Cycle the Best of the Wild Atlantic Way In Style

Tour Type:

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.

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Activity Level & Terrain

This road cycling tour is graded moderate and the daily routes follow a combination of small country lanes and coastal roads. The daily distance varies from 35.5km (22mi) to 67.5km (42mi) and ascent/descent averages around 300m (985ft) with the exception of the ride to Cong from Westport (ascent/descent: +408/-414m or +1339/-1358ft). 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. Most road users are respectful of cyclists and will give you plenty of room when passing, we recommend being mindful of this when cycling.

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, especially when traveling solo. 

Navigation

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.

• 5 nights in 4* hotels and 1 night in a 5* hotel
• 6 Breakfasts
• Baggage transfers
• Private transfer from Galway to Clifden (Day 1)
• Private transfer from Cong to Galway (Day 6)
• Detailed Trip Information Pack
• Access to routes and GPX tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
• 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

• Travel to / from Galway
• Bike hire
• Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
• Ferry journeys
• Personal equipment
• Travel insurance (required)

• Additional nights along the route
• Bike hire
• Airport transfers

When To Go

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.

Weather and Climate

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.

Getting to the Start

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. 

Luggage Transfer

Baggage Transfer

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

General Information

Please note that this is an unescorted, self-guided bike tour. The distances listed are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, cycle clothing and personal medications, etc.

Equipment

If you have chosen to rent a bike, you will visit the bike rental store when being transferred from Galway to Clifden on Day 1. After being collected in Galway, your transfer will stop at the bike rental store for your bike fitting (around 20-30mins). After your bike fitting, you will continue to Clifden and your bike will follow in a separate transfer. At the end of your trip simply leave the bike locked, with the accessories at the last hotel for collection.

Trek FX hybrid bikes are available to rent. Each bike comes with a rear pannier bag for your personal possessions (unless you have chosen a road bike), a basic repair kit, and a lock. Helmets are included, although your own is likely to be a better fit. Ebikes are also available to hire, as are Trek Road 1 series road bikes.

If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this tour. If you do intend to bring your own bike, please do let us know at the time of booking as extra transfer arrangements may be required for any large bike cases/boxes.