Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Perhaps the Wild Atlantic Way’s least-visited region, the coastal regions of Sligo, Mayo and Donegal are as wild and dramatic as they are laid-back! Explore the mysteries and mythologies connected with Ireland’s northwest as you discover this little-known but wonderful region. Bike through windswept coastal bog lands, enjoy clifftop views and spin through gentle green pastureland as you uncover the interesting and diverse terrain that makes up this region. Your hotels are uniquely Irish. From converted coastguard stations to village inns and country manors to castles – classic Irish hospitality and a grand welcome await each evening.
Itinerary
Day 01
Achill Island
Meals
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
The Bervie
Distance
28 miles (45 km)
Elevation
+1,382 ft / -1,442 ft
Arrive in Dublin where you’ll meet your guide and transfer westwards to Mayo. After lunch and a bike fit, we hit the road westwards, heading across to the far western island of Achill. The route starts on a traffic-free stretch, following the path of a long-abandoned railway past gushing waterfalls and ancient churches, over beautiful bridges between mountains and sea. Later your first taste of the Atlantic proper as we follow a coastal route along the island’s southern shores into our cozy hotel, a converted coastguard station set on a glorious white-sand beach.
Day 02
Ballycroy National Park
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
The Talbot Hotel
Distance
49 miles (80 km)
Elevation
+1,951 ft / -1,944 ft
Ballycroy is Ireland’s greatest wilderness. It comprises of 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness. This is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in the world. Today’s route is through the heart of this fascinating eco-system where the challenge is not so much in the terrain but in the ever-changing winds that make biking in this area fun and unpredictable. Staying in the heart of the bustling seaside town of Belmullet, this is a great opportunity to find some real Irish pubs and great traditional music.
Day 03
North Mayo Loop
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
The Talbot Hotel
Distance
63 miles (101 km)
Elevation
+2,401 ft / -2,348 ft
Mayo is a myriad of different vistas and landscapes. Today’s loop of the northern part of the county takes in them all; from the windswept coastline of Downpatrick Head where some of Europe’s tallest sea-cliffs make for a dramatic backdrop, to the rolling green hills of the area’s interior. Stop at one of the world’s most fascinating neolithic sites for tea and scones. On today’s route, you’ll enjoy the short, sharp climbs and exciting descents that characterize riding in these parts. Finishing up at a rural pub, end the day with a great pint of Guinness before a short transfer back to the Talbot. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 04
West Sligo Coast & Ox Mountains
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Markree Courtyard
Distance
55 miles (88 km)
Elevation
+2,069 ft / -1,977 ft
Transfer to a seaside town in the morning where you can enjoy a traditional Irish remedy – a steaming bath of freshly harvested seaweed is a perfect soother of sore muscles. Follow the coast to the foothills of the Ox mountains. Climb through open pastureland as the landscape grows ever wilder, stopping for a picnic at the ruins of a haunted hunting lodge. Roll in to Markree Courtyard for a two-night stay amidst old world charm. The castellated Gothic-style building is a converted stable block dating back to the early 1800’s which has been transformed into a stunning modern accommodation.
Day 05
Poetic Sligo
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Markree Courtyard
Distance
48 miles (77 km)
Elevation
+2,627 ft / -2,626 ft
Sligo was immortalized in the poetry of William Butler Yeats, who described the area as the “land of heart’s desire”. Today’s looped route takes in some of his favorite haunts and includes some local favorite bike routes. Following the shores of Lough Gill, a beautiful lakeside ride gives way to gorgeous ocean views as we lunch in the bohemian seaside town of Strandhill where surfers from the world over gather to take on some of the Atlantic’s mightiest waves in the shadow of the prehistoric hilltop grave of mysterious Queen Maeve. Sligo town is one of Ireland’s bastions of traditional music and has some of the country’s liveliest pubs and a great food scene to explore. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 06
Benbulben & Donegal
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Lough Eske Castle Hotel
Distance
54 miles (87 km)
Elevation
+3,033 ft / -2,940 ft
The skyline in these parts in dominated by the dramatic cliffs of Ben Bulben mountain and today’s biking begins in the shadow of this eerie rock. Starting at the childhood home of one of Ireland’s most famous revolutionaries and one of the first women ever elected to political office, we follow a network of valleys and glens, passing by tranquil lakes and through green pasture lands before briefly crossing the border into Northern Ireland and back out again. Hear stories of cross-border smuggling and tales of the region’s dramatic recent history before finally rolling into our castle hotel for the evening for a celebratory final dinner.
Day 07
The Bluestack Mountains
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Distance
16 miles (26 km)
Elevation
+1,521 ft / -1,520 ft
Some might opt to enjoy a well-earned massage at the castle’s award-winning spa this morning. But for those who want to see a little bit more of the local landscape we will take a short spin through the granite hills of the Bluestack Mountains, where we’ll encounter some gravel roads as well as rewarding views. After lunch and a chance to shower, we hit the road back to Dublin where your adventure will end.
