Dublin City & Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Tour 10-Day Tour for family group of 8

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll meet your personal guide for your half day walking tour of Dublin. We can arrange walking tours in French, German, Spanish and other languages. This local guide will give you the inside story on the long history of our capital city, taking in Dublin highlights including Trinity College, Dublin Castle, St Patrick's Cathedral, Viking Dublin and lots more.

Dublin has been voted one of the world’s most walkable cities, so spend the afternoon exploring Irish treasures at the National Museum, visit the Guinness Storehouse or the Museum of Irish Literature or join local Dubliners watching the world go by in St Stephen’s Green.

Welcome to Connemara! Failte go Conamara! After breakfast today, it’s time to catch the train from Dublin to Galway and the Wild Atlantic Way. Your train journey brings you right from the east to west coast of Ireland in under 3 hours.

When you arrive at Galway City, your next connection is by bus or private transfer, to Clifden, the “Capital of Connemara”, your base for the next two nights. Clifden is bursting with culture, quaint streets, colourful shops, cosy pubs and restaurants, and you’re never far from traditional Irish music. Enjoy your first evening in this friendly town where everyone knows each other but the warmth towards visitors is legendary.

Your bikes and equipment will be waiting for you at your accommodation, giving you the chance to try everything out and make sure it’s perfect before your cycling adventure begins the next morning.

Meals included: Breakfast

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. Visit the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone, a haven over the years for artists, musicians and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the world. 

Meals included: Breakfast
 

This morning we’ll transfer you to 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’ll spend the night here and might even find yourself drawn into a cosy pub by the sound of traditional Irish music. 

Meals included: Breakfast
 

After an early breakfast on the island, you’ll catch the ferry back to the mainland. Your destination today is the Renvyle Peninsula - 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 spend tonight here at Renvyle House Hotel, an historic country house hotel right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel sits on a 150-acre-site which includes a private lake, a 9-hole golf course, a beach, woodlands, gardens and numerous other activities on-site. Tonight, you’ll dine in its award-winning restaurant, so relax and enjoy this special place.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
 

It’s back on the bike today on a cycling route from the Renvyle peninsula, following 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, a breathtaking vista over Killary 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 our home town of Leenane, and enjoy dinner in the charming dining room of your hotel, right on the water’s edge. Despite its small size there is always a buzz of conversation and craic in the village’s two pubs.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
 

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, and on to 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.

The route then 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 music on your last night on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Today you’ll catch the train from Westport back to Dublin, where you’ll spend the last evening of your tour. Amble through the side-streets off Grafton Street, full of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, or take in a show at one of Dublin’s many theatres and music venues.   

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