“We were absolutely blown away by the scenery.” —F.V.

Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

★★★★★★4.9/5 (13)

7 nights

20 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 1495
Bike tour in Ireland

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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.
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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.
CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Clifden, Ireland. CC:JoachimKohlerBremen' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-2.0 - Connemara, Ireland. Jeremy Thompson@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-2.0 - Connemara countryside in Ireland. Fed Bigio@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Diamond Hill in Connemara, Ireland. Callie_Caulfield@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-2.0 - Connemara, Ireland. Bernard Niess@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Irish stew & Guinness. CC:Jpatokal' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-2.0 - Renvyle Peninsula, Connemara, Ireland. John Morton@Flickr' data-type='image'>

Traveler photos
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 fee of €125 per booking will be assessed to cover the cost of an in person tour briefing and a copy of paper route documents.

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
Tour briefing
Roadbook for Discovery App* (where all your tour details live including route details and hotel list)
Printed route documents (one set per group)
Local support
Standard touring bike
Inishbofin ferry return ticket

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
Reviews

Write a review
- ★★★★★ 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
  - 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
  - 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
  - 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
  - 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

Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

Highlights

Learn More

Traveler photos

Daily program

Surface and terrain

Hotels

How to get there

Dates