SG+ Wild Atlantic Way Southwest- Niblett Group
John Niblett, Christopher Ward, Aidan Birkett, Christopher Richardson & John Curwen
Monday 9th June – Tuesday 17th June 2025
Overview
The Wild Atlantic Way is irresistibly alluring for cyclists. Tackle a shortened version of our epic Wild Atlantic Way bike tour on a cycling journey along the rugged coasts and windswept peninsulas of Cork, Kerry and Clare. Traverse wild mountain passes, pedal past incredible cliff-tops, and challenge yourself on iconic Irish cycling routes.
From the mountainous Killarney National Park, past quintessential Irish farmland and the rolling limestone hills of the Burren to finish in Galway, we’ve used our local area knowledge to create an exciting biking route through West Cork, Kerry and Clare. Pedalling up to 80 km a day, absorb Ireland’s ever-changing scenery with options for additional daily mileage. On this self-guided trip, you’ll have the services of a soigneur (support guide) to arrange luggage transfers, provide roadside assistance and care for your bike each evening. All you have to do? Eat, sleep and cycle.
Day by Day
Day 1 - Monday 9th June - Rosslare to Hayfield Manor
After arriving at Rosslare Harbour in scenic County Wexford, set off on a picturesque drive to the elegant Hayfield Manor in County Cork. Once you’ve checked into this luxurious retreat, take the afternoon to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
As evening falls, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner right at the hotel, or venture into the vibrant heart of Cork City, where lively streets, charming pubs, and an electric atmosphere await. Whether you prefer a quiet evening or a taste of local nightlife, the choice is yours!
* Please note: We have arranged with the hotel for you to leave your cars here for the duration of your cycling trip.
Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: Superior Rooms
Meals Included: None
Day 2 - Tuesday 10th June - Mizen Head
This morning, your dedicated soigneur, Mark, will meet you at the hotel before you set off together for a relaxed lunch. After going over the itinerary and getting into the rhythm of the journey ahead, you’ll embark on a scenic ride along the rugged West Cork coastline, passing rocky coves and charming little fishing villages tucked into the landscape.
This unspoiled corner of Ireland is the perfect place to take in your first breath of fresh Atlantic air, stretch your legs, and get acquainted with your bike. Far from the usual tourist trail, it’s a route that reveals Ireland at its most authentic.
Tonight, you’ll settle into the picturesque village of Glengarriff, where the day ends on a delicious note with some of the finest local seafood on offer.
Overnight: Glengarriff | Eccles Hotel
Room Type: Bayview Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 56 km / 35 miles
Day 2 - Guide Details - Mark Brown Read More +
Name:
Mark Brown
Contact Number: +44 777 315 1925
Meeting Place: Lobby Hayfield Manor | Meeting Time: 10:00
Day 2 - Todays Cycling Route Read More +
Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Eccles Hotel | Location: Glengarrif
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +3532763003 | Website: https://www.eccleshotel.com/
Payable Locally
Day 3 - Wednesday 11th June - The Cork & Kerry Peninsulas
Today’s route sweeps you across three of southwest Ireland’s amazing peninsulas and through a fabulous mountain pass that is a perennial favourite among local cyclists. Starting at the coast, the road winds its way through lush valleys and into the foothills of the Caha Mountains for the first real climb of the trip. Epic views await atop Moll’s Gap, the summit of your second climb and a perfect coffee stop, before finishing the day with a fantastic long and speedy descent into the busy town of Killarney where we can recommend our favourite pub for the best pint of Guinness in town.
Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel Killarney
Room Type: Deluxe Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 60 km / 37 miles
Day 3 - Todays Cycling Route Read More +
Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: The Lake Hotel Killarney | Location: Killarney
Reservation Time: 19:45
Phone: + 353 (0)64 6631035 | Website: http://www.lakehotelkillarney.ie
Payable locally
Day 4 - Thursday 12th June - Killarney & Dingle
The famous Dingle town is beloved throughout Ireland for its lively pubs and incredible restaurant scene. The Dingle Peninsula is a place that has attracted artists, craftspeople and artisans from all over the world. This region is a Gaeltacht, meaning Irish is the daily spoken language for most people. Today’s route skirts below the gentle Slieve Mish mountains before opening out onto ocean vistas as you track along the southern edge of the Dingle Peninsula. If you are up for a little extra distance today, we recommend tacking on one of our favourite short biking loops in Ireland – the stunning route around Slea Head. Ireland’s westernmost promontory, this wild headland cycle includes opportunities to stop at early medieval beehive huts and prehistoric tombs. And did we mention the amazing views? Gaze out at the eerily beautiful Blasket Islands, evacuated in the 1950s, and the sweeping ocean vistas as far as the eye can see.
Overnight: Dingle | Greenmount House
Room Type: Superior Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 62 km / 39 miles
Day 4 - Todays Cycling Route Read More +
Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Ashes Bar & Restaurant | Location: Dingle
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +353 (0) 66 9150989 | Website: https://www.ashesrestaurant.ie/
Payable Locally
Day 5 - Friday 13th June - Dingle to Ballybunion
The Conor Pass, formerly a cattle-driving route through the mountains, is the last of Kerry’s collection of stunningly beautiful mountain passes on this Wild Atlantic Way trip. Climbing hills and mountain passes, at the summit you’re met with views of the miles-long sandy beaches that characterise the northern part of Kerry. Winding down towards the ocean, this brilliant descent is one of our favourites. For the rest of the day, you’ll pedal through quintessential Irish countryside views far from other visitors. Expect wildflower-laced hedgerows, vividly green fields and quiet roads lined with small-holdings. This is real, off-the-beaten-path Ireland where the only other people you’ll see are the locals.
Overnight: Kerry | Teach De Broc
Room Type: King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 79 km / 49 miles
Day 5 - Todays Cycling Route Read More +
Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Teach de Broc | Location: Ballybunion
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +353 (0)68 27581 | Website: http://ballybuniongolf.com/
Payable Locally
Day 6 - Saturday 14th June - Ballybunion to Gregans Castle Hotel
Today’s route follows the Wild Atlantic Way as it winds northwards along the coast. The day starts flat, giving your legs a bit of a rest before ferrying across the Shannon Estuary, the mouth of Ireland’s longest river, and into County Clare. The southern part of Clare is often by-passed by the less adventurous so you’ll enjoy incredibly quiet roads for a lot of today. You’ll pass by the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most famous landmark, and into the village of Ennistymon – an ancient market town with a lively pub culture and on to your hotel, Gregans Castle Hotel.
*Please note- Your ferry crossing fare is included. If preferred, Mark can arrange a morning taxi to Shannon Ferry Terminal to cut some of today’s cycling.
Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Superior Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 108 km / 67 miles
Day 6 - Todays Cycling Route Read More +
Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Gregans Castle | Location: Ballyvaughan
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +353657077005 | Website: http://www.gregans.ie/
Payable Locally
Day 7 - Sunday 15th June - The Burren to Galway City
The other-worldly landscape of the Burren National Park awaits today, an area renowned the world over for the sheer diversity of wildflowers that grow in its seemingly inhospitable rocky crevices. Ireland is an island of contrasting landscapes, and the green of yesterday seems like a distant memory when confronted with the mesmerising limestone hills of the Burren. The terrain today is rolling, with short, sharp climbs and descents.
On the outskirts of Galway city, your soigneur will meet you for the short transfer through the city traffic and into the heart of the ‘Spanish Quarter’ where you’ll enjoy a final night in this lively and cosmopolitan city.
Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 39 km / 25 miles
Day 7 - Todays Cycling Route Read More +
Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Martine's Restaurant | Location: Galway
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +353 (0)91 565662 | Website: https://www.martines.ie
Payable Locally
Day 8 - Monday 16th June - Galway to Cork
After breakfast, your soigneur, Mark, will meet you at the hotel and accompany you on the journey back to County Cork, where your adventure first began. You’ll return to the elegant Hayfield Manor for one final evening of comfort and relaxation. Savor your last night in Ireland surrounded by the charm and warmth of Cork, before departing the following day with memories to last a lifetime.
Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: Superior Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9 - Tuesday 17th June - Rosslare & Departure
This morning, after checking out of your hotel, you’ll make your way back to Rosslare to catch your ferry — taking with you a heart full of memories and unforgettable moments from your Irish adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip Details
- Inclusions
- 8 night’s accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
- Breakfast each morning
- The assistant of a knowledgeable guide, Days 2-8
- Personalised trip design and delivery
- 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
- Exclusions
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities or entry fees not mentioned in the itinerary
- Important Contact Numbers
Wilderness Ireland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm
EU: +353 (0)71 9344650
US: 888 351 4257
Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am
Emergency Services
- Important Additional Information
-
- Road Cycling Kit List – View Now
- Terms & Conditions
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Please see our booking terms here.
Accommodation
Hayfield Manor
Perrott Avenue, College Road |
Cork |
Co. Cork |
T12 HT97 |
Ireland
Phone: +353 21 4845900
Web: hayfieldmanor.ie
Eccles Hotel
Harbour, Reenmeen West |
Glengarriff |
West Cork |
P75 A072 |
Ireland
Phone: (027) 63003
Web: eccleshotel.com
The Lake Hotel Killarney
Muckross Road |
Killarney |
Co. Kerry |
V93 RR59 |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)64 663 1035
Web: lakehotelkillarney.ie
Greenmount House
Upper John Street, |
Dingle |
Kerry |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)66 915 1414
Web: greenmounthouse.ie
Gregans Castle
Gregans Castle Hotel |
Ballyvaughan |
Co. Clare |
H91 CF60 |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)65 707 7005
Web: gregans.ie
The Hardiman Hotel
Eyre Square |
Galway |
Galway |
H91 NFD2 |
Ireland
Phone: +33 91 64041
Web: thehardiman.ie
Meet Your Guide
Mark Brown
Contact Number: +44 777 315 1925
Born and raised in Belfast, my love for adventure began with BMX racing and watching BMX Bandits back in the day! I started racing road and mountain bikes at the age of 12, and since then, I’ve cycled and raced all over Ireland, England, Scotland, and Europe, embracing every challenge on two wheels. When I’m not cycling, you’ll find me hiking, climbing, or diving into the wild waters of Ireland, always seeking new ways to connect with nature.
As a Wilderness Ireland guide, I’m excited to share my passion for the outdoors and the beauty of this island with you.