West of Ireland Epic Ride

West of Ireland Epic Ride is an eight-day self-guided luxury tour through the remote and scenic west of Ireland, centred on Connemara. Every night is spent in a castle, country house or upscale hotel, with airport transfers included at both ends.

After a night in a five-star Galway hotel, the route heads past Lough Corrib to Cong, filming location of The Quiet Man, for a night at The Lodge at Ashford Castle. The next ride follows the Lough Mask shoreline to Westport, where two nights allow a day on the Greenway around Clew Bay and its islands.

From Westport the tour crosses the Doolough Valley to Delphi Lodge, then follows the Atlantic coast past Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park to two nights at Ballynahinch Castle. A final loop takes in Clifden, Roundstone and Dogs Bay beach. Along the way, mountains, lakes, islands, local music and food set the scene.

Highlights:

• Nights at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Delphi Lodge and Ballynahinch Castle
• Cong, The Quiet Man filming location, and Cong Abbey
• Lough Mask, Clew Bay and the Westport Greenway
• Doolough Valley and Old Head Beach
• Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park
• Clifden, Roundstone and Dogs Bay beach

Surface and terrain:
Mostly quiet sealed country and coastal roads along the Wild Atlantic Way, plus the traffic-free Westport Greenway. Daily ascent is 340 - 520 m, with longer days of 63 - 92 km. The gravel bike option suits occasional gravel paths.

Likely weather:
Mild, changeable Atlantic conditions, typically 10 - 19°C from April to October, warmest July and August. Showers are possible on any day, with strong coastal winds at times.

Suitable for:
Fit riders wanting luxury accommodation, comfortable with consecutive days of 40 - 80 km on quiet public roads. Rated Medium by the operator; the included e-bike option makes the longer days easier.