The Great Western Greenway
The Great Western Greenway is an 18 kilometre off-road trail that links Newport to Mulranny in Co Mayo. It primarily follows the line of an old railway that closed back in the 1930’s. You cycle along Clew Bay with views of the iconic Croagh Patrick mountain, a famous destination for Catholic pilgrims. The trail also offers great views of Mulranny village and beach. It is completely traffic-free and signposted well, with markers at every kilometre. The beauty is you can cycle along at your ease without having to deal with the noise and dangers of traffic. This greenway is due to be extended to a 42 kilometre route linking Westport to Achill Island in the coming weeks.
Achill Island
Achill Island in Co Mayo is wild, windy and stunningly beautiful. It is the largest island off the coast of Ireland and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. There are five pristine Blue Flag beaches on the island in addition to the historic Deserted Village and the scenic Atlantic Drive. The tourist board has developed three different cycle routes on Achill.
The 28 kilometre one linking Keel with Doogort beach, Dún Ibhír and Bun an Charraigh is the most sheltered. The only part of it which goes into the wind is the final section, but this is downhill. Keel is a surfing beach, while Doogort is ideal for swimming. The main draw here is the quiet roads; there is little traffic, even during the summer.
Connemara
Connemara is a large unspoilt and mystical region located to the West of Galway City. The route I recommend is a long 62 kilometre loop, starting in Maam Cross and passing through Maam (Joe Keane’s pub in Maam is an ideal pitstop). You then cycle through the scenic village of Leenane, and the road beyond it offers views of Ireland’s most spectacular fjord at Killary Harbour.
Of interest is the fact that the movie The Field starring Richard Harris and John Hurt was shot in the Leenane area. Kylemore Abbey, a picturesque castle is a major tourist attraction, and a minor diversion off the route.
The penultimate leg is the most scenic, bringing you through the wonderful Inagh Valley, with fantastic views of the Twelve Pins mountains. Be warned that the last leg on the main narrow road is quite busy, especially during the summer season. This course is not part of an official tourist route.
Cyling in Connemara (Pic: Courtesy of Bord Fáilte)
Beara
The fushia flower(pictured above) is the symbol of West Cork
The Beara peninsula is a finger of land jutting out into the Atlantic in a remote South West corner of Ireland. Far away from most places, it has a magical and spectacular beauty.
The Beara Cycle Route is a 138 km long National Cycling Route and for the most part is on country roads. The route spans the entire Beara peninsula, passing through all the towns and villages along the way. Apart from a few busy and narrow stretches on the main road this route brings you through the busy port town of Castletownbere, the quaint villages of Eyeries and Allihies and close to Garinish Island, which has an Italian garden and a miniature temple. The route is sign posted with a fushia symbol and a bicycle. Certain parts are quite hilly, and the elevation reaches 250 metres on Bere Island. This route would suit an experienced and fit touring cyclist.
Inishmore
The island of Inishmore, situated nine miles from the mainland, is ideal for cycling. Everywhere is a manageable distance. It’s easy to organise a rental bike when you arrive.
Inishmore, part of the Aran islands, is accessed via ferry from Rossaveal, Co Galway, and is 9 miles long and 2 miles wide. The big attraction on Inishmore is the spectacular Dún Aonghasa, a well preserved Celtic stone fort, built around 2000BC. It stands over a 300 foot cliff which spans the entire Western side of the island. The island is littered with prehistoric and early Christian sites.
I recommend you first head out west along the coast road and then return with the wind at your back and the best views in front. Inishmore is a hugely popular tourist destination, and the roads in summer can be busy with other fellow cyclists and tourist minibuses.
In general, my advice for all these cycle routes, which are all situated along the exposed coastline, is to be prepared for high winds, which pose more of a challenge than rainfall. It can make for a tough challenge, but the amazing scenery and interesting activities will make it worthwhile.
