On the Route - Achill

 

Cloughmore, Achill Island

The ferry lands at the tiny pier on Cloughmore, Achill Island. The cycle to Achill Sound is along quiet roads in typical west of Ireland scenery. To your right as you start your journey is Kildavnet, another of Granuaile’s tower houses which are dotted around the bay. Kildavnet is also the name of the nearby church and adjacent graveyard where many victims of the Potato Famine of the mid 1800s were buried in unmarked graves. Almost immediately after that is the RNLI lifeboat station; the navy and orange lifeboat is a familiar sight in these waters. You also cycle past The Secret Garden at Bleanaskill Lodge.

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Achill Sound
You cycle across the Achill Sound on the Michael Davitt bridge which can swing open to let large boats and ships through. The Sound has a cluster of shops, cafes and restaurants; respite for the weary traveller.

The Greenway begins shortly afterwards, it is signposted to the left. From here on, the trail is off road, apart from cycling through the centre of Newport.

Currane Peninsula
Cycling around the Currane Peninsula is not part of the Clew Bay Trail but it is a lovely option if you have time. It’s about 35km, is entirely on small roads and is part of the famed Atlantic Drive. The turn for Currane is to the right at Tonragee.