Green Marble Tours

The Burren Express is a four-day self-guided tour through The Burren in County Clare, a national park of bare limestone, rare plants and one of Ireland's densest concentrations of archaeological sites. Its network of old country roads and narrow laneways is ideal for relaxed cycling.

After a bike fitting and briefing in Galway, riders are driven to Kinvara and pedal through the limestone uplands to Ballyvaughan, passing Poulnabrone Dolmen and Caherconnell Stone Fort. The next day follows the coast road past Fanore beach and Blackhead lighthouse to Doolin, a centre for traditional Irish music.

A full day in Doolin allows a ride to the Cliffs of Moher, which rise more than 700 feet above the Atlantic, before an evening in the village's music pubs. The tour ends with a bus back to Galway or Ennis. Accommodation is in small family-run guesthouses and B&Bs.

Highlights:

• Poulnabrone Dolmen, dating to around 2,500 BC
• Caherconnell Stone Fort and the Burren Perfumery
• Coast road past Fanore beach and Blackhead lighthouse
• Cliffs of Moher
• Traditional music pubs in Doolin

Surface and terrain:
Quiet sealed country roads and small laneways across karst limestone, plus a rugged coastal road. Daily ascent is 230 - 420 m. The Cliffs of Moher cliff-top path is walked, not cycled.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong winds at times on the exposed coast road and around the Cliffs of Moher.

Suitable for:
Leisurely riders wanting a short break, comfortable with 15 - 40 km days on quiet public roads. Rated Easy by the operator; longer options suit stronger riders.

Connemara at its Best is an eight-day self-guided tour from Galway City through the wild west of Ireland, taking in quiet roads, blanket bog, lakes, limestone fields and a dramatic Atlantic coastline. Rated Medium, it can be ridden on a hybrid, road, gravel or electric bike.

After a bike fitting and briefing in Galway, the route heads to Oughterard on Lough Corrib, then to Rossaveel for the ferry to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, with time to explore the island by bike. A morning ferry back sets up the ride to Clifden, where two nights allow a rest day or loops along the Sky Road, Errislannan or Roundstone.

The final days pass Kylemore Abbey on the way to Leenane, then continue to Cong, with optional extensions to Cleggan and the Doo Lough Valley. Luggage transfers, ferry tickets and a final transfer back to Galway are included.

Highlights:

• Ferry crossing to Inis Mór and a ride around the Aran Islands
• The Sky Road, Errislannan and Roundstone loops from Clifden
• Kylemore Abbey on the road to Leenane
• Lough Corrib and the lakeside village of Oughterard
• Blanket bog, lakes and limestone fields on quiet country roads
• The historic village of Cong

Surface and terrain:
Mostly quiet sealed roads through open bog, lake and coastal landscapes, with rolling hills and some longer gradual climbs. Daily ascent is generally 200 - 500 m. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times, particularly on the Aran Islands.

Suitable for:
Moderately fit riders comfortable with 30 - 60 km days on quiet public roads. Rated Medium by the operator; optional extensions suit stronger riders, while an e-bike upgrade makes the hills easier.

West of Ireland Epic Ride is an eight-day self-guided luxury tour through the remote and scenic west of Ireland, centred on Connemara. Every night is spent in a castle, country house or upscale hotel, with airport transfers included at both ends.

After a night in a five-star Galway hotel, the route heads past Lough Corrib to Cong, filming location of The Quiet Man, for a night at The Lodge at Ashford Castle. The next ride follows the Lough Mask shoreline to Westport, where two nights allow a day on the Greenway around Clew Bay and its islands.

From Westport the tour crosses the Doolough Valley to Delphi Lodge, then follows the Atlantic coast past Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park to two nights at Ballynahinch Castle. A final loop takes in Clifden, Roundstone and Dogs Bay beach. Along the way, mountains, lakes, islands, local music and food set the scene.

Highlights:

• Nights at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Delphi Lodge and Ballynahinch Castle
• Cong, The Quiet Man filming location, and Cong Abbey
• Lough Mask, Clew Bay and the Westport Greenway
• Doolough Valley and Old Head Beach
• Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park
• Clifden, Roundstone and Dogs Bay beach

Surface and terrain:
Mostly quiet sealed country and coastal roads along the Wild Atlantic Way, plus the traffic-free Westport Greenway. Daily ascent is 340 - 520 m, with longer days of 63 - 92 km. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times.

Suitable for:
Fit riders wanting luxury accommodation, comfortable with consecutive days of 40 - 80 km on quiet public roads. Rated Medium by the operator; the included e-bike option makes the longer days easier.

The Grand Tour is a 20-day self-guided cycling holiday along Ireland's rugged west coast, from Clare to Mayo, starting and finishing in Galway. Designed for experienced cyclists, it links quiet country lanes, traditional villages, dramatic cliffs and limestone landscapes.

The first week heads south through the Burren to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher, then along the coast to Kilkee and Loop Head before returning via Ennis to Galway. From there the route turns north to Cong and Ashford Castle, then Westport, where the traffic-free Great Western Greenway leads to two nights on Achill Island.

The final stretch follows Killary Harbour to Leenane, passes Kylemore Abbey on the way to Clifden and the Sky Road, then crosses the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht to Carna and Oughterard before returning to Galway. Nights are spent in small family-run guesthouses and hotels.

Highlights:

• Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Loop Head
• Cong and Ashford Castle
• The Great Western Greenway and Achill Island
• Killary Harbour and Kylemore Abbey
• The Sky Road and Clifden
• Carna and the Connemara Gaeltacht

Surface and terrain:
Mostly quiet sealed backroads, coastal roads and rural lanes, plus the traffic-free Great Western Greenway. Hilly in sections, with daily ascent generally 300 - 700 m, peaking on the Cong to Westport and Achill loop days. Occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times on exposed headlands and Achill Island.

Suitable for:
Experienced, fit touring cyclists comfortable with consecutive days of 40 - 75 km and regular hills over nearly three weeks. Rated Challenging by the operator.

Along the Wild Atlantic Way is a 12-day self-guided tour following a scenic section of Ireland's 2,500 km coastal route, from Ennis in County Clare to Clifden in Connemara. Expect sea-facing peninsulas, green valleys dotted with ruined castles and old stone walls, and pastures grazed by sheep.

From Ennis the route heads to Kilkee for two nights and a loop around Loop Head and its lighthouse, then along the coast to Lahinch and Doolin, with time to walk the Cliffs of Moher. The limestone Burren leads to Kinvara and Galway, followed by a ferry to Inis Mór for a night of island life and Gaelic culture.

Back on the mainland, the route crosses Connemara's bogs and lakes to Carna and Clifden, finishing with a choice of loops around the Sky Road and Roundstone. Nights are spent in small, family-run guesthouses and hotels.

Highlights:

• Kilkee cliffs and the Loop Head lighthouse
• Cliffs of Moher and Doolin
• The Burren, Poulnabrone Dolmen and the Burren Perfumery
• Dun Aengus and the Black Fort on Inis Mór
• Sky Road, Roundstone, Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay
• Marconi's transatlantic radio site at Derrygimlagh

Surface and terrain:
Mostly quiet sealed backroads and country lanes through rolling countryside, coastal sections, the Burren's karst limestone and Connemara's blanket bog, with some steep climbs. Daily ascent is generally 200 - 500 m, reaching 676 m through the Burren. Occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times, particularly on exposed headlands and the Aran Islands.

Suitable for:
Fit riders with some touring experience, comfortable with consecutive days of 40 - 70 km on quiet public roads. Rated Medium by the operator; an e-bike upgrade makes the hillier days easier.

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West of Ireland Deluxe Ride is a six-day self-guided luxury tour through the west of Ireland, packing four cycling days along the Wild Atlantic Way between castle, manor house and boutique hotel stays. Private airport transfers, a bike fitting and briefing, and daily luggage transfers are included.

The tour begins in Cong, filming location of The Quiet Man, with a night at The Lodge at Ashford Castle. The first ride follows the shores of Lough Mask to Westport, then the route heads through the Doolough Valley and past Old Head Beach to Delphi Lodge.

The longest day continues past Kylemore Abbey and around the Renvyle Peninsula into Clifden, the capital of Connemara, before two nights at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel on its 700-acre estate. The final ride is a loop to Roundstone and Dogs Bay beach, followed by a transfer back to the airport.

Highlights:

• Nights at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Delphi Lodge and Ballynahinch Castle
• Cong Abbey and Lough Mask
• Doolough Valley and Old Head Beach
• Kylemore Abbey and the Renvyle Peninsula
• Clifden, the capital of Connemara
• Roundstone and Dogs Bay beach

Surface and terrain:
Quiet sealed country and coastal roads along the Wild Atlantic Way, with rolling hills and a long 78 km day. Daily ascent is 350 - 520 m. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times.

Suitable for:
Fit riders wanting luxury accommodation, comfortable with consecutive days of 40 - 80 km on quiet public roads. Rated Challenging by the operator; the included e-bike option makes the longer days easier.

Luxury Connemara Getaway is a four-day self-guided luxury tour of western Connemara, combining scenic riding with stays in a Victorian fishing lodge and a castle hotel, plus gourmet dining and an on-call support team.

After a bike fitting in Galway, riders transfer to Oughterard and follow back roads through bog, moorland, forest and lakeside scenery, with views over Lough Corrib and the Atlantic, to Screebe House, a restored 1872 fishing lodge on Camus Bay. The next day heads west past the Twelve Bens to Ballynahinch Castle Hotel for two nights.

The third day offers a choice of loops: one to the fishing village of Roundstone, the white-sand beaches of Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay, and the Sky Road near Clifden, or another across the south Connemara bogs to the Irish-speaking village of Carna. The tour ends with breakfast and a transfer back to Galway.

Highlights:

• Nights at Screebe House and Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
• Dinners at Scríob Restaurant and Owenmore Restaurant
• The Sky Road near Clifden
• The Twelve Bens and Lough Corrib
• Roundstone, Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay
• Carna and the Connemara Gaeltacht

Surface and terrain:
Quiet sealed back roads through bog, moorland, forest and coastline, with rolling hills. Daily ascent is 190 - 520 m. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a short luxury break, comfortable with 30 - 70 km days on quiet public roads. Rated Easy by the operator; the included e-bike option makes the longer loop day easier.

Connemara Family Adventure is a seven-day self-guided cycling holiday designed for families and riders who prefer an unhurried pace. Distances are manageable, routes follow quiet roads, and there's plenty to do off the bike, from sandy beaches to sheepdog and sheep shearing demonstrations.

The tour starts in Oughterard on the shores of Lough Corrib, then crosses the bogs to Rossaveal for the ferry to Inis Mór. Two nights on the island allow time to explore ancient forts, early Christian ruins and natural rock formations such as the Wormhole.

Back on the mainland, the route passes through Irish-speaking villages and along the indented South Connemara coast to Carna, then on to Clifden, the region's main town, with optional loops along the Sky Road and to Roundstone. Accommodation is in family-run guesthouses and small hotels with private bathrooms.

Highlights:

• Dun Aengus, the Seven Churches and the Wormhole on Inis Mór
• Lakeside riding along Lough Corrib
• Roundstone, Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay beaches
• The Sky Road loop with Atlantic and island views
• Derrygimlagh, site of Marconi's radio station and the Alcock and Brown landing
• Sheepdog and sheep shearing demonstrations

Surface and terrain:
Quiet sealed back roads and coastal roads through bog, moorland, lakes and forest, with some gentle rolling hills. Daily ascent is generally 170 - 350 m. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times, particularly on the Aran Islands.

Suitable for:
Families and leisurely riders comfortable with 20 - 45 km days on quiet public roads. Rated Easy by the operator. Not suitable for children under 8 unless riding attached to a parent's bike.

Jewels of Connemara is a short four-day self-guided tour through the heart of Connemara and the Aran Islands, ideal for riders with limited time. Quiet back roads lead past dramatic coastline, ancient stone walls, bogs, lakes and forests, with plenty of stops along the way.

The tour begins in Oughterard on the shores of Lough Corrib, where an afternoon bike briefing is followed by an optional lakeside ride. Next day the route crosses moorland and bog to Rossaveal for the ferry to Inis Mór, with time to explore Dun Aengus, the Seven Churches, the Black Fort and the Wormhole.

A ferry back to the mainland sets up the final ride along the indented coast to Clifden, the capital of Connemara, with views of the Twelve Bens and traditional music in its pubs. Nights are spent in family-run B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels.

Highlights:

• Dun Aengus, the Seven Churches and the Black Fort on Inis Mór
• The Wormhole and blowholes on Inis Mór
• Lakeside riding along Lough Corrib
• Views of the Twelve Bens
• Indented coastline and blanket bog on the way to Clifden
• Traditional music in Clifden's pubs

Surface and terrain:
Quiet sealed back roads through bog, moorland, lakes and forest, with rolling hills and indented coastline. Daily ascent is generally 200 - 400 m. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times, particularly on the Aran Islands.

Suitable for:
Moderately fit riders wanting a short break, comfortable with 45 - 60 km days on quiet public roads. Rated Medium by the operator.

This eight-day guided tour explores Ireland's southwest, combining the Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula with the Dingle Peninsula. A local guide accompanies the group with a support vehicle that handles luggage and logistics, so riders can set their own pace, with shorter and longer options available.

The tour starts in Killarney, famous for its lakes and the McGillycuddy Reeks, then crosses the Gap of Dunloe and the Black Valley to Sneem. Mountain passes and lakes lead on to Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh Beach, before a ride past the Kerry Bog Village returns to Killarney.

A transfer to Inch Beach starts the Dingle leg, with three nights in Dingle. Highlights include the Slea Head loop, with its beehive huts, promontory fort and Gallarus Oratory, and the climb over the Conor Pass, Ireland's highest mountain pass. Private groups can request a customised itinerary.

Highlights:

• Gap of Dunloe and the Black Valley
• Killarney National Park and Muckross House
• Ballaghbeama Gap, Carragh Lake and Rossbeigh Beach
• Slea Head loop, Dunbeg Fort, the Fahan beehive huts and Gallarus Oratory
• Conor Pass, Ireland's highest mountain pass
• Inch Beach and the Maharees

Surface and terrain:
Quiet sealed backroads, mountain passes and coastal roads, with significant climbing. Daily ascent is 470 - 900 m, peaking on the Conor Pass loop. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Rain is common, mountain passes can be cooler and misty, and coastal winds can be strong.

Suitable for:
Fit, confident riders comfortable with consecutive days of 45 - 65 km and long climbs on mountain passes. Rated Challenging by the operator; the support vehicle and e-bike option help on the hardest days.