Cycling in 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: 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.