Ten Family-Friendly Cycling Holidays in Ireland
Ten places to ride with children, from the Blessington and Waterford greenways to Lough Boora and the graded trails at Ballyhoura in Limerick.
Introduction
The useful thing about Ireland’s greenways, from a family point of view, is that most of them were laid on top of old railway lines. Railways do not do steep, and they do not share space with cars. What you get is long, flat, traffic-free riding where a child can go on ahead without anybody’s heart rate going up.
The ten routes below run from a short forest-park trail to a full mountain-bike centre, taking in island loops and a couple of the longer greenways on the way. Distances, bike-hire prices and what there is to do once the children have had enough of cycling are listed for each.
1. Blessington Greenway: County Wicklow
Distance & Difficulty: 15 km (flat, mostly paved), ideal for younger children and bike-taxis.
Highlights:
- Starts in the historic town of Blessington and follows the River Liffey to the grand Russborough House.
- Scenic lakeside views of Poulaphouca Reservoir, wildlife spotting (ducks, swans) and a gentle climb up to the dam.
- One traffic-free crossing; the rest is off-road gravel or tarmac.
Family Facilities: Picnic areas at the lake, a playground at the visitor centre, and bike-hire from CP Adventure (≈ €15 per day). Nearby self-catering cottages at The Avon make an easy overnight stay.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The route’s length can be split into two 7-km loops, allowing parents to tailor the ride to stamina levels. The flat surface gives confidence to new riders, and the frequent rest stops keep energy levels high.
2. Waterford Greenway: County Waterford
Distance & Difficulty: 46 km, flat former railway line, perfect for families with older children or e-bike users.
Highlights:
- Crosses three viaducts, 11 bridges and a 400 m tunnel, offering dramatic engineering sights.
- Passes the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, historic Dungarvan Harbour and the medieval town of Dungarvan.
Family Facilities: Bike-hire and shuttle service from Waterford Greenway Bike Hire (adult €25, child €10). Designated picnic spots at the Suir River, playgrounds at Mount Congreve Gardens, and a visitor centre with maps and child-friendly safety tips.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The route’s traffic-free nature provides peace of mind, while the numerous points of interest keep younger riders engaged. The option to break the journey into 10-km sections makes it flexible for families.
3. Great Western Greenway: County Mayo
Distance & Difficulty: 44 km, gently undulating former railway, suitable for families with confident younger riders.
Highlights:
- Runs from Westport to Achill Island, threading through woodlands, bogs and coastal scenery.
- Stops at the town of Newport, the seaside village of Mulranny, and Keem Bay on Achill.
Family Facilities: Bike-hire from Clew Bay Bike Hire (≈ €20/day). Several cafés and restaurants along the route, plus playgrounds in Westport and Newport. Campsites at Achill provide budget-friendly overnight options.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The flat sections are interspersed with short climbs that add a sense of adventure without over-exertion. The route’s length allows a full-day ride with a midday break, or a two-day family holiday with a night in Achill.
4. Killarney National Park: County Kerry
Distance & Difficulty: Multiple loops from 5 km (easy) to 20 km (moderate), all on well-maintained gravel or compacted earth.
Highlights:
- The Muckross Lake Loop (7 km) circles the lake, passing Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle.
- Dinis Cottage Loop offers a gentle 5 km ride through ancient woodlands and open meadowland.
Family Facilities: Visitor centre with maps, wildlife interpretation panels, and a café. Picnic sites at Muckross House grounds, and a range of family-friendly B&Bs in Killarney town. Bike-hire available from Killarney Bike Hire (≈ €15/day).
Why It’s Great for Kids: The park’s traffic-free loops are safe for children on stabilisers, and the abundant wildlife (deer, red squirrels) provides natural entertainment. Short, scenic loops mean you can tailor the ride to the youngest members.
5. The Aran Islands: County Galway
Distance & Difficulty: 30 km of low-gradient roads and dedicated cycle paths, ideal for families with older children or e-bikes.
Highlights:
- No motorised traffic on the islands, making cycling the primary mode of transport.
- Sites include Dún Aonghasa fort, the Wormhole natural pool, and the cliffs of the “Cliffs of the Aran”.
Family Facilities: Bike-hire from local shops (≈ €12/day). Family-run guesthouses in Kilronan and Inishmore with sea-view rooms. Picnic spots on the beaches and easy access to cafés serving traditional Irish fare.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The flat terrain and traffic-free environment give children confidence. The islands’ compact size means a full loop can be completed in a few hours, leaving plenty of time for exploration and beach play.
6. Copper Coast Cycle Route: County Waterford
Distance & Difficulty: 25 km, moderate with a few short climbs, suited to families with teenagers or confident younger riders.
Highlights:
- UNESCO Global Geopark with striking sea cliffs, fossil sites and the historic village of Stradbally.
- Mahon Falls, a waterfall set in a wooded gorge, and the historic Copper Coast lighthouse.
Family Facilities: Bike-hire from Copper Coast Cycle Hub (≈ €18/day). Designated rest areas with benches and information boards, and several cafés in Stradbally. Nearby self-catering cottages and B&Bs provide comfortable overnight stays.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The dramatic coastal scenery holds the attention of teenagers, while the manageable distance allows for a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for photos and snacks.
7. Curraghchase Forest Park: County Limerick
Distance & Difficulty: 2.4 km flat trail + 3.5 km moderate loop, perfect for younger children and beginners.
Highlights:
- Tree-covered paths that provide shade on sunny days, a historic mansion façade, and an old cave on the Glenisca Trail.
- Playground, orienteering course, and picnic areas near the lake.
Family Facilities: Campsite with powered pitches for families, on-site café, and bike-hire from the park’s visitor centre (≈ €10/day). Nearby caravan park offers affordable accommodation.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The short, flat trails keep rides short and sweet, while the forest canopy creates a natural “tunnel” effect that kids love. The park’s additional activities (playground, orienteering) make it a full-day family destination.
8. Lough Key Forest Park: County Roscommon
Distance & Difficulty: 8 km traffic-free loop (easy) + optional 20 km e-bike routes, suitable for families with mixed abilities.
Highlights:
- Scenic estate of woodlands, bridges, canals and historic follies.
- Underground tunnels and the Boda Borg adventure centre for rainy days.
Family Facilities: Bike-hire from Electric Bike Trails (≈ €20/day for adults, €12 for kids). Picnic sites, children’s playground, and a family-friendly café. Nearby hotels and B&Bs in Boyle.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The combination of safe, flat trails and adventure attractions means a day can be filled with cycling and non-cycling fun, perfect for varying energy levels.
9. Lough Boora Discovery Park: County Offaly
Distance & Difficulty: 9 km dedicated cycle track (paved, traffic-free) + 22 km shared trails, great for families with older children.
Highlights:
- Unique bog landscape, bird hides, and an ancient Mesolithic site.
- The Turraun Route (16 km) offers a gentle challenge, while the Farmland Route (6 km) is perfect for younger riders.
Family Facilities: Bike-hire on-site (≈ €3/hour for kids, €5/hour for adults). Tandem bikes available for families. Café, picnic areas, and a visitor centre with interactive displays.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The flat, well-marked paths provide confidence, while the surrounding wildlife and educational displays keep inquisitive minds engaged.
10. Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Centre: Counties Limerick, Tipperary & Cork
Distance & Difficulty: 6 km Greenwood Loop (easy) to 50 km Castlepook Loop (challenging), ideal for families with adventurous teenagers.
Highlights:
- Ireland’s largest purpose-built mountain-bike network, featuring forest climbs, single-track, and boardwalk sections.
- Introductory “Kids’ MTB” sessions run on the 2 km Kid-Trail, teaching basic skills in a safe environment.
Family Facilities: Bike-hire and guided tours from the Trail Centre (≈ €25/day for mountain bikes). On-site café, playground, and nearby self-catering cabins. Shuttle bus service for families who want to split the route.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The dedicated kid-trail allows younger children to try mountain biking under supervision, while older siblings can enjoy more technical sections, making it a versatile destination for the whole family.
Practical Tips for a Family Cycling Holiday in Ireland
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Choose the right bike | For younger children, consider balance bikes or bikes with training wheels. Older kids may enjoy hybrid or mountain bikes; e-bikes are a great equaliser on hilly routes. |
| Pack light, pack smart | Use pannier bags for snacks, water, spare tubes and a basic first-aid kit. A waterproof jacket is essential, Irish weather changes quickly. |
| Safety first | Helmets are mandatory for all riders. Stick to marked greenways and keep to the right on shared paths. Bring a high-visibility vest for children. |
| Plan rest stops | Most greenways have designated picnic areas. Schedule a 15-minute break every 20 km to keep energy levels high. |
| Accommodation | Look for family-friendly B&Bs or self-catering cottages near the start/end of your chosen route. Many offer bike-storage facilities. |
| Bike hire | If you’re not bringing your own bikes, reputable hire shops in the towns along each route provide well-maintained bicycles and child seats. |
| Weather watch | Check Met Éireann forecasts before heading out. Coastal routes can be windy; inland trails may be cooler and misty. |
Conclusion
Pick the route around the youngest and least willing rider in the group rather than the keenest. Every one of these has a shorter option built into it, and a playground, café or castle to break the day up. Whether that means a 5 km lap of the Dinis Cottage Loop or the whole Waterford Greenway with a shuttle back, the approach is the same. Book the bike hire in advance, pack the waterproofs, and build in more stops than you think you need.