Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

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 this evening.

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 town in time for dinner.

This morning we’ll transfer to a seaside town where you have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Irish remedy – a steaming bath of freshly harvested seaweed is a perfect soother of sore muscles. Starting at the pier, we’ll follow the coast to the foothills of the Ox mountains. Here we’ll climb through open pasture land as the landscape grows ever wilder, stopping for a picnic at the ruins of a haunted hunting lodge. Visit a local craft brewery before a long descent into an incredible country manor where we’ll play Downton Abbey for the night, starting with dinner around the house’s huge oak dining table.

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 discover this evening.