Bike Tour
The Wild Atlantic Way

Day 1 – Mizen Head

Our journey biking the Wild Atlantic Way begins at Mizen Head, Ireland’s southernmost point, after meeting at Cork Train Station. We’ll start with a scenic ride past rocky coves and fishing villages at the following beautiful coastline of southern Ireland before finishing at the snug village of Bantry. (L,D)

Distance: 45km/28 miles

Day 2 – Dramatic Peninsulas of Cork & Kerry

Our first full day, we’ll cross three rugged peninsulas and one mountain pass. Enjoy lush valleys and foothills in the Caha Mountains, as well as kicking off our first big climb. At the summit, we traverse a tunnel to reach the spectacular views over Kenmare Bay on the far side. We traverse the beautiful and iconic Moll’s Gap before arriving in the bustling and colourful town of Killarney. (B,L)

Distance: 70km/44 miles

Day 3 – Killarney to Ballybunion

There’s a reason why Kerry is renowned throughout the world. From the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula (also known as the Ring of Kerry) to the rolling farmlands of north Kerry, enjoy a range of beautiful scenery in this little-visited corner of Kerry. Arriving in Ballybunion, leave the bikes behind to walk along the dramatic Bromore Cliffs, falling almost 200 feet into the Atlantic. Marvel at sea stacks, natural arches and medieval towers, and keep your eye out for nesting seabirds, or seals and dolphins in the ocean below. (B,L)

Distance: 65km/40 miles

Day 4 – Ballybunion to Doolin

Give the legs a bit of a rest as we bike through the fairly flat farmland of northern Kerry towards the mouth of Ireland’s biggest river – the Shannon. A ferry takes us across the estuary and into County Clare. Crossing the quiet landscapes of Clare, we finish up on the Wild Atlantic coast in the charming seaside village of Doolin, close to another coastal cliff, the famous Cliffs of Moher. (B,L)

Distance: 80km/50 miles

Day 5 – The Burren to Galway City

Head into the other-worldly limestone landscape of the Burren National Park, globally renowned as having one of the highest diversities of wildflowers in Europe. In spring and summer, the Burren transforms into a myriad of colour with flowers from the Arctic all the way to the Mediterranean. Our ride includes short climbs and rolling terrain, including one of the best descents of the whole tour, Corkscrew Hill. Today, we have the transfer of the trip to take us safely into Galway city, where we’ll get to spend the night in what is the west coast’s liveliest city. (B,L)

Distance: 64km/40 miles

Day 6 – Coasts of Connemara

This morning, we transfer out of Galway city to the lovely wee village of Oughterard on the shores of Lough Corrib. We head deeper into Connemara, crossing the region’s wild hills and vast bogs. This is what the Wild Atlantic Way is all about: shimmering mountains, remote coastal communities and idyllic biking routes. Tucked between land and sea, Connemara is one of Ireland’s most spectacular regions offering great vistas and wild landscapes. Perhaps with the option to bike the aptly-named Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most iconic routes, we head into Clifden for the night, one of Connemara’s iconic villages. (B,L)

Distance: 80km/50 miles

Day 7 – Clifden to Westport

Explore tiny villages on a backdrop of majestic mountains before drinking in Killary Fjord (one of Ireland’s three glacial fjords). Bike through rolling hills past Ireland’s holiest mountain, known for annual pilgrimages paying homage to St Patrick, before ending your day at the bustling coastal town of Westport. (B,L,D)

Distance: 80km/50miles

Day 8 – Rest Day in Westport

One week of biking the Wild Atlantic Way completed! You’ve just spent seven days biking some of Ireland’s wildest routes so you enjoy a bit of a break! Spend your day relaxing in lively market town of Westport where there are quirky shops, great pubs and other eateries as well as intriguing local history. Or, kick back and relax at your comfortable accommodation. (B,L)

Day 9 – Westport to Ballina

Leaving the hubbub of Westport behind, we head into the quiet wilds of north Mayo. We pedal through unspoilt hills and open bogland in a corner of Ireland that few venture. Our route passes via Lough Feeagh as we skirt the edge of the Nephin wilderness. One of the last truly wild places in Ireland, the Nephin wilderness has taken its cue from the US version of a ‘wild area’ – setting aside tracts of land protected from human habitation and activity. Keeping a lookout for flora and fauna in this protected space, our route follows winding lanes that traverse this rugged little-travelled terrain, finishing up in the adorable town of Ballina. (B,L)

Distance: 78km/ 48 miles

Day 10 –  Ballina to Sligo

Heading back towards the coast, we enter into Co Sligo, another of Ireland’s hidden gems. Beautiful beaches, coastal villages, castles, lakes and bogs await us as we travel along the Sligo coast. Stopping off at Easkey village, admire the medieval tower and listen to the crash of waves popular with surfers. Bordered by the Ox Mountains on the other side, delve into the myths and legends of these beautiful mountains. As we head into Sligo town, we’ll stop by one of the region’s most important (and beautiful) holy wells before we arrive into the lovely town of Sligo. Perhaps you’ll get a chance to hear some traditional Irish music at one of Sligo’s many pubs! (B,L)

Distance: 100km/ 60miles

Day 11 – Sligo to Donegal

Back on our bikes, we ride along quiet back lanes of Yeats Country – Sligo’s stunning, windswept landscapes inspired much of the famous poet’s writing. Follow narrow lanes through the low foothills of the Dartry Mountains to pass ancient ruins and visit the chilled-out, picturesque surf beaches of Sligo and Donegal for a quiet afternoon. (B, L)

Distance: 80km/50miles

Day 12 – Donegal to Lough Swilly Fjord

Taking a break from biking the Wild Atlantic Way’s coast, we bike the only passage through the Bluestack Mountains, to explore Donegal, named Coolest Place on Earth by National Geographic Traveller. Enjoy the rugged Donegal landscapes – vast bogland crowned by distant mountains – before reaching Lough Swilly, one of Ireland’s three glacial fords, where you’ll drink in heart-stopping views over the fjord! (B, L)

Distance: 83km/52 miles

Day 13 – Malin Head

Start the morning off with a relaxing boat ride across Lough Swilly Fjord before starting the final leg biking the Wild Atlantic Way! A bit of steep climbing takes you around the coast to end at Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, a rocky headland so alien that it features in the 2017 Star Wars: Episode VIII. At Malin Head, you’re privy to a nearly 360-degree view of the Atlantic, as well as intriguing natural features with names such as Hell’s Hole and the Devil’s Bridge. After biking the Wild Atlantic Way’s most scenic and intriguing sections, you couldn’t finish this challenge-of-a-lifetime biking adventure at a more epic location! Tonight, enjoy a very well-earned celebratory dinner with your fellow cyclists. (B, L, D)

Distance: 51km/31 miles

Day 14 – Departure & Neolithic Tombs

After a well-earned breakfast at your accommodation, your epic adventure biking the Wild Atlantic Way ends with a short transfer to Sligo Railway Station. From here, there are regular trains from Sligo to Dublin, and buses to Dublin Airport. See more here about travel in Ireland. (B)