Great Western Greenway Bike
Ireland’s original off-road greenway traces 42 km from Westport to Achill Island along Clew Bay and beneath Croagh Patrick. Spring wildflowers, oyster farms, and empty Atlantic beaches make this one of Europe’s prettiest cycle routes.
Weather
Spring averages 8–14°C, summer 14–20°C, autumn 10–16°C, and winter 4–10°C in County Mayo. This spring ride catches wildflowers along Clew Bay before summer traffic. Atlantic showers pass quickly. Achill Island can be windier than the mainland.
Activities
Cycle 42 km of off-road greenway from Westport to Achill Island along Clew Bay. Pass beneath Croagh Patrick and through Newport and Mulranny. Loop Achill Head on the final day for Atlantic cliff views.
Culture
The Great Western Greenway was Ireland's first off-road cycle route, built on a disused railway. Westport is regularly voted Ireland's best town to live in. Croagh Patrick is Ireland's holiest mountain, climbed barefoot by pilgrims each July.
Natural history
Clew Bay has 365 islands — one for every day of the year, locals say. The greenway follows a former Midland Great Western Railway line through bog and coastal marsh. Achill Island's cliffs host seabird colonies and basking sharks offshore.
Local food
Westport pubs serve Guinness, seafood chowder, and lamb stew after cycling days. Achill Island smokehouses cure mackerel and salmon. Try Keenan's of Tarmonbarry for oysters near the greenway.
Fun fact
The Great Western Greenway was built on a railway line that closed in 1937 — cyclists now ride the same route through Clew Bay that once carried passengers from Westport to Achill.
- Fly into: Ireland West (NOC)
- Day 1: Westport, bike rental + town
- Day 2: Greenway to Newport
- Day 3: Mulranny to Achill Island
- Day 4: Achill Head loop, depart
- Est. total: ~$1,600