Cycling across Ireland off road

Hi, are there any trails or paths or cycle paths that go from coast to coast in Ireland?
Looking at cycling from Galway to Dublin but would like to cycle mostly on trail or path ?
Where is the best website to get information on this?
Thanks
Janet

Thanks
Janet

Hi Janet,

Thanks for joining us here with your question!

It sounds like a lovely idea to cycle across the middle of the country from Galway to Dublin, a journey of approximately 218km ( 135 miles). 🚴

Most of the route from Galway to Athlone would be on our normal Regional roads, Google has a cycle route suggestion that you may wish to look at. Once in Athlone there is the Old Rail Trail Greenway that takes you 40 km towards Mullingar, where you will then find the Royal Canal Way towards Dublin.

All Trails has an app and website to look for information on these trails as well and may be handy to use while here.

Along the route you will need to find accommodation. There is a handy accommodation page on our website, just scroll down to the where do you want to stay section and use the filters to refine your search. We have pre-selected B&B to get you started just add a location or change the type to suit your needs.

Have you done long distance cycle trips before?  How long will you be here on this adventure?

Thanks very much Martin. To find out more to walk or cycle this route plus booking accommodation along this route where can I find out more information please?
Is there any place in Galway that would offer a one way bike hire?
I’m organising this from Australia and appreciating your advice & assistance.

Regards
Janet

Hi Janet,

Sounds like you are planning a wonderful cycling trip! 

If you want to do the coast to coast journey that Martin suggested, I assume you'd need to plan ahead and secure accommodation every day along the route (if we assume you cover between 40 and 60 kilometers per day for instance). I would use our accommodation search tool and find places to stay in Ballinasloe or Athlone for example, and then continue on to Mullingar and then perhaps Maynooth before arriving in Dublin.

I also found tour operators who organize self guided cycling tours such as Cycle Tours Ireland or Green Marble Tours. Perhaps it's a better option for you since you need a one way bike hire. Speaking of which, I only found this company allowing it, but the drop off has to be in the neighboring region of Connemara. Here are a few more tips on cycling in Ireland that may come in handy, as well as known cycling itineraries you may not have heard of.

Let us know how it goes and which cycling itinerary you end up choosing. :) 

Antoine