Wife and I have 5 days to spare in August, after obligatory stops in Belfast and Dublin. We're 30 something's, strong bikers, hoping to take a train out west from Dublin and bike around a bit, but spend our evenings somewhere fun.

Plan A: Train to Galway for an afternoon and evening, then bike a day from Oughtegard to Clifden, then Clifden to Leenaun, then Leenaun to Westport, extra day in Westport (maybe head out to Achill), then train back to Dublin from Westport.

Plan B: skip Galway and train straight to Westport, stay 4 nights there and just poke about on the bikes doing loops to Leenaun and back, Castlebar, etc.

Plan C: Galway -> Clifden, Clifden -> Westport (lunch in Leenaun), Westport -> Ballina, Ballina-> Sligo. (Probably too ambitious)

Thoughts or suggestions? Looking for interesting local culture, pretty and easy rides, fun nights. Would love to meet some locals. Not so big on history, ruins for this trip. Would spend more time in Galway city but it's race-week. Thanks!

>> train out west from Dublin and bike around a bit, but spend our evenings somewhere fun.<<

I wouldn't. Seriously. No matter how strong of riders you are . . . The roads are narrow (VERY), hilly and winding. In August there will be a lot of vehicle traffic on the narrow roads, and there are virtually no verges but mostly stonewalls. So advance visibility is often nonexistent.

The 'idea' of an idyllic country bike trip is nice, the reality is something else.

Janisj- thanks for the response and word of caution. Very much appreciated. I've heard conflicting advice here but suspect you're right. Any thoughts on County Donegal, where at least the traffic might be lighter?

I have been to Ireland several times and my husband enjoys cycling and usually rents a bike while there. With that said, the roads are very narrow. I would suggest staying in Westport, Mayo and using the Greenway. This is a beautiful cycling path and it very popular.

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Westport has great bike trails on the old railroad lines. Bike rental companies also. We took the train to Westport. We climbed Cough Patrick, took the ferry to Claire Island one day. Westport has a taxi company that charges 30 an hour if you want to tour or just to get to the ferry port or to Cough Patrick. We spent five nights there and hated leaving. Best pubs in the evening.

Crough Patrick, it was a very sunny day when we climbed and well worth it. Westport house was interesting. Lords and Ladles on Acorn just had a show about the house. The Tavern in Murrisk close to Crough Patrick is one of the best places to eat. Michelin guide "eating out in pubs"