Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
7 nights from €1669
4.88Pedal along the quiet coastal route, passing tranquil farmlands and quaint fishing villages
This tour involves cycling through some of the most remote and rugged scenery that Connemara on the west coast of Ireland has to offer. You will also experience part of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route. The distances are short enough to allow reflection, exploration, and the chance to absorb the tranquil atmosphere of this wild paradise.
You will cycle along stunning coastal ways, through fishing villages, deep valleys, and around rugged peninsulas. A trip to Inisbofin island, where life has been maintained under the influence of the wild Atlantic and their own traditional ways, is also part of this tour.
Cycling Enchanted Ireland Coastal Roads
“A wonderful, weeklong ride along beautiful backroads and small seaside villages of Ireland's rugged and enchanted Connemara coastline, with stops in appealing small towns. Everything was perfect - even with many days of "Irish Mist".”
—Sleepy Hollow Cyclist
Wonderful ramble in Ireland.
“We just returned from our 4th bike tour, the Wild Atlantic Way. We want to thank Connor and the entire Connemara team for the trip preparation. The bikes, although a bit on the…” Full Review
“We just returned from our 4th bike tour, the Wild Atlantic Way. We want to thank Connor and the entire Connemara team for the trip preparation. The bikes, although a bit on the heavy side, were in great shape and performed beautifully the entire week. The maps helped and never hindered the fun. Connor spent considerable time with us on the first day suggesting stops at historic or scenic sites, restaurants and shops. He also showed us how to extend each day with side routes. We took him up on this on a least four of the six days of riding. So, if you’re thinking of passing up this trip because there isn’t enough riding, you can more than double the mileage on all but one day if you wish. The tour presents a whole host of different landscapes to ride through: eerie bogs, the Bundarogha river, the Killary fjord and the dramatic bens that seem to rise right out of the water. We loved rolling under a green tunnel of trees, then entering a new vista of green fields edged in ancient stone walls. The excursion to the island of Inishbofin is well worth it and we were lucky enough to meet and mingle with the archeologists who are researching and recording the island’s fascinating history. The evenings are not just for taking notes about the day’s adventures: lots of pubs serve up live traditional music along with local lamb, beef and seafood. This is a great tour, well organized and supported. We highly recommend it.” Less
—TJS53
Far exceeded my expectations--which were already high!
“I went on this tour as a BikeTours.com staff member and was joined by a friend. More than a year later, we still talk about it: the quiet routes, the lush rural settings, the…” Full Review
“I went on this tour as a BikeTours.com staff member and was joined by a friend. More than a year later, we still talk about it: the quiet routes, the lush rural settings, the seaside views, the welcoming villages, the wonderful lodging, the charming people, the superbly attentive tour company and the tasty Irish cuisine (far tastier than I expected). Everything exceeded our expectations. I have the opportunity to go on tours all over the world, and I rarely do "repeats." I'd repeat this tour with joy. The daily distances were perfect for our leisurely cycling, the terrain mostly flat to rolling with just a few longer or steeper climbs that challenged us.
The Wild Atlantic Way is an amazingly scenic route covering the western coast from north to south. I've done not the whole route, but I'd rate this segment a 10 for sure. The mix of countryside, seacoast, farms, woodlands, rolling hills and even a spectacular fjord and a remote island (with overnight) made this bicycle tour one we'll remember even above most others.” Less
—JimJ
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Clifden
Arrive to your first night's accommodation in Clifden. Clifden town, the "Capital of Connemara," is bursting with culture, traditional music, quaint streets and cozy pubs and restaurants. From your accommodation, you can experience the best of town and country in a property that is run with every care and attention to making you feel welcome and at home.
We will meet you either on the evening of arrival or the following morning (depending on your arrival time) to go through your itinerary and answer any questions you have about your tour. All bikes and equipment will be delivered to your accommodation and we will make sure that everything fits you perfectly!
Optional tours to the Cliffs of Moher or the Aran Islands can be arranged prior to your tour, please contact us for more details before booking.
Overnight in Clifden
Day 2: Clifden – Sky Road – Roundstone
10-26 miles/16-42 km, depending on your chosen route
Today you will have a chance to explore the areas around Clifden. You will have a choice to cycle along the famous Sky Road or to go and discover the south of Connemara and Roundstone peninsula. This day will also give you a chance to relax after your travel to the west of Ireland and get familiar with your bikes and the week ahead!
Overnight in Clifden
Day 3: Inishbofin/Cleggan
22 miles/35 km
Your morning cycle will bring you along the Sky Road. You will then follow the Bog Road across areas of valuable native peatland against the backdrop of soaring mountains to reach the village of Cleggan and the ferry for Inishbofin island. Forty minutes by ferry, Inishbofin is a world apart from the mainland in every way. The island is peppered with ancient sites, including the ruins of Cromwell's promontory fort and gaol, set high above the crashing waves at the entrance to the island's harbor. Its population, of only 200 people, will warmly welcome you during your stay and will allow you a brief but fascinating insight into their traditional island life.
Depending on the availability of accommodation, you will either spend the night in Inishbofin, or you will come back with the 5 pm ferry and stay in Cleggan for the night.
Overnight in Inishbofin or Cleggan(depending on availability)
Day 4: Inishbofin/Cleggan – Renvyle Peninsula
13 miles/20 km
After an early breakfast on the island, you will catch the ferry back to the mainland from where you will continue your Connemara cycle around this western coastline. Your destination today is the Renvyle Peninsula, a rugged promontory that juts into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a vibrant, farming and fishing community. Traveling on quiet roads, you will pass through Letterfrack, where the unique landscape of Connemara has been preserved by a National Park. The park includes very accessible trail walks and an excellent visitor center. Reaching the Renvyle Peninsula you will find an area dotted with lakes, golden beaches, and stony hills.
Overnight in Renvyle
Day 5: Renvyle – Leenane
16 miles/25 km
Leaving Renvyle you will pass through the village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages and emerge onto the impressive coastline. Take your time and pause to absorb the ocean views and soak up the scent of the sea. Turning inland you will cycle through the mountains to bring you to the small village of Leenane, situated at the head of Ireland’s only fjord. You could choose to take a sightseeing tour of Killary Fjord aboard the Connemara Lady catamaran. The 1.5-hour boat trip is often joined by leaping dolphins and includes commentary on the fascinating history and geography of the area.
Tonight, you will spend the night in Leenane where you will have the choice of excellent local dining, traditional pubs, and the chance to meet locals and visitors alike.
Overnight on Leenane
Day 6: Leenane – Louisburgh
19 miles/30 km
From Leenane, you will follow the shores of Killary Fjord and enter the spectacular Delphi and Doolough Valleys with mountains dropping down into dark lakes on each side of you. Continuing on towards the coast once more you will emerge at the town of Louisburgh on the shores of Clew Bay.
Louisburgh is a rural market town that retains many eighteenth-century features in style and scale. It is a town that supports a large, far-flung population 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.
Overnight in Louisburgh
Day 7: Louisburgh – Westport
16 miles/25 km
Today you continue along the Clew Bay coastline and under the shadow of Croagh Patrick Mountain to reach your destination in Westport. Pretty and colorful, the heritage town of Westport is a captivating blend of traditional and modern. Contrast and paradox are just part of its charm. It has been voted Ireland’s Best Place to Live and Ireland’s Tidiest Town and will provide a memorable finale to your Atlantic Way Experience.
Overnight in Westport
Day 8: Departure
Breakfast and departure! Westport is well serviced by regular buses to Galway or trains to Dublin. Onward transfers can be arranged on request.
You can add some activities at the START of your tour before coming to Connemara:
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway
- Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor)
Please note that these options - for logistic reasons - can be added at the start of your tour only. In order to avoid paying the extra cost for alternative scheduling, you need to plan it so that your cycling tour in Connemara starts on a Monday. Please don't hesitate to contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.
Clifden: Buttermilk Lodge
Renvyle: Baywatch B&B
Inishbofin: Inishbofin House Hotel
Leenane: Portfin Lodge or Leenane Hotel
Louisburgh: Killadoon Ocean Lodge
Westport: Clew Bay Hotel
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Standard touring bike
Trek FX 2 disc
Sizes: 28", 30", 32"
Frame: Aluminium
Saddle: Bontrager Sport
Brakes: Hydraulic disc
Upgraded touring bike
Trek Dual Sport 3
Similar specs, but with some upgraded components including front suspension.
Sizes: 28", 30", 32"
Frame: Aluminium
Saddle: Bontrager Sport
Brakes: Hydraulic disc
Electrically-assisted bike
Trek Verve - Low step - Turbo e-Bike
Size: 28
Frame: Alpha Gold Aluminium
Saddle: Royal Nuvola saddle
Shifters: Shimano Tourney RS45, 8 speed
Motor: Bosch Active Line, 250 watt
Battery: External battery
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Accessories
Bikes come equipped with the following at no additional cost:
- Helmet
- Front handlebar bag
- Side pannier
- Bicycle repair kit
- Bicycle lock
- Phone holder
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes. The tour company will assist you with changing the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmet rental is included on this tour. However, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
Easy cycling days with an average of 19 miles/30 km per day, with the longest day at 22 miles/35 km. There are longer and shorter options available on most days.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), and Shannon (SNN)
Nearest train station: Galway, Ireland
You can take a bus from Galway to Clifden. Visit Bus Eireann for more information.
Tour end
Nearest airport: Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), Shannon (SNN)
Nearest train station: Westport, Ireland
Westport is well serviced by regular buses to Galway or trains to Dublin. Onward transfers can be arranged on request at an extra cost.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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