Westport Cycle Tour

A sportive cycling event on one of the most scenic stretches of road in Ireland is a strong draw on its own, and the Westport Cycle Tour adds a community feel that makes it worth the trip whether you are a seasoned rider chasing a personal best or someone who just wants a decent excuse to get out on the bike. Starting from Westport town centre on a July Sunday morning, the event rolls riders out through the landscapes of Co. Mayo with multiple route options available - so you pick the distance that suits your legs, not the other way around.

What to expect

The event is organised as a sportive, meaning it is timed and supported but not a road race - the emphasis is on the experience rather than the competition. Multiple distances are available, typically covering shorter loops around 20-40 km and a longer challenge route, all taking in the kind of quiet back roads and open Atlantic views that Mayo is known for. Expect marshalled junctions, mechanical support on route, and refreshments along the way. Registration is required in advance, and entry starts from EUR 25.

The surrounding roads give the event its appeal. Mayo has long been regarded as some of the best cycling terrain in Ireland: low traffic, rolling hills, lakelands, coastal headlands, and the kind of air that reminds you why people cycle in the first place. Riders on longer loops may pass near Newport and the edge of Wild Nephin National Park, which tends to stay with you.

Getting there

Westport is well connected by road and rail. The N5 runs east to Castlebar and on towards Dublin; the N59 comes in from Galway via Leenaune. Irish Rail operates a direct service from Dublin Heuston to Westport, with the journey taking roughly three and a half hours. The town is compact and the start in the town centre is easy to find. Parking is available on race day - get in early on a summer Sunday as Westport fills up quickly in July.

While you’re in Westport

Westport is a genuinely attractive Georgian planned town with a good main street, a quay area worth walking along, and Westport House nearby if you have time before or after. There is more to see in Westport and across Co. Mayo.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday, 12 July 2026
• Start time: 9:00am
• Price: From EUR 25
• Registration: Required in advance - check with the organiser (Local Cycling Club / westportcycling.ie) for booking details and final route distances
• What to bring: Helmet (compulsory), puncture kit, water, and layers - July in Mayo can turn quickly