Biking vacations in Ireland

You’ll benefit from being reasonably fit on our Ireland cycling vacations – this means being comfortable cycling multiple days in a row. But you don’t have to be worried; since most of our cycling vacations in Ireland are tailor made, you can go at your own pace. It’s more important that you’re comfortable spending time in the saddle and you may wish to complete a couple of day rides before your trip.

The routes have been designed to have gentle to moderate gradients. The average cycling distance is around 40km a day, but there are options to extend your rides each day up to 60km to 80km. Your trip will usually start with a shorter introductory cycle to ensure that you’ve got the right set up, and that you feel safe and happy.

More important than being fit is being weather-proof. A headwind, perhaps a bit of rain; the most predictable thing about the weather here is that it can be unpredictable.

The majority of our Ireland cycling vacations are tailor made tours where you can go at your own pace. Seen a nice café, or want to stop to take a photo at a viewpoint? It’s easy to go at your own pace and discover Ireland as you cycle – either taking your time or putting in big rides.

If you do a tailor made tour you’ll be provided with a trekking tour bike, luggage transfers, all the navigational aids you’ll need, accommodation and transfers at the beginning and end of your route. There’ll be phone support available, and if needed you can avail yourself of the network of great local cycle shops in the area.

Group cycling tours, with up to 25 cyclists per group, come with a local guide, and vehicle support on hand should you need to rest, or take care of any mechanical issues. Small group tours are also great if you’re looking to cycle in the wider UK, too, as you can travel together with your guide between Ireland, Northern Ireland, and on to Scotland.

Our cycling in Ireland is point to point cycling, meaning that you can explore more of famous routes like the Wild Atlantic Way, and enjoy the changing scenery. It means, for instance, that you can hop on the ferry over to the Aran Islands for a day of cycling in spectacularly quiet surrounds, and then the next day be spending time enjoying the unique landscape that you find along the Burren Way.

Expect a mix of terrains. Some of our vacations make the most of Ireland’s Greenways, a network of resurfaced railway tracks which are completely car-free. Others stick spend time on quiet country roads and little lanes – known as boreens – some of which will not be paved. There may also be forestry tracks on some routes. Throughout, you can generally expect gentle gradients. You’re best off using a touring bike, and bike hire is included – though you will need to bring your own helmet.

Not only available, but encouraged, e bikes are usually available for a supplement on our cycling vacations in Ireland, and they’re great if you want to relax and enjoy a more leisurely approach to exercise, or if you want to travel further. They can give you the peace of mind that you will be able to enjoy the routes if you’re feeling at all wobbly about your fitness and ability.