The best cycling routes in Connacht

Beautiful bright sandy beach, but nobody goes into the water here.

This specific point on the Greenway at Mulranny offers spectacular panoramic views over the Mulranny Saltmarsh and Clew Bay. From this elevated route, you look directly down onto the rare saltmarshes, where the tidal flow of the Atlantic Ocean penetrates deep inland. On the horizon, the characteristic conical shape of Croagh Patrick (764 m) dominates, while to your left, you see the historic Mulranny Causeway; the Victorian elevated road that connects the village to the beach. It is one of the few places where you can observe the transition from the rugged Nephin Beg Mountains to the archipelago of 365 islands in the bay so sharply.

This characteristic stone bridge forms a crucial junction on the 18 km stage between Newport and Mulranny. The bridge spans the Burrishoole River at the point where the fresh water from Lough Feeagh mixes with the salty tidal waters of Clew Bay. From the Greenway, you have an unobstructed panoramic view here of the nearby 15th-century abbey ruins and the fish traps that have been used for centuries to catch wild salmon and eel, against the backdrop of the rugged Nephin Beg Mountains.

Long, narrow mountain lake in the northwest of Connemara, formed in a glacial valley between the Mweelrea massif and the lower ridges towards Letterfrack. The water lies in a quiet, remote valley where peat, heather and rock alternate. The shores are largely uninhabited, giving the lake a distinctly wild and natural character.

A breathtaking panorama where the green hills of Connemara literally slide into the Atlantic Ocean. Lettergesh Beach is known for its wide sandy expanse, intersected by rugged black rocks, creating a spectacular contrast with the turquoise water. From the higher coastal road, you have a bird's-eye view of the surf and the islands in the distance.

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Islands View A breathtaking discovery point on the northern loop of Renvyle. From this elevated spot, you have a direct view over the Connemara archipelago: the inhabited islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk, and the rugged, deserted Inishark. In clear weather, you can even see the contours of the holy mountain Croagh Patrick in County Mayo to the north. For cyclists, this is the ultimate 'Wild Atlantic Way' feeling: the wind in your hair, the smell of salt water, and a horizon that seems endless.

Renvyle House Hotel, a historic country residence at one of the westernmost points of Connemara. This well-known hotel is surrounded by the ocean on three sides and offers a fabulous view over Renvyle Bay and the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk. For cyclists, the driveway through the gardens is a beautiful, peaceful interlude. From the terrace, you look out over the rugged coastline where the waves crash relentlessly on the rocks. A perfect spot for a stylish break with a cup of tea and unparalleled sea views before exploring the rest of the Renvyle Loop.

From the pier at Mutton Island, you get the most complete panoramic view of the Galway City skyline. While you are on your bike in the middle of the bay, you will see the colorful houses of the 'Long Walk', the distinctive dome of the cathedral and the activity of the port like a miniature city on the horizon.