Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

4.9/5 (13)
7 nights
20 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 1495
Bike tour in Ireland
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours

Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

4.9/5 (13)

Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours

7 nights
20 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 1495
Bike tour in Ireland

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

    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.

    • Connemara, Ireland. Jeremy Thompson@Flickr
    • Inishbofin ,Galway County, Ireland. Xavier Vonerlach@Unsplash
    • Connemara National Park in Ireland. Julian Schiemann@Unsplash
    • Connemara countryside in Ireland. Fed Bigio@Flickr
    • Fresh seafood in Ireland! Patrick Browne@Unsplash
    • Biking in Connemara, Ireland!
    • The Irish live their stouts! Elevate@Unsplash
    • Connemara Countryside. Larry Koester@Flickr

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • The charming coastal town of Clifden
    • The famous Sky Road
    • Roundstone peninsula
    • Small fishing villages and quaint towns
    • Renvyle peninsula
    • Connemara National Park
    • Inishbofin Island
    • The heritage town of Westport
    • Spectacular ocean views, rugged landscapes, and beautiful mountain vistas

    Learn More

    Learn more about self-guided tours or see more cycling tours in Ireland.

  • Traveler photos

    • Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
    • Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
    • Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
    • Blackberries, Cycling Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
    • Naer Lettergesh (photo by TJS53)
    • Photo 2 (photo by TJS53)
    • Photo 3 (photo by TJS53)
    • Photo 4 (photo by TJS53)
    • Photo 1 (photo by JimJ)
    • Remote island of Inishbofin (accessible only by ferry) offered some of the more memorable scenery of the tour. (photo by JimJ)
    • Inishbofin harbor at low tide (shot from hotel room) (photo by JimJ)
    • The ruins of Murrisk Friary overlook centuries of tombstones. (photo by JimJ)
    • No bicycle tour to Ireland is complete without visits to local pubs--with live music, of course. (photo by JimJ)
    • Very content coastal cows roam the beaches. (photo by JimJ)
    • Photo 1 (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
    • The Kylemore Abbey (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
    • Hiking on Diamond Mountain in Connemara National Park (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
    • The Atlantic coast (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
    • Resting near Leenaun Village (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
    • Sheep! (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)

    Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • 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 cosy 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 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 harbour. 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 availabilities of accommodation, you will either spend the night on Inishbofin, or you will come back with the 5pm 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 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 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 which 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 uses to Galway or trains to Dublin. Onward transfers can be arranged on request.

    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 most days.


    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.


    How to get there

    Tour start
    Nearest airport: Galway (GWY), 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


    Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    Mondays*: Apr 1-Oct 31, 2024.

    Low season: Apr 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024; Sep 1, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024

    High season: Jun 01, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024

    *Alternative start days may be bookable (depending on availability) see price chart for details.

    Prices

    Tour package

    Low season High season
    Per person, double occupancy €1495 €1595
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1695 €1795
    Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room) €2159

    €2259

    *A mandatory fee of €125 will be added to each booking to cover the cost of an in person tour briefing and a copy of paper route descriptions.

    Bike Rentals

    Touring bike upgrade (front suspension) €70
    Electrically-assisted bike €300

    Additional services

    Alternative start day (per person) €100

    Included services

    • 7 nights accommodations
    • Daily Irish breakfasts
    • All luggage transfers
    • Roadbook for Discovery App* (where all your tour details live including route details and hotel list)
    • Local support
    • Standard touring bike
    • Inishbofin ferry return ticket

    Please note in addition to the included services above, you will also be provided with tour briefing and printed route documents (one set per group) with a mandatory fee of €125 per booking.


    Bike rentals

    Bikes included on this tour (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):

    • Standard touring bikes

    Bikes available to rent on this tour (reserved at time of booking):

    • Standard touring bike with front suspension
    • Electrically assisted bike*

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    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.


    Tour Company


    Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

     Daily program Route Map 

  • Route Map

    Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.


    Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

    • Lucy Fraiser November 8, 2022

      Eliminated by Covid

      I am sure this would have been an incredible trip but I tested positive for covid the day before the trip was to start. I plan on rescheduling the trip. Please remember to get travel insurance when you book active vacations. In Ireland, doctors would not see you if you were positive for covid, so the travel insurance co. (AIG) put me in touch with a doctor that did a virtual visit and got me all the documentation I needed for my insurance claim. We were able to get most of the money spent on the vacation back and all of the extra expenditures made necessary by the lengthy quarantining.

    • Donald Allen November 8, 2022

      Bike Trip V

      Scenery was breathtaking, people were extremely accommodating and app was excellent for this type of route. Tour company was quick to deal with initial problems we had with bikes. The Ireland biking experience exceeded our expectations.

      What was the date of your tour?
      September 2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • Boris Kustin November 3, 2022

      Great trip

      The trip was delightful. My wife and found each day a bit short, but there was always an option to add a few miles along the way. The places to stay were very comfortable and the proprietors always very friendly and helpful. I would recommend this trip to just about anybody.

    • LR cycle June 29, 2022

      Wild wind on the Wild Atlantic Way!

      Two couples cycled the Wild Atlantic way for 6 days in June. It turned out we had to contend with tropical storm Alex but fortunately we had rented e-bikes for the often head on strong winds. The b&bs and hotels were great along the route. A highlight for all of us was the ferry to and from Inishbofin Island, the cycling on the island and the stay there. We also took advantage of hiking in the Connemara National Park along the way. All in all the tour was great!

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 6, 2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      First one!
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Maria N August 15, 2019

      Trip of my dreams

      The perfect way to experience Ireland! Everyone have to do it!

      What was the date of your tour?
      30/07-06/07
      How many tours have you completed?
      one
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Chris 77 September 6, 2018

      Good tour of the Atlantic coast

      What was the date of your tour?
      Aug. 2018
      How many tours have you completed?
      14
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Sleepy Hollow Cyclist September 6, 2018

      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".

      What was the date of your tour?
      August 12-20, 2018
      How many tours have you completed?
      0
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
      • Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
      • Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
      • Blackberries, Cycling Connemara Back Roads (photo by Sleepy Hollow Cyclist)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • frank September 21, 2017

      Amazing way to experience a the Ireland West Coast!

      We were absolutely blown away by the scenery, the service and the nice friendly people we met at each stop. The local pubs were huge fun, the cycling was challenging enough but with enough time to stop and breathe in the countryside. Bring bike lights if you stay in a local pub past dark. I recommend high vis clothes because you are on busy roads occasionally. The bikes were ok, serviceable hybrids, and able to meet the demands. The B&B's chosen by the company were excellent, friendly and helpful.
      This was an amazing experience and far surpassed our expectations.

      What was the date of your tour?
      09/11/2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      No
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • TJS53 July 14, 2017

      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 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.

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 10 - 18, 2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      4
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Naer Lettergesh (photo by TJS53)
      • Photo 2 (photo by TJS53)
      • Photo 3 (photo by TJS53)
      • Photo 4 (photo by TJS53)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Matt July 13, 2017

      Every day was different. The landscape was always awesome. Every place we stayed was great. Also every town had great choices for food and drink. Ireland it turns out has great restaurants with great prices. The bikes provided were excellent.

      What was the date of your tour?
      July 3rd-July 10th
      How many tours have you completed?
      This is my first
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 3/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Susan October 24, 2016

      Wild Atlantic Way - Late August 2016

      Varied scenery with the ocean, so many lakes and mountain views, we did not expect. The people were all so friendly and helpful.

      What was the date of your tour?
      August 26 - September 2
      How many tours have you completed?
      Three
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • JimJ December 3, 2015

      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 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.

      How many tours have you completed?
      35
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Photo 1 (photo by JimJ)
      • Remote island of Inishbofin (accessible only by ferry) offered some of the more memorable scenery of the tour. (photo by JimJ)
      • Inishbofin harbor at low tide (shot from hotel room) (photo by JimJ)
      • The ruins of Murrisk Friary overlook centuries of tombstones. (photo by JimJ)
      • No bicycle tour to Ireland is complete without visits to local pubs--with live music, of course. (photo by JimJ)
      • Very content coastal cows roam the beaches. (photo by JimJ)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Brittany at BikeTours December 3, 2015

      I went on this tour as a BikeTours.com staff member. Connemara is a dreamy, scenic region of Ireland! The views were magnificent. The route was 95% on quiet back roads. The cycling is definitely a level two tour, with intermittent rolling hills. As this tour has very low mileage, there is plenty of time to meander and take in the surroundings. I went at the end of the season (mid October), and I experienced closed establishments for the upcoming winter. However, there were 1 or 2 dining places to choose from in each village, even with the closures. I would recommend this tour to first-time travelers and travelers that want to have an off-the-beaten-path experience.

      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Photo 1 (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
      • The Kylemore Abbey (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
      • Hiking on Diamond Mountain in Connemara National Park (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
      • The Atlantic coast (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
      • Resting near Leenaun Village (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
      • Sheep! (photo by Brittany at BikeTours)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection

    Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

     Route Map Book This Tour