The Great Western Way bicycle tour

Self-guided Ireland bicycle tours along the Wild Atlantic Way in the West of Ireland

This bicycle tour is the ideal tour to let you explore the undiscovered parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, the counties of Mayo and Sligo on the West coast of Ireland. Despite their natural wonders and languid charm these two counties remain a well-kept secret, offering all of Ireland’s wild, romantic beauty but without the crowds. Mayo is the more rugged of the two, with scraggy peaks, sheer cliffs, heather covered moors and beautiful offshore islands. Sligo is more pastoral and its lush fields, fish-filled lakes and flat-topped mountains inspired William Butler Yeates to compose some of Ireland’s most ardent verse.

Both counties boast grand stretches of golden sands and legendary breaks that lure surfers from around the globe. But there is also an improbably bounty of prehistoric sites, elegant Georgian towns, little fishing villages and good old-fashioned warm-hearted country hospitality.

Combining all of the above makes this one of the most popular Ireland bicycle tours.

Achill Island – loop rides
Marvel at the breathtaking coastal scenery that you will find everywhere on Achill Island whilst cycling the Atlantic Drive. Visit the Tower at Kildavnet, once home to the legendary pirate queen Grainuaile, choose to visit the deserted village and walk along sandy beaches that have re-appeared last year after being gone for decades. You may enjoy traditional Irish music in its pubs depending on availability.
(various lengths 54km/34mls – 530m)

Achill – Newport
Leave Achill island behid and cycle round Curraun to Mulranny, from here return on the Greenway to Newport for te night. Detour to the beautiful ruin of Burrishooley Abbey. It was founded by Sir Richard de Burgo for the Dominican order in 1469.
(57km/36mls – 380m)

Newport – Ballina
You will turn inland past the salmon research centre along Lough Feeagh and then into the remote hillsides of County Mayo. This is a very quiet and scenic road. You are passing through the small town of Crossmolina and finish your day in Ballina. This colourful town is called the ‘Salmon Capital of Ireland’ due to the phenomenal fishing on the river Moy.
(54km / 33mls – 530m)

Ballina – loop rides
The loop ride will bring you along the coastline past cliffs and many beeaches to the Céide Fields. The remarkable neolithic site at Céide Fields in County Mayo, Ireland, contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world, dating back nearly 6,000 years. You can also detour to visit Downpatrick Head standing 126ft above the sea with fantastic views of the Atlantic, the Staggs of Broadhaven and high cliffs along the shore. The small stone building at the top of Downpatrick Head is now used to view the many species of birds on ‘Dún Briste’.
(67km/42mls – 472m, 89km/55mls – 656m)

Ballina  –  Sligo
Your last day of bicycling, and it is a beautiful route along the coast to Enniscrone finishing in Sligo town. If you choose to, you can take a small detour to Carrowmore where you can take a guided tour of the Megalithic cemetery and tombs it is home to. They are some of the oldest Ireland has to offer. Sligo is the hometown of William Butler Yeats and inspired many of his works, drawn spiritually from the county’s scenic landscape and sense of peace. Enjoy your final night of Irish fun!
(59km / 37mls – 432m or 70km / 44mls – 491m)

Departure
Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey.

St. Anthony’s

The house dates back to 1820, when it was built for the Minister of The Presbyterian Church. Although the Church is now gone, the house remains, and it’s charm has been retained with its exposed oak beams, thick walls and recessed doorways.
There is a lovely guest lounge available for relaxing. And a secure bike shed at the bottom of the garden. Each bedroom has tv and tea & coffee making facilities and power showers.

Pearses Lodge

Recommended by the Lonely Planet , Lets Go and Dumont Guides. Pearse Lodge is a tastefully decorated non-smoking home. All Rooms are en-suite and have hairdryer and tea/coffee facilities. An extensive breakfast menu is provided to suit all tastes. Other facilities provided include Wi-Fi internet access.