Cycling is one of Ireland’s most popular pastimes, and it is the best way to completely immerse yourself in this magnificent country. Whether you are a serious cyclist or undertaking your first journey, our Top 3 Ireland bicycle tours are suitable for all skill levels. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Ireland on your next vacation!
Ireland has long captivated the world with its uniquely enchanting landscapes. It’s filled with tiny villages and towns that you don’t see anywhere else in the world; there are miles of white-sand beaches, lush rolling hills of green that soften into misty mountains in the distance. On a good day, the vibrant colors appear as if it was painted into reality by a talented artist; on a bad day, it’s a scene out of a dream.
The coastline is dramatic with the crashing waves meeting rock faces. The inlets offer refuge to small fishing boats, and you will find stunning white-sand beaches. Head inland and you will discover rolling green hills with small stone walls cutting through them.
There’s no better way to explore Ireland than on a bike. The views are the best part, as well as the unique opportunity to meet and chat with Irish locals, many of whom seem to have all the time in the world! Choose from routes that weave along the coast or meander through charming villages — you’ll never be bored. There’s also an array of activities available, from pubs to castles, and natural wonders like massive stone circles.
Top 3 Ireland Bicycle Tours
Exploring Ireland on your bike is one of the best ways to see more of this beautiful country. To help you pick your perfect route, we’ve listed 3 of the best Ireland bicycle tours that have been vetted by our experts. Showcasing the diverse landscapes, culture, and charm of the Emerald Isle, these itineraries will give you a lifetime’s worth of memories.
1. Backroads’ Ireland Bike Tour
Ireland isn’t just one thing, but every trip you have is something different. Each journey through the Irish countryside reveals a small piece of the Emerald Isle’s rich cultural heritage, from castles to pubs and history books to gorgeous gardens. Here, it’s never boring — whether you’re enjoying the island’s rolling hills and seaside views on our Ireland bike tour or exploring Dublin’s cobbled streets and its famous literary culture.
Ride the roads of Ireland with a partner on an electric tandem bicycle, on a carbon road bike, or take in the country air on any one of our three other styles of bikes. Explore the landscape like never before with exciting stops at local pubs, castles, and coastal villages. Your journey will cover 6 days and 5 nights, with casual hotels to recharge.
For the first two days, you will explore Ireland’s history and culture on a leisurely bike ride through emerald hills, quaint cottages, small farms, pristine lakes, and woolly sheep. Then, you’re sure to enjoy yourself when you look back at the beautiful views from the ocean of Beara Peninsula, which is one of the most breathtaking places in Ireland.
On Day 3, take a long day trip and enjoy tasty seafood dishes. From the magnificent Caha Pass to Glengarriff, you’ll be enchanted by the beauty of Ireland’s landscape. Sometimes you just need to admire it from the top of a mountain. A heavenly hike will lead you to Bantry Bay and its boats bobbing on the water.
On the last three days of your trip, let Ireland’s natural beauty and colonial history live up to their reputations. Bike the trails of spectacular Courtmacsherry Bay to the remains of 13th-century Timoleague Abbey, built by Abbot Oliver Langham, son of Lord Chancellor Hugh Langham, for Franciscan nuns. Next, explore Kinsale’s medieval alleys and walk along its shoreline.
This is a fantastic Ireland bicycle tour that Backroad’s Ireland Bike Tour offers. You can now book this trip and have a blast biking around one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
If you’re ready to hit the trails, but not quite ready for a bike tour of Ireland, New Zealand has a wide variety of trails and landscapes to explore on two wheels. Here are our favorite New Zealand bicycle tours.
2. Trek Travel’s Ireland Self-Guided Bike Tour
If you are yearning for Ireland’s fabled natural beauty, then look no further than this self-guided cycling package. With Trek Travel’s one of the best Ireland bicycle tours, you’ll experience the country first-hand as you cycle through the west coast of Ireland on either a trek Checkpoint ALR 5 bike or a Trek electric-assist Verve+. You’ll get to rest your head in Westport Plaza Hotel and The Quay House. And did we mention that Trek Travel is one of the best cycling tour companies?
On the first day of your Trek Travel Ireland cycling holiday, you’ll be met by your tour host who will check you into a luxury hotel. After lunch, you’ll change into cycle gear and get to know your bike on an afternoon self-guided cycle trip. The traffic-free route takes you along an old railway line that winds through the Irish countryside.
On day two, you’ll bike along an ancient pilgrimage site where Saint Patrick is said to have prayed away a famine. It’s a stunning opportunity to witness the breathtaking Irish landscape in all of its glory. In the nearby village of Westport, you can relax and refuel at your accommodation, eating delicious local food while enjoying the atmosphere.
On day three, say farewell to Westport and head south into Connemara – a haven of serenity. Cycling at your own pace through its savage beauty, you’ll find yourself in the perfect frame of mind to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea at Kylemore Abbey. You can then finish your bike ride at the Quay House Hotel.
The fourth day of your bike trip will be one to remember: you’ll take in the beauty of the rural countryside along the Connemara coast, a place where golden sand beaches and wild mountain streams create a scene that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. After stopping for a delicious lunch at a restaurant, where the view is absolutely breathtaking.
Day 5 starts off with a scenic drive to a quiet cove, where you’ll meet an oyster farmer and learn about life on the coast of Ireland. Your tour continues with lunch on fresh oysters — a highlight of your journey. Later, you’ll take one last night out in Clifden before you head to rest in the hotel.
On the sixth day, you’ve earned your break. Wake up slowly and take your time over a fresh breakfast. Then, go for a long walk along the Atlantic coast, enjoying the sights as you climb high above the sea on Sky Road. From there, drop down into tranquil bays and loughs dotted with beautiful islands and views toward the coast on this scenic route. Wait no longer. Book one of the best Ireland bicycle tours now!
3. Butterfield & Robinson’s Ireland Biking
The best small-group guided cycling tours in Ireland are the ones hosted by Butterfield & Robinson. Your trip will be six days and five nights long, and you’ll stay at the Gregans Castle Hotel and Ballynahinch Castle, enjoying the luxurious amenities of the former as well as the charming stone walls of the latter. You’ll use either a hybrid or a road bike for this tour.
On the first day of your holiday to Ireland, you’ll have a chance to see one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites — the Burren. There, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through stunning limestone landscapes and arrive at a local seafood restaurant to enjoy a memorable meal of locally caught lobster.
Let the second day begin with a coastal drive along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way. Wind your way through Ireland’s western shores and stop at the Cliffs of Moher, one of the oldest natural landmarks in all of Europe. In the evening, after dinner, enjoy an Irish whisky tasting with an up-and-coming local distiller. Learn about the history of this classic drink and sample some of the best in the county.
Spend your third day biking from Cong, a village set in the middle of Ireland’s lush countryside, to the shores of Lough Corrib for an Irish trad session on the beach.
On day four, cycle to a charming fishing village and explore an underwater archaeology site. On this tour you will come in contact with the tradition and culture of early Ireland, giving you a taste of its ageless beauty. Cycle from the Twelve Bens Mountain Range through lush country meadows to stunning sweeping coastal views.
On the fifth day of your journey, you’ll go on a special trip to Inagh Valley. This is Ireland’s only fjord — so make sure to bring you camera with you so you can take some beautiful photo of the place! You’ll then take a short bike ride before stopping at a local shellfish farm for an authentic Irish picnic. Then you’ll get back on your bike and head straight towards Galway, where you’ll be spending the rest of the evening.
On day 6, you’ll have a nice breakfast before heading back to Galway. There, you can catch your train back to Dublin, with plenty of time for a cup of tea in the cafe car.
If you’re thinking of bicycle tours outside of Ireland, there are more tours for you. You could consider the best bicycle tour of Colorado.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to explore the Emerald Isle than by bicycle. Known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and vibrant cities, Ireland attracts tourists from around the world. When you partake in one of these bike tours, you’ll be able to see it all — from the rolling hills of Connemara to the idyllic beaches at County Clare. Once you decide on the tour that’s right for you, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the best of Ireland!
