Cycle the Best of the Wild Atlantic Way In Style

This cycling trip is perfect for those looking to cycle sections of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way whilst staying at 4 and 5* castle hotels, country lodges, and boutique accommodations. Ride into the heart of the traditional Irish towns and villages and experience world-famous Irish hospitality in the comfort of your elegant accommodation. If you are looking for a real treat, then look no further!

In Style | After a day of exciting adventures and soaking up unbeatable scenery, retreat to stylish accommodations and unwind with fine food and wine. This trip type is for those who like sophisticated places to stay and are looking for active routes but still want the holiday to feel special.

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

This cycling tour is graded moderate. The grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, i.e. some rides may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade and the daily routes follow a combination of small country lanes and coastal roads.  Please view the itinerary for more details about the daily routes. You will be cycling along sections of the Wild Atlantic Way, which may feel a little busier near towns and villages as it is a popular route for all modes of transport. There are also some fairly narrow roads and parts where traffic may go a little faster. Between Leenane and Westport, the route passes through Glenamurra, which is remote in places with little to no phone signal depending on your network provider. Please be aware of this.

This cycling tour is suitable for relatively fit and regular cyclists seeking an active holiday. You'll spend much of the day in the saddle experiencing a region and discovering its variety. Daily distance varies between 35.5km (22mi) to 67.5km (42mi), and daily total ascent/descent averages around 300m (985ft), with the exception of the ride to Cong from Westport (ascent/descent: +408/-414m or +1339/-1358ft).

Accommodation

During this trip you will stay in luxury 5* and 4* country lodges, historic castles and hotels. Depending on the time of year you are travelling, you may be accommodated in a hotel or inn of equal standard, within the surrounding area. 

Solo Cyclists & Single Rooms

If you’re cycling with friends or family and prefer to have your own room, single rooms are available subject to a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists.

Meals

All breakfasts are included and usually consist of fresh fruits, juices, breads, pastries, porridge and muesli. You will always have a choice of a cooked breakfast as well. There is always a plentiful supply of tea and coffee. Dinner are not included but your centrally located accommodation means you are never far from restaurants and bars. Suggestions for lunch will be outlined in your notes and if you prefer your accommodation may be able to provide a picnic lunch to take with on your ride. Should you have any special dietary requirements please let us know. We try to accommodate all requirements where possible.

The routes are partially waymarked and for the most part easy to follow. Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, turn-by-turn directions, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost.

You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account. Should you require any assistance, we offer 24/7 telephone support throughout your trip.

This cycling tour is available between mid-April to the start of October. You have the flexibility to start on any date, subject to availability. Ireland's West Coast is particularly busy over the summer months, so if you are planning on traveling between June and August, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment, especially when traveling in a group.

In our opinion, one of the most beautiful times to visit this region is in spring when colourful wildflowers are in bloom, forming a beautiful contrast against the ocean. July and August are the busiest months and accommodations tend to fill up fast, but you're also more likely to encounter a local music festival or two and you can appreciate long hours of daylight. For a quieter experience, September is an ideal month and it has the advantage of the crowds beginning to thin.

Irish weather is typically unpredictable year-round so be prepared for any conditions and you will be pleasantly surprised. No matter what month you choose to travel, being close to the Atlantic means it can get wet and windy at any time of year. It is important that you check the local weather forecast before setting off each day.

We recommend using the site www.rome2rio.com as a handy tool for any travel planning. 

Galway does not have an airport but can be easily reached from Knock Airport ("Ireland West") and Shannon Airport. Both airports are approximately a 1-hour drive from Galway. We can arrange private airport transfers to Galway for your convenience, please let us know in advance if this is of interest. There are also direct bus connections from Knock Airport to Galway (duration: 1h30m) and from Shannon Airport (duration: 2hrs). 

If you are flying into Dublin Airport or starting your journey from Dublin, there are hourly train services to Galway (duration: 2h30m). Please check Irish Rail for timetables, prices, and tickets.  

After arriving in Galway on Day 1 of your trip, you will be transferred to your first hotel in Clifden (duration: 1h15m) at a time that suits you. If you would like to book an extra night in Galway, please get in touch. We recommend arriving in Galway by 4:30 pm to allow ample time for your bike fitting. 

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation.