Bicycle tour along the Atlantic coast and the islands of Ireland

Day 3: Clifden – Cleggan – Inishbofin Island

(approximately 35 km)

This morning’s ride will take you along the Sky Road and then onto the Bog Road. Savor the rich scents and scenic views as you pass through this unique, pristine area of native boglands, home to many rare plants, with majestic mountains in the background.

Your destination is Cleggan, where you will take the ferry to Inishbofin Island (“Inis Bo Finne” – Island of the White Cow). Just a forty-minute ferry ride, this small island is a world apart from the mainland in every way. As you sail past the tower and lighthouse toward the harbor, keep an eye out for the ruins of the 16th-century barracks, which were used as a prison for Catholic priests from across Ireland after the English Statute of 1585 declared them guilty of high treason.

This ancient island has been home to fishermen, farmers, monks, soldiers, and adventurers for over 6,000 years. Today, it has a population of only 200 people who will warmly welcome you during your stay, giving you a fascinating insight into traditional island life.

You will spend the night on Inishbofin or return to Cleggan on the 5:00 PM ferry to spend the night in this charming fishing village.

Day 4: Cleggan – Renvyle

(approximately 20 km)

After an early breakfast on the island, you will take the ferry back to the mainland. Today’s route will take you toward the Renvyle Peninsula, where you will spend the night: a charming and rugged promontory jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, with archaeological sites, historic ruins, and white sandy beaches all ready to be explored.

You will pass through the village of Letterfrack, home to Connemara National Park, where you can take a break from cycling and enjoy a walk along the circular trails, with spectacular views of the Atlantic and the islands beyond, or stop for a coffee and learn more about this ancient Irish landscape at the charming visitor centre.

Day 5: Renvyle – Leenane

(approximately 25 km)

Today’s route from the Renvyle Peninsula follows a winding coastal road along the edge of the Atlantic, passing white sandy beaches and through the picturesque village of Tullycross, with its traditional thatched-roof houses.

Continuing along your route, a breathtaking view of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, will open up as you round the bend. Your destination is the small village of Leenane, nestled beneath the Maamturk Mountains. Here you will have the opportunity to board the catamaran “Connemara Lady” for a cruise along the fjord to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with commentary on the fascinating history, landscape, and people of this dramatic area. The journey is often accompanied by leaping dolphins. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset over the fjord.

You will spend the night here in Leenane. Despite its small size, there is always a lively atmosphere and “craic” (fun) in the village’s two pubs, and a selection of restaurants serving excellent dishes made from local ingredients. Take the opportunity to enjoy a fresh Guinness in one of the village’s traditional pubs!

Day 6: Leenane – Louisburgh

(approximately 30 km)

Today’s route will take you from Leenane along the shores of Killary Fjord to the stunning Delphi Valley, once densely populated, now scattered and deserted. You will reach the Doolough Valley (valley of the dark, deep lake). At the northern end of the valley, right by the road, there is a moving memorial to the victims of the Great Irish Famine, which had a profound impact on this area.

Continuing toward the coast, you will arrive in the coastal town of Louisburgh, on the shores of Clew Bay, where you will spend the night. This rural town retains many features of the 18th century, and the slow pace of life in this area can be felt as you stroll along its four main streets. It is surrounded by an area of extraordinary natural beauty, with mountains to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north.

Day 7: Louisburgh – Westport

(approximately 25 km)

Today’s route once again follows the coastal road along the shores of Clew Bay, dotted with islands, with the sacred mountain of Croagh Patrick providing a breathtaking backdrop. Make a stop to visit the 14th-century Murrisk Abbey along the way.

You will reach the heritage town of Westport, where you will spend the night. This lively market town is a charming mix of tradition and modernity and has been voted the best place to live in Ireland. Here, you can visit Westport House, the residence and estate of the Archduke of Sligo. Spend the evening exploring the numerous restaurants and pubs, making sure to enjoy some live traditional Irish music on the final night of your tour.

Day 8: Departure from Westport

After breakfast, it’s time to conclude your tour and continue your journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Ireland. Slán go fóill! – See you soon!

By Plane: Direct flights from many Italian cities (Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, etc.) are available to Dublin or Shannon (flight duration approximately 2.5–3 hours).

By Car + Ferry: Drive to Calais (France) or Dunkirk and then take a ferry to Dublin or Cork.

By Train + Ferry: Take the train to Paris, then a train to Calais, and take a ferry to Ireland. The total journey can take 15–20 hours, depending on connections.

How to reach the starting point of the tour in Clifden:

From Dublin, you will need to travel to Galway or Westport and take a bus or taxi to Clifden. The easiest way is to take a direct bus from Dublin Airport to Galway. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours. Schedules available from Citylink or Gobus. There are also regular trains from Heuston Station in Dublin to Galway and Westport. Travel time is about 2.5 hours to Galway and 4 hours to Westport. Schedules from Irish Rail. From Dublin Airport, you will need to take the Airlink bus or a taxi to Heuston Station. Travel time is approximately 45 minutes.

From Galway, there are buses from Galway city to Clifden. Travel time is about 1.5 hours. Schedules from Citylink or Bus Éireann.

From Westport, there are buses from Westport to Clifden. Travel time is about 1.5 hours. Schedules from Citylink or Bus Éireann.

From Knock – Ireland West Airport, there are local bus connections from the airport to Westport and Galway, from where you can take your bus to Clifden. It is also possible to book a taxi service from the airport to Westport.

Alternatively, a private transfer can be arranged. Options and prices are available on request.

3*** hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses.

Attention: any local tourist taxes must be paid directly on site!

• Muscle bike (already included in the package)

• E-Bike (surcharge of €150 per bike)

Each bicycle is equipped with a water bottle holder, a small handlebar bag with a repair kit, and a luggage rack.

Attention: participants in a self-guided cycling program are expected to have a general knowledge of bicycle handling, i.e., how to change gears, brake correctly, replace a broken chain, repair a puncture, or change an inner tube in case of a flat tire. Any request for assistance with minor issues (e.g., puncture) will incur a charge of €70. This charge also applies to unscheduled transfers. Breakdown coverage is included in your package only in the event of a major bicycle failure, such as broken spokes. Assistance will reach you within 1–2 hours.

It is advisable to take out a travel cancellation insurance policy.