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Bike Tour – The Wild Atlantic Way

Trip Overview

The epitome of an adventure challenge: this is the bike tour of a lifetime. On this bucket-list adventure, you’ll bike the Wild Atlantic Way, pedalling along iconic cycling routes and through the best of the dramatic west coast of Ireland.

On this point-to-point bike trip from Ireland’s southernmost to northernmost points, traverse wild mountain passes, discover secret beaches, admire steep cliffs, stroll through adorable villages and wind through vast bogs as you witness the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way coast from one end to the other. You’ll traverse all of Ireland by bike, barring a quick transfer in and out of Galway city for a chance to explore one of Ireland’s most beloved cities.

In Ireland, history and culture are everywhere, varying from one landscape to the next. Biking 875 km (543 miles) over 14 days, we’ll explore the best Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way has to offer on two wheels. On this unique itinerary, you’ll bike nearly every step of the way on this cross-country trip. Of course, whenever your bike gets tired, remember you can always hop in the support van.

While our expert guides interpret this wild place, you can focus on the challenge of biking the Wild Atlantic Way. Expect breathtaking panoramas, fantastic food, and cosy accommodations. Without a doubt, biking the Wild Atlantic Way is an epic ride you’ll remember for years to come.

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Day by Day
Itinerary

Day 1 – Mizen Head Read More: Day 1
Mizen Head
Our Wild Atlantic Way cycling journey begins at remote Mizen Head, Ireland’s southernmost point. Ride past an idyllic crescent-shaped beach, meandering through the rocky coves and maritime villages of Cork’s south coast before ending at the snug village of Bantry. After dinner and a briefing with our guides, we retire to our comfy rooms to get some rest before our adventure really kicks off tomorrow.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Ride Details: 45 km / 28 miles | 496 m / 1,626 ft

Day 2 – Peninsulas of Cork & Kerry Read More: Day 2
Peninsulas of Cork & Kerry
Welcome to the first big day of our Wild Atlantic Way tour, where we’ll cross three peninsulas and one mountain pass. As we pass through lovely West Cork villages overlooking Bantry Bay, we enter a lush valley in the foothills of the Caha Mountains before our first big climb. At the summit of the impressive Caha Pass, we enter an unusual rock tunnel before being rewarded with spectacular views down to Kenmare Bay, when we emerge on the other side. Passing through the stunning landscape of Moll’s Gap, we head towards Killarney and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains. Finish up in the colourful town of Killarney on the edge of Killarney National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 70 km / 43 miles | 1,037 m / 3,402 ft

Day 3 – Killarney to Ballybunion Read More: Day 3
Killarney to Ballybunion
There’s a reason why Kerry is renowned throughout the world. From the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula – where the Ring of Kerry is located – to the rolling farmlands of north Kerry, enjoy a range of beautiful scenery in this lush, little-visited corner of Kerry. Arriving in Ballybunion, leave the bikes behind to walk along the dramatic Bromore Cliffs, descending almost 200 feet into the Atlantic. Marvel at sea stacks, natural arches and medieval towers, and listen to the calls of the nesting seabirds who live on the cliffs. Perhaps you’ll even spot seals and dolphins in the ocean below.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 65 km / 40 miles | 602 m / 1,976 ft

Day 4 – Ballybunion to Doolin Read More: 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ride Details: 80 km / 50 miles | 821 m / 2,695 ft

Day 5 – The Burren to Galway City Read More: Day 5
The Burren to Galway City
Our journey takes us into the other-worldly limestone landscape of the Burren National Park, renowned as having one of the highest diversities of wildflowers in Europe. In spring and summer, the Burren transforms into a myriad of colours and perfumes with wildflowers from the Arctic all the way to the Mediterranean blossoming between the crags. Our ride includes short climbs and rolling terrain, including one of the best descents of the whole tour, Corkscrew Hill. Today, we have one transfer by van to take us safely into Galway City, one of the west coast’s liveliest cities. Looking for live music and a vibrant atmosphere? Both are in ample supply in Galway.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 64 km / 40 miles | 634 m / 2,081 ft

Day 6 – Coasts of Connemara Read More: 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 perfectly named Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most iconic routes, we head into Clifden for the night, one of Connemara’s iconic villages.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 80 km / 50 miles | 684 m / 2,244 ft

Day 7 – Clifden to Westport Read More: Day 7
Clifden to Westport
Following the Wild Atlantic Way, we continue past the magnificent shores of Killary Fjord under the shadow of Mweelrea Mountain, the highest peak in Connacht. This area has long been a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts due to its wild, windswept, and remote landscapes. North of Connemara, this is the perfect cycling country with rolling hills and spectacular scenery. Passing under the mountainous cone of Croagh Patrick, known for its association with St Patrick, we roll into the picturesque town of Westport, full of bustling shops and cheery pubs.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 80 km / 50 miles | 596 m / 1,957 ft

Day 8 – Rest Day in Westport Read More: Day 8
Rest Day in Westport
You’ve just completed seven days of biking through some of the wildest and most breathtaking roads of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, so it’s time for a well-earned rest! Westport is a busy country town full of great pubs, restaurants and shops, and a great place to kick back and relax at your accommodation, or to set out on foot to explore its colourful and quirky shops, galleries and cafés.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 – Westport to Ballina Read More: Day 9
Westport to Ballina
Leaving the hubbub of Westport behind, we head into the quiet wilds of north Mayo. Pedal through unspoilt hills and open bogland in a corner of Ireland where few ever venture. Our route passes via Lough Feeagh, skirting 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 region, finishing up in the traditional Irish town of Ballina.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 78 km / 48 miles | 400 m / 1,312 ft

Day 10 – Ballina to Sligo Read More: Day 10
Ballina to Sligo
Heading back towards the coast, we enter County Sligo, another one 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. Tonight, perhaps you’ll get a chance to hear some traditional Irish music at one of Sligo’s many pubs.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 100 km / 62 miles | 522 m / 1,713 ft

Day 11 – Sligo to Donegal Read More: Day 11
Sligo to Donegal
Starting out from Sligo town, we bike into Yeats Country, the captivatingly beautiful landscape that fed the famous Irish poet’s imagination. The narrow lanes that meander through the foothills of the Dartry Mountains make for some easy biking, and it’s not long before you find yourself in County Donegal. Before reaching our accommodation in Donegal town, there’s time for an afternoon stop at Rossnowlagh Beach, a stunning three km-long Blue Flag surfing beach. Though small, Donegal and its castle have long played host to important regional historical events and characters.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 80 km / 50 miles | 644 m / 2,114 ft

Day 12 – Donegal to Lough Swilly Fjord Read More: Day 12
Donegal to Lough Swilly Fjord
Leaving the coast, we pedal to northern Donegal through the Barnsmore Gap, which is still the only passage through the Bluestack Mountains. After a challenging day in the saddle through the vast landscapes of the Donegal interior, we reach Lough Swilly, a glacial fjord that separates Fanad Head from the Inishowen Peninsula. To cross this massive expanse, we’ll hop on a boat into Buncrana for a good nights’ rest before the final push along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 83 km / 52 miles | 922 m / 3,026 ft

Day 13 – Malin Head Read More: Day 13
Malin Head
The final leg of our Wild Atlantic Way bike journey begins with another Irish classic: the steep climb to the top of the Mamore Gap. The road then descends towards the Atlantic Coast before winding around to Ireland’s northernmost point. Malin Head is an exposed headland with almost 360-degree views of the Atlantic and is known as a filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. You’ll get an idea of the region’s wild and rugged nature through names such as Hell’s Hole and the Devil’s Bridge. Malin Head, at the very top of Ireland, is the perfect place to finish this epic bike trip. Now it’s time for a very well-earned celebratory dinner with our group.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ride Details: 51 km / 32 miles | 811 m / 2,660 ft

Day 14 – Departure Read More: Day 14
Departure
After breakfast at your accommodation, it’s time to say goodbye to the Wild Atlantic Way. A transfer takes us to Sligo Train Station, where there are regular trains back to Dublin. On the way, we take the time to visit an ancient Neolithic monument older than the pyramids of Giza. In fact, this tomb is one of Ireland’s best-preserved court tombs, dating to the 3rd century BC.
Meals Included: Breakfast

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Biking

The Wild Atlantic Way

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

Trip Dates & Prices

All payments taken in local currency EUR

Trip Dates for 2024	Availability	Status	Price	Book
1st Jun - 14th Jun 2024	5 place(s) left	Guaranteed	€5,620	Book Now

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 preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

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Biking

The Wild Atlantic Way

For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

Trip Details

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Accommodation Read More

This trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. All accommodations provide breakfast. All the accommodations we use on the Wild Atlantic Way Bike Tour are comfortable, unique and part of the adventure. Known for their high quality of service, they are a great place to kick back after a long day biking the wilds of Ireland.

Each day, lunch is either a Wilderness Picnic in the great outdoors or taken at a local cafe/pub. Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day. Evening meals are included on the first and last nights only. For the other evenings, your Wilderness Guide can provide expert recommendations.

Single Rooms

There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of €860 is charged.

Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Meals Read More

Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided on the first, seventh and final nights. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes.

On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

Inclusions Read More

14 days of biking with a lead guide plus an assistant guide/support driver
13 nights accommodation in unique and cosy 3 star and 4 star guest houses and hotels
Meals as stated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Pickup and transport during trip, starting in Cork and finishing in Sligo
Vehicle transport throughout, including ride support if required
Regular luggage transfers
Entrance and admission fees, as stated in the itinerary
Delicious Irish snacks and drinks throughout the day

Grading Read More

Red Graded 7-9

The road cycling trips that we offer are graded to take into account a combination of the general level of fitness required and the number of miles cover as well as the daily ascent and estimated saddle time.

Our red graded trips would involve some longer days with some taxing climbs and descents, there are still breaks throughout the day but overall daily distance will be longer. These trips are designed for road cyclist enthusiast who loves cycling and spends many weekends beach year in the saddle. The prospect of testing climbs and speedy descents brings a grin to your face.

The red graded trips may involve several challenging days in a row and a significant amount of climbing, sometimes exposed to the elements. Distances typically range for 40-70 miles each day through hilly and often mountainous landscapes, meaning that there are regular ascents and descents. These trips include some of the most testing road climbs in the Ireland – but our support vehicle is always in the background if required.

Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More: You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland Guide at Cork Kent Train Station at 11:00 on Day 1 of your trip. We’ll drop you off at Sligo Macdiarmada Train Station by 13:00 on the last day of the trip. For full details on how to get there, please see the travel page of our website.

Bike Hire / Bring Your Own Bike Read More

Bike Hire

We have an excellent fleet of road bikes available to hire.
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Bring Your Own Bike

You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike.

If you choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced – either by you or by a reputable bike shop. If you are doing a red graded trip, then please also ensure it is not an E-bike.

In addition, please bring the following:

Multi-tool, including a chain tool
Mini pump and/or CO2 canisters
Two spare tubes and a puncture repair kit

Because we will need to load your bike onto one of our trailers, please ensure that:

Your rear wheel is clear of any obstructions; including lights, mudguard or panniers
Your tyres are no wider than 45mm

Due to the nature of our trips, we are unfortunately unable to carry bike boxes or bags with us, so please make prior arrangements if necessary.

If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

Speak to an Expert

Darragh Devaney

One of our team members, 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

Kevin Cronin
1st Jun - 14th Jun 2024

View guides for all departures

Difficulty Grades Explained

Red Graded 7-9

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Trip Reviews

Rated 4.67 out of 5 based on 6 review(s) of Bike Tour – The Wild Atlantic Way

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.

Steve Benting

Reviewed on 15/09/2023

Age: 50 - 60
Country: United States
Trip Date: 29/07/2023
Trips Taken: 1

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Aran and Dan were very responsive and helpful. The website gave a good description of what we were going to do. It would have helped a little to get some more details about the rides (like the RideWithGPS routes I found later in the trip) -- though I know Donncha and Andrew changed a couple of the routes when we did the ride. The guidance on material to bring with us was also very helpful. That helped us plan ahead and we were able to arrive with a set of clothes and gear that worked well.

Trip Comments

Hotels were very good - comfortable and quiet. The food was very good as well. The scenery was beautiful and impressively varied for how much change we'd see in a day or two. Mostly the routes were well-designed and I appreciated the changes on day seven to ride along Killary Fjord and up the valley past Delphi which avoided the need to spend as much time on the N59 in favor of smaller roads. Routes were well-chosen overall. (e.g., I'm happy that we didn't try to ride into or out of Galway City given the traffic as well while most of the days routed us in ways that avoided the most traffic. And where we had to deal with traffic, the local drivers were generally very good.) The level of challenge was about ideal for us and just about exactly as the website described. Bikes were in good condition, comfortable, and well-tuned. While I typically ride with narrower tires at home, the wider tires on the road bikes were ideal given some of the road surfaces we encountered along the way.

Accommodation & Food

The hotels were very good overall. To nit-pick, the breakfast in Ballina was less impressive -- and while our room in the Rathmullan hotel was spacious and beautiful, a single rider in our tour got stuck with a small room just over the entryway. (This meant that she had to listen to the door opening/closing for part of the night as well.) The B&B in Ballybunion was a little far from downtown but Andrew and Donncha helped us get to dinner that evening. But that's niggling stuff. Overall, we were very happy with the hotels and the food.

Your Guide

Donncha was clearly very knowledgeable and worked to teach us a little more about Ireland, its history, and its people. He handled technical issues with the bikes well -- helping me manage a broken spoke on day one while also adjusting my handlebars when I needed it. Andrew is immensely likeable, enthusiastic, and supportive to the riders. His focus on our experience showed in things like shuttling back and forth between riders to make sure we all made it through any tricky bits of navigation like day three on the way out of Killarney and getting reservations set up each night for dinner. When another person had a sore knee that kept her from riding for a couple of days, each made her feel welcome in the van when they were driving. When we arrived (soaked) at Killarney on day two before all of the rooms were ready, Donncha was able to help the hotel swap our rooms around so we could start getting cleaned up and dried out some of the riders were still on the road.

The Bottom Line

We had a great trip! The theme in taking us from Mizen Head to Malin Head is a nice way to see the country with some amazing scenery along the way. (And kept us with the prevailing winds as much as possible.) Hotels and food were very good with only minor exceptions. Donncha and Andrew were organized and supportive -- and we enjoyed their company as well. As compared to previous reviews, we had Garmins and they worked well: routing wasn't difficult and we had only a couple minor quirks to deal with. The office staff was good about letting us think through the implications when the trip didn't have a minimum group to start -- and then were in touch immediately as another group committed so we could lock our plans in.

Wendy Hastings

Reviewed on 04/10/2018

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

The route was great but seriously needs Garmin maps as there are many little roads that aren’t covered by paper maps without very extensive writing; bikes need fully packed back packs with tubes, levers, pumps etc even if guides are there to change tyres; daily debrief and briefing for next day would mean riders could be better prepared to leave on time. With such a small group it would be easy to facilitate. Route maps provided the day before ( we really appreciated that Andrew spent a lot of energy redoing them each night as they were incorrect) but for next time this should not be an issue. Drop the boat ride to Arran island. Weather can be dodgy and we didn’t see anyth8ng as so much time was spent in the crossing. It also meant that we didn’t really ride the whole way from Mizzen to Mallen. The support vehicle needs to carry a better supply of munchies such as energy bars, nuts, tablets for water bottles - long rides need food along the way. Lunch venues were really wonderful. Absolutely recommend the trip to anybody with sound riding strength. Thanks for wonderful trip

Geoff Hastings

Reviewed on 28/09/2018

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

There was lots of information available though the exact route was not there until a week before - but this was because it was the first time that it had run. The payment information from Australia was confusing. The information was more applicable to EU/UK/USA and there were things there that Australian banks do not use. They are are particular to the US. The fees to pay you were quite expensive and it would have been good to get information on the best way to pay right at the start. Eg Fees for my first credit card deposit were about 50 Euros - there was a cheaper way to pay through a transfer and this should have been in the information.

Trip Comments

Ok here are the things that needed to be reviewed in my opinion: 1. The bikes were delivered in pretty ordinary condition. The chains and gearing were extremely dirty - this affected performance with chains slipping. Guides repaired them on the run but they needed to have a mechanic go over them before delivery. Especially for a longer ride. 2. Once bikes were cleaned and repaired they were great. 3. Bikes need a full puncture repair kit including pump and tubes and levers. I had three punctures which is to be expected and I could have fixed them myself in no time and been on the road but there was no equipment on the bike and I had to wait for guide with the equipment. This took the guide away from supporting the whole group or others who needed someone to change the tyre when they had a puncture. We should have the option of changing it ourselves. 4. The map notes were useless. I followed the gpx supplied by Wilderness Ireland on my garmin and that was much more effective. The only time I went off course was when the gpx was wrong. We spent a lot of time with people going in the wrong direction. For such a long and complex trip the only way to go is with a touring gps system on each bike with the route. There is no way on longer rides like this the group will stay together. All power to the guides they way they chased us around and fixed up the navigation problems. 5. The trip is supposed to be from south to north. I was disappointed by the two transfers on the bus as I wanted to cycle the whole way. This was the general consensus of the group. The trip to the Aran Islands was a waste of time as the only thing there was shops if you weren't staying. It would have been better to have an optional ride or transfer on this day. I understand that there were problems with one section where we were in the bus because of a lack of accommodation options. I think this should be looked at even if it means one extra day on the trip. But having said the above I think these were minor compared to the value and how fabulous the trip was. I also think you should thank the guides - they went above and beyond to fix and smooth over the navigation and bike mechanical problems. This and the fact that the group were laid back and experienced cyclists meant that what could have been a major problem was more an irritant or embraced as a bit of a laugh that didn't detract from the day.

Accommodation & Food

run with what you had and recommendations for food from the guides were great.

Your Guide

Went above and beyond. Both guides were outstanding and we have done a lot of guided bike trips but never with your company.

The Bottom Line

The whole concept of south to north and along the Wild Atlantic Way was excellent. Accommodation was outstanding. Guides and personnel were fabulous. In general I would highly recommend this trip to others provided a few glitches were sorted.

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Bike Tour – The Wild Atlantic Way

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Wilderness Scotland

The Wild Atlantic Way

Trip Overview

Day by DayItinerary

Day 1

Mizen Head

Day 2

Peninsulas of Cork & Kerry

Day 3

Killarney to Ballybunion

Day 4

Ballybunion to Doolin

Day 5

The Burren to Galway City

Day 6

Coasts of Connemara

Day 7

Clifden to Westport

Day 8

Rest Day in Westport

Day 9

Westport to Ballina

Day 10

Ballina to Sligo

Day 11

Sligo to Donegal

Day 12

Donegal to Lough Swilly Fjord

Day 13

Malin Head

Day 14

Departure

Trip Dates & Prices

Make This Trip Private

Trip Details

Single Rooms

Bike Hire

Bring Your Own Bike

Speak to an Expert

Darragh Devaney

Meet Your Guide

Difficulty Grades Explained

Trip Reviews

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

Pre-Trip Service

Trip Comments

Accommodation & Food

Your Guide

The Bottom Line

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Day by Day
Itinerary