Top Cycling Routes In Ireland For Your Next Adventure
Are you planning to have a cycling adventure? Cycling routes in Ireland can give you much more than a cycling experience. You can enjoy fresh breezes, historical landscapes, and breathtaking beauty along with this adventurous trip. Ireland has a lot to offer, such as the Wild Atlantic Route, the peaceful roads of County Kerry and scenic views near Dublin. These different cycling routes have a variety of stories to uncover. Charming villages, ancient castles, strikingly beautiful roads giving a view of the Atlantic Ocean, and whatnot? You can enjoy all in one package by cycling along a variety of terrains.
If you are a cycling enthusiast looking to experience variety in a single adventure, keep reading to learn about the top routes for cyclists in Ireland.
What Are the Best Cycling Routes in Ireland?
Ireland is a dream place for cyclists. The country offers a variety of cycling routes for all levels. From beginners to expert cyclists, the cycling routes have something for everyone. You can enjoy circular and surfaced roads to seaside trails on your two wheels. Since most of these cycling routes are traffic-free, they are beginner-friendly. You can explore the beauty of these places at your own pace.
Ireland’s best cycling routes combine well-maintained traffic-free routes, circular coastal roads, and breathtaking cliffs. You can pick the route according to your vibe. The following are some of the best Irish cycling paths.
- Great Western Greenway (County Mayo)
- Waterford Greenway Waterford
- Limerick Greenway
- Royal Canal Greenway
- Beara Peninsula
Best Beginner-Friendly and Family Cycling Routes
Are you a beginner and a casual rider thinking of starting a thrilling cycling journey? Ireland has a great deal of cycling routes that are beginner-friendly. Below you can find some of the top cycling trails that are beginner-friendly.
Waterford Greenway
- Waterford Greenway is one of the most loved bike-friendly routes across Ireland. It is a beautiful and complete introduction of Ireland’s cycling trails.
- It is a 46 km stunningly beautiful trail from Waterford city to Dungarvan.
- The route features viaducts, railway tracks, and the picturesque beauty of villages.
- The roads are well-paved and surfaced, which makes this cycling trail beginner-friendly.
- You can also take a break by stopping and exploring the cafes and picnic spots. Enjoy it equally whether alone or with a family.
Great Western Greenway (Mayo)
- A 49 km-long route extending from Westport to Achill Island, the route offers stunning views. Cycle the entire traffic-free road while enjoying the hilly terrains, villages, and beautiful coastline.
- The coastal scenery along the way gives the cyclists a truly enjoyable experience.
- Passing through the charming town, traffic-free roads, and the incredible beauty of rolling hills make it a leisurely experience for beginner cyclists.
Limerick Greenway
- Limerick Greenway is a 40 km long passage that goes beyond the strikingly beautiful countryside.
- It starts from Rathkeale, covering the most peaceful roads, and ends in Abbeyfeale.
- It brings you the joy of witnessing tunnels, lush green farms, historic towns, and beautiful countryside.
- The entire route follows a passage along a restored railway line, so there is no traffic.
- This traffic-free cycling is perfect for beginners and families.
- You can also take short breaks by stopping at the cafes and rest points along the way.
Coastal and Scenic Cycling Routes
Coastal and scenic cycling routes of Ireland offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and challenge for cyclists. Below are the top three coastal cycling routes for those who seek natural beauty, charming towns, and mountains.
Beara Peninsula (Kerry/Cork)
- The Beara Peninsula is Ireland’s longest cycling route.
- It stretches from the Beara Peninsula in West Cork to Cavan.
- The long-distance cycle route in Ireland covers the picturesque beauty of quiet coastal roads and rolling hills.
- Perfect for those who love both seaside and mountain views.
Ring of Kerry Cycle Route
- The Ring of Kerry Cycle Route is a 179 km circular cycling trail in County Kerry.
- The route starts and ends in Killarney.
- It is a diverse blend of lakes, mountains, towns, and the Atlantic coast.
- You can enjoy the mountain and seaside beauty at the same time.
- The route is popular among tourists, so it can be busy.
- Experience an unforgettable cycling experience by exploring Kenmare Bay, Ladies View, Molls Gap, and plenty of other stops.
Since the route is long, so many prefer breaking it up over multiple days to enjoy it to the fullest.
Causeway Coastal Route (Antrim)
- The Causeway Coastal Route is a 190 km-long ride from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry.
- The route offers rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and sea views.
- This long-distance cycling trail has world-famous landmarks such as Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
- The route offers many places worth exploring, such as wildlife, beautiful villages, and hilltop walks. The cyclists prefer to break the trip into 2-3 days to fully enjoy and explore the places.
Off-Road and Mountain Bike Trails
For the cyclists who love adventure cycling challenges, along with natural beauty, Ireland offers off-road and mountain bike trails.
Derroura Mountain Bike Trail (Galway)
- The Derroura mountain bike trail is a 16 km long forest road.
- It is one of the most exciting off-road trails, offering adventure, challenge, and breathtaking beauty.
- The trail is famous for being technical and suitable for experienced mountain bikers.
- While enjoying the scenic beauty of lakes and mountains, you can test your ability to handle rocky and tough ground.
For those who want to explore Ireland’s mountain bike trails, Derroura Mountain is an ideal trail.
Ballyhoura Trails (Limerick)
- Ballyhoura Trails is a major network of off-road bike trails located at the border of Limerick and Cork.
- The trail offers a variety of activities for everyone, such as walking, challenging hiking, and thrilling descents, etc.
- You can experience a mixture of road climbs, technical sections, and single tracks, etc.
- The main trailhead at the bike centre offers facilities such as parking, bike wash, and toilets, etc.
- If you are choosing a tough route for adventure cycling, make sure that your bike is in good condition.
- There is a grading of the trails according to difficulty level. The trails marked blue are medium, red are difficult, and black are challenging.
Hidden Gems: Longford and Louth Cycling Routes
There are some cycling trails in Ireland that are not famous but are hidden gems. You will love these routes as cyclists if you like quiet trails, local beauty, and natural charm. If you crave some relaxed time, these routes are perfect for you.
Longford Canal Cycle Trail
- The Longford Canal Cycle Trail follows the route of the Royal Canal.
- It is a traffic-free passage.
- The flat and quiet roads and serene water views make it a perfect destination for families.
Coastal Cycle Louth
- Coastal Cycle Louth is one of the lesser-known cycling routes along the east coast of Ireland.
- This cycling route gives amazingly beautiful views to visitors, such as natural beauty, fresh air, a calm and quiet environment, and cultural sites.
- This route joins different coastal towns.
- Cyclists can have a wonderful time while having amazing views of sandy beaches and the Irish Sea.
Conclusion
Ireland’s cycling routes have plenty of options for every cyclist. Whatever route you are taking for your cycling adventure, all the bike-friendly routes across Ireland give you an insight into the natural beauty of the country. You can take a traffic-free road and soak in the beauty of the lush countryside. A tough mountain path can give you a challenging time. However, each of these cycling routes will bring you the joy of adventure.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist, these cycling routes in Ireland will bring you closer to nature, local life, and rich cultural heritage.
