Ireland's Atlantic Coast & Islands Cycling Tour

Distance:

25-45 km

After a hearty Irish breakfast, your first day of cycling will bring a chance to explore this rugged and beautiful corner of the west of Ireland. Cycle along the famous Sky Road with views which will take your breath away as the land drops away beneath you and the Atlantic Ocean sweeps before you. 

From here you can choose to explore south Connemara where your journey will bring you into the Gaeltacht (Gaelic speaking) region. Listen out for this ancient, musical language being spoken around you. Or visit the Roundstone peninsula where ancient bogland meets vast golden beaches and where every stretch of land abounds with history. The picturesque fishing village of Roundstone has been a haven over the years for artists, musicians and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the world. 

Your route will bring you back to Clifden where you’ll stay again tonight.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

35 km (22 miles)

This morning’s cycle will bring you along the Sky Road and on to the Bog Road. Absorb the rich scents and sights as you travel through this unique unspoiled area of native peatland with many rare plants, set against the backdrop of soaring mountains. 

Your destination is Cleggan where you’ll catch the ferry to Inishbofin Island ('Inis Bo Finne' - Island of the White Cow). Forty minutes by ferry, this small island is a world apart from the mainland in every way. As you sail around the tower and signal light into the harbour, look out for the 16th century ruined barracks used as a prison for Catholic priests from all over Ireland after the English Statute of 1585 declared them guilty of high treason.

This ancient island has been the home of fishermen, farmers, monks, soldiers and adventurers for over 6,000 years. Today it has a population of only 200 people who will warmly welcome you during your stay and allow fascinating insight into traditional island life. You might even find yourself drawn into a cosy pub by the sound of traditional Irish music. 

You’ll spend the night on Inishbofin or return to Cleggan on the 5pm ferry to spend the night in this charming fishing village.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

20 km (12 miles)

After an early breakfast on the island, you’ll catch the ferry back to the mainland. Your route today takes you to the Renvyle Peninsula where you’ll stay tonight - an enchanting, rugged promontory jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, with archaeological sites, historical ruins and white-sand beaches all waiting to be explored.

You’ll pass through the village of Letterfrack, home of the Connemara National Park, where you can take a break from the bike and enjoy a walk on the looped trails with sweeping views out over the Atlantic to the islands beyond, or have a coffee and find out more about this ancient Irish landscape at the charming visitor centre.

Meals included: Breakfast  
 

Distance:

25 km (16 miles)

Your route today from the Renvyle peninsula follows a winding coast road along the very edge of the deep green Atlantic Ocean past white sand beaches and on through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages. 

As you continue along your route, a breathtaking vista over Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, will appear as you round the bend. Your destination is the tiny village of Leenane tucked beneath the Maamturk mountains at the head of the fjord. Here you can choose to board the Connemara Lady catamaran for a cruise along the fjord out to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with commentary on the fascinating history, landscape and people of this dramatic area. The trip is often honoured by the company of leaping dolphins. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset over the fjord.

You’ll spend the night here in Leenane. Despite its small size there is always a buzz of conversation and craic in the village’s two pubs and a choice of restaurants serving great food from locally-sourced ingredients. Take the opportunity to try a cold Guinness in one of the traditional village pubs of our home town!

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance:

30 km (19 miles)

Today’s route brings you from Leenane along the shores of Killary Fjord to the  stunning Delphi valley - once heavily populated, now sparse and empty. You’ll reach the Doolough Valley (valley of the dark, deep lake). At the northern end of the valley, right next to the road, there is a poignant memorial for the victims of Ireland’s Great Famine which greatly affected this area.

Continuing towards the coast you’ll arrive at the coastal town of Louisburgh on the shores of Clew Bay, where you’ll stay tonight. This rural market town retains many eighteenth century features and the gentle rhythms of life in this area can be felt as you stroll along its four main streets. It is surrounded by an area of immense natural beauty with mountains to the east and south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Distance:

25 km (16 miles)

Today’s route follows the coast road once more, along the island strewn shores of Clew Bay with the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick providing a striking backdrop. Stop to visit fourteenth century Murrisk Abbey along the way.

You’ll reach the heritage town of Westport where you’ll stay tonight. This vibrant market town is a captivating blend of traditional and modern and has been voted Ireland’s Best Place to Live. Here you can visit Westport House, the ancestral home and estate of the Marquis of Sligo. Spend the evening exploring the many restaurants and pubs, making sure to catch some live traditional Irish music on the last night of your tour.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

After breakfast it’s the end of your tour and time for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable memories of Ireland with you. Slan go foil! – we’ll see you again soon.

Meals included: Breakfast