Cycling Ireland's Islands: From Inis Mór to Valentia

Introduction

There are more than 80 islands off the Irish coast, and a handful of them are worth the trouble of getting a bike across. The roads on them are narrow, often single-track, and carry almost no motor traffic. Some are surfaced in stone rather than tarmac.

The catch is the boat. Bike spaces are limited, several operators want a separate reservation with at least 48 hours’ notice, and the smaller ferries cap the number of bicycles they will carry per crossing. Sort the ferry first and the rest of the trip arranges itself around it.

Why Cycle Ireland’s Islands?

Benefit	Details
Low traffic	Most island roads are narrow country lanes with little motor-vehicle traffic, giving cyclists a safe and peaceful riding environment.
Scenic variety	From the limestone cliffs of the Aran Islands to the golden sands of Achill and the misty mountains of Valentia, each island offers a distinct visual palette.
Cultural immersion	Small communities preserve Irish language, music, crafts and folklore, perfect for riders who love to combine sport with culture.
Adventure factor	Ferry rides, tide-timed bridges and occasional off-road sections add excitement beyond a typical road-bike loop.
Eco-friendly travel	Cycling reduces your carbon footprint, and many islands have strong sustainability initiatives that welcome responsible visitors.

Top Island Cycling Destinations

1. Inis Mór (Aran Islands, County Galway)

Highlights

• Dún Aonghasa: a 5,000-year-old clifftop fort offering panoramic Atlantic views.
• Poll na bPéist (The Wormhole): a natural sea-carved pool perfect for a quick dip.
• Kilmurvey Beach: a long, sandy stretch ideal for a relaxed ride or a beachside picnic.

Recommended Route: Kilronan Harbour to Dún Aonghasa (12 km round-trip)

1. Start at the ferry dock in Kilronan, lock your bike securely.
2. Follow the R336 coastal road past the Aran Sweater Market.
3. Turn onto the R335 to the Sliabh Donard viewpoint.
4. Ascend gently to Dún Aonghasa, enjoying cliff-edge panoramas.
5. Return via the same quiet lanes, stopping at Poll na bPéist on the way back.

Practical Information

• Ferry: Daily services from Rossaveal (Co. Galway) and Doolin (Co. Clare). Bikes are accepted free of charge with prior notice; limited spaces, so book early in peak season (June–August).
• Bike rentals: Available in Kilronan (e.g., Island Bikes). Mountain bikes and hybrids are most suitable for the uneven stone-dressed roads.
• Accommodation: B&Bs such as Cliff House and Tigh Na Bhréag offer rooms with sea views; most fill quickly during summer festivals, so reserve at least 4 weeks ahead.

2. Achill Island (County Mayo)

Highlights

• Great Western Greenway: a 42 km traffic-free trail linking Westport to Achill Sound.
• Keem Bay: voted among the world’s most beautiful beaches.
• Minaun Heights: sweeping vistas over Clew Bay.
• The Deserted Village on Slievemore, a haunting set of stone cottages.

Recommended Route: Westport to Achill Sound (42 km)

1. Begin at Westport Quay, join the Greenway heading north.
2. Pass Mulranny and Keel, enjoying coastal woodlands.
3. Cross the Michael Davitt Bridge onto Achill Island.
4. Follow the Greenway to Achill Sound, then explore side roads to Keem Bay and Minaun Heights.
5. Return via the same route or, for variety, take the R319 coastal road for a more challenging ride.

Practical Information

• Access: The bridge makes it easy to ride in with your own bike; parking for cyclists is available at Westport and Mulranny.
• Bike rentals: Numerous shops in Westport (Westport Bike Hire) and Achill (Achill Bike Co.) provide hybrids, e-bikes and gravel bikes.
• Accommodation: From budget hostels in Westport to boutique hotels on the island (e.g., The Atlantic Hotel in Keel). Campsites are also available for self-contained riders.
• Best time: Late spring (May) offers milder weather and fewer crowds; early autumn (September) still provides warm temperatures with spectacular sunrise views over the Atlantic.

3. Valentia Island (County Kerry)

Highlights

• Bray Head Loop: an 8 km coastal ride with dramatic cliffs.
• Geokaun Mountain: the island’s highest point (191 m) offering sweeping views of the Skellig Islands.
• Valentia Slate Quarry: historic quarry used in London’s Houses of Parliament.
• Tetrapod Trackway: fossilised footprints dating back 400 million years.

Recommended Route: Portmagee to Geokaun (12 km round-trip)

1. Cross the Portmagee Bridge onto Valentia.
2. Follow the R566 to the Bray Head Loop, riding the cliff-top road.
3. Ascend to Geokaun Mountain via the R567, stopping at the Signal Tower for panoramic photos.
4. Descend back to Portmagee, optionally detouring to the Slate Quarry for a short historical walk.

Practical Information

• Ferry: Seasonal service from Renard Point (Co. Cork) to Valentia; bikes are permitted, but space is limited.
• Bike rentals: Available in Portmagee (Portmagee Bikes) and nearby Cahersiveen.
• Accommodation: Guesthouses such as The House of the Tides and Valentia Island B&B; campgrounds at Glencar for those who prefer a more rustic stay.
• Weather tip: The island’s micro-climate can change quickly; carry a waterproof jacket and check tide tables if planning coastal sections.

4. Tory Island (County Donegal)

Highlights

• Wild Atlantic vistas: remote, unspoilt scenery with dramatic sea stacks.
• Cultural heritage: home to a small Irish-speaking community and traditional music.
• Birdwatching: a haven for puffins, guillemots and rare seabirds.

Recommended Route: The Main Loop (9 km)

1. Arrive via the Tory Island Ferry from Ramelton (seasonal, runs twice daily in summer).
2. Cycle the circular road that skirts the coastline, passing Ballyliffin Bay and the historic St. Colmcille’s Church.
3. Stop at The Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views before returning to the ferry dock.

Practical Information

• Ferry: Operates May–September; advance booking essential. Bikes are welcome, but the ferry caps at 12 bicycles per crossing.
• Bike rentals: Limited; most visitors bring their own bikes. If required, a single-speed mountain bike can be sourced in Ramelton.
• Accommodation: Small guesthouses in Ramelton; on-island stays are limited to a handful of family-run B&Bs, booked months ahead.

5. Great Blasket Islands (County Kerry)

Highlights

• Untouched wilderness: no permanent residents, only a few seasonal caretakers.
• Archaeological sites: ancient stone forts and early Christian ruins.
• Sea cliffs: the reason most visitors make the crossing.

Cycling Possibility

While the islands themselves have no road network, the Blasket Islands Ferry from Portmagee offers a short ride to Inishvickillane where a 10 km walking trail circles the island. For cyclists, the best approach is to combine a bike ride on Valentia Island with a ferry-linked walk on the Blaskets, creating a mixed-activity adventure.

Practical Information

• Ferry: Operates daily in summer; bicycles are not permitted on the boat, but you can secure a bike rack on the deck for short periods.
• Accommodation: Stay on Valentia Island; the Blaskets are day-use only.
• Tip: Bring a lightweight day-pack for the walking portion and pack a waterproof map, the weather can be foggy and windy.

Planning Your Island Cycling Escape

Ferry and Transport Checklist

• Check timetables: Irish ferries often run on a limited schedule, especially on smaller islands (e.g., Tory, Blaskets). Use the Irish Sea Ferries website or local council sites for up-to-date times.
• Book bike space: Many operators require a separate reservation for bicycles. Allow at least 48 hours lead time in peak months.
• Arrive early: Boarding queues can be lengthy; arriving 30 minutes before departure reduces stress.
• Alternative transport: For islands with bridges (Achill, Valentia), you can simply ride across. For others, consider a bike-friendly car ferry from the mainland (e.g., Rossaveal to Inis Mór).

Bike Rental and Gear

Island	Recommended Bike Type	Rental Providers
Inis Mór	Hybrid or mountain bike (21-speed)	Island Bikes (Kilronan)
Achill	Gravel bike or e-bike (for hills)	Westport Bike Hire, Achill Bike Co.
Valentia	Road bike or hybrid (lightweight)	Portmagee Bikes
Tory	Single-speed mountain bike (rugged)	Ramelton Bike Hire
Great Blasket (Valentia base)	Any comfortable touring bike	Portmagee Bikes

Essential gear:

• Puncture repair kit & spare tube
• Waterproof pannier or bike-packed bag (10–15 L)
• Helmet, gloves, and high-visibility clothing
• Portable bike pump
• GPS or paper maps (Ordnance Survey Ireland’s OSi Outdoor Explorer app works offline)

Accommodation Tips

• Book early: Island B&Bs often have only 5–10 rooms. Summer demand peaks in July and August.
• Consider self-catering: Many holiday cottages provide kitchen facilities, allowing you to refuel with local produce.
• Campsites: Ideal for budget cyclists; ensure you have a lightweight tent and a sleeping bag rated for 5 °C (coastal nights can be chilly).

Safety and Sustainability

• Weather vigilance: Irish weather changes quickly. Check the Met Éireann forecast before setting out, and keep an eye on wind direction, especially on exposed cliffs.
• Road etiquette: Island roads may be single-track. Yield to livestock, farm vehicles, and pedestrians. Use a bell or voice to alert others.
• Emergency contacts: Save the local Garda (police) station number and the nearest Coastguard (for remote islands) in your phone.
• Leave no trace: Pack out all litter, stay on marked routes, and respect wildlife (especially seal colonies and bird nesting sites).

Sample Itineraries

A. Two-Day Inis Mór & Inishmore Loop

Day 1: Ferry to Inis Mór, cycle to Dún Aonghasa, overnight B&B.
Day 2: Morning ride to the Aran Islands Heritage Trail, ferry back to Rossaveal.

B. Three-Day Achill & Westport Adventure

Day 1: Cycle the Greenway from Westport to Achill Sound, stay in Keel.
Day 2: Explore Minaun Heights and Keem Bay, return via the coastal R319 for a challenging climb.
Day 3: Ride back to Westport, optional detour to Croagh Patrick for a short ascent.

C. Island-Hopping in Kerry

Day 1: Cycle Valentia Island Loop, overnight in Portmagee.
Day 2: Ferry to the Great Blasket Islands, walk the Inishvickillane trail, return to Valentia.
Day 3: Take the Ring of Kerry coastal road to Skellig Michael viewpoint (no bike on the boat), finish with a relaxed ride back to Killarney.

Conclusion

The riding itself is rarely the hard part. The main loops on Inis Mór and Tory are short, and Achill you can reach over the Michael Davitt Bridge without a boat at all. What takes the planning is everything either side of it: sailing times, bike spaces, and island B&Bs with five or ten rooms that are full by July.

So book the boat, then the bed, then think about the route. Check the wind direction before you commit to a cliff road, and check the tide tables before any coastal section.