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Explore Ireland on a Self-Guided Trek Travel bike tour
Join Trek Travel and Wilderness Ireland for an Ireland bike tour and cycling vacation
Join Trek Travel and Wilderness Ireland for an Ireland bike tour and cycling vacation
Join Trek Travel and Wilderness Ireland for an Ireland bike tour and cycling vacation
Visit southwest Ireland on Trek Travel's cycling vacation
Explore Ireland on a Self-Guided Trek Travel bike tour
21IR0815.Day2.BobJoy-47_1600x670 (2)
Explore Ireland on a Self-Guided Trek Travel bike tour
Explore Ireland on a Self-Guided Trek Travel bike tour
21IR0815.Day3.BobJoy-45_1600x670 (2)
Explore Ireland on a Self-Guided Trek Travel bike tour Join Trek Travel and Wilderness Ireland for an Ireland bike tour and cycling vacation Join Trek Travel and Wilderness Ireland for an Ireland bike tour and cycling vacation Join Trek Travel and Wilderness Ireland for an Ireland bike tour and cycling vacation Visit southwest Ireland on Trek Travel's cycling vacation Explore Ireland on a Self-Guided Trek Travel bike tour 21IR0815.Day2.BobJoy-47_1600x670 (2) Explore Ireland on a Self-Guided Trek Travel bike tour Explore Ireland on a Self-Guided Trek Travel bike tour 21IR0815.Day3.BobJoy-45_1600x670 (2)
TRIP STYLE: Self-Guided
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  6. Ireland Self-Guided Bike Tour

Ireland Self-Guided Bike Tour

A journey through the untamed beauty of the west coast

Welcome to a place of contrasts, colors, wilderness, and warm hospitality on the west coast of Ireland. Take a deep breath of fresh salty air as you enjoy rolling routes immersed in a breathtaking landscape along the Wild Atlantic Way. Get under the skin of this fascinating country, exploring sites associated with Ireland's long and complex history, from pre-historic times to the recent past. You’ll uncover the natural history of the varied landscape, from green pastures to wild mountain scenery along fantastic bike routes, and through meeting people to learn about life on Europe’s western edge. A pint of Guinness by a fireside is as much a part of the true Irish experience as scaling a hill to enjoy the spectacular views of the Connemara National Park. Superb cycling, traditional music and hearty food will make for an unforgettable self-guided Ireland bike tour that will steal your heart away! Book your trip with confidence » Learn more about Self-Guided trips and if they're right for you »
From:
$2499 Per Person
Duration:
5 Days & 4 Nights
Rider Level: ?
3 - Active Non-riders Welcome
Trip Style: ?
Self-Guided
Hotel Level: ?
Explorer
From $2499 per person View All Details
Close Details
Trip Wows
Ride through stunning mountain passes and past golden sand beaches on some of Ireland’s best-loved biking routes
Visit music-filled Irish pubs, fill your bellies with the freshest seafood, and meet local people as you explore the area
Relax and enjoy overnights at one carefully selected hotel in the heart of a charming Irish village
Discover the warm hospitality of the people as you ride off the beaten track through the rugged coastline and mountains of Mayo
Visit a sheep farm at your leisure to see some seriously talented sheepdogs at work and get an insight into country life in the west of Ireland
Watch the Experience
Explore Ireland on a Self-Guided Trek Travel bike tour
A very well-conceived trip with fun routes, excellent food, and interesting side tours. We felt Trek was fully behind us whilst enjoying the freedom of self-guidance. And the Trek bikes inspired confidence!
-John, Trek Travel Guest

Dates & Prices

The Earlier You Book, The Greater The Rewards

We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price and date are guaranteed.
Guaranteed 
to run
?
Sold Out/
Waitlist
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Private/
Reserved
?
Limited 
Availability
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Single Occupancy from: +$599
?
Jun 17 – Jun 21 
$2499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Jun 24 – Jun 28 
$2499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Jul 1 – Jul 5 
$2499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Jul 8 – Jul 12 
$2499 / Person, Double Occupancy Book this date
Don't see your ideal travel date? 
Call us at (866) 464-8735 for custom date availability
Looking for a one of a kind, once in a lifetime experience?
Look no further. Choose your trip date, get your group together and we will do the rest. Private trip pricing is as follows:

  • 10+ Guests Price as advertised*
  • 8-9 Guests +$750 per person to trip price*
  • 6-7 Guests +$1,500 per person to trip price*
  • 4-5 Guests +$2,000 per person to trip price*
  • 2-3 Guests +$3,000 per person to trip price*
  • 1 Guest        Call us for pricing*


Traveling with a small group? Consider semi-private trips.
For groups of up to six people, semi-private trips offer unique flexibility within a larger Trek Travel guided trip. Learn more »

*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Private pricing is not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Book a Private Trip
Looking for a date that you don’t see?
Look no further. Simply tell us your preferred travel dates and we’ll work together to deliver the same great trip on your custom schedule.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom dates are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Customize my trip dates
Want to customize this trip?
We've got you covered. We’ll work with you to build your perfect vacation from scratch, including your choice of riding, accommodations and dining options. With the help of our trip designers and travel experts, the world is available like never before.
*Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. Custom trips are not available on Ride Camp, Race, Special Edition or Cross Country style trips.
Book a Custom Trip

Day To Day

See Dates & Pricing Download PDF

Meet your Trek Travel host at 12:00 PM in the hotel lobby in bustling Westport, an utterly charming coastal inlet town, near to countless wildlife wonders including seals and humpback whales. After familiarizing you with your upcoming itinerary, your host will spend some time fitting you to your Trek bike, ensuring the best comfort on your bike for the week. Then you'll start your self-guided Ireland bike tour with a ride through the rolling, green Mayo countryside, along a traffic-free bike path that follows the route of a converted Victorian railway. After tracking between hills and sea, you will turn inland toward the quaint riverside village of Newport and circle back to your hotel in Westport town. If you want to experience some great live music in a welcoming and friendly environment, don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the many local pubs and mingle with the locals over a pint of Guinness! For dinner we recommend to try a traditional Irish meal chosen from the list of our favorite places in town.

Today's Ride:

Westport to Newport Loop
Approximately 17 mi | 27 km and 1,050 ft | 320 m

Hotel:

Westport Plaza Hotel

This morning, savor your first hearty Irish breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a fantastic tour through a spectacular landscape little touched by human hands and experience a series of ever-more spectacular vistas. Heading out from your hotel by bike, you'll pedal past Croagh Patrick, a conical mountain which overlooks Clew Bay, considered the holiest mountain in Ireland and a pilgrimage site for millennia. As you ride past this iconic mountain you head into the lesser travelled parts of south County Mayo. On your way back you'll ride past Mescan Brewery, situated on the slopes of Croagh Patrick, where you'll have the chance to join a tour (not included in the trip price) while sampling their beer and eat some finger food. At the hotel take some time to relax with some spa treatments if you wish. Tonight, make good use of our hand-selected recommendations by our local experts when choosing the restaurant that best suits your palate.

Today's Ride:

Westport to Croagh Patrick Loop
Approximately 35 mi | 56 km and 1,980 ft | 603 m

Short Option:

Westport to Croagh Patrick Loop
Approximately 27 mi | 43 km and 1,760 ft | 536 m

Avid Option:

Westport to Croagh Patrick Loop with Twnymackan
Approximately 46 mi | 74 km and 2,460 ft | 749 m

Hotel:

Westport Plaza Hotel

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Today, get ready to explore one of the best places in the entire country, characterized by sweeping wild mountains, white sand beaches, and rocky hillsides. You head south into the heather-covered mountains of Maamturks, one of the two mountain ranges, along with the Twelve Bens, that make up the iconic skyline of Connemara. It’s the biggest day in the saddle and the most varied with the initial bogland giving way to rising mountain peaks as the day wears on. There’s a perfect stop halfway at the picturesque village of Leenane on the shores of the Killary fjord. Here you can enjoy lunch at your leisure, taking in the dramatic scenery of the mountains plunging into the sea, while sheep dot the high green hills, roaming wide and free, and salmon can be seen leaping the beautiful Aasleagh Falls at the head of the fjord. In the afternoon you'll skirt the banks of Lough Nafooey before turning north again through the remote village of Tourmakeady with its beautiful waterfall tucked away in a cleft in the hills.

Today's Ride:

Westport to Leenane Loop
Approximately 58 mi | 93 km and 3,700 ft | 1,112 m

Short Option:

Westport to Toormakeady Loop
Approximately 32 mi | 51 km and 1,900 ft | 579 m

Hotel:

Westport Plaza Hotel

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Don’t forget your camera today as you embark on one of the most scenic rides surrounded by unspoiled nature! Today’s ride takes you in a south-westerly direction into Delphi Valley and along the Doo Lough, a lake with a tragic history from the 19th Century Great Famine in Ireland. You'll ride past Glen Keen Farm where you can schedule a sheepdog demo or farm tour by calling in advance. After this optional visit you will reach the small settlement of Delphi, shadowed by the Mweelrea Mountains. Don’t miss the opportunity of stopping at the Delphi Adventure Resort, one of Ireland’s oldest adventure hubs. This is a great place to grab lunch and a coffee and get your bearings amid the mountainous terrain. The afternoon ride will have you go through the mountains over the famed Sheefrey Pass, a dramatic mountain pass well known to Irish cyclists for its breathtaking views and twisting descent. Tonight, celebrate with one last dinner of your choosing in Westport and toast to an incredible self-guided Ireland bike tour in this understated yet incredible part of the world!

Today's Ride:

Westport to Delphi Loop
Approximately 44 mi | 70 km and 2,460 ft | 749 m

Avid Option:

Westport to Delphi Loop (with Silver Strand add-on)
Approximately 60 mi | 96 km and 3,200 ft | 975 m

Hotel:

Westport Plaza Hotel

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Take this morning to sleep in and relax, savoring a long breakfast, or choose to have a final blast of Atlantic air as you ride past tiny and lively harbors, headlands and inlets that make up the Mayo coast overlooking Clew Bay. Back in Westport, your Trek Travel host will meet you at the hotel at 12:00 PM to take your bike and say farewell before you make your way to Galway or other wonderful Irish destinations.

Today's Ride:

Westport to Mayo Coast Loop
Approximately 17 mi | 27 km and 870 ft | 265 m

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Hotels

hotel image

Westport Plaza Hotel

Westport, Ireland

Explorer Accommodation | Located in central Westport, this award-winning 4-star hotel is the perfect base to explore the wild Atlantic Coast or simply to relax surrounded by stunning countryside. The sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere of the hotel begins with the spacious and beautifully designed rooms, offering king-sized beds and Italian marble bathrooms. You can unwind in ultimate luxury thanks to the fine-dining restaurant, a chic bar serving indulgent cocktails, and excellent spa facilities. The superb cuisine and friendly service create a genuine sense of relaxed warmth and hospitality.
www.westportplazahotel.ie

What's Included

For us, the details matter most

Every moment of a Trek Travel self-guided bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More experiences. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that's how we help you create more memories.

bike

Trek Domane AL 5 Disc

Trek’s latest innovation has led to the best aluminium bike on the road—a lightweight, stable, and technologically advanced machine to make every road seem smooth and easy while the disc brakes make stopping safe and secure. Ride confidently and comfortably for as long as you like, in the most beautiful British riding destinations. Learn More

bike

Trek Electric-Assist Verve +

The Trek Verve+ is the perfect bike for our bike tours in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Featuring the Bosch mid-drive motor, stable 45mm tires, and a lightweight aluminium frame, you will be enjoying the scenery with comfort and a nice consistent boost of power. The suspension seat post will take the edge off any bumps in the road and the Shimano disc brakes will stop you perfectly in any weather conditions. You'll love the Verve+! Learn More

View all our bikes & gear

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Four nights of accommodation at one handpicked hotel
  • Daily breakfast
  • Daily lunch and dinner recommendations
  • Ride a Trek Domane AL 5 Disc road bike or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+
  • Up to three daily route options on riding days
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Each bike is equipped with a Garmin GPS computer, a flat pack containing one tube, two tire levers, CO2 cartridge with inflator, and a patch kit (the flat pack is only large enough for these items so if additional gear is needed, please plan to bring your own bar bag or small backpack for daily rides)
  • A mini frame pump, front and rear lights
  • Bontrager helmet (optional if you do not bring your own)
  • Bontrager saddle (we suggest you bring your own for the most comfortable fit)
  • Shimano clipless pedals or flat pedals (optional if you do not bring your own)
  • A bike lock, all necessary chargers and a floor pump
  • Bike fit on the first day to help you find your optimal riding position
  • Ride With GPS Experience on your phone to get all the information you need on your self-guided adventure

GEAR

  • Trek Trek Domane AL 5 Disc road bike or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, available in a limited quantity
  • Garmin GPS computer with mount
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, or flat pedals (optional if you do not bring your own)
  • Bontrager helmet (optional if you do not bring your own)
  • Bontrager men's and women's specific saddles
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • Each bike is equipped with a flat pack containing one tube, two tire levers, CO2 cartridge with inflator, and a patch kit (the flat pack is only large enough for these items so if additional gear is needed, please plan to bring your own bar bag or small backpack for daily rides)
  • A mini frame pump
  • A bike lock, all necessary chargers, and a floor pump
  • Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Your coupon will be delivered via email prior to your trip.
  • For the most comfortable ride, you may choose to bring your own pedals, saddle, and helmet on the trip. Your Trek Travel host will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

For self-guided trips you are welcome to thank your host with a gratuity based on your level of service.
  • Airfare and transportation to and from the trip meeting/departing locations
  • Lodging before and after the trip
  • Personal items purchased during the trip
  • Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
  • While we provide daily breakfast, the other meals are not included. On self-guided trips, Trek Travel provides restaurant recommendations and invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.

More Information

Rider Level: 3 - Active?

AVERAGE DAILY MILEAGE:
56 kilometers / 35 miles
TOTAL MILES:
276 kilometers / 172 miles
AVERAGE DAILY ELEVATION:
615 meters / 2,018 feet
TOTAL ELEVATION:
3,075 meters / 10,090 feet
TERRAIN: HILLY
The terrain is varied with sustained ascents and somewhat challenging climbs, if you opt for the more difficult routes. Our Ireland self-guided bike tour is best suited for our Type 3 Riders. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer.
NON-RIDING ACTIVITIES:
There are a variety of non-riding options on this trip for riders who want to take the afternoon off or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Except as specified in the itinerary, expenses and transportation to these activities are not included in the trip price. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
  • Hiking
  • Golfing options
  • Boat ride excursions in Leenane to Killay Fjord
  • Sheep-dog demonstration and historical walk on a farm
  • Microbrewery visit and tasting at Mescan Brewery
  • Wool-spinning demo in Leenane and Westport House

See itinerary for specific daily ride distances and elevation options. On all of our vacations, Trek Travel seeks to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or Trek Travel's local experts to improve the trip experience.

Averages and totals are calculated from our "Today’s Ride" options.

Travel Details

How to Get There

FLY INTO:
Dublin airport (DUB)
MEETING TIME:
12:00 PM
MEETING LOCATION:
Westport Plaza Hotel in Westport

Say Farewell

FLY OUT OF:
Dublin airport (DUB)
DEPARTING TIME:
12:00 PM
DEPARTING LOCATION:
Westport Plaza Hotel in Westport

All Details

Arriving

We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Dublin airport (DUB) and then take a train to Westport. Make sure you book the intercity train from Dublin, which is direct without any changes, and takes approximately three hours. Train schedules can be found at www.irishrail.ie.

Your Trek Travel host will meet you at the trip hotel at 12:00 PM on the first day of the trip. Depending on the number of guests booked for your departure date, it is possible we will ask you to shift your meeting time by approximately 30 minutes. Please have your riding gear readily accessible to avoid having to unpack your luggage. After a trip overview, you may change into your cycling gear where you will then be fitted to your Trek bike ensuring you will be comfortable for the week. Following a safety talk and a review of the details of the route, you can set off at your own pace along the roads of Ireland.

If you will be late for the meeting or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your host. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their name and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our hotel, The Westport Plaza (+353 98 51166), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi from Dublin to the trip hotel will cost approximately $400.

View our pre hotel recommendations

Leaving

Your Trek Travel host will meet you at the trip hotel at 12:00 PM to take your bike and equipment before your departure. We recommend spending some time in Galway and then fly out of Dublin (DUB) or Shannon airport (SNN). There are no international flights into or out of Galway.

We recommend that you take a train from Westport to Galway. If you prefer to transfer by private shuttle the service will cost approximately $180 and will take around one and a half hours. We suggest you contact our local driver ahead of time to arrange the transfer. Our Trip Consultant can provide you with our recommended local contact information.

From Galway to Dublin there are frequent direct trains. The trip takes approximately two and a half hours and costs about $25. Train schedules and tickets can be found at www.irishrail.ie.

View our post hotel recommendations

Planning For Your Trip

Packing and Weather

Average summer temperatures in Ireland range from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit (15C-26C). Always remember that rain is possible at any time of the year–daily Irish weather is very unpredictable! It’s a good idea to bring a light rain jacket, as well as layers. Packing List

Before and After Your Trip

before

Before: Dublin, Ireland

While there is an endless amount of things to see in Ireland as a whole, Dublin is a destination that can't be missed! Dublin is a relatively small and accessible city, small enough and safe enough to get around on foot, while the Luas tram system and the suburban rail system, the DART, provide excellent transport links throughout the city. There are countless things to see, but here is a list of suggestions that you may enjoy in one of the friendliest capital cities in the world: spend a few days in downtown Dublin listening to live music in the thriving Temple Bar district; visit Trinity College’s Old Library, which houses the famous Book of Kells; view Ireland’s visual history at the National Photographic Archives; enjoy distillery tours, such as the Guinness Storehouse and the Old Jameson Distillery. Dublin's entertainments are legendary, from the boozy delights of Temple Bar to more cultured nights at the theater to dining in one of the city's fine eateries including five one-star Michelin restaurants and one two-star eatery. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:

after

After: Galway, Ireland

Galway City is a thriving, bohemian, cultural city on the western coast of Ireland. Along with being a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches and long winding promenade, it also has a buzzing cosmopolitan city center. The city is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades, and busy café and bar culture. A visit to Galway City Museum or the National Aquarium will happily fill a rainy afternoon. On sunny days, your options are endless. The clean beaches in Salthill draw crowds of swimmers and the city streets come to life with buskers and street performers. The unspoilt Burren region across Galway Bay in Clare is worth a visit. The weathered limestone landscape holds traces of the past with megalithic tombs, ring forts, cairns, holy wells, souterrains, and stone walls scattered throughout the area to explore. You’ll find plenty to do at night in Galway, whether it's pub life, traditional music, late night clubs, or simply soaking up the vibe on the bustling city streets! As well, the Town Hall Theater is the best option for seeing a visiting production company’s latest dramatic performance.

Why Trek Travel

Our Bikes

Our unrivaled selection of Trek Bikes sets the bar for quality and comfort. From the ultra-smooth Trek Domane SL 7 to the Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, you deserve the best ride on your vacation. Plus, we offer a range upgrade options to take you the extra mile.

Our Guides

Our guides are trained to make your trip magical. They aren't just experts in riding; they're trained in delivering uncompromising service in ways you won't believe. We know that it's the unexpected surprises that make a trip magical. That's why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.

Your Day. You Decide.

Our vacations are built to deliver the ultimate in flexibility, from extreme relaxers to hard-core roadies. You pick your mileage, itinerary and experiences. We take care of the rest.

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