If you’ve read some of our previous posts, you know that we love county Mayo. From Belmullet to Cong to Ballina, we just cannot get enough of the spectacular landscape, impressive mountain views and the Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Since the opening of the Clew Bay Bike Trail, we have been waiting for nice weather to get on our bikes to test the route out. Last weekend obliged and this recent addition to the Great Western Greenway made for a brilliant daytrip.
We have cycled on the Great Western Greenway before. We love to see that it has been improving and extending over the past few years. It is brilliant that it now includes Clare Island, such a beautiful site on Ireland’s West Coast. You can now fit a visit to Clare Island, Louisburgh and the famous Croagh Patrick all on the one route.
What Is The Route Of The Clew Bay Bike Trail
The bike trail is a loop and so you can start anywhere along its route. It takes in the existing Great Western Greenway running three quarters around Clew Bay between Achill Sound and Murrisk via Mulranny and Westport. From Murrisk on you follow the road through Louisburgh to Roonagh. At Roonagh Pier, you catch the ferry over to Clare Island. Here you can cycle the short loop around this fascinating island rich with history.
Then take a second short ferry island hop from Clare to Achill and re-join the greenway at Achill Sound. You can take the 105km trail in either direction. You can also get on and off it at any point, as the weather, your fitness or fancy allows.
The route is well signed, fairly flat, good for families and different levels of ability. You can hire electric as well as push bikes in several locations along the route.
We Started The Clew Bay Bike Trail In Mulranny
We drove and parked in Mulranny as our start and end point on the Clew Bay Bike Trail. If you do not have your own bikes, you can rent them in the Mulranny old train station. It is a super friendly bike hire shop and a tourist information centre in one, housed in a wonderfully restored late-19th century station house.
This spot was originally the terminus of the Midland Great Western Railway Line before its extension to Achill Island in 1895. As many tourists began to visit this beautiful area, a railway hotel was built here to cater for them. The railway line sadly closed in 1937, but Mulranny and the Clew Bay area have remained popular with holiday makers.
Because 105kms sounds a lot to me to cycle in one day, in my mind, our trip around Clew Bay was divided into six sections:
Leg One: Cycling From Mulranny To Louisburgh
We took the trail clockwise. So the first leg was also the longest, from Mulranny to Louisburgh, taking in the seaside towns and villages along the way. This is a fantastic cycle with some of the best scenery on Ireland’s West Coast. It runs along the old railway line so it is fairly flat as you travel up and down gentle hills, through woodlands and across oldy-worldy stone railway bridges.
Take in the spectacular views of Clew Bay, the Nephin Beg Mountain Range and the majestic Croagh Patrick. The whole trail felt very safe and we made a few stops to admire the scenery and take photos. We made a lunch and coffee pitstop in the pretty village of Louisburgh before heading off to Roonagh Pier.
Leg Two: Ferry Crossing From Roonagh To Clare Island
It is only a short ferry ride from Roonagh Pier across to the harbour on Clare Island. The ferry companies operate this route year-rouns, Clare Island Ferries and O’Malley Ferries. In the summer months, May to September, crossings are more frequent and winter crossings are weather-dependent. So it is best to check times and book your tickets beforehand.
The ferries take bikes. As we were going around the Clew Bay, we bought one ticket to cover two ferry trips: from Roonagh to Clare Island and from Clare Island to Cloughmore Pier on Achill Island. The cost per person and bike was €35. The one thing to pay attention to is that the ticket is valid for the one ferry company from which you purchased. Tickets do not transfer between the crossing providers. Hope that makes sense 😊.
Leg Three: On Clare Island
This was our first time on Clare Island, so we made it our business to find out more about its history and people. It is the largest island in Clew Bay and home to cca 160 residents who work in fishing, farming and tourism for their living. We saw a good few B&Bs on the island as well as the lively Sailors Bar and Restaurant, the community centre and the family-run Macalla Farm and Stone Barn Café. We stopped off here for home made organic cake and tea. Delicious. We learnt that the farm owners run yoga retreats on the island, and I must say, I am tempted.
Clare Island has amazing history dating back thousands of years. Its main draw is probably the Pirate Queen Gráinne Mhaol (Grace O’Malley), who lived here in the 16th century. The island is small enough to walk around, so you can visit many of the ancient sites on foot, or you can follow one of the looped trails on bike, as we did.
Clare island is a beautiful spot and the possibility of bringing your bike on the ferry makes it accessible to more people. Because this post is getting humongous, we will write about our exploring of Clare Island’s historical sites separately.
Leg Four: Second Ferry Hop From Clare To Achill Island
From Clare Island harbour we took another short ferry hop to Cloughmore Pier on Achill Island. The ferries run less frequently than between Roonagh and Clare Island, so again please check before planning your trip.
Leg Five: Cycling Around Achill Island
The Clew Bay Bike Trail continues on Achill Island. Achill is another of our favourite spots, and we have written previously about cycling around its beaches and scenic places.
You can of course go off the bike trail route at any point to enjoy all that the island has to offer. From its blue flag beaches and Atlantic drive to water sports and outdoor adventures. You may even spot one of the basking sharks that swim in the bay. And if you’re in need of refreshment there are plenty of pitstops along the way.
Leg Six: From Achill Sound To Our Starting Point Of Mulranny
As we had spent a good bit of time exploring Clare Island, we did not really have much time to hang around Achill, so we pressed onwards to the starting point of our Clew Bay Bike Loop. The final leg of our journey from Achill Sound to Mulranny was back on the Great Western Greenway. It follows the old railway which lay abandoned for 70 years until the route was very successfully repurposed as a greenway in 2011.
This last 13km stretch winds its way along the old track, taking in some truly spectacular scenery along the way. By the time we got to Mulranny, we were nicely tired and bursting with memories of the brilliant day. A scrumptious dinner before a drive home was the perfect end to a truly enjoyable day.
Would We Recommend The Clew Bay Bike Trail?
Yes, absolutely, one hundred percent we would recommend the magical Clew Bay Bike Trail. The scenery is stunning, the towns and villages picturesque, the locals are helpful and friendly. As with everything, the loop is 105 kms so consider your fitness and ability. But you can easily join the trail at any point and return the same way on a shorter cycle or with kids. Good weather always helps – no matter how magical the place, cycling in the lashing rain may not give you the same happy experience we had. Enjoy.