This tour takes you through some of Ireland's most beautiful and undiscovered scenery. Starting in the busy town of Westport you will soon get away from it all, cycling through quiet villages along the Atlantic coast. You then head across the wide open plains of west Mayo to Achill Island which has been attracting painters and writers for over a hundred years to revel in its dramatic situation!

DAY 1 - SATURDAY - WESTPORT

As with all tours, meet up in a hotel close to the bus and railway station in the town of Westport.

DAY 2 - SUNDAY - WESTPORT TO PONTOON

You head off on backroads which make up part of the Western Way walking route, before heading inland to our hotel in the village of Pontoon, overlooking Lough Conn.

DAY 3 - MONDAY - PONTOON TO BALLYCASTLE

You cycle north along the shores of Lough Conn to the village of Ballycastle. For the next two days the route coincides with Tir Saile sculpture trail which runs along the North Mayo coast.

DAY 4 - TUESDAY - BALLYCASTLE TO BELMULLET

Heading west to the town of Belmullet, you stop off en-route in the Ceide Fields visitor centre which is based on the local archaeological survey of a prehistoric field system.

DAY 5 - WEDNESDAY - BELMULLET TO ACHILL

One option is to cycle to Blacksod Bay and take a boat across to Achill Island. An equally attractive choice would be to cycle the 40 miles along the dramatic Atlantic coast road to Achill.

DAY 6 - THURSDAY - REST DAY IN ACHILL

Today you have a rest day in the village of Keel on Achill Island, from where numerous outings can be planned.

DAY 7 - FRIDAY - ACHILL TO WESTPORT

The final day's cycle bring you along Clew Bay to Newport for lunch before returning on the Western Way back to the town of Westport that afternoon.

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis in a mixture of family run hotels and guesthouses with breakfasts included. On booking we will need to know whether sharing will be on a twin (two beds) or double (one bed) basis. Due to the isolated nature of several of the places on the itineraries, single rooms cannot be guaranteed. For people traveling alone, we can twin share them with another single person on the tour. In exceptional cases one single room may be provided at a supplement of 100.00 Irish Pounds for the week. This is on a request only basis.

FITNESS, DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY

Other than young children whom we discourage, people of all ages and abilities come on the tours, so do not worry if you are not super-fit. You have all day to cover the recommended route and while Irish roads rarely follow a straight line, there are few really high climbs. Sore bottoms are an occupational hazard on a cycling tour, but a pair of padded cycle shorts or a gel saddle cover can work wonders. Complete beginners might also take a few practice rides before coming on the tour. The average cycling distance is an easy 30 miles with longer routes being available each day. The safaris are suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels but the tours are not suited for children under 13 years of age. The Ring of Kerry, The Highlands of Donegal and the Derry Air tours have more hills than the other routes.

MEALS

The guide will recommend a lunch stop each day where a snack lunch will cost between 3 -5 Irish Pounds. A group evening meal is also organised by the guide each night, which costs between 10 - 15 Irish Pounds.

THE BICYCLE

A 21 Trek Hybrid touring model is available for the tours. Each booking should give the clients name and approximate height. Repair equipment, helmets and pannier bags are available on request.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance.

STARTING TIMES

Each of the tours start with a meeting of the group at 6.30 pm on the Saturday evening in a central hotel close to the local train and bus station. This is only a meeting point, typically the group will be staying in nearby guesthouses. The guide is able to return to the meeting place at 9.30 pm again that evening and the following morning for those arriving late. After an introductory talk the guide will organise an evening meal and direct clients to their first nights accommodation in bed & breakfasts.

WHAT TO BRING

As baggage is transferred each day you are free to bring the ball gown and tuxedo should you wish to. However, we find that more experienced travellers arrive with one compact piece of luggage and look on with amusement at those who have to drag their kitchen sink containers along airport corridors. Do bring a comfortable outfit for the cycling and a pair of cycling shorts if you have them. The Irish sun is stronger than people think, so a sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream are also recommended.