Irish Cycle Challenge - 100km per day

Overview

From single traveller to groups of 8

7 Day Cycle / 8 nights stay - 740 Kms - Average 105 kms per day -

Cycle from Ireland's Hidden Heartlands through country roads taking in beautiful lakes and hills as you make your way North to the picturesque county of Donegal. Your route will then turn south as you travel along Irelands famous Wild Atlantic way taking in the coastal counties of Sligo and Mayo. Pedal along deserted roads via the show-stopping region of Connemara as you make your way to Galway city.

We’ve selected high quality hotels and guesthouses to suit your budget. We can supply Electric, hybrid or racing bikes to make your cycle go as comfortable as possible. Luggage transfers are included. Guided tours are offered with groups of 8 or more. We would recommend Electric bikes if there are different fitness levels within groups.

Tour will include Digital Route maps, bed and breakfast, luggage transfer, Bikes,Helmets and locks, 24/7 phone support for the duration of your stay, full advice for arrival and departure travel arrangements.

Airport Transfer times to Mullingar - Dublin Airport - 1hr / Shannon Airport - 2hrs / Knock Airport 1.45mts / Belfast International Airport - 2.5hrs. Please contact us if Airport transfer is required.

It is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Mullingar Co. Westmeath

Discover the Heart of the Irish midlands with your first stop at the vibrant town of Mullingar. A perfect place to start your Irish cycle journey with easy access provided by the rail and bus networks that pass through Mullingar each day. Check out the great nightlife with many great bars and restaurants to choose from.

Day 2

Mullingar – Carrick on Shannon via Ballymahon / 107km - Gradient 220 metres - moderate

Depart Mullingar and cycle on the R392 back roads to Ballymahon. Cycle through rural villages and towns to your recommended lunch stop along Irelands Longest river at Lanesboro/Ballyleague on the river Shannon. Follow the rivers course to Rooskey along Irelands smallest county of Leitrim to your second night stay in the beautiful town of Carrick on Shannon.

Day 3

Carrick on Shannon - Donegal Town via Manorhamilton / 100km - Gradient 610 metres - moderate

Depart Carrick on Shannon and follow the R280 road via the spectacular lakelands of Drumshambo. Continue on the R280 road to Drumkeernan, you will pass Lough Allen with stunning views of Sliabh an Iarainn. Cycle on via Manorhamilton to the lovely coastal towns of Ballyshannon and Bundoran on the N15 coastal road where the Wild Atlantic way starts in earnest. A further 30km will bring you to the bustling town of Donegal for your two night stay.

Donegal Town is an attractive vibrant town overlooking Donegal Bay with a backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains. A Market Town with a Diamond at its centre it is easily accessible for visitors and locals to explore the abundance of shops, dining, cultural and heritage attractions, bars and restaurants.

Day 4

Donegal Town - Glencolumbkille Donegal loop - 114km round trip - Gradient 1277 mtrs moderate to hard

Departing your accommodation, cycle along the N56 coastal road to Irelands main fishing town Killybegs. The cycle takes a more rural feel after this with breathtaking scenery as you approach Glencolumbkille. Stop for lunch in the visitor centre before making your way up to the iconic Glengesh pass. Stop off at the viewing point. Continue on to Ardara village. Cycling south to Inver and Donegal town for you second night stay.

Day 5

Doneagal Via Mullaghmore / Sligo town to Strandhill - 97km / km - Gradient 520 meters

Depart Donegal on the R287 & follow the coastal road passing through the picturesque towns and villages including Rossnowlagh and Bundoran. Continue on to Mullaghmore completing a beautiful cycle loop past Classiebawn castle before stopping for lunch in Mullaghmore harbour. Cycle on with beautiful views of Benbulben on your right and Sligo bay to the right as you approach Sligo town. Continue on the coastal R292 road to the coastal town of Strandhill for your overnight stay.

Strandhill is a coastal town on the Coolera Peninsula with Knocknarea mountain dominating the skyline. A surfers paradise with a beautiful beach also hosting a golf course and Airport. Strandhill is also renown for its great beach bars and restaurants.

Day 6

Strandhill - Via Enniscrone - Castlebar 109km Gradient 205 meters - moderate

Depart Strandhill on the R292 shore road to Ballysadare and follow the N59 road before continuing on the beautiful coastal road to Dromore West. Stop off for lunch in Enniscrone whilst taking in the stunning views of Enniscrone strand. Continue cycling through Ballina and on to the R310 road and experience the stunning views of Lough Conn with the mountain of Nephin in the backround. Cycle on and just before the beautiful village of Pontoon you will pass the bridge between the two limestone lakes of Lough Conn & Lough Cullen. This will lead you through the stunning Cunnagher Bog and into Castlebar for your overnight stay. A bustling town with many great bars and restaurants to choose from.

Day 7

Castlebar Via Louisburgh - Clifden 110km Gradient 500 meters - moderate

Depart Castlebar on the R292 road and continue on to the picturesque town of Westport. Continue on the coastal road with beutiful views over Clew bay on your right and the iconic Croagh Patrick on the left, make your way out to Louisburgh before turning south cycling towards Clifden. A truly amazing cycle with breathtaking views as you pass Doo Lough. Stop off for coffee before continuing on to Leenane and the Killary Fjord. If time allows, a visit to Kylemore abbey is recommended before you make your way into Clifden for your overnight stay.

A thriving market town, Clifden is nestled between the Twelve Pin mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Clifden is populated with friendly and welcoming people and is well known for it’s Irish traditional music bars, heritage, activities, and world class hospitality.

Day 8

Clifden - Via Inverin Galway 103km - Gradient 285 mtrs -moderate

Depart your accommodation and follow the beautiful coastal road to Roundstone, follow the rural roads where you will experience the true heart of Connemara with stunning scenery of lakes, bogs and mountains in view. Make your way south towards Inverin and Spiddal, from here you can view the Aran islands to your left as you make your way into Galway city with stunning views over Galway bay.

A harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music. Nearby, stone-clad cafes, boutiques and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which retains portions of the medieval city walls. We would recommend taking your bike to properly explore this wonderful city.