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CYCLING IRELAND: Pedal your way around the Emerald Isle

Slip into a pair of cross trainers, strap on a helmet and don’t forget the refillable water bottle, because we’re cycling Ireland. Bus and road trips are a classic way […]

Slip into a pair of cross trainers, strap on a helmet and don’t forget the refillable water bottle, because we’re cycling Ireland.

Bus and road trips are a classic way to travel, as are walking and rail tours, but nothing connects a traveller with a destination quite like hitting the road on a bike.

Ireland is a fantastic country for first time and experienced riders, not only because it’s relatively safe but because it’s one large, breathtaking track.

From riding around Kingfisher, to pedalling the Great Western Way, here are some cycling itineraries to consider on your next Ireland trip.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It’s illegal to ride a bike when you’re ‘flutered’ aka drunk in Ireland, so try not to be a ‘flute’ aka idiot and don’t drink and cycle.

 

BIKING BELFAST

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Stop by St. George’s Market, one of Belfast’s oldest attractions. Image: Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland

If you’re unsure of bikepacking (long distance bike roads), then start off small with a city tour.

A recommended day-biking tour around Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, should start at the Titanic Belfast.

Take in luxury cruising history with interactive galleries and an underwater cinema before cycling seven minutes down the road to Belfast’s cultural hub, the Cathedral Quarter.

Snap pictures of the grand St Anne’s Cathedral and check out her white marble floors, and then head on over to Avoca for some lunch.

Hop back on your bike, and ride down to St George’s Market, which dates back to 1604, making it one of the city’s oldest attractions. There, visitors can purchase jewellery, artwork and other locally-made treasures.

Once you’re all shopped out, pedal to the Botanic Gardens for some Instagram-worthy pictures, and then end your cycling tour with a challenging climb up Divis Mountains where the views have been described as “worth it”.

For more information, click here.

 

BUNNY HOPPING DUBLIN

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Spend a day riding around Ireland’s capital. Image: Lucas Miguel/Unsplash

Weave in and out of Dublin’s traffic by starting your bike tour at Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol – a former prison transformed into an Anglo-Irish War Museum.

Once you’ve had your dose of history, cruise on over to Dublin’s other popular attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse where you can learn the story behind Ireland’s beer, and the National Museum of Ireland.

For there, peddle for eight minutes to the Phoenix Park, which offers many photo opportunities with its landscapes and deer encounters.

While hanging around Phoenix Park, be sure to check out Áras an Uachtaráin aka the residence of the President of Ireland, which sits within Phoenix Park.

If you’ve got a little time to spare at the end of the day, cycle for 17 minutes over to the other side of the city and check out the medieval Dublin Castle.

For more information, click here.

 

HIT THE BRAKES ALONG THE GREAT WESTERN GREENWAY

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Stop by the Deserted Village. Image: mayo-ireland.ie

For longer bikepacking trips around Ireland, try cycling for four days on the Great Western Greenway.

Just as the title suggests, you’ll ride through and past 42 kilometres of Ireland’s natural outdoor beauty, including dramatic mountain and bay views.

You’ll be able to stop off along the way and swim in pure blue beaches, take a shot at golf, and more.

If that’s not tempting enough, the Great Western Greenway passes through a number of historic villages, such as the ‘Deserted Village’ where 80-100 stone cottages still stand on the southern slopes of Slievemore Mountain.

For more information, click here.

 

UNHOOK THE CHAINS ON THE KINGFISHER TRAIL

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Ride to one of the finest man-made caves in Europe. Image: marblearchcavesgeopark.com

If you’ve got a bit of time to spare in Ireland, then hop on a bike for a 447 kilometre journey along the Kingfisher Trail.

The Northern Loop starts in Enniskillen where you can visit a 16th century castle and try some unexpectedly good Greek food at Dollakis Restaurant.

Then it’s onward to Florence Court for some 18th century romance, before riding to one of the finest man-made caves in Europe, the Marble Arch.

The Kingfisher Trail continues to Belleek for a visit to one of the world’s oldest operating potters, and then onward to Devenish Island, an ancient monastic site.

For more information, click here.