The Best Bike Loops in Ireland

Distance: ≈ 55 km/34 miles
Start Point: Strandhill
Highlights: Lough Gill, Parke’s Castle
Grade: Green, Level 1-3

Cycle through beautiful Co.Sligo, lauded by the famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats as “The Land of Heart’s Desire.”

Start your day with a hot coffee and freshly-baked pastry from Shell’s Café as you watch the surfers catching waves from the seafront in the renowned surf village of Strandhill, the start point of the ride. A Sunday morning favourite of many local cyclists, the loop follows the wooded shores of Lough Gill, winding through green tunnels of ancient oak trees that suddenly give way to panoramic views of the lake and the ancient Ox Mountains sitting behind it. Stop off at the impressive Parke’s Castle on the lough’s north-eastern shore or take a quick detour from the route to explore the ruins of the medieval Franciscan Friary of Creevlea Abbey. Grab lunch at the family-run Stanford’s Village Inn and Tea Rooms in Dromahair on your way round.

Snack Stops: Shells Café in Strandhill, Stanford’s Village Inn and Tea Rooms in Dromahair.

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Distance: ≈ 145 km/90 miles
Start Point: Kenmare
Highlights: Allihies Village, the Healy Pass
Grade: Red, Level 7-9

One of the most beautiful places in Ireland, the Beara Peninsula remains wild and relatively untouched by tourists.

Start from the historic town of Kenmare and hug the coastline passing through the picturesque villages of Ardgroom, Eyeries and the post-card-worthy Allihies. Continuing around the edge of the Peninsula, you’ll pass by one of the most unique places in Ireland, Dzogchen Beara Buddhist Centre. Perched on the cliffs between Allihies and Castletownbere, it is home to Ireland’s only Buddhist Temple. It has a charming café with delicious homemade food. On your way to Glengariff, consider a short but steep detour up to the viewpoint at the Healy Pass. A favourite of local cyclists, wind your way up the switchbacks for 7km at an average gradient of 5%.

Snack Stops: Derreen Gardens Café for coffee and cake, Dzogchen Beara Buddhist Centre café for lunch and McCarthy’s Bar for a drink in Casteltownbere.

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Distance: 75 km/46 miles
Start Point: Dromore
Highlights: Dromara Hills
Grade: Blue, Level 4-6

Starting from Dromore, you head to Dromara along a fast, rolling route before you get to a local’s favourite climb—the “mineshaft” with spectacular views across Co. Down.

Stop for lunch, an ice cream or even a swim in the seaside town of Newcastle nestled at the foot of the Kingdom of Mourne. As you loop back, you’ll hit the second big climb of the day up the “Windy Gap” with fantastic views of the Mourne Mountains.

Snack Stops: Urban Food & Coffee, Castlewellan and Birch Café, Newcastle

Distance: 40 km/25 miles
Start Point: Dingle
Highlights: The Blasket Centre, Slea Head, Dunquin Pier
Grade: Green, Level 1-3

One of the most iconic areas along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula is truly magical!

Once you reach the coast, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Stop off for some hearty, traditional fare at Tig Áine. After lunch, soak up some cultural heritage at The Blasket Centre, where you’ll experience the authentic, interactive re-telling of the story of the Blasket islands. Likewise, the iconic Dunquin Pier is worth stopping for a photo as you loop your way back to the lively town of Dingle.

Snack Stops: Tig Áine for lunch.

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Distance: 75 km/46 miles
Start Point: Rathmullan/Ramelton
Highlights: Fanad Head lighthouse, Lough Swilly
Grade: Blue, Level 4-6

Immortalised in song, you’ll begin your ride in the famous “hills of Donegal” in the village of Rathmullan (the linked RideGPS starts in Ramelton but we recommend starting in Rathmullan). From there, the route goes south before looping upwards with fantastic views of Mulroy Bay up to Fanad Head. Take a photo by the lighthouse and take in the rugged coastal scenery of Ireland’s northwest before continuing down along the coast overlooking Lough Swilly—a place known for bird-watching!

Snack Stops: Lighthouse Tavern, Fanad for lunch.

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Distance: 153 km/ 95 miles
Start Point: Clifden
Highlights: Doo Lough Valley
Grade: Red, Level 7-9

Connemara is one of Ireland’s wildest and most spectacular regions. You’ll start your route heading towards the picturesque village of Leenane. Flanked by heather-covered mountains and sweeping boglands, you’ll pass by the beautiful Kylemore Abbey and enjoy the dramatic scenery of Killary Fjord—one of Ireland’s three glacial fjords!

Then it’s the most iconic section of the route—Doo Lough Valley—a place steeped in history from the Great Famine of the nineteenth century. Stop for lunch in the bustling town of Westport before returning via Leenane.

Snack Stops: This Must be the Place in Westport and The Creel Restaurant in Westport.