FAQ 
Cycle Ireland's Atlantic Coast & Islands
Cycle Ireland's Atlantic Coast & Islands
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Cycle along the Sky Road and pause to absorb the views of the sweeping Atlantic coastline in every direction.
- Experience island life on Inishbofin, where tradition and community are of great importance and where time changes pace.
- Travel daily distances short enough to allow reflection, in-depth exploration and the chance to get an authentic feel for life in this rugged, remote region.
- Spend time in two west of Ireland towns, Louisburgh and Westport, built in the eighteenth century and retaining many features of their early beginnings.
Our favorite cycle on this tour:
It has to be the Sky Road. It has everything - a challenge to the legs and then a huge reward as you reach the viewing points and realise that the next landfall is America!
YOUR TOUR IN BRIEF
Tour Essentials:
This is an 8 day (7 night) tour starting every Monday from April to October.
The tour starts in the town of Clifden in Connemara and finishes in Westport Town in neighbouring Co Mayo.
Your Atlantic Way Experience Tour consists of easy cycling with average distances of 30km per day. Shorter and longer options are available on most days.
Equipment and information:
What's included:
- Touring bike
- Helmet
- Front handler bag with repair kit
- Lock
Bike uprades are available:
- Front-suspension bike: €70 extra per bike
- E-Bike ( Peddal- Assist & Turbo ): €300 extra per bike
See our bikes section below to have more details about each type of bike.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour. Visit our FAQ to see how this app works.
Hospitality:
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras:
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Alternative start days - €100 extra per person ( up to a max. of 4 person) Side panier rental: + 20.- EUR Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails. We can offer you some nice add-ons before /after your stay with us here in Connemara - please do not hesitate to ask us! For e.g.: Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway from €355 per person Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway - €550 per person. Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor) - €850 per person.
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Tour Essentials
This is an 8 day (7 night) tour starting every Monday from April to October.
The tour starts in the town of Clifden in Connemara and finishes in Westport Town in neighbouring Co Mayo.
Your Atlantic Way Experience Tour consists of easy cycling with average distances of 30km per day. Shorter and longer options are available on most days.
Equipment and information
What's included:
- Touring bike
- Helmet
- Front handler bag with repair kit
- Lock
Bike uprades are available:
- Front-suspension bike: €70 extra per bike
- E-Bike ( Peddal- Assist & Turbo ): €300 extra per bike
See our bikes section below to have more details about each type of bike.
Before your arrival, you will need to download our app ('Roadbook for Discovery') on which you will have all the details of your tour. Visit our FAQ to see how this app works.
Hospitality
Your accommodation each night is provided in 3* hotels or approved B&Bs and guesthouses, where you will enjoy a full Irish breakfast on each morning.
Your luggage will be transferred every day to your next accommodation.
Extras
|
Alternative start days - €100 extra per person ( up to a max. of 4 person) Side panier rental: + 20.- EUR Printed route notes + meet & greet - €125 per booking. Visit our FAQ to see what a meet & greet entails. We can offer you some nice add-ons before /after your stay with us here in Connemara - please do not hesitate to ask us! For e.g.: Visit the Cliffs of Moher by bus with 1 extra night in Galway from €355 per person Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) and spend 2 nights there + 1 night in Galway - €550 per person. Visit the Aran islands (Inis Mor) AND the Cliffs of Moher (2 nights in Galway & 2 nights on Inis Mor) - €850 per person.
|
Further information on getting to/from Ireland can be found here
ITINERARY
Arrive to your first night's accommodation in Clifden. Clifden town, the “Capital of Connemara”, offers a wonderful combination of the quaint, traditional and cosmopolitan. It is buzzing with great restaurants, colourful Irish pubs, music and song with warm, friendly people and a gentle pace of life. All bikes and equipment will be waiting for your at your accommodation, giving you the chance to try it and make sure everything fits you before your cycling adventure begins the next day!
Today you will have a chance to explore this rugged and beautiful corner of the west of Ireland. You can choose to 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. Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to discover the south of Connemara and the Roundstone peninsula where ancient bogland meets vast golden beaches and where every stretch of land abounds with history. This day will also allow you the time to become familiar with your equipment and settle into the rhythm of the week ahead.
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 ad stay in Cleggan for the night.
Distance:
35 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 which juts into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a vibrant, farming and fishing community. Travelling 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 centre. Reaching the Renvyle Peninsula you will find an area dotted with lakes, golden beaches and stony hills.
Distance:
20 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.
Distance:
25 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 which 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.
Distance:
30 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 colourful, 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.
Distance:
25 km
Breakfast and depart from Westport on your onward journey
Arrive to your first night's accommodation in Clifden. Clifden town, the “Capital of Connemara”, offers a wonderful combination of the quaint, traditional and cosmopolitan. It is buzzing with great restaurants, colourful Irish pubs, music and song with warm, friendly people and a gentle pace of life. All bikes and equipment will be waiting for your at your accommodation, giving you the chance to try it and make sure everything fits you before your cycling adventure begins the next day!
Today you will have a chance to explore this rugged and beautiful corner of the west of Ireland. You can choose to 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. Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to discover the south of Connemara and the Roundstone peninsula where ancient bogland meets vast golden beaches and where every stretch of land abounds with history. This day will also allow you the time to become familiar with your equipment and settle into the rhythm of the week ahead.
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 ad stay in Cleggan for the night.
Distance:
35 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 which juts into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a vibrant, farming and fishing community. Travelling 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 centre. Reaching the Renvyle Peninsula you will find an area dotted with lakes, golden beaches and stony hills.
Distance:
20 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.
Distance:
25 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 which 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.
Distance:
30 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 colourful, 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.
Distance:
25 km
Breakfast and depart from Westport on your onward journey
ACCOMMODATION
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
B&B/3* ACCOMMODATION
When you select this tour you will have the chance to stay in either 3* hotels or Bed & Breakfast/guesthouse accommodation.
The 3* hotels that have been selected are all comfortable, well-appointed properties which also boast their own character and style. You may find yourself in a historic manor house hotel, one with a modern twist or get a 'room with a view' overlooking a shimmering lake or a golden beach.
Staying in B&B/guesthouse accommodation is a unique experience where very often you are staying in a family home, with your hosts being the owners of the property. You will receive a warm welcome and will have access to plenty of local stories. Best of all you will catch a glimpse into the lives of the local people of the areas through which you travel. Accommodation is warm, cosy and homely and breakfast is home-cooked by your host.
TOUR DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
- All luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation leaving you free to explore at your ease.
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
- Return ferry ticket to Inishbofin Island
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
| Sizes: | 28", 30", 32" |
| Frame: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Fork: | FX Alloy |
| Shock: | N/A |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager alloy |
| Stem: | Adjustable ahead |
| Seat post: | Bontrager alloy |
| Saddle: | Bontrager Sport |
| Pedals: | Bontrager City Pedals |
| Shifters: | Shimano Altus M2010, 9-speed |
| Front mech: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Rear mech: | Shimano Altus M2000 | |
| Brakes: | Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc | |
| Brake lever: | Shimano | |
| Cassette: |
|
|
| Chain: |
|
|
| Cranks: | Forged alloy | |
| Bottom bracket: | Sealed cartridge | |
| Rims: | Bontrager Connection | |
| Hubs: | Formula DC-20 | |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
| Frame Material: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Frame Angles: | 71.5 head, 73.5 |
| Sizes: | 28",30", 32" |
| Colour: | Black |
| Fork: | SR Suntour NEX |
| Rear Shock: | Not applicable |
| Brake Levers: | aluminum linear-pull |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager Comp Lowriser |
| Stem: | Bontrager Elite |
| Headset: | 1 1/8" threadless headset |
| Front Der: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Crankset: | Shimano MT210 |
| Rear Der: | Shimano Alivio M3100 |
| Pedals: | Wellgo M141 |
| Tires: | Bontrager GR1 Expert |
Sizes: SM, MD, LG
Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy, Internal battery
Fork: Full carbon
Shock: N/A
Handlebar: Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy
Stem: Cannondale 3
Seat post: Alloy
Saddle: Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density
Pedals: Cannondale Fitness
Shifters: microSHIFT Advent X, 10-Speed
| Rear mech: | Shimano Acera |
| Brakes: | Tektro linear pull |
| Brake lever: | Shimano |
| Cassette: | SRAM PG830 11-28 |
| Chain: | KMC Z7 |
| Cranks: | Shimano FC-M191 28/38/48 |
| Bottom bracket: | Cartridge |
| Rims: | Matrix 750 700c |
| Hubs: | Shimano RM40 |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
GETTING TO TOUR START POINT
You can take a Citylink bus or a Gobus directly from Dublin airport (or from Dublin city centre) to Galway (approx. 3 hours trip) and then a Citylink bus or a Bus Eireann bus from Galway directly to Clifden (1.5 hours trip).
Please note that the last Citylink bus leaving Galway to Clifden is at 5.30 pm.
Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.
Reviews
Christine
23 Jul 2023
5/5
Connemara Adventure Tours was our great local tour company that took care of us during our self-guided tour through Connemara. They were wonderful & aimed to make our cycling trip as enjoyable as possible! Cycling was the perfect way to see Ireland! We loved everything about it..our accommodations, the locations, the landscapes and the food! The first day was the most challenging of the cycling days with the hills & terrain. My only suggestion is to confirm your bike size is correct. Mine was a medium upgraded hybrid bike which should have been a small. The bike was to big & heavy making the first day's ride more challenging for me, but I wouldn't have traded my experience of riding that day for anything! I did receive the correct size bike for the remainder of the trip. We had three exceptionally beautiful clear days and two very rainy days, which we were prepared for since we brought rain gear suggested for the trip. We had a true experience of Ireland weather! I would definitely recommend this cycling trip and Connemara Adventure Tours for anyone who is looking for an amazing adventure!
Martin & Isabelle
16 Jul 2022
5/5
ACCOMMODATION
LOW SEASON: April, May, September & October
HIGH SEASON: June, July & August
What's included
Meals
- All breakfasts
Transport
- All luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation leaving you free to explore at your ease.
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation (includes private en-suite)
Extras
- Return ferry ticket to Inishbofin Island
BIKES
- Each bicycle is equipped with a bottle cage, small front handlebar bag, bike rack (with option to add pannier bags).
- Safety – we provide a helmet (various sizes) and a high visibility jacket for our customer’s safety on the road.
- Spare tube, repair kit with tyre levers, pump and bike lock are all provided.
- Cyclists are expected to be able to have a general knowledge of the function of bicycles, i.e. how to change gears, how to brake properly, replacing a slipped chain, changing a flat tyre. Please check out this link if you are looking for few tips.
| Sizes: | 28", 30", 32" |
| Frame: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Fork: | FX Alloy |
| Shock: | N/A |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager alloy |
| Stem: | Adjustable ahead |
| Seat post: | Bontrager alloy |
| Saddle: | Bontrager Sport |
| Pedals: | Bontrager City Pedals |
| Shifters: | Shimano Altus M2010, 9-speed |
| Front mech: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Rear mech: | Shimano Altus M2000 | |
| Brakes: | Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc | |
| Brake lever: | Shimano | |
| Cassette: |
|
|
| Chain: |
|
|
| Cranks: | Forged alloy | |
| Bottom bracket: | Sealed cartridge | |
| Rims: | Bontrager Connection | |
| Hubs: | Formula DC-20 | |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
| Frame Material: | Alpha Gold Aluminium |
| Frame Angles: | 71.5 head, 73.5 |
| Sizes: | 28",30", 32" |
| Colour: | Black |
| Fork: | SR Suntour NEX |
| Rear Shock: | Not applicable |
| Brake Levers: | aluminum linear-pull |
| Handlebar: | Bontrager Comp Lowriser |
| Stem: | Bontrager Elite |
| Headset: | 1 1/8" threadless headset |
| Front Der: | Shimano Acera T3000 |
| Crankset: | Shimano MT210 |
| Rear Der: | Shimano Alivio M3100 |
| Pedals: | Wellgo M141 |
| Tires: | Bontrager GR1 Expert |
Sizes: SM, MD, LG
Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy, Internal battery
Fork: Full carbon
Shock: N/A
Handlebar: Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy
Stem: Cannondale 3
Seat post: Alloy
Saddle: Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density
Pedals: Cannondale Fitness
Shifters: microSHIFT Advent X, 10-Speed
| Rear mech: | Shimano Acera |
| Brakes: | Tektro linear pull |
| Brake lever: | Shimano |
| Cassette: | SRAM PG830 11-28 |
| Chain: | KMC Z7 |
| Cranks: | Shimano FC-M191 28/38/48 |
| Bottom bracket: | Cartridge |
| Rims: | Matrix 750 700c |
| Hubs: | Shimano RM40 |
| Spokes: | Stainless steel |
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
DIFFICULTY Easy
Represents a low level of activity with maximum 35 kms on the bike or 12 kms by foot per day – 3 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Medium
Represents a medium level of activity with maximum 50 kms on the bike or 15 kms by foot per day – 4 to 5 hours physical activity
DIFFICULTY Hard
Represents a higher level of activity with maximum 80 kms on the bike or 25 kms by foot per day – 6 to 7 hours physical activity
CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR
You can add extra days or shorten this holiday to suit your needs or schedule.
We are very fortunate to have hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastal and scenic routes and paths to enjoy. So the options are endless.
We understand that the duration of this tour may not be the ideal amount of time for everyone so if you would like a longer or a shorter version, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will design a custom tour for you to suit your needs.
You can take a Citylink bus or a Gobus directly from Dublin airport (or from Dublin city centre) to Galway (approx. 3 hours trip) and then a Citylink bus or a Bus Eireann bus from Galway directly to Clifden (1.5 hours trip).
Please note that the last Citylink bus leaving Galway to Clifden is at 5.30 pm.
Total journey time is approximately 5 hours.
Reviews
Christine
23 Jul 2023
5/5
Connemara Adventure Tours was our great local tour company that took care of us during our self-guided tour through Connemara. They were wonderful & aimed to make our cycling trip as enjoyable as possible! Cycling was the perfect way to see Ireland! We loved everything about it..our accommodations, the locations, the landscapes and the food! The first day was the most challenging of the cycling days with the hills & terrain. My only suggestion is to confirm your bike size is correct. Mine was a medium upgraded hybrid bike which should have been a small. The bike was to big & heavy making the first day's ride more challenging for me, but I wouldn't have traded my experience of riding that day for anything! I did receive the correct size bike for the remainder of the trip. We had three exceptionally beautiful clear days and two very rainy days, which we were prepared for since we brought rain gear suggested for the trip. We had a true experience of Ireland weather! I would definitely recommend this cycling trip and Connemara Adventure Tours for anyone who is looking for an amazing adventure!
Martin & Isabelle
16 Jul 2022
5/5
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
To secure your booking, we will request 30% deposit per person. Please note this is a
non-refundable payment. The balance payment is due 30 days before the tour starts.
If your tour start date is within 30 days of booking, the full, non-refundable payment is required upon booking.
We do not organise travel to/from Ireland. However there is plenty of useful information on our Getting to Ireland page.