5 epic cycling routes in Ireland

1. Red Trail, Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trail Centre

• Highlights: coastal views, singletrack descent
• Length: 27km
• Terrain: purpose-built trail
• Grade: difficult/experienced riders

“No pain, no gain” is the motto at the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trail Centre, home of the infamous Red Trail. If you’re up to the challenge, the rewards are immense. After a leg-burning climb up Slievemartin you can soak in spectacular views across the glacial fjord of Carlingford Lough before embarking on a hair-raising descent on one of the winding tracks that take you back to the trail head. Want to push yourself further? Try the even more extreme Black Trail.

2. Great Western Greenway

• Highlights: Atlantic seascapes, heritage towns
• Length: 49km
• Terrain: smooth, level track
• Grade: easy/beginners

Stunning sea views and magnificent mountain backdrops await on the Great Western Greenway, one of Ireland’s longest off-road cycling (and walking) trails. Starting in the lively town of Westport and ending amidst the wild beauty of Achill Island, the route takes in quiet bays and beaches, passes through towns and villages and is dotted with historic sites. Because it largely follows an old railway line, the gradients are gradual, making it suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. You can cycle it in a day but it’s more fun to take your time and enjoy the ride.

3. Beara Peninsula

• Highlights: coastal views, Dursey Island cable car
• Length: 138km
• Terrain: country roads
• Grade: moderate/experienced riders

The Beara Peninsula in West Cork puts the “wild” in Wild Atlantic Way. This rocky finger jutting into the Atlantic offers a challenge to cyclists with its steeply ascending mountain roads (300m at the highest point) and hairpin bends, but the views as you follow the coast make it all worth it. This is a looped route so you can start where you like but Kenmare is a good base with plenty of places to stay, eat and enjoy a well-earned pint after a hard day’s pedalling.

4. Bridal Path, Glenveagh National Park

• Highlights: lake and mountain views, Glenveagh Castle
• Length: 16km
• Terrain: gravel road
• Grade: easy/beginners

Everyone’s favourite trail in the stunning Glenveagh National Park, the Bridal Path is a moderate “there and back” route that takes you from the Visitor Centre to the top of the glen. Along the way, you can soak in the views of the Derryveagh Mountains, admire the native oak woodland and keep your eyes open for golden eagles soaring above. The trail is a relatively flat gravel road that rises in the final 3km so it’s quite doable for beginners.

5. Waterford Greenway

• Highlights: coastal views, Mount Congreve Gardens
• Length: 46km
• Terrain: smooth level track
• Grade: easy/beginners

Following an old railway line from the medieval splendour of Waterford city to the seaside town of Dungarvan, the Waterford Greenway (the longest on the island of Ireland) is a treat. You’ll cross bridges and viaducts, pass through a 400m tunnel, cycle by the banks of the River Suir, then follow Copper Coast with its tiny inlets and beaches. Yes, you could do it in a day, but it’s not a race! Slow down, take your time and soak up the sights. It’s the perfect way to explore this part of Ireland.