On our Ireland – Cycle County Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Coast holiday, we’ll take care of the logistics – all you need to do is cycle to your next destination. There’s no need to worry about your luggage and you can relax at your hotel once you have arrived.
Cycle hire, luggage transport, route maps on printed cards and GPS files are all included, leaving you free to explore unencumbered and at your own pace.
You’ll stay in bed and breakfast accommodation along the way, giving you plenty of opportunity to meet the locals and join in the craic. You’ll cycle the most scenic Irish roads, through Ballycroy National Park and onto the beautiful Achill island before visiting colourful and friendly Westport. At the end of the trip you return to Ballina.
On arrival you’ll transfer to your accommodation for your first night, in the lovely town of Ballina, northern Mayo.
You’ll be taken through your itinerary for your week and your bikes will be fitted to you. Later if you like, you can take part in a Whiskey Appreciation Session, to learn about the craft of Irish whiskey and taste the unique styles – pop into Ballina to explore the town.
For dinner there are two award winning restaurants minutes away.
Day 2
To Ballycastle (40Km). This week, your bikes each have 25l panniers so you can carry your spare clothing, food and drink for the day. We’ll provide the equipment you need like a helmet, pump, spare tube, a basic repair kit and a lock. The bikes are new models with hydraulic disc brakes and there’s a handlebar mount for your smartphone so that you can easily follow the GPS directions.
Each day you’ll send your overnight luggage on with our transport so it’s waiting for you on your arrival at your next accommodation.
Today your guide will accompany you from your accommodation until lunchtime, setting you up for a great holiday.
Your route today takes you from Ballina to Ballycastle. Setting off through Beleek woods, you’ll quickly leave town behind, following the Moy estuary and Atlantic coastline. After stopping by the monasteries of the Moy, Rosserk Friary and Moyne Abbey, you will arrive in the historic fishing town of Kilalla.
From here, your guide will bid you farewell and send you on your way, passing the golden sandy beaches of Lacken Strand and Dun Briste, reaching the iconic sea stack and cliffs of Downpatrick Head.
This evening you’ll receive a warm Irish welcome at a family run guest house in Ballycastle. For dinner you could savour a typical Irish meal in their home or take a stroll into Ballycastle to experience the Irish country pub life.
Day 3
To Kilcommon (50Km). Your self guided route today continues west along the open coastline, ascending to the cliff tops site of Ceide Fields. There’s time to explore this site if you wish – the visitor’s centre is very informative and well worth a visit. The Ceide Fields are the world’s oldest known field system dating back to c.3,500BC.
Mayo’s roads are quiet and great for cycling. Often you’ll share them with the local sheep! Tonight you’ll stay in Kilcommon Lodge in the wilds of North Mayo, with its cosy living room and open turf fire. Dinner is available in-house or you could walk to the local pub.
Day 4
To Blacksod (52Km). On this part of your journey you’ll explore the remote western peninsular of Mullet. Mullet is technically an island, connected as it is to the mainland by a short bridge over a narrow channel excavated so that fishing boats could easily access the long inlets of Broadhaven Bay to the east and Blacksod Bay to the south of Belmullet.
Road access to Mullet is via this bridge in Belmullet. Your accommodation is 15km from the town and you’ll need to stock up with food on crossing the bridge, maybe even eating your main meal of the day.
You’ll stay at the end of the wild Mullet peninsular, set between the open Atlantic and Blacksod Bay.
Day 5
To Bangor Erris (40Km). It’s back inland today as you continue to explore the region of the Barony of Erris. Passing back through Belmullet you can stock up on fuel and it’s then back on the saddle for a short but spectacularly wild spin into the country village of Bangor Erris.
Day 6
To Achill Island (45Km). Your route today takes you through the Ballycroy National Park and along the coastline before joining the Greenway to Achill Island.
At the well-designed visitors centre of Ballycroy, there’s a chance to learn about the nature and wildlife of the National Park, and the Park’s importance in containing one of the last intact active bog systems of Western Europe.
Continuing South you’ll reach the gateway to Achill, the town of Mulranny. The Great Western Greenway stretches from Westport to Achill Island via Mulranny and it’s here that you’ll join this surfaced off-road route for the 13Km stretch to Achill Sound and the bridge to the island.
You have two nights on the island so that you can properly explore.
Day 7
A day on Achill Island, with the route choice up to you! There’s lots to do on the island but as you’ve one day to explore, we’d recommend the following to experience the best of the west end.
From your accommodation, it’s a short 3.5Km ride to the village of Keel with its wide, sweeping sandy beach. You might tarry a while here on the beach or in a cafe. You can buy food here for a packed lunch.
Next take the road west up above the clifftops, dropping to stunning Keem Bay. If you’re a swimmer you might like a dip here in the crystal-clear waters. We’d suggest securing your bikes down by the bay and taking a walk up the hillside to the south, for amazing views over the Cliffs of Croaghaun and Achill Head.
Return the same way via Keel to your accommodation.
Day 8
To Westport (50Km). The Great Western Greenway is a former railway line which closed in 1937 and is now a safe paradise for cyclists and walkers. The route is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland and hugs along Clew bay with views of some of Ireland’s most dramatic mountains.
You’ll follow this Greenway today, passing back past Mulranny before going on to Newport and finally Westport. The friendly towns of the west coast are a highlight of any visit to the area, with their diverse local businesses with colourful shop fronts.
You’ll have time to to explore the town – we’d recommend that you stop off in Matt Molloy’s pub for a pint of Guinness and to listen to the traditional music.
Day 9
To Ballina (54Km). Today’s route passes the town of Castlebar and then follows the lakes road, meandering through the valleys.
Mayo’s three famous fishing lakes are decorated with the backdrop of the dramatic Nephin mountain range.
On arriving back into Ballina, your Mayo adventure finishes where it started, on the banks of the Moy. Take off your shoes, put your feet up and your host will be there to welcome you with an Irish coffee and homemade scones.
Day 10
After a final delicious Irish breakfast – remember, you’ve earned it! – you’ll transfer to the airport for your journey home.
The perfect way to explore Ireland's unspoilt scenery from gentle strolls on isolated golden sand beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way to the more challenging ascents of Achill island's two 650m peaks, there are walks to suit everyone.
Cycling
County Mayo's back roads are wonderfully quiet and picturesque - your only hazard might be a few sheep! You'll be able to cycle the Great Western Greenway (a disused railway line), cross beautiful Ballycroy National Park and explore Achill Island. Daily routes are 40-50km so there's always plenty of time for stopping to admire the scenery.
Baking
You'll get to spend time in your guide's 'Mam's' friendly kitchen where she'll have you baking scones, traditional Guinness soda bread and Irish potato cakes. Don't worry because you'll get to eat them all afterwards washed down with a nice cuppa.
Whiskey tasting
Take part in our guide's very special Whiskey appreciation session and you'll soon work out which Whiskeys you like and why.
We’ve included all cycle equipment hire and luggage transfers for you so you can get on with enjoying your holiday
Our route plan joins the sights and experiences of this remote and diverse county by taking you via the quiet back roads, often shared only with sheep
Experience the legendary local hospitality as you journey between family-run guesthouses
Explore the isolated and stunningly beautiful Mullet peninsular and Achill Island
Finish off with a drop of local culture in colourful and friendly Westport
On our Ireland – Cycle County Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Coast holiday, we’ll take care of the logistics – all you need to do is cycle to your next destination. There’s no need to worry about your luggage and you can relax at your hotel once you have arrived.
Cycle hire, luggage transport, route maps on printed cards and GPS files are all included, leaving you free to explore unencumbered and at your own pace.
You’ll stay in bed and breakfast accommodation along the way, giving you plenty of opportunity to meet the locals and join in the craic. You’ll cycle the most scenic Irish roads, through Ballycroy National Park and onto the beautiful Achill island before visiting colourful and friendly Westport. At the end of the trip you return to Ballina.
On arrival you’ll transfer to your accommodation for your first night, in the lovely town of Ballina, northern Mayo.
You’ll be taken through your itinerary for your week and your bikes will be fitted to you. Later if you like, you can take part in a Whiskey Appreciation Session, to learn about the craft of Irish whiskey and taste the unique styles – pop into Ballina to explore the town.
For dinner there are two award winning restaurants minutes away.
Day 2
To Ballycastle (40Km). This week, your bikes each have 25l panniers so you can carry your spare clothing, food and drink for the day. We’ll provide the equipment you need like a helmet, pump, spare tube, a basic repair kit and a lock. The bikes are new models with hydraulic disc brakes and there’s a handlebar mount for your smartphone so that you can easily follow the GPS directions.
Each day you’ll send your overnight luggage on with our transport so it’s waiting for you on your arrival at your next accommodation.
Today your guide will accompany you from your accommodation until lunchtime, setting you up for a great holiday.
Your route today takes you from Ballina to Ballycastle. Setting off through Beleek woods, you’ll quickly leave town behind, following the Moy estuary and Atlantic coastline. After stopping by the monasteries of the Moy, Rosserk Friary and Moyne Abbey, you will arrive in the historic fishing town of Kilalla.
From here, your guide will bid you farewell and send you on your way, passing the golden sandy beaches of Lacken Strand and Dun Briste, reaching the iconic sea stack and cliffs of Downpatrick Head.
This evening you’ll receive a warm Irish welcome at a family run guest house in Ballycastle. For dinner you could savour a typical Irish meal in their home or take a stroll into Ballycastle to experience the Irish country pub life.
Day 3
To Kilcommon (50Km). Your self guided route today continues west along the open coastline, ascending to the cliff tops site of Ceide Fields. There’s time to explore this site if you wish – the visitor’s centre is very informative and well worth a visit. The Ceide Fields are the world’s oldest known field system dating back to c.3,500BC.
Mayo’s roads are quiet and great for cycling. Often you’ll share them with the local sheep! Tonight you’ll stay in Kilcommon Lodge in the wilds of North Mayo, with its cosy living room and open turf fire. Dinner is available in-house or you could walk to the local pub.
Day 4
To Blacksod (52Km). On this part of your journey you’ll explore the remote western peninsular of Mullet. Mullet is technically an island, connected as it is to the mainland by a short bridge over a narrow channel excavated so that fishing boats could easily access the long inlets of Broadhaven Bay to the east and Blacksod Bay to the south of Belmullet.
Road access to Mullet is via this bridge in Belmullet. Your accommodation is 15km from the town and you’ll need to stock up with food on crossing the bridge, maybe even eating your main meal of the day.
You’ll stay at the end of the wild Mullet peninsular, set between the open Atlantic and Blacksod Bay.
Day 5
To Bangor Erris (40Km). It’s back inland today as you continue to explore the region of the Barony of Erris. Passing back through Belmullet you can stock up on fuel and it’s then back on the saddle for a short but spectacularly wild spin into the country village of Bangor Erris.
Day 6
To Achill Island (45Km). Your route today takes you through the Ballycroy National Park and along the coastline before joining the Greenway to Achill Island.
At the well-designed visitors centre of Ballycroy, there’s a chance to learn about the nature and wildlife of the National Park, and the Park’s importance in containing one of the last intact active bog systems of Western Europe.
Continuing South you’ll reach the gateway to Achill, the town of Mulranny. The Great Western Greenway stretches from Westport to Achill Island via Mulranny and it’s here that you’ll join this surfaced off-road route for the 13Km stretch to Achill Sound and the bridge to the island.
You have two nights on the island so that you can properly explore.
Day 7
A day on Achill Island, with the route choice up to you! There’s lots to do on the island but as you’ve one day to explore, we’d recommend the following to experience the best of the west end.
From your accommodation, it’s a short 3.5Km ride to the village of Keel with its wide, sweeping sandy beach. You might tarry a while here on the beach or in a cafe. You can buy food here for a packed lunch.
Next take the road west up above the clifftops, dropping to stunning Keem Bay. If you’re a swimmer you might like a dip here in the crystal-clear waters. We’d suggest securing your bikes down by the bay and taking a walk up the hillside to the south, for amazing views over the Cliffs of Croaghaun and Achill Head.
Return the same way via Keel to your accommodation.
Day 8
To Westport (50Km). The Great Western Greenway is a former railway line which closed in 1937 and is now a safe paradise for cyclists and walkers. The route is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland and hugs along Clew bay with views of some of Ireland’s most dramatic mountains.
You’ll follow this Greenway today, passing back past Mulranny before going on to Newport and finally Westport. The friendly towns of the west coast are a highlight of any visit to the area, with their diverse local businesses with colourful shop fronts.
You’ll have time to to explore the town – we’d recommend that you stop off in Matt Molloy’s pub for a pint of Guinness and to listen to the traditional music.
Day 9
To Ballina (54Km). Today’s route passes the town of Castlebar and then follows the lakes road, meandering through the valleys.
Mayo’s three famous fishing lakes are decorated with the backdrop of the dramatic Nephin mountain range.
On arriving back into Ballina, your Mayo adventure finishes where it started, on the banks of the Moy. Take off your shoes, put your feet up and your host will be there to welcome you with an Irish coffee and homemade scones.
Day 10
After a final delicious Irish breakfast – remember, you’ve earned it! – you’ll transfer to the airport for your journey home.
Walking
The perfect way to explore Ireland's unspoilt scenery from gentle strolls on isolated golden sand beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way to the more challenging ascents of Achill island's two 650m peaks, there are walks to suit everyone.
Cycling
County Mayo's back roads are wonderfully quiet and picturesque - your only hazard might be a few sheep! You'll be able to cycle the Great Western Greenway (a disused railway line), cross beautiful Ballycroy National Park and explore Achill Island. Daily routes are 40-50km so there's always plenty of time for stopping to admire the scenery.
Baking
You'll get to spend time in your guide's 'Mam's' friendly kitchen where she'll have you baking scones, traditional Guinness soda bread and Irish potato cakes. Don't worry because you'll get to eat them all afterwards washed down with a nice cuppa.
Whiskey tasting
Take part in our guide's very special Whiskey appreciation session and you'll soon work out which Whiskeys you like and why.
