Inis Cealtra eBike tour and boat trip to Holy Island

You cycle to the boat, not the island itself.

This tour combines eBiking along Lough Derg with a boat crossing to Inis Cealtra (Holy Island), an ancient monastic site built in the 6th century. Starting from either Killaloe or Tuamgraney, you ride through scenic hills and lakeside towns, stop for coffee at Mountshannon, then board a boat to spend an hour exploring the historic ruins. The tour runs 3 to 4 hours with a live guide, small groups of up to six, and eBikes suited to easy or moderate fitness levels. A separate boat fare of €16 per adult applies at boarding.

Step-by-step itinerary

eBike tour and boat trip to Holy Island

• Cycle along Lough Derg and hills
• Visit St Cronan's Church in Tuamgraney
• Pass through Scariff market town
• Stop for coffee in Mountshannon
• Board boat to Inis Cealtra (Holy Island)
• Explore ancient monastic ruins for one hour
• Cycle back to starting point

The experience

You start on an eBike from either Killaloe or Tuamgraney, riding along the shores of Lough Derg with views of the Slieve Bearnagh Mountain Range. The route passes through Tuamgraney, where St Cronan's Church (the oldest church still in regular use in Ireland) dates to the 7th century, and Scariff, another historic market town. The eBikes handle the hills. You control the pace and can stop as often as you want to take in the views or push on for distance. Helmets, high-visibility gear, and a repair kit come with the bike.

At Mountshannon, a quiet harbour town built around the linen industry, you leave the bikes and board a boat operated by Holy Island Tours for the crossing to Inis Cealtra. This is where the monastic site sits: a 6th-century settlement that became a centre of learning, religion and trade for centuries. You have an hour to walk among the ancient buildings and experience the peace of the island before returning to Mountshannon by boat. The boat fare of €16 per adult is paid separately to the boat operator at boarding, in cash or by Revolut.

Weather can affect the boat crossing. If conditions don't permit sailing, you'll be offered an alternative tour that includes a visit to the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience centre instead. The smallest eBike available requires a minimum height of 5'1". If you can walk without problems, the assisted pedalling should suit you. Children from age 12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult. A coffee stop at Mountshannon is available but not included in the tour price.

What’s included

• Use of an eBike with helmet, high-visibility gear, bike pump, puncture repair kit and emergency rain jacket.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• coffee stop at Mountshannon before boarding the boat.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in EnglishAvailable from 17 Mar 2027

Guide in EnglishAvailable from 17 Mar 2027

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 17 Mar 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Lough Derg eBike Tours

Is this one for you?The eBike handles the hills, so the cycling suits anyone with moderate fitness who can walk comfortably: no need to be a strong rider. Small groups of up to six mean you set the pace and stop when the views call for it, rather than following a fixed itinerary.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Can I choose between starting from Killaloe or Tuamgraney?

Yes. The full tour departs from Killaloe, and a shorter version starts from Tuamgraney. Both routes include the boat ride to Inis Cealtra and the hour on the island. The difference is the distance covered by eBike beforehand.

What is Inis Cealtra and why was it important?

Inis Cealtra, also called Holy Island, is an ancient monastic site built starting in the 6th century. For several centuries it served as a centre of learning, religion and trade, and the historic buildings still stand on the island today.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to do this tour?

No. The eBikes are designed to make cycling easier, and you can choose between easy and moderate routes to match your fitness level. As long as you can walk without problems, the assisted pedalling should work for you.

Is the boat ride included in the tour price?

The eBike tour is included, but the boat fare to Inis Cealtra is separate: €16 per adult, paid in cash or by Revolut directly to Holy Island Tours when you board at Mountshannon.

What happens if the weather is too rough for the boat?

If weather prevents the boat from sailing, you'll be offered an alternative tour that includes a visit to the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience centre instead of the island crossing.

How long does the whole experience take?

The tour runs 3 to 4 hours depending on which starting point you choose and how often you stop along the route. The hour on Inis Cealtra is included in that time.