galway to Spiddal has some of the most scenic parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, passing through the lovely village of Barna and the beaches of Furbo. When you reach Spiddal, why not picnic at Spiddal pier, which offers views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, or explore the nearby beaches, including Trá na mBan and Trá na bhForbacha. Please note that this route follows the main road west (r336) which is busy with cars and does not have a dedicated cycle lane which makes it suitable for only the most experienced cyclists and it not suitable for young children.

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