Ireland is currently experiencing a cycling renaissance. Whether it’s eco-conscious tourism, rising health awareness, or a post-pandemic love for the outdoors, more locals and visitors are embracing Ireland by bike. According to Cycling Ireland, participation in recreational cycling grew by over 35% between 2020 and 2024, with more than 400,000 people actively cycling weekly.
As someone who’s explored greenways, coastlines, and rural routes from Galway to Waterford, I’ve come to appreciate Ireland’s unique blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and cycling-friendly infrastructure. You don’t need to be an elite athlete—many of Ireland’s best routes are accessible to beginners and families.
🚴♀️ Types of Cycling Routes in Ireland
| Type | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Greenways | Leisure cycling, families, traffic-free | Great Western Greenway, Waterford Greenway |
| Coastal Routes | Sea views, moderate challenge | Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry |
| Mountain Trails | Adventure seekers, MTB riders | Ballyhoura MTB Trails, Ticknock |
| Scenic Road Loops | Touring cyclists, day trips | Beara Peninsula Loop, Wicklow Gap |
Top Cycling Routes in Ireland
1. Great Western Greenway (Mayo)
📍 Westport to Achill Island
🛤️ 42 km | Traffic-free | Family-friendly
☀️ Best Time: May–September
Overview:
Ireland’s first and most iconic greenway, following the old railway line between Westport, Newport, Mulranny, and Achill Island. This route showcases rugged Atlantic views, stone walls, sheep-dotted hills, and serene boglands.
Why It Stands Out:
- Completely off-road and safe for all levels
- Stunning views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick
- Great bike rental options at all stops
My Experience:
Cycling from Mulranny to Achill on a sunny morning felt like Ireland’s answer to the Pacific Coast Highway—without traffic or stress. Achill’s beaches (especially Keel) are a rewarding finish.
2. Waterford Greenway
📍 Waterford City to Dungarvan
🚲 46 km | Smooth tarmac | Scenic viaducts & tunnels
☀️ Best Time: March–October
Overview:
This route travels from Waterford city to the vibrant seaside town of Dungarvan, passing through 11 bridges, 3 viaducts, and a 400m railway tunnel.
Highlights:
- The Durrow Tunnel: a cinematic cycling moment
- The Kilmacthomas Viaduct with river views
- Dungarvan’s foodie scene at the finish line
Expert Insight:
According to Fáilte Ireland, the Waterford Greenway brought €14 million in tourism revenue in 2023, proving its success as both a local and international cycling gem.
3. The Ring of Kerry (Co. Kerry)
📍 Counterclockwise loop from Killarney
⛰️ 175 km | Challenging | Best for experienced cyclists
☀️ Best Time: Late spring or early autumn
Overview:
This legendary loop offers dramatic coastal roads, rugged mountains, and charming villages like Sneem and Waterville. While it’s open to cars, many cyclists ride it during quieter hours or as part of organized tours.
Must-See Spots:
- Moll’s Gap: panoramic views of Killarney National Park
- Ladies View
- Skellig Ring (optional add-on)
My Tip:
Split it into 2–3 days and overnight in Waterville or Cahersiveen. Watch for tour buses—early morning starts are ideal.
4. Royal Canal Greenway
📍 Maynooth to Cloondara (Longford)
🛤️ 130 km | Flat, inland path | Great for multi-day trips
☀️ Best Time: April–October
Overview:
Ireland’s longest greenway follows the Royal Canal and offers peaceful rural scenery, old lock houses, and quiet towns. Ideal for slow travel, fishing stops, and nature lovers.
Best Sections:
- Maynooth to Enfield (well-maintained & cafés)
- Mullingar to Cloondara (tranquil and green)
Good to Know:
Unlike more tourist-heavy trails, this is less crowded and gives a genuine rural Ireland experience.
5. Beara Peninsula Loop (Cork/Kerry)
📍 Castletownbere loop via Glengarriff and Allihies
🌊 138 km | Wild, remote | Ideal for seasoned cyclists
☀️ Best Time: May–June
Why It’s Special:
The Beara Peninsula is less commercial than Kerry, with tougher climbs, narrower roads, and jaw-dropping Atlantic scenery.
Top Features:
- Healy Pass: a serpent-like mountain road with sweeping views
- Dursey Island cable car (leave your bike behind)
- Friendly villages like Eyeries, with colourful houses
My Personal Note:
I cycled Beara over two days—it’s quiet, tough, but emotionally and physically unforgettable. I saw more sheep than cars.
Hidden Gems & Unique Trails
| Route | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Old Rail Trail Greenway | Athlone to Mullingar | Easy, scenic rail trail |
| Phoenix Park | Dublin | Family rides, deer spotting |
| Limerick Greenway | Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale | Castles, viaducts, short day rides |
| Clifden Sky Road | Connemara | Coastal climbs, iconic sunsets |
| Ballyhoura MTB Trails | Limerick/Cork border | Mountain biking, thrill seekers |
🚴 Tips for Cycling in Ireland
- Weather: Be ready for four seasons in a day. Bring waterproofs—even in July.
- Bike Rental: Available in major hubs (e.g., Westport, Waterford, Killarney). Book in advance during summer.
- Navigation: Use apps like Komoot, RideWithGPS, or Strava Ireland for offline maps and route planning.
- Safety: Wear high-visibility gear, especially on shared roads. Helmets recommended (though not legally required).
- Charging: Many greenways now have e-bike charging stations and bike repair points.
📌 Summary Table: Ireland’s Top Cycling Routes
| Route | Distance | Type | Suitable For | Traffic-Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Greenway | 42 km | Greenway | Families, leisure | ✅ |
| Waterford Greenway | 46 km | Greenway | Beginners to intermediate | ✅ |
| Ring of Kerry | 175 km | Scenic Road Loop | Advanced, touring cyclists | ❌ |
| Royal Canal Greenway | 130 km | Inland Greenway | Multi-day leisure trips | ✅ |
| Beara Peninsula Loop | 138 km | Coastal road | Adventure, endurance cyclists |
FAQs About Cycling in Ireland
Is Ireland safe for cyclists?
Generally yes. Greenways are safest, while shared rural roads are typically low-traffic but may lack shoulders. Cities require more caution.
When is the best time to cycle in Ireland?
Between May and September, when days are longer and weather is milder. July is peak tourism season—expect more crowds.
Can I bring a bike on public transport?
- Trains: Yes (limited space, book ahead)
- Luas/DART (Dublin): Bikes allowed outside peak hours
- Bus Éireann: Foldable bikes only on most services
Are there guided cycling tours?
Yes—companies like Irish Cycling Safaris and Green Marble Tours offer fully supported routes.
Are there e-bike options?
Absolutely. E-bike rentals are available on all major greenways. Perfect for mixed-ability groups or longer distances.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Why Ireland Is a Hidden Gem for Cyclists
Cycling in Ireland is about more than just fitness—it’s about connecting with landscape, heritage, and people in a slow, intimate way. From gliding past castles on the Waterford Greenway to climbing remote Atlantic ridges in Kerry, each route has a distinct rhythm and personality.
For anyone planning a trip, I recommend starting with a greenway (easy, rewarding), then working up to coastal or road loops. Don’t be afraid of a little rain—it’s just part of the Irish charm.
Have a favourite cycling trail or need help planning your route? Let me know in the comments or drop a message—I’m happy to share custom itineraries!
Hi, I’m Tanvir, the founder and author of Explore Ireland Now. With a deep love for Ireland and its rich culture, history, and landscapes, I created this site to share everything that makes this beautiful country worth exploring. Whether you’re a local looking for hidden gems or a traveler planning your next adventure, I provide insightful guides, tips, and recommendations to help you experience Ireland to the fullest.
From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and quaint villages, Ireland is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. Through my personal experiences and research, I aim to bring you the most up-to-date information and inspiration for your journey.
Thank you for visiting Explore Ireland Now—I hope my content helps you uncover all that this incredible country has to offer! If you have any questions or need travel advice, feel free to reach out.
