Cycling Achill Island: A Guide to the Three Loops
Achill has three waymarked cycle loops. The Atlantic Drive is the demanding one; the beach-side and quick-hit loops suit shorter days and tired legs.
Introduction
Achill Island sits off the west coast of County Mayo, and it is a good deal quieter than the mainland stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way. Five Blue Flag beaches, megalithic tombs, a deserted village at Slievemore, and the 688 m Croaghaun cliffs, the highest sea cliffs in Ireland, at the western end. Three waymarked Achill Cycle Loops cover most of the island, all of them starting and finishing at Dooagh. None are flat.
Why Cycle Achill?
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scenic variety | Coastal cliffs, blanket bog, mountain passes, sandy beaches |
| Low traffic | Most routes are on quiet local roads; the main R319 sees light seasonal traffic |
| Heritage | 5,000-year-old megalithic tombs, Kildavnet Castle (Grace O’Malley), Deserted Village of Slievemore |
| Blue Flag beaches | Keel, Silver, Golden, Dooega, and Keem Bay |
| Highest sea cliffs | Croaghaun, 688 m (2,257 ft), third-highest in Europe |
| Bike-friendly services | Multiple hire shops, free helmets & high-visibility vests from Achill Bikes, cafés, pubs and B&Bs spread along the loops |
You get the Atlantic coastline without the coach traffic that clogs the mainland routes in July. That is the main argument for coming here.
The Three Official Loops
All loops start and finish in Dooagh (the hub of Achill Bikes) and are marked on the road with white cycle signs. Distances are measured from the official trailhead; actual mileage may vary slightly depending on detours.
Loop 1: The Epic Atlantic Drive
- Distance: 48 km
- Estimated riding time: 3–4 hours (average pace 12–15 km/h)
- Elevation gain: ~420 m (steady climbs, no major sustained gradients)
- Difficulty: Moderate-hard, the longest and most undulating of the three
- Highlights:
- Kildavnet Castle: 15th-century tower linked to the pirate queen Grace O’Malley.
- Atlantic cliffs from the historic “Atlantic Drive”, panoramic sea views, especially at Achill Beg and Clare Island.
- Dooega Blue Flag Beach: a perfect spot for a quick dip or a snack stop.
- Bunnacurry Distillery & Sea-Salt factory: local food-and-drink experience.
- Purteen Harbour: film set for The Banshees of Inisherin (2022).
Why ride it? Loop 1 has the best of the coastline, and it is the only loop long enough to fill a day. The climbing comes in short bursts rather than one long ascent, so it rides easier than the 48 km suggests. Give it a full morning.
Loop 2: The Beach-side Breeze
- Distance: 32 km
- Estimated riding time: 2–3 hours
- Elevation gain: ~210 m (gentler climbs)
- Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for riders with a reasonable fitness level.
- Highlights:
- Achill Mission Estate (Dugort): 19th-century historic site with gardens and a visitor centre.
- Three Blue Flag beaches: Keel Strand, Silver Strand and Golden Strand; ideal for a seaside picnic.
- Minaun Cliffs: spectacular viewpoint over the Atlantic and the island’s western horizon.
Why ride it? Loop 2 reaches three beaches and the Mission Estate on half the climbing of Loop 1.
Loop 3: The Quick-Hit Loop
- Distance: 16 km
- Estimated riding time: 1–1.5 hours
- Elevation gain: ~130 m (short, rolling hills)
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate, great for beginners or a warm-up/cool-down ride.
- Highlights:
- Deserted Village of Slievemore: roofless stone cottages, emptied by 19th-century evictions.
- Panoramic Atlantic vistas from the coastal road near Keem Bay.
Why ride it? Loop 3 takes an hour and a half and still gets you to Slievemore. Useful as a warm-up, or on a day when the wind rules out anything longer.
Detailed Elevation & Navigation Tips
| Loop | Max altitude (m) | Highest climb | Typical gradient |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 260 (near Keel) | R319 ascent from Dooagh | 4–6 % (steady) |
| 2 | 190 (Dugort) | R319 climb to Dugort | 3–5 % |
| 3 | 150 (near Slievemore) | Short rise after Keem Bay | 2–4 % |
- GPS & Maps: All loops are available on Komoot, Strava, and the interactive maps on Achill Bikes’ website. Download offline maps before you set off, as mobile signal can be spotty on the cliffs.
- Way-marking: Look for the white cycling symbol on the R319 and side-roads. Loop 1 also uses a distinct blue “Atlantic Drive” sign near the cliffs.
- Rest stops: Picnic tables are located at Kildavnet, Dooega, Bunnacurry, and Keel. Most pubs (e.g., The Wild Atlantic Pub in Keel) open from 12 pm in summer; check opening hours in advance.
When to Ride: Best Seasons & Weather
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Late Spring (May-June) | Mild temps (12-16 °C), blooming flora, fewer tourists | Occasional rain showers |
| Summer (July-August) | Warmest weather (15-20 °C), long daylight (up to 17 h), all services open | Higher traffic on R319, occasional strong winds |
| Early Autumn (Sept-Oct) | Pleasant temps, quieter roads, autumn colours, good chances of spotting peregrine falcons on Croaghaun cliffs | Shortening daylight, chance of rain |
| Winter | Dramatic storm-cloud scenery, very quiet | Cold (5-10 °C), high winds, limited services, some B&Bs close |
Ideal window: Late May to early October for the best balance of weather, daylight and open facilities. Bring waterproof layers regardless of season, Atlantic weather changes quickly.
Practicalities: Getting There, Bike Hire & Accommodation
Getting to Achill
- By Car: From Dublin, take the M4 → N5 → N59 → N59 (Westport) → R319 (Achill). The journey is ~4 h (≈300 km). Parking is free at the Dooagh bike hub.
- By Bus: Bus Éireann route 450 runs from Westport to Achill (via Dooagh). Check the timetable, services are limited on Sundays.
- By Air: The nearest airports are Ireland West Airport (Knock) (≈90 km) and Dublin Airport (≈260 km). Both have car-rental options.
Bike Hire
| Provider | Bike Types | Price (per day) | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achill Bikes (Dooagh) | Road, hybrid, e-bike, mountain | €30 (road), €45 (e-bike) | Free helmet, high-visibility vest, bike pump, basic repair kit |
| Blásta Bikes (Keel) | Gravel, touring | €35 (gravel) | GPS rental available |
| Local B&Bs | Often have a single road bike for guests | €20–€25 | Usually includes lock |
Tip: Book bikes at least 2 weeks in advance during July-August. E-bike availability can be limited.
Accommodation
Beds on the island run from B&Bs to self-catering cottages:
- Keel Village B&Bs: Central location, easy access to Loop 2.
- Dooagh Guesthouse: Near the bike hub, perfect for early starts.
- Minaun Beach Cottages: Seaside stays, ideal for Loop 3.
- Camping: Minaun Camping & Caravan Park (seasonal) offers pitch sites with basic facilities.
Most accommodations provide breakfast; many serve hearty Irish fare (e.g., smoked salmon, soda bread) that fuels long rides.
Safety, Gear & Etiquette
- Helmet & Visibility: Mandatory in Ireland. Achill Bikes supplies a free helmet and a high-visibility vest, wear them at all times, especially on windy cliff sections.
- Weather Gear: Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, arm warmers and a cap. The Atlantic can produce gusts exceeding 40 km/h on the cliffs.
- Hydration & Nutrition: Carry at least 1.5 L of water per rider; refill at pubs or water fountains in Keel and Dooagh. Energy bars, nuts and fruit are ideal for quick refuelling.
- Bike Maintenance: Carry a spare tube, tire levers, mini-pump and a multi-tool. The routes are well-maintained, but occasional potholes appear after heavy rain.
- Road Etiquette: Keep to the left, signal turns, and give way to agricultural traffic (especially in early mornings). Respect livestock; don’t disturb grazing animals.
- Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from seabirds and especially peregrine falcons nesting on Croaghaun cliffs (best viewing in September-October).
Attractions Off the Bike
A few things worth the detour if you have time left over:
- Croaghaun Cliffs: Hike the short 2-km trail from the Achill Head car park. The cliffs drop 600 m straight into the Atlantic.
- Keem Bay: A secluded, turquoise-blue beach accessible via a short walk from Loop 3. Ideal for a post-ride swim.
- Moya Sea Salt Factory (Bunnacurry): Learn how sea salt is harvested; sample the product in the shop.
- Irish American Whiskey Distillery: Guided tours (30 min) include tastings.
Sample Itineraries
2-Day Adventure (Ideal for Summer)
Day 1, Arrival & Loop 2
- Morning: Arrive, pick up a hybrid bike, breakfast at Dooagh café.
- Ride Loop 2 (32 km). Lunch at Dugort Café (sea-food chowder).
- Evening: Check-in at Keel B&B, sunset walk on Keel Strand.
Day 2, Loop 1 & Croaghaun
- Early start (7 am). Breakfast, then tackle Loop 1 (48 km).
- Mid-day stop at Bunnacurry for a whiskey tasting.
- Afternoon: Return bike, drive (or arrange a shuttle) to Croaghaun trailhead. Short hike for cliff views.
- Evening: Depart or stay another night.
1-Day “Taste of Achill” (For Weekend Cyclists)
- 8 am: Pick up an e-bike in Dooagh.
- Ride Loop 3 (16 km), quick scenic loop, visit Deserted Village.
- 10 30 am: Continue onto Loop 2 (partial 20 km) to hit Keel Strand and Dugort.
- Lunch at Dugort Café.
- 2 pm: Return via R319 to Dooagh, drop bike, enjoy a coffee at the hub.
- Evening: Catch the bus back to Westport.
Environmental Considerations
Achill’s fragile blanket bogs and coastal ecosystems benefit from responsible tourism:
- Stick to marked roads and trails, avoid trampling the bog.
- Pack out all litter; use the recycling bins at pubs and B&Bs.
- Respect the Blue Flag beach guidelines: no litter, no dog off-lead during peak summer months.
Blanket bog is slow to recover from tyre tracks. That is really the whole of it.
Conclusion
Achill is a small island with a great deal of coastline, and the riding reflects that: exposed, undulating, rarely dull. Take your pick of the 48 km Loop 1, the beaches of Loop 2, or an hour on Loop 3. The weather will shape your day more than your legs will. Bring a waterproof, start early, and do not put much faith in the forecast.