The Ultimate Guide to Cycling the Great Western Greenway
Introduction
Ireland’s west coast is famed for its rugged cliffs, sweeping bays and unspoilt villages. Few routes showcase this scenery as spectacularly as the Great Western Greenway – a traffic‑free trail that stretches from the bustling market town of Westport to the wild shores of Achill Island. At 43.5 km (≈ 27 mi) it is the longest off‑road greenway in the Republic, winding along former railway lines, quiet country lanes and purpose‑built cycle paths.
Whether you’re a seasoned road cyclist looking for a day‑trip, a family wanting a leisurely ride, or a holidaymaker eager to combine sport with culture, this guide covers everything you need to plan, enjoy and safely complete the Great Western Greenway.
1. Quick Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total length | 43.5 km (≈ 27 mi) – often rounded to 45 km |
| Surface | Compact gravel, paved sections, occasional sand‑packed track |
| Elevation gain | ~335 m total ascent; highest point ~69 m above sea level |
| Typical cycle time | 3 – 3.5 hours (average 12‑15 km/h) |
| Walking time | 9 – 10 hours (moderate pace) |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate – suitable for all fitness levels |
| Season | Late March – late October (best weather, daylight) |
| Key towns | Westport → Newport → Mulranny → Achill Sound (extension to Cashel) |
| Bike hire | Paddy & Nelly (Westport), Clew Bay Bike (Mulranny), Achill Bike Hire (Achill) |
| Facilities | Water fountains, public toilets, cafés in each town, free parking at trailheads |
2. Planning Your Ride
2.1 When to Go
- Spring (April‑May) – Wildflowers bloom, temperatures 10‑15 °C, fewer tourists.
- Summer (June‑August) – Long daylight (up to 16 h), but expect higher temperatures and occasional rain showers.
- Autumn (September‑October) – Golden foliage, milder crowds, still plenty of daylight.
Avoid the mid‑winter months when sections can become muddy, and daylight is limited.
2.2 How to Get There
| Starting point | Nearest airport | Public transport | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westport (trailhead) | Ireland West Airport (Knock) – 35 km | Bus Éireann route 450 to Westport | Westport Town Park (free) |
| Achill Sound (eastern trailhead) | Ireland West Airport (Knock) – 55 km | Bus Éireann route 450 to Westport, then local taxi | Achill Sound Car Park (free) |
If you’re flying into Dublin, the drive to Westport is about 3 hours via the M6 and N5.
2.3 Bike Hire & Transport
| Provider | Location | Bike type | Approx. cost (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy & Nelly | Westport (Main St.) | Hybrid / Gravel | €25‑€35 |
| Clew Bay Bike | Mulranny (near harbour) | Mountain / Hybrid | €20‑€30 |
| Achill Bike Hire | Achill Sound | Gravel / Road | €30‑€40 |
Most hire shops will store the bike for you at the opposite end of the trail for a small surcharge – perfect for a one‑way ride.
2.4 What to Pack
- Bike: Gravel or hybrid with wider tyres (35‑40 mm) for mixed surfaces.
- Helmet (mandatory in Ireland) and high‑visibility vest.
- Water: Minimum 1 L per person; refill at cafés or water fountains.
- Snacks / Energy bars.
- Rain jacket & warm layers – Irish weather changes quickly.
- Basic repair kit: spare tube, tyre levers, mini‑pump or CO₂ cartridge.
- Navigation: Smartphone with offline map (e.g., Komoot, Google Maps offline), or printed route sheet.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
3. Stage‑by‑Stage Breakdown
Stage 1 – Westport to Newport (≈ 12 km)
- Terrain: Mostly compacted gravel, gentle gradients.
- Highlights: Westport Quay, the historic Clew Bay shoreline, the Seven‑Arches Bridge.
- Time: 40 min by bike, 2.5 h walking.
- Tips: Start at the Paddy & Nelly Bike shop; follow the blue‑green signposts that lead onto the former railway line. The route is well‑marked, but keep an eye out for occasional farm gates.
Stage 2 – Newport to Mulranny (≈ 18 km)
- Terrain: Mix of paved sections through Newport town and off‑road track along the coast.
- Challenges: The Newport town centre can be busy; there is no dedicated cycle lane on the main road. Use the pedestrian crossing at the Seven‑Arches Bridge and stay on the right side.
- Highlights: Panoramic views over Clew Bay, the Grainne Uaile pub (great for a quick coffee), and the Nephin Beg mountain range in the distance.
- Time: 1 hour cycling, 4 hours walking.
- Tips: If you’re uncomfortable on the road, consider a short detour via the Newport River Walk which runs parallel and is traffic‑free.
Stage 3 – Mulranny to Achill Sound (≈ 13.5 km)
- Terrain: Mostly smooth gravel, gentle climbs with occasional sandy patches near the coast.
- Highlights: Croagh Patrick on the horizon, Burrishoole coastal views, the historic Mullaghmore lighthouse (visible from the trail).
- Time: 40 min cycling, 3 hours walking.
- Tips: The trail here is the most scenic; keep your camera ready. Bike hire in Mulranny (Clew Bay Bike) offers a “drop‑off” service to Achill Sound for a modest fee.
Stage 4 – Achill Sound to Cashel (Extension, 5 km)
- Terrain: Paved, flat, ideal for families.
- Highlights: New car park, toilets, and a viewpoint over Keel Bay.
- Time: 10 min cycling, 30 min walking.
- Tips: This section opened in 2024 and is fully accessible. It’s perfect for a post‑ride coffee at the Achill Café before heading back to your accommodation.
4. Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Check the weather before you set off – use Met Éireann or a reliable app. | Irish weather can shift from sunshine to rain in minutes. |
| Carry cash as some small cafés may not accept cards. | Rural towns often rely on cash for small transactions. |
| Mind the tide at coastal sections near Mulranny – the path can be damp after high tide. | Wet surfaces become slippery, especially on sand‑packed sections. |
| Use the official greenway signs (blue‑green circles) and avoid shortcuts on busy roads. | Signage is generally good, but a few sections (Newport) require extra vigilance. |
| Leave no trace – pack out any litter and respect private farmland. | The trail passes through grazing land; preserving it keeps the greenway open. |
| Plan breaks – each town offers a rest stop with toilets and refreshments. | Regular stops help maintain energy levels and avoid dehydration. |
| Bike storage – lock your bike at designated racks if you plan to explore a town on foot. | Secure racks are available in Westport, Newport, Mulranny and Achill. |
5. Where to Stay – Accommodation Options
| Town | Recommended stay | Type | Approx. price per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westport | The Mariner (central, good value) | Guesthouse/Hotel | €90‑€120 |
| Newport | Walsh’s Bridge Inn (family‑run, cosy) | B&B | €80‑€110 |
| Mulranny | Nevins Newfield Inn (village centre) | B&B | €85‑€115 |
| Achill | Greenway Lodge B&B (steps from trailhead) | B&B | €70‑€95 |
| Achill (luxury) | Keel House Hotel (sea‑view) | Hotel | €130‑€170 |
Most establishments provide bike rack space and can arrange bike hire return if needed.
6. Nearby Attractions Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
- Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s holy mountain; a short drive from Westport for a hike.
- Dun Briste Sea Stack – iconic rock formation near Achill, reachable via a short coastal walk.
- Clare Island – ferry from Carrick, perfect for a day‑trip of bird‑watching.
- Knock Shrine – pilgrimage site, 30 km north of Westport.
- Benwee Head – dramatic cliffs and sea‑caves near Mulranny.
Combining the greenway with any of these sights turns a single‑day ride into a mini‑vacation.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I ride the Greenway in one direction and have the bike collected at the other end?
A: Yes. Most hire shops (Paddy & Nelly, Clew Bay Bike, Achill Bike Hire) offer a drop‑off service for a small fee (≈ €5‑€10). Arrange it when you pick up the bike.
Q: Is the trail suitable for road‑only bikes?
A: While a road bike will manage most of the route, the gravel sections and occasional sand‑packed track can be uncomfortable and increase puncture risk. A hybrid or gravel bike with wider tyres is recommended.
Q: Are dogs allowed on the Greenway?
A: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be on a lead where the path passes near livestock or busy roads.
Q: What are the opening hours?
A: The Greenway is open 24 hours year‑round. However, some facilities (toilets, water points) close at night, so plan to finish before dusk.
Q: Is there mobile coverage along the route?
A: Coverage is generally good in towns, but can be spotty on the open coastal sections. It’s wise to download offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary.
Conclusion
The Great Western Greenway offers a rare blend of traffic‑free cycling, spectacular Atlantic scenery, and accessible Irish hospitality. With a manageable distance, modest elevation, and well‑supported towns along the way, it’s an ideal choice for a day‑trip, a family adventure, or a key leg of a longer Irish cycling holiday.
Plan your route, pack the right gear, and let the rolling hills, shimmering bays and warm local welcomes guide you from the lively streets of Westport to the rugged charm of Achill. Happy cycling!