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Cycling in Ireland
Steep ascents, winding lanes and off-road trails: Ireland is a cycling playground
For its size, the island of Ireland has some of the greatest geographical diversity of any destination in the world. For cyclists, this means a breadth of very different experiences never more than a few hours travel from each other.
The cycling routes in Ireland will suit any level – from casual sightseer or intrepid road racer to mountain biking enthusiast – just strap on your panniers, put on your helmet and let’s cycle.
Take a guided tour along the west coast on the Wild Atlantic Way with your baggage transferred each time you change location; self-tour Ireland’s Ancient East on a bike rental picked up from its towns and villages; pedal at your leisure along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland; or make the most of the island's city bike schemes to explore at your own pace.
Cliff at Lyons, County Kildare
The incredible network of roads and boreens (small roads) means you can go out with no planned route in mind and follow your nose.
Rory Wyley, president of Cycling Ireland
Greenways and Trails
Across the island, you’ll find a number of Greenways, which are designed for cyclists – and it’s no coincidence that they also happen to cover some of the most memorable landscapes imaginable. Check out the Great Western Greenway, reaching from the town of Westport to Achill Island in County Mayo, which passes by spectacular sights such as Croagh Patrick, Keem Bay and Wild Nephin National Park.
There's the Waterford Greenway, which runs from Waterford City to Dungarvan. Or there's the Royal Canal Greenway, which at 130km is the longest off-road greenway in Ireland. It stretches from Dublin all the way to Longford. The trail also passes through Kildare, Meath and Westmeath.
Stretching across County Westmeath, the Old Rail Trail is a 43km route that goes through the heart of the midlands. On the trail, you’ll pass through station houses, arched bridges and bustling towns such as Athlone, Moate, Castletown and Mullingar where the trail concludes. The trail links up to the Royal Canal Greenway if you’d like to continue with your cycling journey!
If you’re looking for a bike ride that brings you through a diverse stretch of landscapes, the Limerick Greenway is the one for you. It may only be 39km, but it brings you through Norman castles, abbeys, boglands, farmlands and more. You can complete the whole route or join in at one of the waymarked five sections.
Take to the mountain bike trails in Castlewellan Forest Park in County Down where you’ll explore winding routes alongside Castlewellan Lake all within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or test your offroad skills on the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails where exhilarating black and red trails are rewarded with gorgeous views over Carlingford Lough in County Louth.
Cycling around the island of Ireland
L-R: Cycling Ballycastle, County Antrim; Waterford Greenway, County Waterford; Rostrevor, County Down; Bicycle in Dublin city
Cycling: need to know
If you don’t bring your own, there are plenty of bike hire shops around the island, and rental fees are reasonable. Most bike shops will let you rent your bike in one location and drop it off at another for a small fee.
Rental price generally includes lock, pump, puncture repair kit, mudguards and carrier; insurance cover is given with all bicycles hired. Children's bikes are also available, but remember to book well in advance and ask about helmets, especially in high season.
The Road Safety Authority in the Republic of Ireland and Road Safe NI gives advice on cycling safely and the rules of the road.
In Northern Ireland, all bicycles are carried free of charge on Translink Goldline Express Coaches only and Translink trains (including the 'Enterprise' service). No bikes will be carried before 0930 hours Monday to Friday. In the Republic of Ireland, bicycles are not permitted on Irish Rail Commuter trains before 9.30am and between 4pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday.
Bikes are allowed on public transport free of charge at off-peak times, however there is limited space on intercity trains and a nominal fee may be charged. In Dublin, buses and trains both allow fold-up bikes, free of charge.
And don’t forget, Ireland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so pack gear for every eventuality.
