Lake & Wild Atlantic Way Bicycle tour
Overview
From solo traveller to groups of 8
330 Kms - Average 66 kms per day ( 5 days of Cycling )
Spend 7 nights touring Ireland’s lakelands and Wild Atlantic way, from the majestic Cliffs of Moher, voted Irelands top tourist attraction to the unspoiled beauty of Connemara. We’ve picked 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. Guided tours are offered with groups of 8 or more.
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.
We would recommend Electric bikes if there are different fitness levels within groups.
Airport Transfer Times to Killaloe - Dublin - 2 Hrs 15mts / Shannon - 45mts / Knock - 2hrs / Belfast International Airport 3hrs 40mts.
Airport transfers can be arranged through our booking form. We can also assist you for departures including bus, rail and taxi transfer.
Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Killaloe
Situated on the banks of the River Shannon, Killaloe is well known as the birthplace of Brian Boru (c. 941 - 1014), and High King of Ireland,(1002 - 1014). While Brian was High King, he ruled from Killaloe making it the "Capital of Ireland." The towns of Killaloe and Ballina are amongst Ireland's most picturesque attractions. They are linked by a 13 arch bridge, which links not only the two towns, but also the counties of Clare and Tipperary. With beautiful walks and boat tours - a stop in Killaloe is not to be missed.
Day 2 - Killaloe to Ennis 50km (gradient 235 mtrs)
Departing Killaloe you will proceed to Tuamgraney on the R352 road. You will cycle past the scenic delights of Lough Derg which is Ireland's third largest lake. A stop off here is an absolute must before you travel on to experience the spectacular countryside terrain on your way to the vibrant town of Ennis and County Clare’s largest town.
Day 3 - Ennis to Doolin Via Milltown Malby - 60km ( gradient 540 mtrs)
Leaving Ennis follow the R474 road via the small village of Connolly. At approximately 23km you will get the first views of Miltown Malby where the Wild Atlantic way tour starts in earnest.
A stop off at O’Loughlin's bar in Milltown Malby which is an excellent choice for lunch and witnessing the best of Irish culture. Proceeding on the N67 - witness the beauty of Liscannor Bay as you approach Lahinch.
Lahinch is a beautiful coastal resort with surfing and golf being its biggest tourist attractions. Notably it hosted the 2019 Irish Golf Open. Unquestionably a stop here for some photographs is highly recommended. Cycle on towards the R478 road to the beautiful coastal Village of Liscannor. Check out the monument of John Holland birthplace of the inventor of the submarine.
Travelling on for another few kilometres you will observe magnificent vista over Liscannor bay as you approach the world famous Cliffs of Moher. A stop here is the highlight of the tour and not to be missed.
Take the winding roads down to the beautiful town of Doolin. Located on the edge of the historic Burren in northwest County Clare, its dramatic landscape, restaurants and harbour make it the perfect destination for your stop over.
Day 4 - Doolin to Galway / Burren tour 69km (gradient 415 mtrs)
When leaving Doolin follow the N67 to Galway. Travel through the lovely town of Lisdoonvarna on the N76. After 17km you will come to the famous Cregan or Corkscrew hill where you can view the magnificient and world renouned Burren Limestone rocks. In the distance you can view Galway bay between the slopes of Cappanawalla & Aillwee. Cycle down the winding roads to the scenic towns of Ballyvaughan & Kinvarra with beautiful views over Galway bay. A stop off for lunch in Kinvarra is well recommended with a good choice of shops, cafes and restaurants. Proceed onwards and view the historic Dunguaire Castle on your left. Continue for another 8 kms through Ballinderreen and then take a left turn for the N18 which leads you through the beautiful village of Clarenbridge and thereafter follow signs to Oranmore town. Passing through the town depart through the R338 road for a further 9km to your 2 night stay in spectacular City of the Tribes - Galway.
Day 5 - Rest day in Galway City ( Optional Cycling day)
We would strongly recommend a two night stay to explore the full beauty of Galway City. 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.
Day 6 - Galway to Clifden - 87KM (Gradient 450mtrs)
Leave Galway city on the R336 Coast road to Inverin. Pass the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and witness the Aran Islands on your left as you approach the rugged beauty of Connemara. Cycle past the beautiful coastal towns of Barna and Spiddal & continue on to the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) village of Inverin. At this part of the route you will experience for the first time a landscape that is distinctive for its wildness, quietness and unspoilt nature. Continue on through Screebe and take in the beauty of the ribbon lakes and also the Twelve Pin mountains to the north as you approach Maam’s cross. Take the left turn and cycle through one of Ireland’s most scenic roads to the picturesque town of Clifden.
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 history, heritage, activities, and world class hospitality.
Day 7 - Clifden to Westport - 65KM (Gradient 430mtrs)
Depart Clifden on the N59 road north and experience magnificent views of the Atlantic coast as you approach the winding roads that will bring you down to the iconic Kylemore abbey. Set on the Kylemore Lough shore at the heart of a 15,000 acre estate. A stop here is most certainly recommended with views over the beautiful lake shores of Pollacappul and Maladrolaun Lake.
Continue on for another 16km and as you approach the beautiful Village of Leenane, take in the magnificent views of Killary harbour and Ireland's only Fjord. A stop off for lunch in Leenane is suggested as there is an impressive choice of shops and restaurants. Proceed to Westport and observe the magnificent views of Croagh Patrick as you approach the town.
Westport is a highly popular tourist destination with Westport house and a number of award winning restaurants and bars. It won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition three times in 2001, 2006 and 2008. In 2012 it won the Best Place to Live in Ireland. So it is a truly perfect place to relax after the long roads of Clare and Connemara.
Please contact us if you would like to extend your stay and we can accommodate you. Alternatively we can arrange taxi transfer or information for bus and rail if your plan is to depart.
Gallery
Accommodation
Please contact us for more information on hotels, B&Bs and guest houses.
Pricing
From €1100 Per Person based on a minimum of 2 people sharing
The tour includes Bikes and helmets, luggage transfer, accommodations with bed & breakfast, Digital route maps. We have handpicked places where there are good quality restaurants and bars close by.
**Please note Airport transfers are not included.
24/7 phone contact for emergencies or general enquires.