Hidden Islands of the Wild Atlantic Way – By Bike and on Foot

After a hearty Irish breakfast, you'll cycle from Westport to Roonagh Pier, admiring the beautiful coastal scenery. The ferry crossing to Inishturk ("Wild Boar Island") takes just under an hour.

Along the way, admire the spectacular views: the Mweelrea mountains and the Twelve Bens to the south, as well as the islands of Caher and Ballybeg, with Clare Island, Achill and the Bills Rocks on the horizon.

Upon arrival at the picturesque port, you'll drop off your luggage at your accommodation before lacing up your hiking boots to explore this 5-km-long island. The island loop (6 to 8 km) will take you through tranquil bays, rugged cliffs, and verdant hills. Take time to admire the sweeping ocean views and discover hidden coves.

Wake up to your first full day on Inishturk. Wander along its quiet country roads and hidden beaches, lulled by the sound of the Atlantic. You'll discover Celtic and early Christian remains, the ruins of an early 19th-century Martello signal tower, and abandoned farms from before and after the Great Famine scattered across the landscape. According to local historians, around 600 people lived here before the famine, but the population never recovered. Today, the island has about 56 permanent residents.

For a more immersive experience, you can participate in a local fishing trip or a crab fishing activity with the locals, to learn traditional skills and discover the daily life of this isolated community (optional).

Enjoy your last evening on Inishturk: ​​admire a spectacular sunset over the Atlantic, contemplate a starry sky of rare purity and savor the absolute calm of the island.

After breakfast, return by ferry to Roonagh. Keep an eye out, dolphins sometimes accompany the boat. You will then embark on a short crossing to Clare Island, an ancient island with steep cliffs, green hills, and historic charm.

After dropping off your luggage at your accommodation, set off to explore this magnificent island.

Clare Island is the largest of the 365 islands in Clew Bay and the birthplace of the legendary pirate queen Grace O'Malley (Gráinne Ní Mháille). Only 8 km long, it is home to a vibrant community of around 160 inhabitants, who make their living from agriculture, fishing and tourism.

Visit the medieval Clare Island Abbey, stroll among the stone cottages of the old village, explore the lighthouse and its spectacular coastal views, or climb Mount Graney to enjoy magnificent panoramas of Clew Bay.

In the evening, settle into one (or both!) of the island's pubs, renowned for their traditional music and excellent cuisine.

Wake up to the serenity of Clare Island and enjoy a relaxing morning exploring its peaceful trails, breathing in the fresh sea air. Take a refreshing dip in the sea at a golden beach or visit the island's many historical sites: Grace O'Malley Castle, the 12th-century Cistercian Abbey, the Napoleonic Tower, or even Bronze Age remains.

In the afternoon, you will take the ferry to Achill Island (Oileán Acaill), the largest island in Ireland. Enjoy a pleasant bike ride from the ferry port to your accommodation in Keel, where you will spend the next two nights, surrounded by the charm of the local landscape.

Achill Island is a truly spectacular place. Its unique landscapes have inspired many artists and writers: postcard-perfect beaches, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and vast stretches of peat bog extending from the peaks to the sea. Settle in and enjoy your first evening on the island with dinner at a local pub or restaurant, accompanied by traditional music.

Today, several cycling routes allow you to discover Achill at your own pace. The island offers a beautiful balance between easy coastal stretches and more challenging climbs, ideal for fully appreciating its wild beauty. Take a picnic break in a quiet bay or enjoy local specialties in a village café.

Stroll along the soft sands of Keel Beach, where the Atlantic waves crash against the shore, or follow the cliffside paths for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Tranquil routes winding through hills and valleys offer a true glimpse into the island's rugged beauty and secluded character.

Head to the abandoned village of Slievemore, a trail that combines history and breathtaking scenery. This poignant village is home to the remains of around a hundred deserted stone cottages, as well as megalithic tombs dating back approximately 5,000 years.

Or, why not take a bike ride to the stunning Keem Bay, famous for its iconic role in the Oscar-winning film The Banshees of Inisherin? Keep your eyes peeled: basking sharks are not uncommon as they venture close to the shore. And as evening falls and the sun bathes the landscape in golden light, savor your last night on the island with delicious food, lively music, and Irish craic.

After breakfast, it's time to leave island life behind and cross the bridge back to the mainland, taking a memorable cycle route to Westport along the Great Western Greenway. This 42-kilometer (20-mile) traffic-free path follows the old railway line from Westport to Achill, which operated from the late 19th century until 1937.

Following this route steeped in history, you'll traverse a mix of picturesque countryside, gentle valleys, and riverbanks, passing stone bridges and quiet paths that connect small villages showcasing Ireland's rural heritage. Along the way, local cafes and pubs offer opportunities to rest and recharge. The trail winds through rolling meadows as you approach Westport, marking the end of your cycling journey.

Spend your last evening in this vibrant city, voted "Best Place to Live in Ireland", exploring its restaurants and pubs, and don't miss one last session of traditional Irish music.

After breakfast, your tour concludes and it's time to continue your journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Ireland. Slán go fóill! – we hope to see you again soon.