10 Easy Cycling Routes in Ireland for Beginners
Ten flat, mostly traffic-free routes for new riders, from a 9 km run into Carlingford to 48 km of the Waterford Greenway. Distances and access notes.
Introduction
Most of Ireland’s beginner routes are old railway lines, and that is the useful fact here. Railways were built to avoid gradients, so the greenways laid along them are flat, wide and free of cars. Add the canal towpaths and there is a fair amount of traffic-free riding within reach of the main towns.
Ten routes follow, each under 50 km, with distance, surface, bike hire, rest stops and one tip apiece.
1. Royal Canal Greenway: Dublin ↔ Maynooth (15 km)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Flat, compacted gravel/tarmac towpath
- Well-signposted with frequent pull-outs
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length (section) | 15 km (Dublin-to-Maynooth) |
| Surface | Compacted gravel with paved sections |
| Elevation | < 30 m total gain |
| Amenities | Picnic areas at Maynooth, toilets at Kilcock, cafés in Maynooth town |
| Bike hire | Dublin’s Bike Dublin, DublinBikes stations; Maynooth Bike Hire (on-site) |
Top tip
Start at the Grand Canal Dock and follow the greenway signs to Maynooth; the first 5 km run alongside the canal and offers plenty of benches for a quick rest.
2. Great Western Greenway: Westport ↔ Newport (20 km)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Smooth tarmac, no traffic, gentle undulations
- Clew Bay in sight for much of the way, and no long climbs
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length (recommended stretch) | 20 km Westport → Newport |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Elevation | < 40 m gain, mostly flat |
| Amenities | Westport Café, Newport “Harbor Café”, public toilets at both ends |
| Bike hire | Westport Bike Hire, Achill Bikes (both offer hybrid and e-bike options) |
Top tip
Ride early in the morning to avoid the occasional tourist crowd and enjoy the sunrise over Clew Bay.
3. Limerick Greenway: Limerick ↔ Rathkeale (20 km)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Mostly compacted gravel with short paved sections
- Low traffic, gentle gradients, passes through small villages for easy stops
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length (full route) | 39.7 km Limerick ↔ Rathkeale |
| Surface | Gravel & tarmac |
| Elevation | < 50 m total gain |
| Amenities | Rest points at Ardagh, cafés in Rathkeale, public toilets at Limerick City Park |
| Bike hire | Limerick City Bike Hire, Rathkeale Cycle Co. (bikes available on-site) |
Top tip
Break the ride into two 10 km loops: Limerick → Ardagh and Ardagh → Rathkeale, perfect for families with children.
4. Waterford Greenway: Waterford City ↔ Dungarvan (48 km)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Fully paved former railway line, traffic-free
- Minimal climbs; the highest point is only 70 m above sea level
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length (recommended section) | 15 km Waterford City → Mount Congreve |
| Surface | Paved tarmac |
| Elevation | < 70 m |
| Amenities | Mount Congreve Gardens, cafes in Waterford, restrooms at Dungarvan |
| Bike hire | Waterford Bike Hire, Dungarvan Cycle Centre (standard and e-bikes) |
Top tip
Use the Waterford Greenway Visitor Centre at the start for free maps and advice on shorter loops for beginners.
5. Carlingford Greenway: Omeath ↔ Carlingford (9 km)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Flat, traffic-free railway path along Carlingford Lough, with the Mourne Mountains across the water
- Short length makes it ideal for a relaxed ride or family outing
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length | 9 km round-trip |
| Surface | Compact gravel |
| Elevation | < 20 m |
| Amenities | Picnic tables at Carlingford, public toilets at Omeath, cafés in Carlingford village |
| Bike hire | Carlingford Bike Hire (hybrid and kids’ bikes) |
Top tip
Combine the ride with a short walk to the King John’s Castle for a cultural pause halfway through.
6. Old Rail Trail Greenway: Athlone ↔ Mullingar (31 km)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Wide, flat former rail corridor, excellent for novice cyclists and families
- Regularly maintained surface with frequent rest stops
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length (recommended) | 15 km Athlone → Moate (easy half) |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Elevation | < 30 m |
| Amenities | Cafés in Athlone, Moate Service Station, public toilets at Mullingar |
| Bike hire | Athlone Bike Hire, Mullingar Cycle Centre (e-bikes available) |
Top tip
Stop at Moate Heritage Centre for a quick history lesson and a snack break.
7. Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway: Navan ↔ Dún na Rí (30 km)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Gentle gradients, traffic-free, passes historic sites (Battle of the Boyne)
- Good signage and plenty of parking at both ends
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length | 30 km (full route) |
| Surface | Compact gravel with paved sections |
| Elevation | < 45 m |
| Amenities | Picnic areas at Blackwater Park, cafés in Dún na Rí, toilets at Navan |
| Bike hire | Navan Cycle Hub, Dún na Rí Bike Rental |
Top tip
Break the route into two 12 km loops, using the Mullingar–Navan section for a leisurely ride with historic waypoints.
8. Kingdom of Kerry Greenway: Tralee ↔ Fenit (13.6 km)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Short, flat coastal trail running out to the harbour at Fenit
- No traffic, easy to navigate for beginners
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length | 13.6 km one-way |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Elevation | < 20 m |
| Amenities | Tralee Town Centre cafés, Fenit Harbour parking, public toilets at both ends |
| Bike hire | Kerry Bikes, Tralee Bike Hire (road and hybrid options) |
Top tip
Ride to Fenit and turn around for the round-trip. There is fish and chips at the harbour.
9. Lough Derg Way: Dromineer ↔ Garrykennedy Loop (68.9 km, choose a 15 km segment)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Mostly off-road gravel with gentle rolling terrain; the 15 km lakeside stretch is flat and scenic.
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length (recommended) | 15 km Dromineer ↔ Garrykennedy |
| Surface | Gravel & compacted earth |
| Elevation | < 35 m |
| Amenities | Lakeside cafés, picnic areas, public toilets at Dromineer |
| Bike hire | Lough Derg Bike Hire (based in Dromineer) |
Top tip
Bring a water bottle and a light snack, the lakeside trail can be windy, so a steady pace helps maintain balance.
10. Dublin Mountains Greenway: Dublin ↔ Glencullen (18 km)
Why it’s beginner-friendly
- Newly opened, traffic-free paved path with gentle climbs; the first 10 km are almost flat, making it ideal for beginners who want a taste of hillier terrain without steep gradients.
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Length (easy section) | 10 km Dublin → Glencullen (flat) |
| Surface | Smooth tarmac |
| Elevation | < 50 m (gradual rise) |
| Amenities | Picnic spots at Glencullen, cafés in Rathfarnham, public toilets at Dublin city centre |
| Bike hire | Dublin Bike Hire, Bike Dublin docking stations |
Top tip
Cycle the flat section in the morning; the route gets busier later in the day with walkers and runners.
Practical Tips for Beginner Cyclists in Ireland
- Check the weather: Irish weather can change quickly; a lightweight waterproof jacket is essential.
- Carry a basic repair kit: spare inner tube, tyre levers and a mini-pump.
- Use a helmet and high-visibility clothing: required by law for riders under 18 and strongly recommended for all.
- Plan for rest stops: most greenways have cafés or picnic areas; map them in advance using the Cycling Ireland route finder.
- Consider an e-bike: many hire shops now offer electric bikes, which can make longer sections feel easier for beginners.
Conclusion
None of these routes will catch you out. They are flat, signposted and mostly car-free, which is what matters when you are starting. Pick whichever is nearest to where you are staying, hire a bike for a day, and see how a short section feels before committing to a full one.
The wind will surprise you before the hills do. On the lakeside and coastal stretches it can turn an easy return leg into real work, so where you have the choice, ride out into it and come back with it behind you.