Ireland: Connemara & the Wild Atlantic Way

Depart home for Ireland. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.

Upon arrival at Dublin (DUB) Airport, make your own independent travel arrangements to Galway. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook.

Please note: Your hotel room may not be available until 3:00 p.m. If you arrive early, you may store your luggage with the reception desk. Please note for early morning arrivals in Galway, the hotel may charge an early check-in fee if your room is ready before their normal check-in time. This fee will be at your expense if you decide to check-in early.

VBT provides you with City Information that includes information and recommendations for what to see and do. Enjoy the rest of the day to relax or explore Galway, declared a European Capital of Culture in 2020 and a great introduction to the Irish music scene and pub culture. Galway has long been a major center of music, dance, literature and film—a lively cross-section of all that’s celebrated in Irish culture. Mealtimes give you the perfect opportunity to stroll Eyre Square and explore your options. While here, you can browse the shops for woolens, classic books and other treasures. Or explore the city’s revered historic sites such as the medieval Lynch’s Castle on the pedestrianized Shop Street or the impressive Roman Catholic Cathedral.

Accommodation: Park House Hotel, Galway
Included Meals: None

After breakfast at the Park House Hotel, Galway, meet your VBT local host at 1:00 p.m., along with any other VBT guests departing on the same day, in the lobby of the Park House Hotel (Foster Street, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland, Tel +353 91 564924). He or she will be carrying a VBT sign. Your transfer to the charming town of Mulranny will take approximately 1-1/2 hours.

The Welcome orientation with your VBT local host includes:
•An overview of the itinerary
•Bike fitting and equipment familiarization
•Review of the Ride with GPS navigation app
•Important contact information in case you need to reach your VBT local host
•Safety briefing
•Local suggestions (restaurants, things to do, etc.)

Mulranny enjoys a stunning setting on an isthmus between Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay. The magnificent vistas of the vast Nephin mountain range rise across the water. With spectacular landscapes all around, it’s no wonder the residents embrace cycling, walking, and other outdoor activities so fully. This inviting town—proclaimed a European Destination of Excellence—is right on the Great Western Greenway, a 26-mile rail trail along the ruggedly scenic coast.

Your hotel is ideally situated overlooking Clew Bay, with pristine beaches and the charming town of Mulranny a short walk away. The Greenway is also right outside your door, making your exploration by bike a breeze. Once you’ve settled in, spend the afternoon as you wish. Perhaps follow the causeway, built across Trawoughter Bay in 1889, to take in the area’s vast marine coastal paradise of sand plains, salt marshes and grassy slopes. You can stop to relax on the beach, too, awarded the blue flag for its exemplary environmental management. You might also take a spin on the Greenway. Browse the shops in town. Or linger at your hotel to enjoy the swimming pool, sauna and other amenities.

For dinner, sample the specialties at your hotel’s restaurant or bistro or stroll into town.

Accommodation: Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo
Included Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day as you like, choosing from several cycling routes, exploring Mulranny, or both! Behind your hotel, you can directly access the Great Western Greenway, part of the National Cycle Network of Ireland. At 42 km (26 miles), it is the longest dedicated bike path in the country. The breathtakingly scenic route follows the path of the former Westport-to-Achill light railway, which was laid in the 1890s. With the arrival of the railroad, coastal towns here prospered and grand hotels, such as the Mulranny Park where you’re staying, were built to support the economic boom. The railroad closed in 1937 with the popularization of the automobile.

If you ride the northern side of Clew Bay, you have sweeping views of some of its 365 islands, “one for every day of the year,” the locals might tell you. Famously, John Lennon purchased one of them in 1967. Among them are Ireland’s finest example of drumlins, limestone bedrock scoured by the retreat of glaciers. Six of them are inhabited year-round.

Either of today’s routes leads you to Achill Island, accessible by bridge, and the seaside village of Achill Sound, which is 8 miles away from Mulranny. This sleepy island is graced with soaring cliffs, wide beaches and deserted boglands—a rich and varied coastal wilderness that has inspired a vibrant arts community. Several loop-ride options can keep you biking for hours here, surrounded by magnificent sea views and gentle hills.

Find a spot for a delicious seafood lunch, then explore a while and return to Mulranny the way you came, or choose a different route.

Today’s Rides:

Mulranny Greenway loop short option: 36.6 km (23 miles)
Mulranny Greenway loop via Clogmore long option: 62.6 km (39 miles)
Mulranny Greenway loop via Keel longer option: 73.5 km (46 miles)

What to Expect: The shorter route (16 miles) departs along the Great Western Greenway from behind your hotel. Follow it to the small town of Achill Sound for a coffee stop. You can either return to Mulranny the way you came, or return along beautiful coastal backroads with wide open views of Clew Bay, for a loop totaling about 23 miles.

Longer options bring you onto Achill Island along wonderful un-trafficked country roads, with expansive views of Clew Bay to the south. You can choose to return either along the Greenway, or via two longer loops that trace a coastal backroad.

Accommodation: Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a glorious day of cycling the Great Western Greenway at a pace that suits you. The bike path traces Clew Bay as it bends southward toward Westport, your final destination. Enjoy the ease of gentle gradients and some of the most idyllic scenery in the west of Ireland before meeting gently rolling hills and the scenic descent into the quaint fishing town of Newport, an ideal spot to break for lunch. Later, a gradual ascent delivers you into the former weavers’ community of Westport on the Black Oak River. Vibrant and steeped in Irish charm, a stunning Romanesque church and a spectacular 19th-century red sandstone viaduct are among its historic treasures. Its stone-built houses and tree-lined lanes are a pleasure to explore.

You have two nights to savor the delights of this scenic village, either on two wheels or two feet. This evening, stroll into town, where you may happen on a pub and enjoy the Irish tunes of local musicians. Or savor the cuisine of your hotel’s dining room.

Today’s Rides:

Mulranny to Westport on the Great Western Greenway short option: 31.4 km (20 miles)

What to Expect: Depart your hotel directly onto the paved Greenway, which gradually ascends for about 2 miles then rolls gently, skirting the hills on your left and Clew Bay and tiny seaside villages to your right. The town of Newport is a little over mid-way at 11 miles, a nice lunch stop. The last 4 miles into Westport gradually ascend with some short and steep ups and downs. As you approach your hotel, you may encounter some town traffic.

Mulranny to Wesport on and off the Greenway Cycle long option: 38.8 km (24 miles)

What to Expect: Depart your hotel directly onto the paved Greenway, which gradually ascends for about 2 miles then rolls gently, skirting the hills on your left and Clew Bay and tiny seaside villages to your right. The town of Newport is a little over mid-way at 18 km (11 miles), a nice lunch stop. The last 7 km (4 miles) into Westport gradually ascend with some short and steep ups and downs. As you approach your hotel, you may encounter some town traffic.

Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy today’s Stay Put Day to follow your whims. Head out for a ride, explore farther afield, stroll into town to a café and browse the shops, or simply relax in your hotel’s spa.

Westport was voted by readers of the Irish Times as the best place to live in Ireland and you’ll discover why today. Scenically located at the end of Clew Bay, it is one of the few towns in Ireland that was formally planned and it exudes a wealth of beauty and charm.

Perhaps you’ll visit Westport House, often called the most beautiful house in Ireland. The 30-room historic manse is open for tours and for afternoon tea, and you can stroll a two-mile footpath among its lovely grounds. Alternately, play a round of golf or set out on a horseback ride nearby. Or embark a ferry from Roonagh Quay (a 14-mile taxi ride) to visit Clare Island, once the home of pirate queen Grace O’Malley, lord of a 16th-century Irish dynasty. This sparsely populated island of dramatic cliffs offers spectacular views of Clew Bay and the surrounding mountains.

If you want to stay on your bike today, set out on an easy-going 20-mile loop ride that will still give you ample time to explore Westport’s shops and sites and enjoy your hotel’s spa amenities.

Today’s Ride:
Westport loop: 20 miles

What to Expect: Today’s loop ride delivers you into the countryside after about a mile of riding in town traffic. Then, narrow country roads lead through pastures heading north. At almost 4 miles, the route turns due west toward Clew Bay until you see the island of Inish Turk Beg, where you turn south paralleling the coast. You ride past the ruins of Castleaffy Castle at about 9 miles, and later past the Westport Golf Course. Hug the coast and then turn northeast at Knockaraha, returning to your hotel along town streets and bike lanes.

Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport
Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, head out on a beautiful ride as the peak of Croagh Patrick watches over your progress. The summit draws local pilgrims—many of them barefoot—on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July. The holiday commemorates St. Patrick, who spent 40 days fasting on the mountain in the year 441. Your route continues to trace the lovely waters of Clew Bay with its many small islands. You may pause in the quaint village of Louisburgh for lunch at an inviting pub. If you are passing through in July or August, visit the small heritage center here before you return to the road. This fascinating little museum chronicles the life of Grace O’Malley, the renowned pirate queen who ruled the region in the 16th century. You can also gain some insight into the 19th-century famine.

Your afternoon ride is sure to be a highlight of your week as you pedal into the stunning Delphi Valley, flanked by picturesque lakes. You might stop to admire the stillness and serenity of Doo Lough, a 2.5-mile-long freshwater lake amid long mountain ridges. This is quintessential Ireland: green slopes rising to rock-strewn summits reflected in mirror-like pools. Most impressively, flat-topped Ben Bury, the highest peak in Connemara at 2,671 feet, soars above it all.

By ride’s end, you arrive in Delphi, situated on the Owengar River in a stunning valley surrounded by the Mweelrea Mountains. Settle into your resort hotel, taking in breathtaking views and savoring classic, creative Irish fare in the dining room.

Today’s Ride:

Westport to Delphi Resort: 41.7 km (25.9 miles)

What to Expect: Ride out of town in some traffic, then cycle into the countryside on narrow roads. You skirt Clew Bay, getting occasional glimpses of the water, for about 10 km (6 miles). Then pass small settlements and green pastures with some rolling and short steep hills. At about 22.5 km (15 miles), arrive at your halfway point in Louisburgh (22.5 km, 14 miles), a perfect lunch stop. After, head due south toward the Delphi Valley. You start a gradual ascent at 24 km (15 miles) for about 5 miles, then enjoy an exhilarating downhill to Doo Lough Lake and a scenic spin through rolling terrain to your hotel.

Accommodation: Delphi Resort, Delphi
Included Meals: Breakfast

A wide array of activities immerses you in the beauty of the Delphi Valley and its surroundings. Your hotel can assist you with arrangements, whether you’re indulging in a spa day, heading out on some adventure activities in the great outdoors or cycling more of the area’s beautiful landscapes.

You can treat yourself to the resort’s spa treatments at the Wellness Center. Or choose from up to 20 active outings either on or off the property, including a ropes course, ziplining, canoeing, kayaking and surfing. These are all exhilarating ways to experience the area from different perspectives.

If you’d like another day on the bike, a short ride directly from the property leads you to the end of the Delphi Valley and around the tip of Killary Harbor. Here, the small village of Leenaun offers lovely views over the harbor. At ten miles long and 150 feet deep, this is Ireland’s only fjord. Embark a relaxing 90-minute cruise here, marveling at the rise of the mountains on either side as you ply the shimmering waters.

A longer option brings you to the doorstep of Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. A magnificent vision in white amid the green hills, the castle became a monastery 100 years ago when it was purchased by nuns fleeing Belgium during World War I. Enjoy lunch on the dramatic grounds, perhaps among the manicured gardens. If you’d like time to pamper yourself back at the resort, a taxi transfer back to your hotel is included. Or you can cycle back to get the most mileage out of your day along quiet, scenic roads.

Today’s Rides:

Delphi Resort to Leenaun out and back: 23.3 km (15 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. To return, you retrace the same route, gaining slightly more elevation than on your outbound ride.

Delphi Resort to Kylemore Abbey, transfer back: 39.6 km (24 miles)

What to Expect: Phone your local host, no later than this morning, to arrange a meeting time for your return transportation. Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. Your route is flat along the fjord for another 3 miles. At the 15-km (10-mile) mark, begin an ascent of about a mile and ride some rolling hills until you reach Kylemore Abbey, where lunch and snacks are available for purchase.

Delphi Resort to Kylemore Abbey ride out and back: 66.5 km (41 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. Your route is flat along the fjord for another 5 km (3 miles). At the 15-km (10-mile) mark, begin an ascent of about a mile and ride some rolling hills until you reach Kylemore Abbey (around 40 km, 25 miles), where lunch and snacks are available for purchase. To return to the hotel, you head east, then joining the outbound route at 48 km (30 miles), return on rolling and slightly ascending terrain.

Accommodation: Delphi Resort, Delphi
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At 9:00 a.m., a complimentary transfer of about 4.5 hours is provided to the VBT Self-Guided Air+ hotel in Dublin (Schoolhouse Hotel, 2-8 Northumberland Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4) along with any other VBT Self-Guided guests. Dublin overflows with cultural riches, from the ancient to the avant-garde. Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly, bustling capital that claims literary giants such as Wilde, Shaw, Joyce, Yeats, Beckett and O’Casey as native sons. VBT provides you with City Information and recommendations for what to see and do in Dublin. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring the city.

Accommodation: The Schoolhouse Hotel, Dublin
Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast* this morning, allow yourself a minimum of 3 hours prior to your flight departure to get to Dublin Airport (DUB); for details, refer to your VBT Handbook. This timeframe includes approximately 15 minutes (taxi) and over 2 hours of recommended pre-flight check-in time.

Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the front desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Depart home for Ireland. The particulars of your arrival are detailed with your flight itinerary.

Upon arrival at Dublin (DUB) Airport, make your own independent travel arrangements to Galway. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook.

Please note: Your hotel room may not be available until 3:00 p.m. If you arrive early, you may store your luggage with the reception desk. Please note for early morning arrivals in Galway, the hotel may charge an early check-in fee if your room is ready before their normal check-in time. This fee will be at your expense if you decide to check-in early.

VBT provides you with city information that includes information and recommendations for what to see and do. Enjoy the rest of the day to relax or explore Galway, declared a European Capital of Culture in 2020 and a great introduction to the Irish music scene and pub culture. Galway has long been a major center of music, dance, literature and film—a lively cross-section of all that’s celebrated in Irish culture. Mealtimes give you the perfect opportunity to stroll Eyre Square and explore your options. While here, you can browse the shops for woolens, classic books and other treasures. Or explore the city’s revered historic sites such as the medieval Lynch’s Castle on the pedestrianized Shop Street or the impressive Roman Catholic Cathedral.

Accommodation: Park House Hotel, Galway
Included Meals: None

After breakfast at the Park House Hotel, Galway, meet your VBT local host at 1:00 p.m., along with any other VBT guests departing on the same day, in the lobby of the Park House Hotel (Foster Street, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland, Tel +353 91 564924). The host will be carrying a VBT sign. Your transfer to the charming town of Mulranny will take approximately 1.5 hours.

The Welcome orientation with your VBT local host includes:
• An overview of the itinerary
• Bike fitting and equipment familiarization
• Review of the Ride with GPS navigation app
• Important contact information in case you need to reach your VBT local host
• Safety briefing
• Local suggestions (restaurants, things to do, etc.)

Mulranny enjoys a stunning setting on an isthmus between Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay. The magnificent vistas of the vast Nephin mountain range rise across the water. With spectacular landscapes all around, it’s no wonder the residents embrace cycling, walking, and other outdoor activities so fully. This inviting town—proclaimed a European Destination of Excellence—is right on the Great Western Greenway, a 26-mile rail trail along the ruggedly scenic coast.

Your hotel is ideally situated overlooking Clew Bay, with pristine beaches and the charming town of Mulranny a short walk away. The Greenway is also right outside your door, making your exploration by bike a breeze. Once you’ve settled in, spend the afternoon as you wish. Perhaps follow the causeway, built across Trawoughter Bay in 1889, to take in the area’s vast marine coastal paradise of sand plains, salt marshes and grassy slopes. You can stop to relax on the beach, too, awarded the blue flag for its exemplary environmental management. You might also take a spin on the Greenway. Browse the shops in town. Or linger at your hotel to enjoy the swimming pool, sauna and other amenities.

For dinner, sample the specialties at your hotel’s restaurant or bistro or stroll into town.

Accommodation: Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo
Included Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day as you like, choosing from several cycling routes, exploring Mulranny, or both! Behind your hotel, you can directly access the Great Western Greenway, part of the National Cycle Network of Ireland. At 42 km (26 miles), it is the longest dedicated bike path in the country. The breathtakingly scenic route follows the path of the former Westport-to-Achill light railway, which was laid in the 1890s. With the arrival of the railroad, coastal towns here prospered and grand hotels, such as the Mulranny Park where you’re staying, were built to support the economic boom. The railroad closed in 1937 with the popularization of the automobile.

If you ride the northern side of Clew Bay, you have sweeping views of some of its 365 islands, “one for every day of the year,” the locals might tell you. Famously, John Lennon purchased one of them in 1967. Among them are Ireland’s finest example of drumlins, limestone bedrock scoured by the retreat of glaciers. Six of them are inhabited year-round.

Either of today’s routes leads you to Achill Island, accessible by bridge, and the seaside village of Achill Sound, which is 8 miles away from Mulranny. This sleepy island is graced with soaring cliffs, wide beaches and deserted boglands—a rich and varied coastal wilderness that has inspired a vibrant arts community. Several loop-ride options can keep you biking for hours here, surrounded by magnificent sea views and gentle hills.

Find a spot for a delicious seafood lunch, then explore a while and return to Mulranny the way you came, or choose a different route.

Today’s Ride Choices:

Mulranny to Greenway loop short option — 36.6 kim (23 miles)
Mulranny Greenway loop via Clogmore long option — 62.6 (39 miles)
Mulranny Greenway loop via Keel longer option — 73.5 (46 miles)

What to Expect: The shorter route departs along the Great Western Greenway from behind your hotel. Follow it to the small town of Achill Sound for a coffee stop. You can either return to Mulranny the way you came, or return along beautiful coastal backroads with wide open views of Clew Bay, for a loop totaling about 23 miles.

Longer options bring you onto Achill Island along wonderful un-trafficked country roads, with expansive views of Clew Bay to the south. You can choose to return either along the Greenway, or via two longer loops that trace a coastal backroad.

Accommodation: Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a glorious day of cycling the Great Western Greenway at a pace that suits you. The bike path traces Clew Bay as it bends southward toward Westport, your final destination. Enjoy the ease of gentle gradients and some of the most idyllic scenery in the west of Ireland before meeting gently rolling hills and the scenic descent into the quaint fishing town of Newport, an ideal spot to break for lunch. Later, a gradual ascent delivers you into the former weavers’ community of Westport on the Black Oak River. Vibrant and steeped in Irish charm, a stunning Romanesque church and a spectacular 19th-century red sandstone viaduct are among its historic treasures. Its stone-built houses and tree-lined lanes are a pleasure to explore.

You have two nights to savor the delights of this scenic village, either on two wheels or two feet. This evening, stroll into town, where you may happen on a pub and enjoy the Irish tunes of local musicians. Or savor the cuisine of your hotel’s dining room.

Today’s Ride Choices

Mulranny to Westport on the Great Western Greenway short option — 31.4 km (20 miles)

What to Expect: Depart your hotel directly onto the paved Greenway, which gradually ascends for about 2 miles then rolls gently, skirting the hills on your left and Clew Bay and tiny seaside villages to your right. The town of Newport is a little over mid-way at 18 km (11 miles), a nice lunch stop. The last 7 km (4 miles) into Westport gradually ascend with some short and steep ups and downs. As you approach your hotel, you may encounter some town traffic.

Mulranny to Westport on and off the Greenway Cycle long option — 38.8 km (24 miles)

What to Expect: Depart your hotel directly onto the paved Greenway, which gently ascends for about 2 miles then rolls gently, skirting the hills on your left and Clew Bay and tiny seaside villages to your right. The town of Newport is a little over mid-way at 11 miles, a nice lunch stop. At about 12 miles, leave the Greenway for about 2 miles on a narrow country road, going west to a little inlet on Clew Bay. After another mile and a half on the Greenway, head west again on country roads toward the coast, enjoying water views, before turning back toward Westport. You pass the Westport Golf Club and continue through town on the bike path to your hotel, encountering some town traffic at the ride’s end.

Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy today’s Stay Put Day to follow your whims. Head out for a ride, explore farther afield, stroll into town to a café and browse the shops, or simply relax in your hotel’s spa.

Westport was voted by readers of the Irish Times as the best place to live in Ireland and you’ll discover why today. Scenically located at the end of Clew Bay, it is one of the few towns in Ireland that was formally planned and it exudes a wealth of beauty and charm.

Perhaps you’ll visit Westport House, often called the most beautiful house in Ireland. The 30-room historic manse is open for tours and for afternoon tea, and you can stroll a two-mile footpath among its lovely grounds. Alternately, play a round of golf or set out on a horseback ride nearby. Or embark a ferry from Roonagh Quay (a 14-mile taxi ride) to visit Clare Island, once the home of pirate queen Grace O’Malley, lord of a 16th-century Irish dynasty. This sparsely populated island of dramatic cliffs offers spectacular views of Clew Bay and the surrounding mountains.

If you want to stay on your bike today, set out on an easy-going 20-mile loop ride that will still give you ample time to explore Westport’s shops and sites and enjoy your hotel’s spa amenities.

Today’s Ride Choice

Westport loop — 20.5 km (13 miles)

What to Expect: Today’s loop ride delivers you into the countryside after about a mile of riding in town traffic. Then, narrow country roads lead through pastures heading north. At almost 4 miles, the route turns due west toward Clew Bay until you see the island of Inish Turk Beg, where you turn south paralleling the coast. You ride past the ruins of Castleaffy Castle at about 9 miles, and later past the Westport Golf Course. Hug the coast and then turn northeast at Knockaraha, returning to your hotel along town streets and bike lanes.

Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport
Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, head out on a beautiful ride as the peak of Croagh Patrick watches over your progress. The summit draws local pilgrims—many of them barefoot—on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July. The holiday commemorates St. Patrick, who spent 40 days fasting on the mountain in the year 441. Your route continues to trace the lovely waters of Clew Bay with its many small islands. You may pause in the quaint village of Louisburgh for lunch at an inviting pub. If you are passing through in July or August, visit the small heritage center here before you return to the road. This fascinating little museum chronicles the life of Grace O’Malley, the renowned pirate queen who ruled the region in the 16th century. You can also gain some insight into the 19th-century famine.

Your afternoon ride is sure to be a highlight of your week as you pedal into the stunning Delphi Valley, flanked by picturesque lakes. You might stop to admire the stillness and serenity of Doo Lough, a 2.5-mile-long freshwater lake amid long mountain ridges. This is quintessential Ireland: green slopes rising to rock-strewn summits reflected in mirror-like pools. Most impressively, flat-topped Ben Bury, the highest peak in Connemara at 2,671 feet, soars above it all.

By ride’s end, you arrive in Delphi, situated on the Owengar River in a stunning valley surrounded by the Mweelrea Mountains. Settle into your resort hotel, taking in breathtaking views and savoring classic, creative Irish fare in the dining room.

Today’s Ride Choice

Westport to Delphi Resort — 41.7 km (25.9 miles)

What to Expect: Ride out of town in some traffic, then cycle into the countryside on narrow roads. You skirt Clew Bay, getting occasional glimpses of the water, for about 10 km (6 miles). Then pass small settlements and green pastures with some rolling and short steep hills. At about 22.5 km (15 miles), arrive at your halfway point in Louisburgh (22.5 km, 14 miles), a perfect lunch stop. After, head due south toward the Delphi Valley. You start a gradual ascent at 24 km (15 miles) for about 5 miles, then enjoy an exhilarating downhill to Doo Lough Lake and a scenic spin through rolling terrain to your hotel.

Accommodation: Delphi Resort, Delphi
Included Meals: Breakfast

A wide array of activities immerses you in the beauty of the Delphi Valley and its surroundings. Your hotel can assist you with arrangements, whether you’re indulging in a spa day, heading out on some adventure activities in the great outdoors or cycling more of the area’s beautiful landscapes.

You can treat yourself to the resort’s spa treatments at the Wellness Center. Or choose from up to 20 active outings either on or off the property, including a ropes course, ziplining, canoeing, kayaking and surfing. These are all exhilarating ways to experience the area from different perspectives.

If you’d like another day on the bike, a short ride directly from the property leads you to the end of the Delphi Valley and around the tip of Killary Harbor. Here, the small village of Leenaun offers lovely views over the harbor. At ten miles long and 150 feet deep, this is Ireland’s only fjord. Embark a relaxing 90-minute cruise here, marveling at the rise of the mountains on either side as you ply the shimmering waters.

A longer option brings you to the doorstep of Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. A magnificent vision in white amid the green hills, the castle became a monastery 100 years ago when it was purchased by nuns fleeing Belgium during World War I. Enjoy lunch on the dramatic grounds, perhaps among the manicured gardens. If you’d like time to pamper yourself back at the resort, a taxi transfer back to your hotel is included. Or you can cycle back to get the most mileage out of your day along quiet, scenic roads.

Today’s Ride Choices

Delphi Resort to Leenaun out and back: 23.3 km (15 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. To return, you retrace the same route, gaining slightly more elevation than on your outbound ride.

Delphi Resor to Kylemore Abbey, transfer back: 39.6 km (24 miles)

What to Expect: Phone your local host, no later than this morning, to arrange a meeting time for your return transportation. Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. Your route is flat along the fjord for another 3 miles. At the 15-km (10-mile) mark, begin an ascent of about a mile and ride some rolling hills until you reach Kylemore Abbey, where lunch and snacks are available for purchase.

Delphi Resort to Kylemore Abbey ride out and back: 66.5 km (41 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. Your route is flat along the fjord for another 5 km (3 miles). At the 15-km (10-mile) mark, begin an ascent of about a mile and ride some rolling hills until you reach Kylemore Abbey (around 40 km, 25 miles), where lunch and snacks are available for purchase. To return to the hotel, you head east, then joining the outbound route at 48 km (30 miles), return on rolling and slightly ascending terrain.

Accommodation: Delphi Resort, Delphi
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At 9:00 a.m., a complimentary transfer of about 4.5 hours is provided to the VBT Self-Guided Air+ hotel in Dublin (Schoolhouse Hotel, 2-8 Northumberland Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4) along with any other VBT Self-Guided guests. Dublin overflows with cultural riches, from the ancient to the avant-garde. Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly, bustling capital that claims literary giants such as Wilde, Shaw, Joyce, Yeats, Beckett and O’Casey as native sons. VBT provides you with City Information and recommendations for what to see and do in Dublin. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring the city.

Accommodation:Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast* this morning, allow yourself a minimum of 3 hours prior to your flight departure to get to Dublin Airport (DUB); for details, refer to your VBT Handbook. This timeframe includes approximately 15 minutes (taxi) and over 2 hours of recommended pre-flight check-in time.

* Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the front desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Included Meals: Breakfast

We suggest arriving in Ireland at least one day prior to the tour start date. Make your own independent travel arrangements to Galway. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook. Meet your VBT local host at 1:00 p.m., along with any other VBT guests departing on the same day, in the lobby of the Park House Hotel (Foster Street, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland, Tel +353 91 564924). He or she will be carrying a VBT sign. Your transfer to the charming town of Mulranny will take approximately 1-1/2 hours.

The Welcome orientation with your VBT local host includes:
•An overview of the itinerary
•Bike fitting and equipment familiarization
•Review of the Ride with GPS navigation app
•Important contact information in case you need to reach your VBT local host
•Safety briefing
•Local suggestions (restaurants, things to do, etc.)

Mulranny enjoys a stunning setting on an isthmus between Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay. The magnificent vistas of the vast Nephin mountain range rise across the water. With spectacular landscapes all around, it’s no wonder the residents embrace cycling, walking, and other outdoor activities so fully. This inviting town—proclaimed a European Destination of Excellence—is right on the Great Western Greenway, a 26-mile rail trail along the ruggedly scenic coast.

Your hotel is ideally situated overlooking Clew Bay, with pristine beaches and the charming town of Mulranny a short walk away. The Greenway is also right outside your door, making your exploration by bike a breeze. Once you’ve settled in, spend the afternoon as you wish. Perhaps follow the causeway, built across Trawoughter Bay in 1889, to take in the area’s vast marine coastal paradise of sand plains, salt marshes and grassy slopes. You can stop to relax on the beach, too, awarded the blue flag for its exemplary environmental management. You might also take a spin on the Greenway. Browse the shops in town. Or linger at your hotel to enjoy the swimming pool, sauna and other amenities.

For dinner, sample the specialties at your hotel’s restaurant or bistro or stroll into town.

Accommodation: Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo

Spend the day as you like, choosing from several cycling routes, exploring Mulranny, or both! Behind your hotel, you can directly access the Great Western Greenway, part of the National Cycle Network of Ireland. At 42 km (26 miles), it is the longest dedicated bike path in the country. The breathtakingly scenic route follows the path of the former Westport-to-Achill light railway, which was laid in the 1890s. With the arrival of the railroad, coastal towns here prospered and grand hotels, such as the Mulranny Park where you’re staying, were built to support the economic boom. The railroad closed in 1937 with the popularization of the automobile.

If you ride the northern side of Clew Bay, you have sweeping views of some of its 365 islands, “one for every day of the year,” the locals might tell you. Famously, John Lennon purchased one of them in 1967. Among them are Ireland’s finest example of drumlins, limestone bedrock scoured by the retreat of glaciers. Six of them are inhabited year-round.

Either of today’s routes leads you to Achill Island, accessible by bridge, and the seaside village of Achill Sound, which is 8 miles away from Mulranny. This sleepy island is graced with soaring cliffs, wide beaches and deserted boglands—a rich and varied coastal wilderness that has inspired a vibrant arts community. Several loop-ride options can keep you biking for hours here, surrounded by magnificent sea views and gentle hills.

Find a spot for a delicious seafood lunch, then explore a while and return to Mulranny the way you came, or choose a different route.

Today’s Rides:

Mulranny Greenway loop short option: 36.6 km (23 miles)
Mulranny Greenway loop via Clogmore long option: 62.6 km (39 miles)
Mulranny Greenway loop via Keel longer option: 73.5 km (46 miles)

What to Expect: The shorter route (16 miles) departs along the Great Western Greenway from behind your hotel. Follow it to the small town of Achill Sound for a coffee stop. You can either return to Mulranny the way you came, or return along beautiful coastal backroads with wide open views of Clew Bay, for a loop totaling about 23 miles.

Longer options bring you onto Achill Island along wonderful un-trafficked country roads, with expansive views of Clew Bay to the south. You can choose to return either along the Greenway, or via two longer loops that trace a coastal backroad.

Accommodation: Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a glorious day of cycling the Great Western Greenway at a pace that suits you. The bike path traces Clew Bay as it bends southward toward Westport, your final destination. Enjoy the ease of gentle gradients and some of the most idyllic scenery in the west of Ireland before meeting gently rolling hills and the scenic descent into the quaint fishing town of Newport, an ideal spot to break for lunch. Later, a gradual ascent delivers you into the former weavers’ community of Westport on the Black Oak River. Vibrant and steeped in Irish charm, a stunning Romanesque church and a spectacular 19th-century red sandstone viaduct are among its historic treasures. Its stone-built houses and tree-lined lanes are a pleasure to explore.

You have two nights to savor the delights of this scenic village, either on two wheels or two feet. This evening, stroll into town, where you may happen on a pub and enjoy the Irish tunes of local musicians. Or savor the cuisine of your hotel’s dining room.

Today’s Rides:

Mulranny to Westport on the Great Western Greenway short option: 31.4 km (20 miles)

What to Expect: Depart your hotel directly onto the paved Greenway, which gradually ascends for about 2 miles then rolls gently, skirting the hills on your left and Clew Bay and tiny seaside villages to your right. The town of Newport is a little over mid-way at 11 miles, a nice lunch stop. The last 4 miles into Westport gradually ascend with some short and steep ups and downs. As you approach your hotel, you may encounter some town traffic.

Mulranny to Wesport on and off the Greenway Cycle long option: 38.8 km (24 miles)

What to Expect: Depart your hotel directly onto the paved Greenway, which gradually ascends for about 2 miles then rolls gently, skirting the hills on your left and Clew Bay and tiny seaside villages to your right. The town of Newport is a little over mid-way at 18 km (11 miles), a nice lunch stop. The last 7 km (4 miles) into Westport gradually ascend with some short and steep ups and downs. As you approach your hotel, you may encounter some town traffic.

Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy today’s Stay Put Day to follow your whims. Head out for a ride, explore farther afield, stroll into town to a café and browse the shops, or simply relax in your hotel’s spa.

Westport was voted by readers of the Irish Times as the best place to live in Ireland and you’ll discover why today. Scenically located at the end of Clew Bay, it is one of the few towns in Ireland that was formally planned and it exudes a wealth of beauty and charm.

Perhaps you’ll visit Westport House, often called the most beautiful house in Ireland. The 30-room historic manse is open for tours and for afternoon tea, and you can stroll a two-mile footpath among its lovely grounds. Alternately, play a round of golf or set out on a horseback ride nearby. Or embark a ferry from Roonagh Quay (a 14-mile taxi ride) to visit Clare Island, once the home of pirate queen Grace O’Malley, lord of a 16th-century Irish dynasty. This sparsely populated island of dramatic cliffs offers spectacular views of Clew Bay and the surrounding mountains.

If you want to stay on your bike today, set out on an easy-going 20-mile loop ride that will still give you ample time to explore Westport’s shops and sites and enjoy your hotel’s spa amenities.

Today’s Ride:
Westport loop: 20 miles

What to Expect: Today’s loop ride delivers you into the countryside after about a mile of riding in town traffic. Then, narrow country roads lead through pastures heading north. At almost 4 miles, the route turns due west toward Clew Bay until you see the island of Inish Turk Beg, where you turn south paralleling the coast. You ride past the ruins of Castleaffy Castle at about 9 miles, and later past the Westport Golf Course. Hug the coast and then turn northeast at Knockaraha, returning to your hotel along town streets and bike lanes.

Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport
Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, head out on a beautiful ride as the peak of Croagh Patrick watches over your progress. The summit draws local pilgrims—many of them barefoot—on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July. The holiday commemorates St. Patrick, who spent 40 days fasting on the mountain in the year 441. Your route continues to trace the lovely waters of Clew Bay with its many small islands. You may pause in the quaint village of Louisburgh for lunch at an inviting pub. If you are passing through in July or August, visit the small heritage center here before you return to the road. This fascinating little museum chronicles the life of Grace O’Malley, the renowned pirate queen who ruled the region in the 16th century. You can also gain some insight into the 19th-century famine.

Your afternoon ride is sure to be a highlight of your week as you pedal into the stunning Delphi Valley, flanked by picturesque lakes. You might stop to admire the stillness and serenity of Doo Lough, a 2.5-mile-long freshwater lake amid long mountain ridges. This is quintessential Ireland: green slopes rising to rock-strewn summits reflected in mirror-like pools. Most impressively, flat-topped Ben Bury, the highest peak in Connemara at 2,671 feet, soars above it all.

By ride’s end, you arrive in Delphi, situated on the Owengar River in a stunning valley surrounded by the Mweelrea Mountains. Settle into your resort hotel, taking in breathtaking views and savoring classic, creative Irish fare in the dining room.

Today’s Ride:

Westport to Delphi Resort: 41.7 km (25.9 miles)

What to Expect: Ride out of town in some traffic, then cycle into the countryside on narrow roads. You skirt Clew Bay, getting occasional glimpses of the water, for about 10 km (6 miles). Then pass small settlements and green pastures with some rolling and short steep hills. At about 22.5 km (15 miles), arrive at your halfway point in Louisburgh (22.5 km, 14 miles), a perfect lunch stop. After, head due south toward the Delphi Valley. You start a gradual ascent at 24 km (15 miles) for about 5 miles, then enjoy an exhilarating downhill to Doo Lough Lake and a scenic spin through rolling terrain to your hotel.

Accommodation: Delphi Resort, Delphi
Included Meals: Breakfast

A wide array of activities immerses you in the beauty of the Delphi Valley and its surroundings. Your hotel can assist you with arrangements, whether you’re indulging in a spa day, heading out on some adventure activities in the great outdoors or cycling more of the area’s beautiful landscapes.

You can treat yourself to the resort’s spa treatments at the Wellness Center. Or choose from up to 20 active outings either on or off the property, including a ropes course, ziplining, canoeing, kayaking and surfing. These are all exhilarating ways to experience the area from different perspectives.

If you’d like another day on the bike, a short ride directly from the property leads you to the end of the Delphi Valley and around the tip of Killary Harbor. Here, the small village of Leenaun offers lovely views over the harbor. At ten miles long and 150 feet deep, this is Ireland’s only fjord. Embark a relaxing 90-minute cruise here, marveling at the rise of the mountains on either side as you ply the shimmering waters.

A longer option brings you to the doorstep of Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. A magnificent vision in white amid the green hills, the castle became a monastery 100 years ago when it was purchased by nuns fleeing Belgium during World War I. Enjoy lunch on the dramatic grounds, perhaps among the manicured gardens. If you’d like time to pamper yourself back at the resort, a taxi transfer back to your hotel is included. Or you can cycle back to get the most mileage out of your day along quiet, scenic roads.

Today’s Rides:

Delphi Resort to Leenaun out and back: 23.3 km (15 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. To return, you retrace the same route, gaining slightly more elevation than on your outbound ride.

Delphi Resort to Kylemore Abbey, transfer back: 39.6 km (24 miles)

What to Expect: Phone your local host, no later than this morning, to arrange a meeting time for your return transportation. Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. Your route is flat along the fjord for another 3 miles. At the 15-km (10-mile) mark, begin an ascent of about a mile and ride some rolling hills until you reach Kylemore Abbey, where lunch and snacks are available for purchase.

Delphi Resort to Kylemore Abbey ride out and back: 66.5 km (41 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. Your route is flat along the fjord for another 5 km (3 miles). At the 15-km (10-mile) mark, begin an ascent of about a mile and ride some rolling hills until you reach Kylemore Abbey (around 40 km, 25 miles), where lunch and snacks are available for purchase. To return to the hotel, you head east, then joining the outbound route at 48 km (30 miles), return on rolling and slightly ascending terrain.

Accommodation: Delphi Resort, Delphi
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At 9:00 a.m., a complimentary transfer of about 4.5 hours is provided to the VBT Self-Guided Air+ hotel in Dublin (Schoolhouse Hotel, 2-8 Northumberland Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4) along with any other VBT Self-Guided guests. Dublin overflows with cultural riches, from the ancient to the avant-garde. Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly, bustling capital that claims literary giants such as Wilde, Shaw, Joyce, Yeats, Beckett and O’Casey as native sons. VBT provides you with City Information and recommendations for what to see and do in Dublin. Use the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring the city.

Included Meals: Breakfast

We suggest arriving in Ireland at least one day prior to the tour start date. Make your own independent travel arrangements to Galway. For details, refer to your VBT Handbook. Meet your VBT local host at 1:00 p.m., along with any other VBT guests departing on the same day, in the lobby of the Park House Hotel (Foster Street, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland, Tel +353 91 564924). He or she will be carrying a VBT sign. Your transfer to the charming town of Mulranny will take approximately 1.5 hours.

The Welcome orientation with your VBT local host includes:
• An overview of the itinerary
• Bike fitting and equipment familiarization
• Review of the Ride with GPS navigation app
• Important contact information in case you need to reach your VBT local host
• Safety briefing
• Local suggestions (restaurants, things to do, etc.)

Mulranny enjoys a stunning setting on an isthmus between Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay. The magnificent vistas of the vast Nephin mountain range rise across the water. With spectacular landscapes all around, it’s no wonder the residents embrace cycling, walking, and other outdoor activities so fully. This inviting town—proclaimed a European Destination of Excellence—is right on the Great Western Greenway, a 26-mile rail trail along the ruggedly scenic coast.

Your hotel is ideally situated overlooking Clew Bay, with pristine beaches and the charming town of Mulranny a short walk away. The Greenway is also right outside your door, making your exploration by bike a breeze. Once you’ve settled in, spend the afternoon as you wish. Perhaps follow the causeway, built across Trawoughter Bay in 1889, to take in the area’s vast marine coastal paradise of sand plains, salt marshes and grassy slopes. You can stop to relax on the beach, too, awarded the blue flag for its exemplary environmental management. You might also take a spin on the Greenway. Browse the shops in town. Or linger at your hotel to enjoy the swimming pool, sauna and other amenities.

For dinner, sample the specialties at your hotel’s restaurant or bistro or stroll into town.

Accommodation: Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo

Spend the day as you like, choosing from several cycling routes, exploring Mulranny, or both! Behind your hotel, you can directly access the Great Western Greenway, part of the National Cycle Network of Ireland. At 42 km (26 miles), it is the longest dedicated bike path in the country. The breathtakingly scenic route follows the path of the former Westport-to-Achill light railway, which was laid in the 1890s. With the arrival of the railroad, coastal towns here prospered and grand hotels, such as the Mulranny Park where you’re staying, were built to support the economic boom. The railroad closed in 1937 with the popularization of the automobile.

If you ride the northern side of Clew Bay, you have sweeping views of some of its 365 islands, “one for every day of the year,” the locals might tell you. Famously, John Lennon purchased one of them in 1967. Among them are Ireland’s finest example of drumlins, limestone bedrock scoured by the retreat of glaciers. Six of them are inhabited year-round.

Either of today’s routes leads you to Achill Island, accessible by bridge, and the seaside village of Achill Sound, which is 8 miles away from Mulranny. This sleepy island is graced with soaring cliffs, wide beaches and deserted boglands—a rich and varied coastal wilderness that has inspired a vibrant arts community. Several loop-ride options can keep you biking for hours here, surrounded by magnificent sea views and gentle hills.

Find a spot for a delicious seafood lunch, then explore a while and return to Mulranny the way you came, or choose a different route.

Today’s Ride Choices:

Mulranny to Greenway loop short option — 36.6 kim (23 miles)
Mulranny Greenway loop via Clogmore long option — 62.6 (39 miles)
Mulranny Greenway loop via Keel longer option — 73.5 (46 miles)

What to Expect: The shorter route departs along the Great Western Greenway from behind your hotel. Follow it to the small town of Achill Sound for a coffee stop. You can either return to Mulranny the way you came, or return along beautiful coastal backroads with wide open views of Clew Bay, for a loop totaling about 23 miles.

Longer options bring you onto Achill Island along wonderful un-trafficked country roads, with expansive views of Clew Bay to the south. You can choose to return either along the Greenway, or via two longer loops that trace a coastal backroad.

Accommodation: Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a glorious day of cycling the Great Western Greenway at a pace that suits you. The bike path traces Clew Bay as it bends southward toward Westport, your final destination. Enjoy the ease of gentle gradients and some of the most idyllic scenery in the west of Ireland before meeting gently rolling hills and the scenic descent into the quaint fishing town of Newport, an ideal spot to break for lunch. Later, a gradual ascent delivers you into the former weavers’ community of Westport on the Black Oak River. Vibrant and steeped in Irish charm, a stunning Romanesque church and a spectacular 19th-century red sandstone viaduct are among its historic treasures. Its stone-built houses and tree-lined lanes are a pleasure to explore.

You have two nights to savor the delights of this scenic village, either on two wheels or two feet. This evening, stroll into town, where you may happen on a pub and enjoy the Irish tunes of local musicians. Or savor the cuisine of your hotel’s dining room.

Today’s Ride Choices

Mulranny to Westport on the Great Western Greenway short option — 31.4 km (20 miles)

What to Expect: Depart your hotel directly onto the paved Greenway, which gradually ascends for about 2 miles then rolls gently, skirting the hills on your left and Clew Bay and tiny seaside villages to your right. The town of Newport is a little over mid-way at 18 km (11 miles), a nice lunch stop. The last 7 km (4 miles) into Westport gradually ascend with some short and steep ups and downs. As you approach your hotel, you may encounter some town traffic.

Mulranny to Westport on and off the Greenway Cycle long option — 38.8 km (24 miles)

What to Expect: Depart your hotel directly onto the paved Greenway, which gently ascends for about 2 miles then rolls gently, skirting the hills on your left and Clew Bay and tiny seaside villages to your right. The town of Newport is a little over mid-way at 11 miles, a nice lunch stop. At about 12 miles, leave the Greenway for about 2 miles on a narrow country road, going west to a little inlet on Clew Bay. After another mile and a half on the Greenway, head west again on country roads toward the coast, enjoying water views, before turning back toward Westport. You pass the Westport Golf Club and continue through town on the bike path to your hotel, encountering some town traffic at the ride’s end.

Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy today’s Stay Put Day to follow your whims. Head out for a ride, explore farther afield, stroll into town to a café and browse the shops, or simply relax in your hotel’s spa.

Westport was voted by readers of the Irish Times as the best place to live in Ireland and you’ll discover why today. Scenically located at the end of Clew Bay, it is one of the few towns in Ireland that was formally planned and it exudes a wealth of beauty and charm.

Perhaps you’ll visit Westport House, often called the most beautiful house in Ireland. The 30-room historic manse is open for tours and for afternoon tea, and you can stroll a two-mile footpath among its lovely grounds. Alternately, play a round of golf or set out on a horseback ride nearby. Or embark a ferry from Roonagh Quay (a 14-mile taxi ride) to visit Clare Island, once the home of pirate queen Grace O’Malley, lord of a 16th-century Irish dynasty. This sparsely populated island of dramatic cliffs offers spectacular views of Clew Bay and the surrounding mountains.

If you want to stay on your bike today, set out on an easy-going 20-mile loop ride that will still give you ample time to explore Westport’s shops and sites and enjoy your hotel’s spa amenities.

Today’s Ride Choice

Westport loop — 20.5 km (13 miles)

What to Expect: Today’s loop ride delivers you into the countryside after about a mile of riding in town traffic. Then, narrow country roads lead through pastures heading north. At almost 4 miles, the route turns due west toward Clew Bay until you see the island of Inish Turk Beg, where you turn south paralleling the coast. You ride past the ruins of Castleaffy Castle at about 9 miles, and later past the Westport Golf Course. Hug the coast and then turn northeast at Knockaraha, returning to your hotel along town streets and bike lanes.

Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport
Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, head out on a beautiful ride as the peak of Croagh Patrick watches over your progress. The summit draws local pilgrims—many of them barefoot—on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July. The holiday commemorates St. Patrick, who spent 40 days fasting on the mountain in the year 441. Your route continues to trace the lovely waters of Clew Bay with its many small islands. You may pause in the quaint village of Louisburgh for lunch at an inviting pub. If you are passing through in July or August, visit the small heritage center here before you return to the road. This fascinating little museum chronicles the life of Grace O’Malley, the renowned pirate queen who ruled the region in the 16th century. You can also gain some insight into the 19th-century famine.

Your afternoon ride is sure to be a highlight of your week as you pedal into the stunning Delphi Valley, flanked by picturesque lakes. You might stop to admire the stillness and serenity of Doo Lough, a 2.5-mile-long freshwater lake amid long mountain ridges. This is quintessential Ireland: green slopes rising to rock-strewn summits reflected in mirror-like pools. Most impressively, flat-topped Ben Bury, the highest peak in Connemara at 2,671 feet, soars above it all.

By ride’s end, you arrive in Delphi, situated on the Owengar River in a stunning valley surrounded by the Mweelrea Mountains. Settle into your resort hotel, taking in breathtaking views and savoring classic, creative Irish fare in the dining room.

Today’s Ride Choice

Westport to Delphi Resort — 41.7 km (25.9 miles)

What to Expect: Ride out of town in some traffic, then cycle into the countryside on narrow roads. You skirt Clew Bay, getting occasional glimpses of the water, for about 10 km (6 miles). Then pass small settlements and green pastures with some rolling and short steep hills. At about 22.5 km (15 miles), arrive at your halfway point in Louisburgh (22.5 km, 14 miles), a perfect lunch stop. After, head due south toward the Delphi Valley. You start a gradual ascent at 24 km (15 miles) for about 5 miles, then enjoy an exhilarating downhill to Doo Lough Lake and a scenic spin through rolling terrain to your hotel.

Accommodation: Delphi Resort, Delphi
Included Meals: Breakfast

A wide array of activities immerses you in the beauty of the Delphi Valley and its surroundings. Your hotel can assist you with arrangements, whether you’re indulging in a spa day, heading out on some adventure activities in the great outdoors or cycling more of the area’s beautiful landscapes.

You can treat yourself to the resort’s spa treatments at the Wellness Center. Or choose from up to 20 active outings either on or off the property, including a ropes course, ziplining, canoeing, kayaking and surfing. These are all exhilarating ways to experience the area from different perspectives.

If you’d like another day on the bike, a short ride directly from the property leads you to the end of the Delphi Valley and around the tip of Killary Harbor. Here, the small village of Leenaun offers lovely views over the harbor. At ten miles long and 150 feet deep, this is Ireland’s only fjord. Embark a relaxing 90-minute cruise here, marveling at the rise of the mountains on either side as you ply the shimmering waters.

A longer option brings you to the doorstep of Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. A magnificent vision in white amid the green hills, the castle became a monastery 100 years ago when it was purchased by nuns fleeing Belgium during World War I. Enjoy lunch on the dramatic grounds, perhaps among the manicured gardens. If you’d like time to pamper yourself back at the resort, a taxi transfer back to your hotel is included. Or you can cycle back to get the most mileage out of your day along quiet, scenic roads.

Today’s Ride Choices

Delphi Resort to Leenaun out and back: 23.3 km (15 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. To return, you retrace the same route, gaining slightly more elevation than on your outbound ride.

Delphi Resor to Kylemore Abbey, transfer back: 39.6 km (24 miles)

What to Expect: Phone your local host, no later than this morning, to arrange a meeting time for your return transportation. Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. Your route is flat along the fjord for another 3 miles. At the 15-km (10-mile) mark, begin an ascent of about a mile and ride some rolling hills until you reach Kylemore Abbey, where lunch and snacks are available for purchase.

Delphi Resort to Kylemore Abbey ride out and back: 66.5 km (41 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle narrow, paved roads the entire day. After a gentle descent for about a mile, head east over some rolling hills that overall have little elevation gain. Enjoy water views to your right throughout the ride until you reach the tip of the fjord at Aasleagh, where you turn west and follow the southern shore of the fjord to Leenaun. Your route is flat along the fjord for another 5 km (3 miles). At the 15-km (10-mile) mark, begin an ascent of about a mile and ride some rolling hills until you reach Kylemore Abbey (around 40 km, 25 miles), where lunch and snacks are available for purchase. To return to the hotel, you head east, then joining the outbound route at 48 km (30 miles), return on rolling and slightly ascending terrain.

Accommodation: Delphi Resort, Delphi
Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At 9:00 a.m., a complimentary transfer of about 4.5 hours is provided to the VBT Self-Guided Air+ hotel in Dublin (Schoolhouse Hotel, 2-8 Northumberland Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4) along with any other VBT Self-Guided guests. From here you may continue your onward travels. Depending upon your destination, it may not be possible to depart for the U.S. on the last day of the tour. Please check airline schedules carefully. If you plan to schedule return flights immediately following the tour’s conclusion, please call your airline directly for specific check-in requirements.

To depart from the Delphi Resort on your own, we recommend a taxi from your hotel to the Westport train station (30-minute taxi ride, 24 miles, approx. 100 euros). There is frequent service to Dublin’s main train station from here (3.5-hour journey, approx. 25 euros).

Accommodation: The Schoolhouse Hotel, Dublin
Included Meals: Breakfast