Cycling

The area around Aasleagh offers stunning scenery and bike rides from gentle rolling terrain to tough climbs, depending on your choice of route.

There are a number of routes available from relaxing to challenging to suit everyone. On most routes there are places to stop along the way for refreshments, and to sit and relax while enjoying the views.

A camera is essential!

Ask any of the staff at the lodge for advice on routes to take, they are very familiar with the local area and will be happy to help.

There are new off-road cycle routes being opened around Clew Bay (paved), which are a great way to explore the area, including the Great Western Greenway, and the Granuaile Cycle Trail.

Great Western Greenway
The world class Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill Island is a 42km traffic-free linear cycling and walking route which primarilyfollows the line of the famous Westport / Achill Railway which closed in 1937. This route offers gentle gradients in some of the most idyllic scenery in the west of Ireland and is the longest off-road cycling experience in Ireland. Bike hire is
available in Westport, Newport, Mulranny and on Achill Island, and as this is a linear route there is a drop-off and collection service available -details from the local Tourist Information Office.

Louisburgh Cycle Hub - 3 looped routes from Louisburgh village

National Coastal Route – linear route from Westport town to Murrisk Abbey

Westport Cycle Hub - 3 looped routes from Westport town centre

The Granuaile Cycle Trail
Grace O’Malley (Granuaile) was a famous pirate, seafarer, trader and chieftain. Born in Mayo in 1530 this daughter of sea captain Owen O’Malley
developed a reputation as a fearless leader through her efforts in battle. Follow in her footsteps on the Granuaile Trail encircling Clew Bay. This route
links her castles in Kildavnet on Achill Island though Mulranny to her castle at Rockfleet (Carraigahowley) near Newport and on to Westport House - the current house is built on the site of one of her castles. From here travel onward to Louisburgh and Roonagh Pier taking the ferry to her castle on Clare Island and onward again by ferry to Achill to complete the trail. Be sure to check ferry sailings with the ferry companies listed or the local Tourist Information Office.