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Around Ireland on a bike
Description
Around Ireland on a bike is a cycle route of 1300 kilometres which takes you from Belfast to Dublin passing through many of Ireland’s top highlights. This route will lead you along the quietest roads, avoiding steep climbs whenever possible. From Belfast to the Sperrin Mountains the route takes you to Enniskillen and the exciting landscape between Florence Court and the Benbulben near Sligo. Along the Ox Mountains it brings you to Mount Patrick near Westport. Then, after travelling through exquisite Connemara you can choose either the passage to the Aran Islands, or stick to the main land route via Galway and through the Burren.
At Lisdoonvarna both routes come together again, taking you south across the Shannon into Kerry. Quiet roads lead you around foot of the Macgillycuddy Reeks to the Ballybeama Pass with it’s stunning views. After Kenmare there is one more hill to climb before descending into the subtropic environment of Glengariff. Here, you can choose either the shorter road, or take the longer route across Healy’s Pass. While in Glengariff however, you must take the opportunity to visit the wonderful garden on Garnish Island.
The official Cork – Beara cycle route is a breathtaking experience for well trained cyclists without luggage and only up to 30 years of age. This new route however will lead you gently over the hills to Cork, with little traffic encumbering you as you approach the city. From Cork to Youghal is an easy ride as you commence your journey alongside the characteristic old railway tracks. The route then leads you to take the Ferry across to picturesque Cobh, from where you continue on to the seaside town of Youghal.
The landscape between Youghal and Clonmel is beautiful and still quite unknown. The climb of the Knockmealdown Mountains is not breathtaking for the effort, but certainly is so for the panoramic views over the hills and valleys. Between Clonmel and New Ross the route follows the valley of the Suir, then from New Ross, enters the hills again. However, after the initial climb to approx 200m, you continue around Mount Leinster on a level path which allows great views of the surrounding area. Small villages like Bunclody offer an excellent opportunity for a quick break. As you follow the river Derry upstream it will gradually take you into the Wicklow Mountains. At Laragh, close to the spiritual site of Glendalough, you may choose the route of the old Military Road across the Wicklow Mountains, with its spectacular views, however, you could also take the route which passes below the mountains, bringing you to the impressive estate of Powerscourt House and Gardens. Both routes end at the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin.
This route is accessible for all types of cyclists who would like to discover and enjoy Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes. Although the route will take you high into the hills I have done my very best to avoid steep climbs or a continuous rise and fall, which would tire you both physically and mentally. From Belfast to the border near Sligo the route follows the sign posted routes of Sustrans. The first 30 km’s from Belfast are traffic free on a cycle track along the river Lagan. All other roads are open for cars but in general there are no more than five cars an hour passing by on these rural roads. This cycling guide consists of 65 detailed maps ( scale to 1 : 100.000) showing the landscape and symbols for all services (B&B’s, hotels, camping sites, pubs, shops, bike repair shops). Every map has a height profile showing you what kind of terrain you may expect for the day. The guide also contains maps of the major cities integrated on the route.
The English edition of this guide is now available. We hope you enjoy the ride.
Books Ireland
'Books Ireland' is a magazine about all current, new and forthcoming books and is read widely by book buyers.
They said: "excellent usefully presented maps and plenty of practical detail. Very practical for any cyclist on the move. A remarkable tour de force for the keen cyclist, native or visitor, this is an impressive and useful book"
Donegal at your feet
Discover the beauty of the Northern Wild Atlantic Way pedalling at
your own pace. Experience the stunning views of the Glenveagh National
Park. Enjoy the peace within while your eyes may dream away on the
slopes of Mount errigal and the ocean beyond.
Donegal is the unspoilt gem of Irelands treasures. Nevertheless,
hospitality is great here. You will find a warm welcome at the
doorstep of your accommodation. Enjoy the seafood and the drinks.
There is music in the air.
This route will take you along the new signposted Donegal Cycle Way, a
Eurovelo 1 project. You will not have to be afraid of cars. You will
hardly get to see any.
This route through Donegal is completed by the Ramelton – Glenveagh
route, which will take you gently through the mountainous area. You
will have the views but not the pains for climbing. Pedalling through
Donegal will surprise you all the way.
On our way through Donegal we had a perfect stay at two places.
The Silver Tassie Hotel near Letterkenny. Some kilometers out of the
urban area, very close to the route, you will find this lovely hotel.
This is where you can get agood meal and a very good night’s rest.
Enjoy the luxury before heading your next day’s trip.
Halfway your trip through Donegal you will come to Dungloe. Here you
can relax at Rest a Wyle, a perfect B&B for pedalling travellers.
Map
General information
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Edition/Year: 1st edition, 2012
Language: English
Total route length: 1360 kilometres (845 miles). It is easily possible to divide the route in multiple, shorter, trips.
Difficulty rating: mostly easy, without large elevation differences.
Safety: 35 kilometres (22 miles) of dedicated cycling paths, 1245 kilometres (774 miles) of quiet country roads and 90 kilometres (56 miles) on roads with moderate traffic.
No GPS-files available.
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Map samples
Sample pages with detailed maps and height profiles (in the final version the text is translated).
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