fbpx
Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
+353 (0) 91 457 898

Locations

Selected Trips

    Self Guided plus+ Cycling

    Wild Atlantic Way Southwest

    9 review(s)

    Next Trip: 5th - 11th Aug 2023 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From €1,770 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Darragh Devaney
    View Darragh's Profile

    Region: South West – Cork & Kerry
    Trip Type: Self Guided plus+ Cycling
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 12
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: €442.50 €442.50

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 273kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    The Wild Atlantic Way is irresistibly alluring for cyclists. Tackle a shortened version of our epic Wild Atlantic Way bike tour on a cycling journey along the rugged coasts and windswept peninsulas of Cork, Kerry and Clare. Traverse wild mountain passes, pedal past incredible cliff-tops, and challenge yourself on iconic Irish cycling routes.

    From the mountainous Killarney National Park, past quintessential Irish farmland and the rolling limestone hills of the Burren to finish in Galway, we’ve used our local area knowledge to create an exciting biking route through West Cork, Kerry and Clare. Pedalling up to 80 km a day, absorb Ireland’s ever-changing scenery with options for additional daily mileage. On this self-guided trip, you’ll have the services of a soigneur (support guide) to arrange luggage transfers, provide roadside assistance and care for your bike each evening. All you have to do? Eat, sleep and cycle. 

    The price includes bike rental of a Trek bike which is perfectly suited for Irish roads. Each bike is fitted with a GPS device pre-loaded with daily routes as well as all essential equipment.

    Trip Highlights

    • Journey along hand-picked bike routes along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way coast.
    • Bike spectacular southwest scenery in Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Burren, and Cliffs of Moher.
    • Relax in comfortable guesthouses and hotels in excellent towns and villages .
    • Enjoy a self-guided biking holiday while your soigneur/support guide looks after all the details.
    • Focus on the road as the arrival, departure, luggage transfers and on-road support are organised.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 - Mizen Head

    After meeting your soigneur (support guide) in Cork Train Station, travel together to the far-flung signal station that marks Ireland’s southernmost tip at Mizen Head, and the starting point of your biking journey. As your bags are whisked away to your first hotel, you’ll set off on a scenic ride past rocky coves and through adorable wee fishing villages that dot West Cork’s coastline. This isolated region of Cork offers the perfect opportunity to breathe in your first blast of fresh Atlantic air as you get to know your bike and explore a region of Ireland that most bypass. You’ll spend tonight in the village of Bantry where the fantastic local seafood is the order of the day.

    Bike Distance: 45km/ 28 miles | Ascent: 410 m/ 1,345 ft

    Day 2 - The Cork & Kerry Peninsulas

    Today’s route sweeps you across three of southwest Ireland’s amazing peninsulas and through a fabulous mountain pass that is a perennial favourite among local cyclists. Starting at the coast, the road winds its way through lush valleys and into the foothills of the Caha Mountains for the first real climb of the trip. Epic views await atop Moll’s Gap, the summit of your second climb and a perfect coffee stop, before finishing the day with a fantastic long and speedy descent into the busy town of Killarney where we can recommend our favourite pub for the best pint of Guinness in town. (B)

    Bike Distance: 77km/ 47 miles | Ascent: 710 m/ 2,329 ft 

    Day 3 - Killarney and Dingle

    The famous Dingle town is beloved throughout Ireland for its lively pubs and incredible restaurant scene. The Dingle Peninsula is a place that has attracted artists, craftspeople and artisans from all over the world. This region is a Gaeltacht, meaning Irish is the daily spoken language for most people. Today’s route skirts below the gentle Slieve Mish mountains before opening out onto ocean vistas as you track along the southern edge of the Dingle Peninsula. If you are up for a little extra distance today, we recommend tacking on one of our favourite short biking loops in Ireland – the stunning route around Slea Head. Ireland’s westernmost promontory, this wild headland cycle includes opportunities to stop at early medieval beehive huts and prehistoric tombs. And did we mention the amazing views? Gaze out at the eerily beautiful Blasket Islands, evacuated in the 1950s, and the sweeping ocean vistas as far as the eye can see. (B)

    Bike Distance: 64 km/ 40 miles | Ascent: 360 m/ 1,180 ft

    Day 4 - Dingle to Ballybunion

    The Conor Pass, formerly a cattle-driving route through the mountains, is the last of Kerry’s collection of stunningly beautiful mountain passes on this Wild Atlantic Way trip. Climbing hills and mountain passes, at the summit you’re met with views of the miles-long sandy beaches that characterise the northern part of Kerry. Winding down towards the ocean, this brilliant descent is one of our favourites. For the rest of the day, you’ll pedal through quintessential Irish countryside views far from other visitors. Expect wildflower-laced hedgerows, vividly green fields and quiet roads lined with small-holdings. This is real, off-the-beaten-path Ireland where the only other people you’ll see are the locals. (B)

    Bike Distance: 78km/ 48 miles | Ascent: 590 m/ 1,935 ft

    Day 5 - Ballybunion to Doolin

    Today’s route follows the Wild Atlantic Way as it winds northwards along the coast. The day starts flat, giving your legs a bit of a rest before ferrying across the Shannon Estuary, the mouth of Ireland’s longest river, and into County Clare. The southern part of Clare is often by-passed by the less adventurous so you’ll enjoy incredibly quiet roads for a lot of today. You’ll pass by the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most famous landmark, and into the village of Doolin – a bastion of Irish music where traditional Irish music is deeply ingrained in local culture. (B)

    Bike Distance: 85 km/ 54 miles | Ascent: 500 m/ 1,640 ft

    Day 6 - The Burren to Galway City

    The other-worldly landscape of the Burren National Park awaits today, an area renowned the world over for the sheer diversity of wildflowers that grow in its seemingly inhospitable rocky crevices. Ireland is an island of contrasting landscapes, and the green of yesterday seems like a distant memory when confronted with the mesmerising limestone hills of the Burren. The terrain today is rolling, with short, sharp climbs and descents. On the outskirts of Galway city, your soigneur will meet you for the short transfer through the city traffic and into the heart of the ‘Spanish Quarter’ where you’ll enjoy a final night in this lively and cosmopolitan city. (B)

    Bike Distance: 54 km/ 33 miles | Ascent: 250 m/ 820 ft

    Day 7 - Galway & Departure

    Galway Train Station is a short walk away from your hotel where there are regular connections to Dublin. Depending on your outward plans, you might enjoy a stroll around this colourful city. (B)

    X
    Self Guided plus+ Cycling
    Wild Atlantic Way Southwest

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

    Fields marked with * are mandatory

    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

    Trip Dates & Prices

    Trip Dates for 2023AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    5th Aug - 11th Aug 20234 places leftCONFIRMED€1,770Book Now
    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    4th May - 10th May 202412 places leftUNCONFIRMED€1,770Book Now
    13th Jul - 19th Jul 202410 places leftCONFIRMED€1,770Book Now
    7th Sep - 13th Sep 202412 places leftUNCONFIRMED€1,770Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This self guided + cycling itinerary includes 6 nights in 3-4 star accommodation, staying at some of our favourite locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels, each handpicked for their warm welcome and bike-friendly facilities. You will stay at 5 different accommodations on this trip (a new one each night). Single rooms are available on request.

    Meals Read More

    Breakfast is included each day. Your soigneur (support guide) will suggest a number of options for your lunches and evening meals in each location as well as sharing with you favourite pubs in each town you stay in along the way.

    Inclusions Read More

    This trip includes the following:

    • 6 nights in classic graded accommodations- 3-4 star locally-owned small hotels and guesthouses
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • Soigneur/support guide (who is also a qualified bike mechanic and first aider) available 24/7 while on the trip
    • A support vehicle throughout the trip that offers guidance, local insights, snacks, a change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed
    • Bike Hire choice of:
    • Essential equipment includes a helmet and GPS with pre-loaded routes. Your soigneur will also have a bike lock, bike tool, spare inner tube, pump and tire levers if required.
    • Bike cleaning and maintenance throughout the trip
    • Welcome briefing and expert bike fitting on Day 1
    • Daily luggage transfers
    • Local maps, cycling route notes and a local area guidebook

    This trip includes all accommodation and as well as some meals. It does not include drinks or any gratuities you may choose to leave.

    Trip Grading Read More

    At Your Own Pace

    Self guided trips can be taken at your own pace, meaning that you can travel whenever and at whatever pace you feel comfortable, leaving time for optional extra activities, explorations or relaxing.

    On this self guided cycling adventure, you will have detailed route notes to follow each day. On most days, you will also have the option to extend your cycling routes with optimal extensions ranging from 2 to 25 miles.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    Arrival Info

    • Meet your soigneur (support guide) Cork Train Station.

    Departure Info

    • Your soigneur will return you to Galway Train Station on the final day of your trip.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Darragh Devaney

    Darragh is Wilderness Ireland’s Operations Manager. As the team’s resident bike expert, Darragh has helped research, design and even guide nearly all of Wilderness Ireland’s bike trips. When not in the office, Darragh can usually be found exploring a little-known corner of Ireland on two wheels or camping in the countryside with his family.

    Ask Darragh a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.89 out of 5 based on 9 review(s) of Self Guided plus+ Cycling – Wild Atlantic Way Southwest

    8
    1
    0
    0
    0

     

    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    JM

    Jeff Moorehead

    Reviewed on 22/08/2022

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 11/06/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    RG

    Robin Given

    Reviewed on 10/07/2022

    Age: 40 - 50
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 27/06/2022
    Trips Taken: 2

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Overall it was different than our previous self guided tours in a very positive way. I liked the GPS navigation was super easy; our guide was available at any moment and ensured we had everythingwe needed; the bikes were well maintained and taken care of by our guide the whole time; the accommodations were hotels in each town and always had fantastic food served; each accommodation was near pubs and restaurants; Wilderness is a very easy and professional team to work with overall I will definitely use this company and recommend it to anyone who is interested. Thanks!!

    DC

    Deb Cnota

    Reviewed on 06/07/2022

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: USA
    Trip Date: 27/06/2022
    Trips Taken: 2

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Loved our trip to Ireland. Loved exploring new little towns . Loved the sites and views of beautiful Ireland ❤️

    Want more Wilderness in your life?

    Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers.