
Galway Gravel Grinder 2026
Scenic cycling event in Galway 🚵
The Galway Gravel Grinder is a cycling event in scenic West County Galway through forests with gravel trails and quiet back roads mainly around Galway Wind Park. The event is organised by the Galway Bay Cycling Club and has been taking place annually since 2017.
As the name suggests, the Galway Gravel Grinder is a gravel cycling event, meaning that the race takes place on unpaved roads, with the course taking participants through some of the most scenic and rugged terrain in the region. The event is designed to challenge cyclists of all abilities, with multiple route options available to cater to both experienced riders and those who are new to the sport.
Three Routes to Choose From: The Epic, The Crush and The Craic!
The Galway Gravel Grinder typically takes place in late August, with the exact date varying from year to year. Participants can choose from several different distances, with routes ranging from 65km to 125km in length as outlined below.
| EPIC | CRUSH | CRAIC |
| The Epic route is the top challenge over 110km with an elevation climb of 1,800 meters. 125 km | The Crush route is for serious cyclists looking for a challenge over 80km with around 1,500m climbs. 100 km | The Craic is for participants of all levels of ability and a terrific introduction to gravel cycling with around 800m climbs. 65 km |
The Galway Grinder attracts entrants from all over Ireland and beyond, with riders drawn to the beautiful scenery and challenging terrain of the West of Ireland. It is considered one of the premier gravel cycling events in Ireland, and is a must-do for anyone looking to experience and lively cycling event challenge on the Wild Atlantic Way.