90km — Kilmacduagh Round Tower

90km Distance

36m Elevation Gain

3–4.5h Est. Duration

3 Food Stops

About This Route

The heart of Bark & Ride. Building on the 60km, the route extends south through the ancient Garryland Wood and into the Gort lowlands, passing within sight of the iconic Kilmacduagh Round Tower before looping back north. A proper step up with proper rewards.

Route Highlights

Oranmore Coast Road A fast, scenic stretch along Galway Bay — a great early warm-up with the bay on one side.
King of Garryland 6km through Garryland Wood — one of Ireland's last ancient oak woodlands. Fast, atmospheric roads with Coole Park and W.B. Yeats country just next door.
Kilmacduagh Round Tower One of Ireland's finest round towers, leaning slightly and standing over 30 metres tall — a striking landmark as you pass through the quiet countryside south of Gort.
N18 Climb Still lurking on the return — 0.61km at a punishing 14% average. It hurts more at 80km than at 50km.

Elevation

Mostly rolling with a few short sharp rises. The N18 Climb (0.61km at 14%) is the headline challenge. The King of Garryland section is flat but fast. Total elevation gain 36m.

Rider Tips

✓The N18 Climb comes late in the ride — don't burn all your matches early on the Garryland section just because it feels fast.
✓The Garryland Wood stretch can be sheltered but roads are narrow — stay alert for other riders and traffic.
✓Make full use of the three food stops — proper fuelling is the difference between enjoying the last 20km and surviving it.
✓Carry a spare tube and know how to change it. Rural roads can be rough on tyres.

90kmKilmacduagh Round Tower