Along the Wild Atlantic Way

DAY 2 - Ennis – Kilkee

58km (36mls) Gradient +469m/-462m

You are leaving Ennis to ride through the rolling countryside, charming villages, and dramatic Atlantic coastal views, ending at Kilkee’s stunning cliff-lined bay and golden beach. Kilkee is known for its dramatic cliffs, and natural sea pools, making it a perfect spot for swimming, surfing, and coastal walks. The town has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with cozy cafés, traditional pubs, and breathtaking views along the famous Kilkee Cliffs Loop. Spend the next 2 nights in Kilkee. (58km (36mls) Gradient +469m/-462m)

DAY 3 - Kilkee loop

40km (25mls) Gradient +352m/-352m

There is a beautiful bicycle ride around Loop Head. The tip of the head is occupied by a graceful lighthouse, the land is level and bright with wild flowers, pink thrift, yellow vetch and white campion. You can climb the Loop Head Lighthouse for panoramic views, extending north and south along the coast of Ireland – from Kerry to the Cliffs of Moher. The cycling is on quiet backroads, along you can visit Carrigaholt Castle, a typical Norman towerhouse. (65km (40mls) Gradient +540m/-540m). Shorter loop (40km (25mls) Gradient +352m/-352m)

DAY 4 - Kilkee to Lahinch

52km (32mls) Gradient +456m/-460m

The cycle from Kilkee to Lahinch is a spectacular ride along the Wild Atlantic Way, featuring rugged cliffs, rolling green hills, and breathtaking ocean views as you pass through charming coastal villages like Doonbeg and Spanish Point. As you approach Lahinch, a lively surf town famous for its golden beach and world-class waves, you’ll be rewarded with a perfect spot to relax, grab a bite, or even take a dip in the Atlantic. (52km (32mls) Gradient +456m/-460m)

DAY 5 - Lahinch to Doolin

17km (11mls) Gradient +209m/-199m

Today you will have the opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions. They stretch for 8km (5miles), as the crow flies, along the Atlantic coast and reach 214m (702 feet) at their highest point. There is a walking path along the Cliffs offering spectacular views. Your target today is the seaside village of Doolin, famous for the traditional music that is played nightly in its pubs. (17km (11mls) Gradient +209m/-199m)

DAY 6 - Doolin to Kinvara

68km (42mls) Gradient +676m/-676m

A most beautiful day that will bring you along the wonderful coastline and into the Burren National Reserve, your first glimpse of this very unusual and unique region. The countryside changes from lush green fields to a karst limestone lunar-like landscape as you cycle to Ballyvaughan, an ideal lunch stop. After you cycle through the heart of the Burren along quiet lanes visiting the ancient prehistoric site of Poulnabrone Dolmen (circa 3,200 BC). Continue to the famous Burren Perfumery with its informational visitor centre and excellent cafe before descending to the destination seaside village of Kinvara. (68km (42mls) Gradient +676m/-676m – more options available)

DAY 7 - Kinvara to Galway

38km (24mls) Gradient +198m/-198m

Cycle along the backroads to Galway, the main city of the West of Ireland. It is a bustling university city, with plenty of history to explore as well as great entertainment venues and restaurants. The route will bring you past impressive castle ruins near Kilgolgan, and again near Oranmore, from where it will become increasingly suburban. (38km (24mls) Gradient +198m/-198m)

DAY 8 - Galway to Rossaveal for ferry to Inishmore

18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m

Cycle to the pier in Rossaveal to take the ferry to the island of Inishmore (the biggest of the 3 Aran Islands). The island is rich in historic and pre-historic sites and highlights include the cliff top fort of Dun Anghus, the semi-circular fort is over 3,000 years old and holds a special place in Irish mythology. Less known is the Black Fort (Dun Duchathair) where you can experience some of the most beautiful cliffs on the island. Furthermore there are early Christian (starting with the 6th century) churches, monasteries and cemeteries. The island is famous for the knitwear that bears the Aran name. Spend the night on the island to get a feel for island life. (To ferry: 38km (24mls) Gradient +188m/-188m, On island: 18km/11mls Gradient +170m/-170m)

DAY 9 - Inishmore/Rossaveal to Carna

44km (27mls) Gradient +278m/-268m

Spend the morning enjoying the unique landscape of the island before catching the lunchtime ferry back to the mainland. You will be heading north into Connemara proper. There are great views towards the Twelve Bens (the 12 mountains at the centre of the Connemara National Park). Turning west you ride along the indented coastline of South Connemara, passing through the village of Kilkieran before reaching the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village of Carna. This area boasts beautiful sandy beaches.
(44km (27mls) Gradient +278m/-268m)

DAY 10 - Carna to Clifden

41km (25mls) Gradient +280m/-301m

A breathtaking ride through the heart of Connemara’s wild and rugged landscape, offering a mix of coastal views, mountains, and traditional Irish culture. Your destination today is the town of Clifden, known as the capital of Connemara, with cozy pubs, great seafood, and a lively atmosphere. You will cycle through blanket boglands, sparkling lakes, and the distant peaks of the Twelve Bens as you make your way to Clifden. (41km (25mls) Gradient +280m/-301m – can be extended)

DAY 11 - Clifden Loop Rides

Loop 1: Up to 30km (19mls) Gradient +368m/-368m)
Loop 2: 22km (14mls) Gradient +187m/-189m
Loop 3: 41km (25mls) Gradient +288m/-288m)

Today you can explore the beautiful coastal area along quiet country roads from Clifden. The first loop is the Sky Road loop, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and offshore islands. The second short loop goes south and leads to Derrygimlagh, which was the site of two major historical events: in 1907, Guglielmo Marconi built a pioneering radio station here, making it the first place in the world to send a transatlantic wireless message to Canada; and in 1919, aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown crash-landed here after completing the first-ever non-stop transatlantic flight. The final and longest cycle loop option goes south to Roundstone, a charming fishing village, which is a great spot for a seafood lunch. You can also visit Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay, two of Ireland’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. (Loop 1: Up to 30km (19mls) Gradient +368m/-368m); Loop 2: 22km (14mls) Gradient +187m/-189m; Loop 3: 41km (25mls) Gradient +288m/-288m)

DAY 12 - Departure - Clifden

Breakfast and departure for your onward journey. Leave bikes at your accommodation and we will collect them later. There are direct buses back to Galway City from where there are busses and trains to Dublin.