Get on your bike and go explore Ireland

Every weekend, thousands of middle-aged men bedecked in expensive lycra cruise across the Irish countryside in vast pelotons. Thankfully, with the recent development of dedicated cycle tracks and trails, they can be avoided. There has been a surge in non-competitive, family-friendly, leisurely biking in Ireland over the last ten years, and the choice of locations for those who want to get out and on their bikes seems to grow every week. 
 
There are, of course, different "spokes" or different folks. So whether you and yours enjoy zipping down the side of a mountain or pedaling at a gentler pace, it’s all here on the island of Ireland.

Blessington Greenway Cycle Trail, County Wicklow

Blessington Greenway Cycle Trail, County Wicklow.

If you’re keen to get in the saddle straight off your flight, there are some super escapes just a short hop from Dublin. The Blessington Greenway Cycle Trail is a pleasant (and easy) way to kick off your cycling tour of Ireland. This short trail starts with the friendly team at the Avon Rí Outdoor Pursuits Centre, who will sort you out with bikes and helmets, and it weaves its way around the man-made Poulaphouca Reservoir.

The 6 km trail takes you on a gravel track through countryside and forest before finishing at the wonderful Russborough House where you can have tea and cake before finding your way out of the mythical garden maze and into the small but fascinating museum.

Russborough House.

Ballinastoe, County Wicklow

For bikers who like their action a little more on the steep side, Ballinastoe in Wicklow has more than 25 km of singletrack which includes 5 blue, 10 red, and 5 black mountain bike trails.

Ballinastoe, County Wicklow.

The minimum age is 11 but you will need experience on these trials as they can be challenging. That said, the rewards are out of this world with stunning views over the Irish Sea and Lough Tay, also known as the Guinness Lake. If you need a little help and guidance for this one, be sure to contact the team at biking.ie who offer guided tours and bikes for hire.  

Lough Tay.

Old Rail Trail, County Westmeath

After barreling down the sides of mountains for an afternoon, you might want to come back down to earth a little and try the genteel Old Rail Trail. Even the name evokes laid-back otherworldliness and brings you back to a time when life was a little slower.

Old Rail Trail, County Westmeath.

As the name suggests, this trail is built along long abandoned train lines in Ireland’s midlands. It starts in bustling Athlone town on the banks of the River Shannon before making its way to Mullingar, the elegant hometown of One Direction singer Niall Horan. At 41 km, it is a bit of a trek. But there are plenty of stops along the way including great views across the Shannon from Athlone Castle, the stone arch bridges of lovely Streamstown, and of course, the mythological and ancient, sacred site of Uisneach where the belly button of Ireland sticks out of the ground. 
 

Hill of Uisneach.

Suir Blueway, County Tipperary

Further south, the Suir Blueway is made up of a 21 km walking or cycling trail running from Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel (it also includes a 32 km stretch of waterway which can be canoed or kayaked. Hence its status as a blueway rather than a greenway). This part of Ireland is often overlooked and we can never understand why.

Suir Blueway, County Tipperary.

World-class cyclist Seán Kelly hailed from these parts and spent his early days cycling around the inspirational scenery of the Golden Vale and Comeragh Mountains. Your ride will be a little slower and by sticking to the 17th-century towpath that this route follows you’ll take in beautiful bridges, castles and churches set in this picturesque countryside.

Waterford Greenway

Wherever you finish this trail, it’s just a short drive to either Dungarvan or Waterford City to start your journey on the famous Waterford Greenway. With its proximity to four cities Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny and Waterford itself, this is perhaps the most popular greenway in the country and probably the best-known. For that reason, it can be busy but that only adds to the sense of bonhomie.

Opened in 2017, this greenway offers 46 km of glorious car-free pathway. It takes in no fewer than eleven bridges, three viaducts and the 400m-long Ballyvoyle Tunnel.

Waterford Greenway.

If you can’t tackle the whole trail, there are six sections to choose from ranging from 3 km in length to 13 km. As you meander along the lush banks of the River Suir and see the spectacular beaches of Waterford’s famed Copper Coast a UNESCO Global Geopark, you’ll be struck by the diversity this trail has to offer. Along the way be sure to stop off at the world-famous Mount Congreve Gardens with its seventy acres of planted woodland and four-acre walled garden.

For refreshments, a must-stop is the Shanacool pub and sweetshop. In the same family since 1860, the old photos on the wall chart the history of the former railway and its workers who were once the pub’s regulars.

Limerick Greenway

On the other side of Munster, the recently opened Limerick Greenway is a 39 km off-road route connecting the market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastlewest and Abbeyfeale in west Limerick. With castles, abbeys, medieval ruins, workhouses, famine graveyards, deserted railway stations and breathtaking scenery, there is so much to take in.

Limerick Greenway.

Be sure to stop off in Newcastlewest to visit Desmond Castle and its refurbished banqueting hall. Fans of archaeology will want to stop off in Ardagh and visit the old ring fort where the Ardagh Chalice was found by two boys digging potatoes in 1868. A more Irish story you could not get. 

Great Western Greenway, County Mayo

After the gentle landscapes of the midlands and Munster, you’ll be ready for the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way. Even if you’re not cycling around the country, be sure to visit Westport, a beautiful and lively market town in Mayo and a focal point for many who take on the Great Western Greenway.

Great Western Greenway, County Mayo.

At 42 km it’s more than manageable for most but it is challenging in parts and if the Atlantic wind is blowing, you’ll know all about it. The rewards are mind-blowing, however. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the country and you will have the sacred mountain of Croagh Patrick near you at all times for company.

If you’re not up for the whole route, your best bet is to choose between Achill to Mulranny (13 km) which provides magnificent views of Mayo’s rugged coastline or the Mulranny to Newport (18km) stretch with stunning views out over Clew Bay and the hundreds of little islands splattered in its pristine blue water. According to legend, there is one island for every day of the year, so you might be hard-pressed to find John Lennon’s island, Dorinish, which the Beatle bought in 1967. Rest assured it’s out there.

Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down

Now that you’ve made your way across the southern part of the island, it’s worth wheeling your way north to see what Northern Ireland has to offer. 
Castlewellan Forest Park, in County Down, ticks all the boxes for cyclists and mountain bikers of all ages and abilities. Families with younger members can choose between the two-and-a-half-mile Green Trail or the slightly longer Blue Trail, both take you around Castlewellan Lake in under an hour and offer stunning views of the Mountains of Mourne.

Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down.

The fifteen-mile Red Trail is for families with older and fitter kids who are experienced bikers. This route is not for the faint-hearted and involves a fair bit of climbing. The views are stunning, however, and you’ll have quite the achievement to discuss around the dinner table that evening.

Newry Canal Way, County Down and Armagh

For families who like their cycling a little gentler, the Newry Canal Way is ideal. It is not short mind you. At twenty miles, it will take something out of little legs but there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way so you can take it handy and enjoy the scenery. With its location right on the border with the south, Newry is known as a bit of a shopping hub. Just as well perhaps. After all that cycling and pedaling, the whole family will need some new shoes.