Traffic free cycle tour |

Irish Heartlands & Atlantic Way Traffic Free Cycle Tour

Overview

From single traveller to groups of 8.

Want to discover the beauty of Ireland on an East to West traffic free Cycle tour? Explore the Movie setting on Achill Island of Golden Globe globe winner "The Banshees of Inisherin"

Pick your starting date and cycle on the award winning Royal Canal Greenway and The great Western Greenway trail to explore Irelands hidden heartlands and Wild Atlantic way in full. This is mostly a traffic free route starting in cosmopolitan Maynooth in the East of the country, it follows the 200 year old canal through Enfield and Mullingar fininishing in the rural setting of Cloondara in Co Longford in the heart of Ireland. Discover quaint cottages with cafés, picnic spots and attractions along the way. Cycle through pretty waterside villages, working locks and historic landmarks. Continue the tour and discover The Great Western Greenway route in County Mayo. A 45 km (27 miles) long trail that begins in Westport and ends on Achill Island, passing through the great towns of Newport and Mulranny along the coast of the picturesque and unique Clew Bay. It follows the old coastal railway line which was constructed in the 1890s and closed in 1937. This is one of Ireland's best traffic free cycle routes and it offers you world class views across Clew bay with the famous Croagh Patrick mountain (764m) in the background.

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 on arrival and departure travel arrangements.

See full Itinerary heading for details

We've selected high quality hotels and guesthouses to suit your budget.

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU NEED TO AMEND THE DURATION OF THIS TOUR

Airport Transfer to Maynooth - From Dublin Airport - 40mts / From Shannon Airport - 2hrs 20mts / From Knock Airport - 2hrs 10mts / Belfast International Airport - 2hrs 10mts.

Please contact us for prices and information on Airport transfer.

Accommodation in the West of Ireland can book out very quickly, so it's advisable to please book early!

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in the historic town of Maynooth.

Discover the ancient east with your first stop at the historic and vibrant town of Maynooth. A university town in north County Kildare, St Patrick's College and Maynooth castle are notable attractions.

Day 2 -Maynooth – Mullingar / 60km

Depart Maynooth and take the Royal Canal traffic free route and stop for lunch at 34km at the Hill of the Down, continue on for a further 26km to your overnight stop off in Mullingar. If time permits a visit to Belvedere house is highly recommended, just a 25 minute cycle outside Mullingar town. This is a magnificent 160 acre lakeside estate with a fully restored Georgian Villa.

Day 3 Mullingar - Cloondara / Tarmonbarry 60km -

Depart Mullingar following signs for the Royal Canal greenway to Cloondara. The second part of the greenway trail traverses through the lovely villages of Abbeyshrule and Kenagh Village - stop off for Coffee in 2Mugs Coffee in Mosstown Harbour. Cycle on for a further 14km to the picturesque Richmond harbour and the end of the Royal Canal trail in Cloondara. Stay at this beautifull harbour or 2kms away at the beautifull village of Tarmonbarry located on the banks of Irelands longest River the Shannon.

DAY 4 - Tarmonbarry to Westport - Free car or bus journey (120km - 1hr 35mts travel time)

Depart Cloondara and Tarmonbarry sit back and enjoy a bus or car drive through Irelands Hidden Heartlands to one of Irelands best tourist towns Westport. Recently voted the best place in Ireland to live - it offers plenty for visitors to experience and enjoy, such as Westport House and a beautiful sheltered harbour. This delightfully laid out town boasts elegant Georgian streetscapes with stunning views of Croagh Patrick.

Day 5 - Cycle 44 kms from Westport to Achill Sound

Collect your bike in the local Bike hire shop and join the Greenway for the start of your 44km cycle to Achill Island. The first stop at 12 km is the picturesque town of Newport. Continue on for a further 18km for your recommended lunch stop in Mulranny. After lunch cycle the final 14km and experience the full beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way . Stop in Achill sound for your 2 night stay.

Day 6 - Achill Island - ( This part of the tour is optional as cycling is done on normal roads. You have the choice to cycle back to Westport and continue the traffic free tour)

Achill is Irelands largest offshore island and joined to the mainland by a bridge at Achill Sound. Recent Golden globe winning movie The Banshees of Inisheerin is also set here. Half of the island is a Gaeltacht region. The island has some of the highest and most spectacular sheer cliff faces in Europe. Achill is dotted with small villages and is famous for its magnificent sandy blue flag beaches. Cycling along the quiet lanes and trails is the perfect way to explore the full beauty of this Island delight.

ACHILL CYCLE LOOPS

Achill Cycle hub offers 3 marked on road cycle routes ranging in distance from 12km to 44km. Each cycle route offers breath taking views off the west coast off Mayo and Achill Island . Numerous picnic stops are dotted along the route as well as a number of local public houses and restaurants.

There are buses and taxis that leave for Westport (half hour journey) where you can catch trains and buses to most of the major Airports.

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.