Cycling guides and maps in Ireland
Plan your cycling route in Ireland
Lush green pastures, rugged coastlines, and a warm welcome: cycling Ireland is a destination as exotic as it is stimulating. From the peaceful central plateaus to the cliffs battered by the Atlantic, each route offers a unique blend of thrills. To properly prepare for your trip, it’s essential to equip yourself with an Ireland cycling map and a good Ireland guidebook.
Discovering the Emerald Isle
Nicknamed the Emerald Isle for its lush green landscapes, Ireland attracts cycle tourists seeking nature, culture, and a sense of relaxation. The west coast, swept by Atlantic winds, offers miles of spectacular panoramas: soaring cliffs (like the Cliffs of Moher), wild peninsulas, deserted beaches, and picturesque villages.
The gentler, hillier interior offers a completely different atmosphere: fertile valleys, meandering rivers, peaceful lakes, and welcoming countryside. Cities like Galway, Cork, and Dublin offer lively stops, with museums, pubs with live music, and Celtic heritage. Irish hospitality and the friendly atmosphere of the villages make each stop both enjoyable and enriching.
The great routes for discovering Italy by bike
- EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Route: The main route for cycle travelers. It crosses the island from south to north, from Rosslare to Belfast, along the Atlantic coast. The landscapes are magnificent but often hilly, particularly in the Kerry and Connemara regions. In some sections, the road is shared with cars, but traffic remains moderate and drivers are respectful.
- EuroVelo 2 : A more discreet route, it connects Galway to Dublin, crossing the country from west to east. It’s a short but efficient route for discovering Ireland’s two main cities, with a beautiful diversity of landscapes in between.
In addition, there are several greenways (greenways built on old railway lines), ideal for family outings or car-free stops:
- Great Western Greenway : 42 km between Westport and Achill Island, perfectly smooth, with magnificent views of the Atlantic.
- Waterford Greenway : 46 km between Waterford and Dungarvan, punctuated by viaducts, tunnels and bucolic landscapes.
These greenways are well-maintained, safe, and accessible to cyclists of all abilities. They provide an excellent introduction to cycling in Ireland, especially for those with children or those experiencing cycling for the first time.
Guides and maps to have for cycling in Ireland
To explore the island without getting lost and to organize your stops well, here are 4 essential references to slip into your bags:
- Rother Guide – Cycling in Northern Ireland : This guide offers a selection of varied routes, with difficulty profiles, detailed maps and practical advice.
- Ireland Map – Freytag&Berndt road and tourist map : This general map of Ireland at 1:350,000 will help you plan your itinerary. Road map with tourist information, maps of the cities of Dublin, Belfast and Cork
- Ireland’s Simplissime Guide: This guide will help you discover this unique island with complete peace of mind. A guide in the perfect format, with countless pieces of information to help you plan your stay, including accommodation, advice, tourist information, and maps.
The Irish cycle network, between shared roads and greenways
Unlike some European countries, Ireland does not yet have a fully signposted and interconnected cycling network. However, things are changing. The country is gradually investing in greenways and cycle facilities, notably through the National Active Mobility Strategy.
Here are the main features of the network :
- Safety is generally good: drivers are respectful, patient, and overtake at a safe distance.
- Greenways are still limited in number, but they are of good quality and well-signposted.
- Most of the journey is on shared secondary roads, with very little traffic, especially in rural areas.
- The surface is sometimes uneven, but the scenery more than compensates.
- In terms of elevation, the interior of the country is relatively flat, but the west coast is challenging. Areas such as the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, and Achill Island have very hilly terrain (up to 1,000 m of elevation gain/day).
If you’re traveling with family, it’s best to choose greenways or routes suitable for athletic teenagers. For seasoned cyclists, cycling in Ireland offers unforgettable challenges and sublime panoramas.