By Darragh Devaney, Operations Manager
Published: Aug 16, 2016More by Darragh
Immerse yourself in the culture, talk to the locals and experience the real Ireland. We’ve pulled together some of the best bike rides in Ireland for the seasoned cyclist.
Check out some of our chosen best bike rides in Ireland below.
| Distance | Ascent | Approx.Time |
| 138 km | 5,300 m | 1 – 6 days |
 |
Want a challenge? The Beara Way encompasses the entire Beara Peninsula and is a strong competitor for best bike rides in Ireland. At 138 kms long, it’s tough, but the scenery makes it worth it. Starting in Kenmare, the route offers spectacular views across Bantry Bay, the Kenmare River and the ultimate scenic mountain route, Healy Pass. Take in the beautiful villages of Glengarriff and Eyeries as you have your picnic lunch. Don’t miss the highest waterfall in Ireland, The Mare’s Tail, on the famous Hungry Hill!
The Beara Way follows country roads so traffic isn’t a big concern. Spread it out over as many days as you like, or do sections – it’s already divided into easy to follow sections. Catch a ferry from Castletownbere to Bere Island for an extra 19km circular route to squeeze every drop of adventure from your trip! If you don’t want to do it alone, sign up for the annual Ring of Beara Cycle.
| Distance | Ascent | Approx.Time |
| 180/200 km | 1,740 m | 1 – 4 days |
|
A classic for a reason, the ring of Kerry is roughly a 200km loop of the best of co. Kerry. The standard route to follow is the same as the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle held every July. Enter that for the thrilling atmosphere as 10,000+ people battle it out in Kerry to battle it out, or go alone at any other time for a much quieter challenge.
As you pedal, stop and contemplate the historic Ross Castle, Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms. See the mysterious Celtic Ogham Stones. Pedal over the Coomakista Pass to Derrynane House and drink in the sight of the stunning glaciated valley, The Gap of Dunloe.
| Distance | Ascent | Approx.Time |
| 70 km | 973 m | 1 – 2 days |
|
When in Co. Down, the moss-covered Mourne Mountains epitomise the image of Ireland that many novels have captured. CS Lewis used the region as inspiration for his classic Narnia novel, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – read more about Narnia in Northern Ireland here. The trails are plentiful, beckoning both the amateur and the pro.
A notable local route is the 70-km Mourne Mountains Cycle Loop, showcasing the phenomenal views over the Cooley Peninsula and Carlingford Lough. There’s a decent climb past Spelga Dam followed by an even better descent.
| Distance | Approx.Time | |
| 480 km | 2 – 8 days | |
|
Are you looking for something off the beaten path? County Fermanagh’s King Fisher Cycle Trail, Ireland’s first long-distance cycling trail, traverses counties Leitrim, Fermanagh, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan.
Encompassing the Upper and Lower Lough Erne and Macnean, the vast King Fisher Cycle Trail affords 480km of expansive country roads. Break to explore the subterranean caves at Marble Arch Geopark, the mysterious 18th-century Florence Court, or the romantic Crom Estate woodlands.
Officially starting in the town of Enniskillen in Northern Ireland, there are multiple points to rent bikes along the way for those wishing to bike a portion of the Trail.
The Connemara Loop Cycling Route is a 150km scenic cycling trail. Discover quaint villages, quiet beaches and wilds of Connemara along the way. It will take you 1 to 3 days depending on how ambitious you are.
Find detours along the route to increase or decrease the level of difficulty. Starting at Clifden, be sure to visit Kylemore Abbey. Check out Killary Harbour and Fjord, and if time is on your side, get a ferry to Inishbofin and Omey Island.
| Distance | Approx.Time | |
| 2,500 km | 25+ days | |
|
Pedal the very edge of Western Europe on the Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland’s extraordinary coastal route – and by far the longest. As you ride, watch folklore come to life, witness history, experience the brutal elements and the raging swell of the Atlantic. Get to know each of the coastal villages along the route. Eat the food, drink the beer and even take a surf.
At an impressive distance of 2,500km, it’s not to taken lightly – but you’re guaranteed to reap the benefits for your efforts especially if you take your time to do it all. There are over 50 Blue Flag beaches, nearly 20 long distance walks, over 120 golf courses and over 500 local festivals and events.
Within that there are many smaller-scale, family-friendly bike rides, a favourite being Co. Mayo’s Greenway. A 42km off-road walking and cycling trail, the Greenway follows the old railway route from Westport town to Achill Island.
Or, bike the best of the Wild Atlantic Way on our group trip, which takes in the most scenic landscapes and interesting historic, cultural and natural stops along the way.
| Distance | Ascent | Approx.Time |
| 935 km | 555 m | 6 days |
|
Finally, the ultimate bucket list challenge and one of the ultimate bike rides in Ireland – Mizen to Malin (MizMal). The length of Ireland from top to bottom, this Ireland’s equivalent to Britain’s Land’s End to John O’Groats. There are many ways to do it: go straight up or go the scenic route. Feel free to map your own route but the shortest option is about 555km. The record is 19 hours set in 1993 by Alex Barry… feel free to try and beat that!
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers.