The best gravel rides in Connacht

Wide river with impressive flow speed.

Ballycastle is a atmospheric resting point on EuroVelo 1, where Irish hospitality merges with spectacular scenery. This "village of the castle" is surrounded by 5000 years of history, from prehistoric field systems to early Christian monuments. Cycle through the colourful main street, enjoy the view over Bunatrahir Bay and use this lively spot as a springboard to the nearby cliffs and sea stacks. An essential stop for any cyclist wanting to experience the untamed beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way. In the village, you will find local shops and cosy eateries such as Mary’s Cottage Kitchen (known for their homemade cakes) and June’s Café.

Bangor Erris (Gateway to the Wilderness): This characterful village is the heart of the Erris region and a crucial hub on the Owenmore River. Bangor Erris is historically known as the gateway to the rugged Belmullet peninsula, marking the transition from the vast peatlands of the Wild Nephin National Park to the open Atlantic coastal plain. For cyclists on the Wild Atlantic Way, it is a strategic resting point with essential amenities, nestled amongst the imposing peaks of the Nephin Beg range and world-renowned among anglers for the run of wild salmon and sea trout.

Between Newport and Mulranny, the Greenway follows the old railway line through a varied landscape of reed fields, tidal water, peat bogs, and low hills. The path is wide, quiet, and gently sloping, with regular beautiful views of Clew Bay and the islands. Old bridges, stone walls, and quiet river arms give this part of the route a distinctly rural and almost timeless atmosphere.

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.

This robust 18th-century stone arch bridge forms the heart of Newport, spanning the Black Oak River. Unlike the higher railway viaduct, this bridge connects the village's main streets, offering a beautiful low perspective on the tidal flow and the colourful facades of the quay. The bridge is named after Princess Grace of Monaco, whose ancestors hailed from the nearby Drumilra valley, and it marks the transition from the sheltered river estuary to the open waters of Clew Bay.

Killary Fjord (of Killary Harbour) is often called the only true fjord in Ireland, although technically it is one of the three glacial fjords on the island. This deep sea arm cuts 16 kilometres inland, forming the natural border between the counties of Galway and Mayo.

Costelloe (Casla in Irish) is a strategic crossroads in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht. Located at the junction of the R336 and the road to Carraroe, this village serves as the gateway to the rugged archipelago of South Connemara. For passers-by, it is primarily known for the large Costcutter and the petrol station, the ideal place to stock up before exploring the more remote peninsulas and islands. Besides being a practical resting point, Costelloe is also home to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, the national Irish-language radio station, making the village an important cultural anchor for the region.