There is no better way to truly experience the scenes of Galway City and County than by bike. So we have compiled a list of the bike rental businesses in Galway, so you can get cycling as soon as possible! There is also a suggested list, of varying difficulty levels, for those unfamiliar with the cycle trails and loops that will ensure you get the best views of Galway from the ground.
Clifden Bike Shop
In the heart of Clifden this bike shop is providing everything you need for your trip around Connemara. With electric bikes, road bikes, kids bikes and more available to hire. They also have guided and self guided tour options, providing you with the ability to see the beauty of Connemara yourself or have a local show you all the secret spots. The shop will also provide you with a helmet, high vis bib and bike lock with each bike rented. Their website even has a few routes selected for around Connemara to get you started. Check that out here.
Market St, Clifden, Co. Galway
Photo courtesy of Clifden Bike Shop
Aran Bike Hire
If you’d like to explore the Aran Islands by bike, or if bringing your own bike over on the ferry is a bit too much effort, well you’re in luck because Aran Bike Hire has got you covered. There are a wide range of bikes to choose from including; mountain bikes, city bikes, electric bikes, tandem bikes, childrens bikes, adult + buggy/child seat bikes, adult and dog buggy bikes. Aran Bike Hire also provides a free helmet with the bike rental and roadside assistance in case there are any problems. Explore the island in the best way possible with Aran Bike Hire on the island of Inis Mór. You can rent a bike from their website here.
Cottage Road, Kilronan, Galway
WeWheel eBikes
Uncover the best of Galway city on an electric bike with WeWheel Galway. They offer three options: bike rentals, tours and games. The guided electric bike tour of Galway city is a three hour tour with a live guide and walkie-talkie helmets. Or, have an independent experience with their self-guided electric bike tour with a GPS audio guide. If you’d like to explore Galway in a more interactive way, why not try their electric bike scavenger hunt where they supply the app for a scavenging game. All tours have a city centre start and finish location so you really get to explore all of Galway on two wheels. To book one of their tours book from their website here.
Unit 13, The Cornstore, Middle Street, Galway
Photo courtesy of WeWheel
West Ireland Cycling
Open seven days a week, West Ireland Cycling has an array of bikes that you can rent so you can get started cycling around Galway. They offer a selection of brand new trek hybrid touring bikes, road bikes, ebikes, tandems and top quality cycling equipment for their cycling tours in Galway. All of their bikes are able to be rented for both the day or a week, so you can take your time cycling around Galway and explore more than one cycle path. You can browse the bike types and book online at their website here.
Unit 1, Bridgewater Court, Fairhill Road Lower, The Claddagh, Galway
West Side Cycles
West Side Cycles offers several different types of bicycles for hire from their facility and have over 28 years of experience in the bike hire business. They specialise in bike hire and self-guided tours along the West Coast of Ireland, Connemara, The Burren, The Aran Islands and the Wild Atlantic Way. Offering a free collection service of your rental at any location in Galway city, West Side Cycles will save you the time, money and hassle of having to return your bike hire to their main depot. They have a student scheme in which local and international students studying in any of the Galway city colleges/universities or language schools can rent a bike short or long term. Explore Galway city at your own pace and with a cheap means of transport with West Side Cycles and book your bike rental here.
Westside Business Centre, 4 Old Seamus Quirke Road, Galway.
Photo courtesy of West Side Cycles
Fat Bikes
This guided electric bike tour is run by Martin Brannelly, a man with a passion for exploring. The name Fat Bikes, comes from the 10cm thick wheels and assisted pedal function, which allows for a much more comfortable ride. Brannelly offers guided tours for up to 14 people, providing helmets and safety gear with a safety talk at the start of each tour on how to use the bikes. Fat Bikes offer tours around Connemara, with the option of a full day or half day. Head over to their website here, to get to see Connemara up close and personal.
Photo courtesy of Fat Bikes
TFI Bikeshare
If you’re looking for a slightly more relaxed adventure of Galway city, for leisure or commuting, TFI Bikeshare has stations located all around the city of tribes. Use their online map to locate the available bikes and stands to rent your bike. With 23 stations and 195 bikes, TFI Bikeshare has bikes conveniently located throughout the city. Roam freely from Spanish Arch to Eyre Square, commute from the train or bus station, or simply hire a bike to aid you in your Galway shopping spree. Find the map and the available bikes right here on the TFI Bikeshare website.
Photo courtesy of TFI Bikeshare
Cycle Routes
Once you’ve located your preferred bike rental and secured your hire for the day or week, it might be overwhelming to decide what cycle path to take. Don’t fret too much, because we have put together a small list of the very best cycle routes to help you explore Galway City and County in all its glory on your very own set of wheels.
Easy
Portumna & Pallas Castle loop from Portumna Forest Park
The start of this loop is at Portumna Forest Park and will take roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes and is a 28km tour. This easy bike ride is suitable for any fitness level and is mainly on paved surfaces. The tour highlights include Portumna Friary, Portumna Castle and Pallas Castle.
Lough Corrib & Menlo loop from Galway
Starting at Galway Train Station the Lough Corrib & Menlo loop will take approximately 1 hour to complete and is 17km on mainly paved surfaces. Suitable for all fitness and skill levels the tour will bring you to Lough Atalia, Castlegar Castle, and a picnic area that is a great place for a break.
Intermediate
Inis Mór loop
Starting at the ferry terminal, the Inis Mór loop is for those with a good level of fitness. Taking 1 hour and 53 minutes on mostly paved surfaces the loop will cover 28 km of Aran Island ground. Highlights on the tour include the Aran Seal Colony, Kilmurvey Beach, The Seven Churches (Na Seacht dTeampaill) and Ballydavock.
Kinvarra loop from Oranmore
Starting in Oranmore this loop is for those with a good level of fitness and stamina. The loop will take roughly 4 hours and 17 minutes to complete and you will cover 74km of Galway countryside. The mostly paved route is for those who want a challenge and to see Kinvara, Oranmore and the surrounding areas from the ground. The tour highlights include Tyrone House, Dunguaire Castle and Drumharsna Castle.
An Spidéal loop from Galway
This trail brings you from Galway city to An Spidéal with a detour down Mutton Island. It will give you beautiful coastal views and then loop you back through the green fields of Galway. This 50km circuit will take you about 3 hours to do and a good level of fitness is needed, it is on mostly paved surfaces and the starting point is accessible by public transport.
Expert
Maam Cross & Casla loop from Oughterard
A higher level of fitness is required for the 4 hour and 44 minute loop from Oughterard to Maam Cross and Casla. The 79km loop is mainly on paved paths and surfaces and is suitable for all skill levels. The starting point is right beside a car park and the highlights include Glengowla Mines, a route to loughs and mountains, a mountain pass, and Aughnanure Castle.
Connemara loop from Clifden
This expert bike ride will take roughly 9 hours and 11 minutes to complete and you will cover 154km of road. The loop requires a very good level of fitness and skill as some of the tour may be on unpaved ground and therefore difficult to ride. The Connemara loop from Clifden is definitely worth the challenge as the tour highlights include roads by the sea, Killary Fjord, a view of Kylemore Abbey, Kingstown Omey and Bofin, Sky Road view point, and Clifden Castle.
Feature image courtesy of West Ireland Cycling
Published on Updated on
