What Is It Like to Go Cycling in Ireland?
Whether you’re a lifelong cyclist or just dusting off the saddle for the first time in years, Ireland has a way of drawing you in.
The roads are peaceful, the landscapes shift from mountain to coast in a matter of miles, and the journey is always just as rewarding as the destination.
Green hills drop into the Atlantic. Quiet country lanes lined with wildflowers. A warm pub with enchanting live music awaits at the end of the ride. This is what cycling in Ireland feels like — calm, beautiful, and unexpectedly moving.
And if you’re not bringing your own bike, don’t worry – bike hire options at Green Marble Tours are widely available, with everything from hybrid and electric models to helmets, panniers, and route support.
In this guide, we’ll show you what makes Irish cycling so special – from the best seasons and routes to what to pack and where to begin. Let’s get rolling!
Why Biking in Ireland Is a Unique Experience
Slow travel at its best
Cycling is one of the most rewarding forms of eco-tourism in Ireland. It’s slow travel – the kind that lets you notice the details: the scent of wildflowers in the hedgerows, the call of a distant curlew, a patch of sun lighting up a ruined tower. You’ll move at a gentle pace and leave nothing behind but tyre tracks.
A true outdoor lifestyle
There’s a freshness to life on two wheels here. You’ll feel the sea breeze in your face, pass hills sprinkled with sheep, and roll through meadows bursting with wild orchids and spring gentians. Ireland’s mild climate makes it easy to stay outdoors all day (just bring a rain jacket – the skies like to keep things interesting).
Scenic roads and quiet boreens
Ireland’s country lanes – called boreens – are a cyclist’s dream. These are peaceful, winding roads with barely any traffic, often leading through old stone walls, fields, and valleys that feel unchanged for centuries. Every turn brings a new view: a sparkling lake, a stretch of Atlantic coast, or a lonely tower house on a hill.
Culture, just a pedal away
Bike riding in Ireland isn’t just about the scenery – it’s about everything along the way. Stop for a scone in a cosy café in Clifden, known as the “Capital of Connemara.” Sip a creamy pint in a Doolin pub, where traditional music spills out nightly, especially during the summer months. Pull over to wander through the haunting ruins of Corcomroe Abbey, nestled in the Burren’s limestone folds, or explore the walled gardens of Kylemore Abbey near Lough Pollacappul.
You’ll pass through colourful villages like Kinvara and Roundstone, full of charm and chatter – where a spontaneous hello could turn into a story, a song, or even a homemade apple tart.
Built-in support and a cycle-friendly culture
Good news: Ireland is incredibly cycle-aware. Drivers are generally respectful, and towns and routes are increasingly designed with cyclists in mind. And if you’re travelling with Green Marble, you’ve got a local team watching your back – with roadside help, insider tips, and route support when you need it most.
The Best Routes for Bike Riding in Ireland
Explore coastlines, culture, and comfort on two wheels
Ireland’s west coast is a dreamscape for bike riding – not just because of its beauty, but because of how perfectly its routes suit the kind of cyclist who wants to take their time, breathe deeply, and soak it all in.
Here’s where the journey truly begins.
Connemara: Wild, Windblown, and Wonderfully Quiet
Tucked along the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara bike rides take you through an area that feels like a place time forgot to keep up with. Winding coastal roads wrap around bogland, beach, and mountain in equal measure.
On a clear day, the Twelve Bens rise in the distance, mirrored in quiet lakes. Sea holly and thrift dot the roadside, while stone walls frame views of offshore islands. Ride the Sky Road, a gentle climb above the sea, and breathe in the salt air scented with wild thyme.
Gaelic-speaking villages like Carna or An Spidéal offer warm stops, where conversations are easy and the tea is strong.
The Burren: Where Ancient Stone Meets Living Colour
The Burren’s limestone pavement is stark at first glance – but look closely, and you’ll spot Mediterranean orchids, alpine gentians, and even wild hares slipping through the ferns. Individual or guided bike ride tours through the Burren highlight the authentic beauty of Ireland.
Quiet boreens take you past Poulnabrone Dolmen, a Neolithic portal tomb older than the pyramids, and alongside ancient abbey ruins cloaked in moss. With every turn, you feel the hum of deep time beneath your wheels.
And yet, it’s gentle riding: scenic, quiet, and full of surprising colour.
Great Western Greenway: Effortless Beauty for Everyone
The Great Western Greenway is Ireland’s most beloved cycle trail for good reason. Following the old railway line from Westport to Achill Island, it glides past bogland, woodland, and the shimmering waters of Clew Bay.
The trail finishes on Achill Island, where white sands and turquoise water feel almost Mediterranean – and a bracing dip is optional but unforgettable.
Ireland’s Growing Greenway Network
Beyond the West, Ireland’s Greenways continue to expand. The Limerick Greenway rolls past castles and old viaducts; the Waterford Greenway offers sea views and old tunnels. These trails are scenic and gentle – and often follow the path of old railway lines, making them delightfully direct.
Wildflowers, butterflies, and hedgerows line the way, and every so often, you roll into a market town for a pastry and a pint.
Support That Makes It Seamless
With Green Marble’s digital navigation tools – including GPX files, area maps, and on-call support – you always know where you're headed, and help is never far behind. That peace of mind lets you explore at your own pace, and detour when something catches your eye. If you have a problem, while on tour, we will fix it for you.
For the Dreamers: EuroVelo Route 1
If you’ve ever dreamt of a truly epic ride, EuroVelo Route 1 runs along Ireland’s Atlantic spine. It's the kind of trail where seals might be sunning themselves below you one moment, and an ancient ring fort appears in the hills the next.
You don’t have to ride it all – but knowing you’re pedalling even a short stretch of a continental route adds something quietly special to the journey.
Weather and Seasons – When to Go Cycling in Ireland
One of the quiet joys of biking Ireland is the island’s famously mild climate. You won’t find extremes here – no scorching summers or frozen winters – just cool sea breezes, soft rain, and long, lingering twilights that make every ride feel like a slow unfolding story.
Here’s how to time your trip right.
Spring and Autumn: The Sweet Spot
For many cyclists, May and September are the golden months. In May, wildflowers bloom along roadside hedgerows, lambs dot the meadows, and temperatures hover between 10–15°C (50–59°F) – perfect for pedalling.
In September, the heather turns purple in the hills, the tourist crowds thin, and coastal roads feel even more peaceful. These shoulder seasons strike the perfect balance between beauty and serenity.
Summer (July–August): Warmth and Long Days
Summer brings the warmest weather (peaking around 18–20°C / 64–68°F) and the longest days – with daylight stretching until nearly 10 pm in some places.
It’s a popular time for Irish families and European travellers, which means more company on the greenways and in the towns. But the upside? You’ll find festivals, open gardens, and music drifting from pub doors as you roll into village squares.
What to Pack for the Ride
Ireland’s weather is famously changeable – and that’s part of the magic. One hour it’s sea breeze and sunshine; the next it’s a soft coastal mist. To enjoy it all, pack with flexibility in mind:
- Breathable layers – including long sleeves and base layers that you can peel off or pile on as the skies shift
- A good waterproof jacket – light, compact, and ready to save the day when drizzle rolls in over the hills
- Cycling gloves – even in July, early mornings can carry a bite of wind
- Quick-dry shoes or shoe covers – perfect for surprise puddles or that tempting detour toward the beach
- A refillable water bottle – stay hydrated as you roll past roadside springs and village cafés (many Green Marble routes include refill stops!)
- We provide 100% waterproof bike panniers – for stashing layers, snacks, and souvenirs from farm shops and castle cafés.
- And always… a spirit of adventure
With this setup, you’ll ride comfortably through anything – from a sea-scented breeze on the Wild Atlantic Way to a warm burst of sun over a Burren meadow in bloom.
Do I Need a License or Special Gear to Cycle in Ireland?
No license is required to cycle in Ireland.
If you’re renting a bike, most of the essential gear is included:
- Helmet
- Bike lock
- Basic repair kit (multi-tool, spare tube, patch kit, tyre iron and pump)
- Panniers 100% waterproof with capacity of 35L per bag p
- Printed maps, and GPX files (on guided and self guided tours only)
Optional extras you might want to bring:
- Phone holder
- Rearview mirror
You can bring your own bike, but unless you're very experienced with international travel and maintenance, renting locally is simpler and more convenient.
Can You Cycle the entire Wild Atlantic Way? How Long Would It Take?
Yes – cycling the entire Wild Atlantic way is possible, and with good planning, it can be the trip of a lifetime. Staying on Eurovelo 1 would take four to five weeks, depending on your pace and how much time you allow for sightseeing and rest days.
That said, most visitors prefer to explore one region at a time, which makes for a more immersive and relaxing experience. Routes through areas like Connemara, The Burren, and along the Wild Atlantic Way can range from short express tours (3–4 days) to long-distance adventures (up to 20 days).
This approach gives you time to enjoy local villages, historical landmarks, lush coastal scenery, and Gaelic culture, without the pressure of covering hundreds of kilometres.
If you join a self guided tour, everything is arranged for you:
- Accommodation, luggage transfers, and ferry tickets
- Bike rental and repair support
- Maps, route notes, and GPX files
- Flexible start/end points like Galway, Westport, Clifden, Ennis, or Cong
For first-time visitors or anyone who values comfort and good planning, it’s an ideal way to see Ireland by bike – one winding road at a time.
What’s the best place to start a bike tour?
Galway City: The City of the Tribes & The Cyclist’s Gateway to the West
When it comes to charm, creativity, and Irish character, Galway City stands out as a fantastic starting point for any cycling adventure. We often meet our guests in Galway and love hearing about their first impressions. It’s a lively, welcoming place full of artists, music, and friendly faces — with a relaxed pace and strong local identity. Galway is also the perfect launchpad for some of Ireland’s most iconic cycling routes, including the Eurovelo 1 and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Easy Access to Iconic Routes
From Galway, you can ride into Connemara or The Burren along Eurovelo 1. Expect traffic closer to the city gradually expanding into quieter boreens, Atlantic panoramas, and charming detours through traditional villages. The city is also well-connected to Dublin and Shannon Airports – making it a perfect base for your adventure.
But the Real Magic? It’s in the Countryside
For most cycling enthusiasts, rural Ireland is where the heart of the journey lies. Whether you're gliding past a glassy lake or pausing for tea in a thatched-roof village, the joy of cycling in Ireland comes alive outside the city limits.
Take the Leap – Ireland Awaits
Cycling in Ireland isn’t just a way to get around – it’s a way to connect. To nature. To history. To yourself. Ireland’s tourism bodies, including Fáilte Ireland, have helped make the country one of Europe’s most bike-friendly destinations for travellers seeking scenery, history, and slow travel.
With welcoming villages, scenic routes, and expert local support, it’s never been easier – or more rewarding – to explore Ireland by bike. Whether you have three days or three weeks, there’s a perfect ride waiting for you.
All that’s left to do is start pedalling. Ireland is ready when you are.