Day 1: Westport
Arrive individually in the lively city of Westport, the starting point for your bike tour. Westport is a charming town that has won the award for the best place to live in Ireland multiple times. It is known for the friendliness of its people, excellent food, pubs that play traditional Irish music, and its scenic location on the banks of Clew Bay, dominated by Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain. The town also hosts the iconic Westport House, which traces its roots back to the legendary Pirate queen, Grace O'Malley. Upon your arrival, you will settle in at the hotel and meet our local operator for a welcome briefing and handover of the bikes.
Day 2: The Great Western Greenway (24 or 60 or 88 Km)
Today you will have the chance to choose between three loop rides along the Great Western Greenway (short up to Newport 24km; medium up to Mulranny 60km; long up to Achill Sound 88km).
The Great Western Greenway is a 44 km traffic-free walking and cycling route that follows the track of the old railway line from Westport to Achill, closed in 1937. You will journey along the route which will take you through marshland, woodland, and cultivated farmland, all the way to the picturesque seaside towns of Newport and Mulranny. Today's ride offers you a spectacular view of the Irish countryside and the Atlantic coast.
The whole stretch of the Greenway will take you through some of the most idyllic landscapes of western Ireland on light slopes due to its ex-railway nature. At the end of the ride, you will return to Westport for your second night.
Day 3: From Westport to Leenane (53 Km)
Today you will cycle southwest along the Clew Bay coastline. Along the way, we recommend stopping at Murrisk to visit the National Famine Memorial, dedicated to the victims of the famine, at the foot of Croagh Patrick, before continuing to the town of Louisburgh. From here, turning landwards, you will ride through the picturesque Doolough Valley.
After a brief stop at the foot of the monument dedicated to the Doolough Tragedy, also in memory of the victims of the famine, a dark episode in the region's history that stands out in stark contrast with the wild beauty of its landscape.
Beyond the Lough, you will cross the Delphi Valley and then around the shores of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only natural fjord, passing by the Aasleagh Falls, until you reach the
scenic village of Leenane where you will stay for the night.
Day 4: From Leenane to Inishbofin Island (44 or 59 Km)
Today you will cycle through the stunning mountains and lakes of north Connemara along the Atlantic coast. You can stop for lunch at the historic Kylemore Abbey before continuing on to the Cleggan pier to take the ferry to Inishbofin Island, which will be your base for the next two nights.
Inishbofin is located 8 km from the mainland and is well-known for its long maritime history, rich in culture, art and Irish tradition.
Day 5: Exploring Idyllic Inishbofin (5 or 8 Km)
Inishbofin, literally the island of the white cow in Irish, is a historic fishing community with a rich tradition, from folklore that gives rise to its name, to tragic maritime tales. Cycling around the island, you will take in the spectacular coastal views of sandy beaches, rocky islands, and historic sites. It is easy to understand why writers like Richard Murphy and Sylvia Plath came here for inspiration.
The landscape also serves as an ecological refuge for colonies of native birds. This ecosystem remains thanks to the absence of mammal predators or artificial fertilisers, and thanks to the efforts of the islanders who actively cultivate habitats on their lands. You might even be lucky enough to see the elusive Corncrake wading the pristine waters of Church Lake.
Day 6: From Inishbofin to Clifden (32 Km)
Today's program includes a return to the mainland, after which you will continue your journey along the enchanting Connemara coastline. The route will take you around the Cleggan peninsula and the famous Sky Road to Clifden, known as the capital of Connemara. Clifden is full of small cafes, shops, bars and restaurants. In the evening, life moves to pubs filled with the sound of traditional Irish music.
Day 7: Loop ride around Clifden (22 or 43 Km)
For your last day on the bicycle, you will first cross the scenic Errislannan peninsula which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens mountain range. You will then visit Derrigimlagh, the site of two historic transatlantic achievements: the Marconi wireless station and the landing site of Alcock and Brown's first non-stop transatlantic flight from the United States to Ireland in 1919.
After that, you will ride along the road of the old bog until you reach the seaside village of Roundstone. After lunch, you will continue along the coast, stopping at Dog’s Bay, one of the most picturesque beaches in Ireland, before returning to Clifden.
Day 8: Clifden
Services end after breakfast. Individual departure.