Cycling in Ireland
Ireland has more miles of road per square mile than any other country in the world and to the joy of cyclists most of these are minor back roads. The distances in Ireland are thoroughly manageable by bicycle and the quiet roads mean peaceful and safe bicycle journeys. In fact on a bicycle you can easily rid yourself of the maddening crowds by peddling a few kilometres off the main roads.
That said, many of the regional roads are not well sign posted therefore if you are planning a trip along the back roads it pays to be equipped with a decent map and compass. Additionally the rolling hills of the Emerald Isle also makes for some stiff hill climbing in some areas.
The Southwest of Ireland is very popular for cycling where the peninsulas and islands of Cork and Kerry are have stunning scenery, light traffic and beautiful resting places. The Cork and Kerry Tourism Offices publish the “Cycling Routes in Cork and Kerry” available from Cork/Kerry Tourism Offices.
Ireland's many islands are also ideal for cycling and you can take your bike on all passenger ferries, often for no extra charge. Some of the best islands are Cape Clear, County Cork; Great Blasket Island, County Kerry; the Aran Islands, County Galway; and Achill and Clare Islands, County Mayo.
Rent a Bike in ireland
Raleigh Rent-A-Bike
Raleigh House
Kylemore Road
Dublin 10
Tel: +353 1 626 1333
Fax: +353 1 626 1770
Website: Raleigh Rent-A-Bike
Rent-A-Bike Ireland
1 Patrick Street
Limerick
County Limerick
Tel: + 353 61 416 983
Fax: +353 61 319 229
Website: Rent-A-Bike Ireland
Killary Tours
Leenane, Connemara
County Galway
Tel. + 353 95 42276
Fax + 353 95 42314
Website: Killary Tours
Irish Cycle Safaris
Belfield Bike Shop
Belfield House
University College Dublin
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 260 0749 (from USA dial 011-353-1-260 0749)
Fax: +353 1 716 1168 (from USA dial 011-353-1-716 1168)
Email: info@cyclingsafaris.com
Website: Irish Cycle Safaris
Celtic Cycling
Lorum Old Rectory
Bagenalstown
County Carlow
Tel: +353 503 75 282
Fax: +353 503 75 455
Website: Celtic Cycling
CycleWest Ireland
48 Renville Village
Renville Galway
Ireland
Tel: +353 91 795 871
Tollfree USA: 1 800 204 1452
USA & Canada: 404 255 7998
Irish Cycle Hire
Unit 6
Enterprise Centre
Ardee
County Louth
Tel: +353 41 685 3772
Fax: +353 41 685 3809
Email: irch@iol.ie
Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring
15 Ballyknockan Road
Saintfield
Co Down
N Ireland
Tel & Fax: +44 (0) 2890 813200
Email: info@irondonkey.com
Website: http://www.irondonkey.com/
Useful Resources
Dublin Cycling Campaign
Cycle Holidays Ireland
Guided Bike Tours Self Guided and Bicycle Holidays.
