Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way – Must‑See Coastal Highlights
Introduction
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s iconic 2 500 km (1 500 mi) coastal corridor that stretches from the windswept Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to the dramatic Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. For cyclists, it offers a rare blend of rugged cliffs, hidden coves, lively villages and world‑class surf beaches – all on quiet, often traffic‑free roads. Whether you’re planning a week‑long adventure, a two‑week epic, or simply want to sample a few unforgettable sections, this guide outlines the must‑see coastal highlights and gives you the practical information you need to pedal the Atlantic with confidence.
Why the Wild Atlantic Way is a Cyclist’s Dream
| Feature | Benefit for Cyclists |
|---|---|
| Varied terrain | From smooth tarmac to gravel boreens, the route suits road bikes, hybrids and touring bikes. |
| Spectacular scenery | Sea cliffs up to 600 m, endless beaches, and the occasional mountain lake. |
| Cultural richness | Traditional music sessions, Gaelic heritage, and historic sites are just off the road. |
| Bike‑friendly infrastructure | Many B&Bs and guesthouses offer secure bike storage, repair tools and pannier‑friendly rooms. |
| Flexible sections | The Way is divided into nine sections, so you can pick a segment that matches your fitness and time. |
Planning Your Ride – The Nine Sections at a Glance
| Section | Approx. Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Donegal → Sligo | 170 km | Slieve League cliffs, Silver Strand, Glencolmcille, Sligo town |
| 2. Sligo → Galway | 230 km | Connemara bogs, Kylemore Abbey, Clifden, Galway city |
| 3. Galway → Limerick | 220 km | Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Lahinch surf beach |
| 4. Limerick → Kerry (North) | 200 km | Loop Head, Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head Drive |
| 5. Kerry (South) – Ring of Kerry | 179 km | Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Skellig Viewpoints |
| 6. Cork → Kerry (West) | 150 km | Mizen Head, Old Head of Kinsale, Cork City |
| 7. Waterford → Wexford | 140 km | Hook Head Lighthouse, Dunmore East |
| 8. Wexford → Kilkenny | 120 km | Johnstown Castle, Kilkenny Castle |
| 9. Kilkenny → Dublin (Coastal stretch) | 150 km | Wicklow Mountains coastal road, Bray, Dublin |
Most cyclists tackle Sections 1–4 first, as they contain the most dramatic Atlantic scenery.
Must‑See Coastal Highlights
1. Slieve League Cliffs (Co. Donegal)
- Why go: At 600 m the cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offering unobstructed Atlantic panoramas.
- Best access: Turn off the R250 at Muckross and follow the local road to Crolly; the climb is short but steep, rewarding you with sweeping views.
- Tip: Early morning light creates spectacular photo opportunities and fewer tourists.
2. Silver Strand (Co. Donegal)
- Why go: A long, golden‑sand beach backed by dunes and the dramatic Mount Errigal.
- Best access: From Glen Head (the photo on the Ireland‑by‑Bike site) follow the minor road to the beach car‑park; the route is flat and perfect for a relaxed ride.
- Tip: Pack a lightweight picnic – the beach is ideal for a mid‑day break.
3. Sliabh Liag (Donegal)
- Why go: The iconic “Cliffs of the Sea” rise sharply from the Atlantic, with an interpretive trail that offers safe, scenic walking options.
- Best access: The R263 runs parallel to the cliffs; a short detour onto the Sliabh Liag Loop gives spectacular vistas.
- Tip: Use a bike‑friendly map (Ordnance Survey Discovery Series 1, 2, 3) to avoid the busy tourist road.
4. Achill Island (Co. Mayo)
- Why go: Ireland’s largest offshore island boasts dramatic sea stacks, Keem Bay, and quiet backroads.
- Best access: Cross the Bridges of Achill on the R319; the island’s interior roads are low‑traffic and perfect for touring bikes.
- Tip: The Great Western Greenway (a 42 km off‑road trail) is a great alternative if you prefer a traffic‑free surface.
5. The Burren (Co. Clare)
- Why go: A UNESCO Global Geopark with stark limestone pavements, wildflowers, and ancient dolmens.
- Best access: Ride the R476 through Corofin and Kilnaboy; the road is narrow but offers spectacular geological scenery.
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the Poulnabrone Dolmen – a short detour from the main route.
6. Cliffs of Moher (Co. Clare)
- Why go: One of Ireland’s most photographed landmarks, dropping 214 m into the Atlantic.
- Best access: The R478 brings you to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre; the approach is steep, but the view is worth it.
- Tip: Arrive early (or late afternoon) to avoid the main tourist rush; the cliffs glow spectacularly at sunset.
7. Dingle Peninsula (Co. Kerry)
- Why go: A cyclist’s paradise of quiet, winding roads, ancient forts, and Slea Head with panoramic ocean views.
- Best access: From Dingle town, follow the R559 around the peninsula; the route is largely traffic‑free and offers frequent pull‑outs for photos.
- Tip: Stop at Gallarus Oratory and Beefy’s View for iconic pictures.
8. Ring of Kerry (Co. Kerry)
- Why go: A classic 179 km loop that combines mountains, lakes, and coastal cliffs.
- Best access: The N71 and R559 form the main circuit; consider riding the Killarney–Kenmare stretch early in the day to avoid bus traffic.
- Tip: Use a pannier‑compatible bike; the distance is long, but the scenery justifies the effort.
9. The Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Road (Wicklow to Dublin)
- Why go: Though not as rugged as the north, this stretch offers sea‑cliff views, the Great Sugar Loaf, and the bustling seaside town of Bray.
- Best access: Follow the R761 and M11 coastal sections; traffic is moderate but manageable.
- Tip: Perfect for a final “finish line” ride before heading back to Dublin.
Practical Information for a Smooth Ride
Choosing the Right Bike
| Bike Type | Ideal For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Road bike (lightweight) | Long distances on paved roads | Thin tyres (23‑28 mm), drop bars, efficient climbing |
| Hybrid / Gravel bike | Mixed surfaces, occasional gravel sections | Wider tyres (32‑40 mm), comfortable geometry |
| Touring bike with panniers | Carrying all gear yourself | Strong frame, rack mounts, low gear range |
| E‑bike | Reducing effort on steep climbs (e.g., Slieve League) | Motor assistance up to 25 km/h, battery range 80–120 km |
Most cyclists on the Wild Atlantic Way favour a gravel‑hybrid for its versatility on both tarmac and occasional boreens.
Navigation & Maps
- Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series (1:50 000) – Maps 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 11 cover Donegal; similar series for Mayo, Clare, and Kerry.
- Offline GPS apps – Komoot, Ride with GPS, or OS Maps allow you to download routes and avoid data roaming.
- Printed route guides – The official Wild Atlantic Way website provides downloadable PDFs with recommended detours.
Accommodation
- Bike‑friendly B&Bs & Guesthouses – Many offer secure indoor bike storage, repair tools, and even shower‑drying racks for wet gear.
- Booking tips – Reserve at least 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August. For shoulder‑season (May‑June, September‑October) a few days’ notice often suffices.
- Camping – Designated Wild Atlantic Way campsites (e.g., Silver Strand and Dunfanaghy) provide basic facilities and spectacular sea views.
Weather & Clothing
- Weather – The Atlantic coast is notoriously changeable. Expect wind, rain and sunshine in the same day.
- Clothing – Layered approach: breathable base layer, waterproof jacket (Gore‑Tex or similar), wind‑proof trousers, and water‑proof shoe covers.
- Safety – Carry a compact first‑aid kit, spare tube, multi‑tool, and a charged mobile phone (Ireland has good 4G coverage along the coast).
Food & Hydration
- Local produce – Fresh seafood (e.g., Dingle oysters), brown Irish soda bread, and artisan cheese are plentiful.
- Water – Refill at pubs, cafés, and visitor centres; carry at least 2 L per day in a insulated bottle.
- Fuel stops – Small towns (e.g., Clifden, Lahinch, Dingle) have well‑stocked supermarkets; plan longer stretches (e.g., Donegal to Sligo) with a packed lunch.
Luggage Transfer
If you prefer to ride light, many local operators (including Ireland by Bike) offer daily luggage pick‑up and drop‑off. This service lets you travel with just a day‑pack, while your panniers are transported between hotels.
Sample Itinerary – 10‑Day Highlights (Sections 1‑4)
| Day | Route | Approx. km | Key Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donegal – Glencolmcille | 80 | Slieve League, Silver Strand |
| 2 | Glencolmcille – Sligo | 90 | Carrick, Glencar Waterfall |
| 3 | Sligo – Westport (Mayo) | 95 | Strandhill, Benbulben (view) |
| 4 | Westport – Clifden (Connemara) | 100 | Achill Island, Keem Bay |
| 5 | Clifden – Galway | 85 | Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park |
| 6 | Galway – Lahinch | 120 | Burren, Poulnabrone Dolmen |
| 7 | Lahinch – Doolin | 55 | Cliffs of Moher |
| 8 | Doolin – Dingle | 130 | The Aran Islands (optional ferry), Slea Head |
| 9 | Dingle – Killarney | 115 | Gallarus Oratory, Ring of Kerry (partial) |
| 10 | Killarney – Kenmare | 50 | Muckross House, Torc Waterfall (optional) |
Total distance ≈ 1 020 km – comfortably spread over ten days with nightly rests in well‑reviewed B&Bs.
Environmental & Cultural Etiquette
- Respect private land – Many side roads cross farmland; keep to the road unless signs indicate a footpath is private.
- Leave no trace – Pack out all litter, especially on remote beaches.
- Support local economies – Dine in family‑run pubs, buy souvenirs from local craftspeople.
- Wildlife awareness – Keep a safe distance from nesting seabirds, especially on the cliffs during spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I complete the entire Wild Atlantic Way in a single trip?
A: Yes, but it’s a serious undertaking (≈ 2 500 km). Most riders split it into 2–3 weeks, averaging 80–100 km per day.
Q: Are there dedicated bike lanes?
A: The route largely uses existing roads. In urban sections (e.g., Galway, Dingle) you’ll find marked cycle lanes; elsewhere, quiet country roads are the norm.
Q: Do I need a visa for Ireland?
A: Citizens of the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter Ireland visa‑free for tourism up to 90 days.
Q: What is the best time of year?
A: Late May‑early June and September‑early October provide mild weather, fewer crowds, and longer daylight.
Conclusion
Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way is more than a physical challenge – it’s a journey through some of Europe’s most dramatic seascapes, a dive into Irish culture, and a chance to create memories that linger long after the last kilometre. By focusing on the coastal highlights—Slieve League, the Silver Strand, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Dingle and beyond—and planning with the right bike, maps, accommodation and weather gear, you’ll experience a ride that truly lives up to its “wild” reputation. Pack your panniers, set your GPS, and let the Atlantic wind guide you along Ireland’s legendary edge.