As well as being home to the Irish President, Dublin Zoo, and also to some 500 wild fallow deer, it also has 14km of cycle paths, with picnic areas and cafés. You May Also Enjoy 10 Great Family Walks in Dublin. Channel your inner Yeats as you cycle through Glencar. One of the most popular pastimes for families is cycling. 6 Family-Friendly Cycle Routes in Scotland Steve Duncan July 9, 2020 View Comments Cycling in Scotland with the family isn’t just about fresh air and exercise, it’s about racing through the trees on traffic free paths, cycling around a loch in the summer sun and stopping to stand quietly, and listen out for wildlife. Menu Photo: David Flanagan, The Newry Canal. Top 20 cycles in Ireland: From family spins to off-roaders and those who want a challenge There's never been a better time to cycle in Ireland, says the author of a new biking guide The Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road walking and cycling experience in the country, it traverses Ireland’s Atlantic coast between Westport town and Achill Island and visits the picturesque villages of Newport and Mulranny. CurraghChase Forest Park, Co Limerick. Be sure to stop and enjoy the view on this one, and don’t forget to take loads of photographs, this route will be staying with you for quite some time. The Derrygimlagh blanket bog is where pilots John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown crashed-landed in 1919 after completing the world’s first transatlantic flight. There's never been a better time to swap four wheels for two in Ireland. David Flanagan’s Cycling in Ireland: A Guide to the Best of Irish Cycling (€25) is available now from all good bookshops, including Easons and Dubray, as well as directly from the publisher, Three Rock Books, at threerockbooks.com. All of the park’s routes, except for the Finnamore Lakes and Sculpture Park Routes, are accessible on your bike. This route is one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths and gives you superb views across the mouth of the Taw Estuary. Newsletter; Routes the whole family can enjoy. The forest friendly trail loops gradually around to bring you back to the car-park to where you began. Make sure to give clear hand signals if turning. Pit-stop: There are dozens of places along the route to stop for a bite to eat or a coffee. Best Cycling Routes in Ireland. Today the location of the Marconi wireless station is home to a memorial cairn dedicated to the pair. At Lough Boora Discovery Park you will find a variety of car-free cycle paths with a tarred surface. Go to community. See loughboora.com. have 25 Irish adventures to try before you die! This compact trail centre, which is set on the grounds of a Victorian castle, makes excellent use of the park’s modest hills, and each of the trails features plenty of flowing singletrack. Further reading. Nicholas Roe suggests the best destinations for a … It follows the coast west from Dingle town around the spectacular Slea Head before returning via quiet backroads. 25 Best Walks in Ireland: No matter what your fitness level! The Curragh Trail in the Park is a multi-use walking and cycling trail to suit occasional walkers and cyclists. 10 family-friendly cycle routes in the UK As part of Cycling UK's 140th Birthday celebrations we want to inspire the next generation to experience the joys of cycling, so we've asked Cycling UK members who regularly cycle with children to recommend ten of their favourite routes … A gentle spin along the shore of Dublin Bay starts with a lap of Killiney Hill and finishes with a climb over the Ben of Howth. Family Friendly Routes Carmarthenshire - The Cycling Hub of Wales If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of traffic, Carmarthenshire has some fantastic traffic free routes on the The Celtic Trail West, with some great family friendly routes . Photo: DiscoverNorthernIreland.com, A tunnel on the way over Borlin. You May Also Enjoy 10 Unusual Activities and Things to do at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. With the exception of the two (optional) climbs, this is a flat route with plenty of traffic-free sections. The Royal Canal passes through a few towns, including Kilcock and Enfield, while the Grand will take you through Robertstown and Sallins. There are lots of interesting places along the route with beautiful coastline views, there’s a viaduct, a tunnel and even a spectacular gorge. Enjoy These Fabulous Family Cycle Routes in Ireland: Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Pit-stop: The route passes through many towns and is well served with places to stop. 6. 3. There are plenty of places to stop during your cycle to enjoy beautiful views of Dublin Bay. 46km in length, visitors can cycle or walk the route which runs from Waterford City to Dungarvan and follows the old Waterford to Mallow railway line.. We recommend hiring a bicycle and starting your cycle from Dungarvan. A Global Comparison of Baking Mishaps + Skills Home Cooks Want... 25 of the Best Christmas Movies (and Where to Stream Them!). From 'Cycling in Ireland: A guide to the best of Irish cycling' by Three Rock Books. Leisure events for all levels. It is a very peaceful route that allows cyclists to enjoy the sculptures, local wildlife and flora, bog and historic Mesolithic Site. There is a €5 (coins) entry fee per car. See Northern Ireland from a different perspective. Check the weather, leave word of where you’re going and when you’ll be back, and pack smart! How the discovery of an infant's body on a beach shocked the nation, ‘You just want normality again’: As restrictions on travel ease, journeys to see family once more get under way, Francie Gorman elected IFA South Leinster Regional Chairman, Around 2,800 food vouchers distributed by Capuchin centre for people in need this Christmas. Looking for a day out with a difference? Do you have any favourite family cycle routes in Ireland that are not on our list? Nicola Brady, Catherine Mack and Pól Ó Conghaile There are also two playgrounds in the Park. The following routes are relatively flat and are ideal for riders still building or looking to step up their cycling fitness. While very fit riders might complete the following routes in a day, mere mortals will need to spread them over a few days. This is a figure-of-eight loop around the coast of Achill, the largest island on the west coast. While none of the following routes are particularly long, they all pack in plenty of climbing. More information visit www.cycleni.com Six of the best cycling routes in Ireland ... Encouraged by the Cycle to Work Scheme, more and more people are realising the benefits of commuting by bike. Mid-Connemara, where a vast expanse of blanket bog stretches from the coast to the foot of the mountains to the north, has a huge network of quiet boreens and tracks perfect for cycling. From the seaside town of Ballycastle, head east over Torr Head, tackling a number of brutally steep climbs. Inspiring the next generation to be enthusiastic about two wheels is what our family cycling holidays aim to do! You’ve got everything here from World Heritage sites to paradise for walkers and climbers; real-world Game of Thrones® locations to scenery that inspired Narnia; you can stand in the spot where Titanic set out or sleep in the house where George Best grew up. Over 80pc of the route is on towpaths, which are a mix of tarmac, gravel and grass. This short, flat route starts in the small Gaeltacht village of Casla near Rossaveal and heads north through the bog on a series of tracks before returning along the rocky coast on quiet backroads. Did you know that Phoenix Park is over twice the size of Central Park in New York and that it is one of the largest designed landscapes in any European city? You can also continue onto the Bull Island bird sanctuary across the famous Dollymount wooden bridge to the Strand. Family friendly cycle routes in Wales. A hybrid bike is ideal for the mixed terrain, but most road bikes will manage the grassy tracks and sections of hard sand. You will pass by Kylemore Abbey, Lough Muck and Connemara National Park on your way to view Ireland's only fjord. It follows a variation of the Cross Beach Loop, which is signposted with blue arrows. Photo: David Flanagan. Be sure to stop at one of Dublin’s treasures, St. Anne’s Park, famous for its Rose Gardens. This flat route loops around Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park. It follows traffic-free paths and tracks through beautiful ancient oak forest, offering amazing views over the lakes and surrounding mountains. Top 10 family cycle routes in Britain. The 2.5 mile family cycling trail in Castlewellan Forest Park is a circular route around Castlewellan Lake suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Find routes. Pit-stop: The nearby town of Kilfinane has a good range of places to eat and an excellent hostel (visitballyhoura.com). The trail starts from the car-park and winds gently through the forest to reach a viewing platform close to the shore of Lough Derg where you get nice views south towards Terryglass on the Tipperary shore. The country’s best known leisure cycle route is the 42km ... trails. The route follows a series of narrow boreens, some of which can be a little rough, back and forth over the mountains with excellent views north to Benbulben and over Donegal Bay. The trail is under the tree canopy for most of its length and is reasonably sheltered. Family Friendly Cycle Routes; Family Friendly Cycle Routes. 5. On EASY routes, bring a phone (fully charged), helmet (every time — no excuses), high-viz vests, water and snacks, a mini bike pump and puncture repair kit/two spare tubes, sunscreen, shades and light waterproofs. You can hire both regular and electric bikes or bring your own. Family Cycle Routes in Ireland Curragh Chase Forest Park, Limerick. Cycle it in a clockwise direction, so that you are moving towards the best scenery and are on the sea side of the road. Read More Want to connect with parents? GALWAY. The top five All-Ireland final shocks - and why Mayo beating Dublin would be bigger than all of them, Kerry babies: What happened to Baby John? Safety comes first on a cycle, no matter how easy. This figure-of-eight route starts and finishes in Coolaney (not to be confused with Collooney, just to the west) on the southern slopes of the Ox Mountains. The Grand Canal. Take the Oldbawn exit (R113), turning right at the Oldbawn crossroads along the Bohernabreena Road (R114). In the Glenasmole Valley you’ll find the Bohernabreena Reservoir which offers cycling opportunities. Top 10 places to see Irish wildlife - from whales in West Cork to puffins in Wexford, Walk the Cahore Point Trail in Wexford - a 5km loop that ends with perfect pub grub, 20 winter walks in Ireland you can do within two hours, Number of tourism businesses going bust will accelerate rapidly after Christmas, Fáilte Ireland boss warns, Got cabin fever? England, family friendly cycle routes, let's cycle The best family cycle routes in Lancashire. You can hire bikes in any of the four towns along the Greenway or bring your own. Renowned for its rugged mountains and wide sandy beaches, Achill is home to three signposted cycle loops, and this route combines sections of all three to create a long but reasonably flat (with the exception of the optional out-and-back to Keem Beach) cycling tour. Bring the family on your next bike ride. This route follows a network of traffic-free gravel tracks around Lough Boora Discovery Park. From 'Cycling in Ireland: A guide to the best of Irish cycling' by Three Rock Books. It’s open daily (weekends in winter). Pit-stop: The route goes through a number of villages and towns including Sallins, Monasterevin, Athy, Carlow and Graiguenamanagh. Stop at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on your way and beside the Visitor Centre you’ll find a fun kids playground along with grounds to enjoy a picnic. This route combines sections of three signposted trails into an anti-clockwise loop around the island. Walked most of it,' says David Flanagan, From 'Cycling in Ireland: A guide to the best of Irish cycling' by Three Rock Books. Pit-stop: There is a shop, café and pub at the start/finish in Casla. It’s a gentle route, well suited to cycling, as there are so many places where you will want to stop and take in the view. Pit-stop: The tea room in Scarva Visitor Centre is open daily (except Mondays) from April to September and at weekends until Christmas. Pit-stop: The nearby town of Belmullet has a good variety of shops, cafés and pubs. One of the slightly longer routes on the list, this is one of the most magical parts of the country. The park was used and given to … The extensive network of signposted trails follow a mixture of forest roads and winding singletrack with sections of boardwalk, berms and rock gardens. Connemara - Clifden to Leenane Cycle. Pit-stop: There are plenty of good options in Ballycastle including Thyme & Co Café and the Bay Café. Family friendly cycle routes are dotted all over the country – and that they happen to be in some of the most scenic spots in the land doesn’t hurt either! The soaring popularity of cycling is testament to its clean, green appeal. Portumna Forest Park:Located beside the Galway/Tipperary border, Portumna Forest Park has a selection of cycle routes for all ages, with two mountain bike trails, a … Alongside these routes, there are some exciting variations that experienced cyclists can add on to the cycle, while the rest of the family enjoy activities in the area. As both ends of the canal are on the Dublin-Belfast line, you can take the train back to your starting point. Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions. Accommodations could be upgraded if you prefer. If you are planning to stay overnight, there are a number of hotels and B&Bs, a campsite and a hostel. The cycle track in Clontarf which runs along Clontarf Promenade is wide with a tarmacadam finish and is quite flat along the 3km stretch of the Promenade which makes for easy cycling for kids. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink at both ends of the canal in Newry and Portadown. Parking is just after Bohernabreena Waterworks. Do take care when nearing car park areas where the cycling path bends and where pedestrians can walk out. Satnav Cycle Routes around Scotland using cycle paths and roads. The trail is made all the more interesting by its historical claims to fame. Lancashire has a huge number of places to get cycling with the family, with many canal and sea front rides suitable for all abilities, and more challenging MTB routes for older kids. Pit-stop: There are a supermarket and a few cafés in Achill Sound. Away from the mountain-bike trails, there is plenty to entertain the kids including a pump track, maze and picnic area. The Forest Friendly Trail at Portumna Forest Park in County Galway is a walking and cycling trail that leaves the main car park and brings you through mature forest. You also pass through villages with pubs, shops and cafés. Bike hire is available daily including Tandem bike hire and helmets are included in the hire cost. From the finish in the village of Thomastown, you can take the bus or train back to Dublin. Want to list an event? All Rights Reserved, Enjoy These Fabulous Family Cycle Routes in Ireland, Experience These Top 10 Family Activities on the Blueways, 10 Unusual Activities and Things to do at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Top Things to do with Kids in North County Dublin, 9 Sure Fire Tips for Bike Safety For Kids, A Family Cycle Along the Great Western Greenway, 20 Fun Things to Do on the Wild Atlantic Way with Kids, Best Outdoor Places in Kerry for Families, Unusual Places to Visit in Ireland With the Kids, Learn How to Say Merry Christmas in 30 Different Languages, 20 Creative Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah for Kids, 18 Special Christmas Eve Essentials Perfect for Waiting for Santa, Tell us a little bit about your brand or business now to see how we can help. This circuit of Slea Head at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular cycles in the country. Wheelchair users, kids’ bikes with stabilisers, family groups on foot or bike can equally enjoy this loop. What makes these cities perfect for family cycling? The 10km stretch from Dungarvan to Durrow is a nice one for families to tackle. The following routes are short, flat and largely traffic-free — ideal for families who want to enjoy an easy cycle together. The Waterford Greenway is the longest, dedicated off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. It’s flat and smooth, with seating every 500 yards, which make it one of the most family-friendly cycle routes in the country . The first half is increasingly hilly, culminating in the tough climb over Torr Head, while the second half is much flatter. Only a short ferry ride from Cleggan, Inishbofin has amazing views of the mountains of Galway and Mayo. From the city centre, head out the N81 towards Tallaght. Where can you find the best walks in Ireland? This self-guided family cycling holiday in Ireland tour is designed for you to stay in comfortable, family friendly, wonderful guesthouses and small hotels such as underneath. Pit-stop: There is a large café at Muckross House (heritageireland.ie) and the Dinis Cottage Tea Rooms near the midway point serves tea and coffee. From 'Cycling in Ireland: A guide to the best of Irish cycling' by Three Rock Books. While the route is short, there’s so much to see that you could easily spend a day meandering along it, soaking up the spectacular scenery. A fantastic place to teach your child how to cycle and enjoy the Chiltern Hill views while you are doing it. Bike hire is available, with a range of bikes for children and adults as well as tandems and trailers. With cycling booming in popularity around Ireland, cyclist and author David Flanagan picks 20 of his favourite routes. With great trips throughout Europe , Africa , Central and South America , our guided and self-guided cycling trips on family-friendly, easy routes suit a range of ages. 7 Amazing Cycles in Ireland: Fresh air for every fitness level! Every route has turn-by-turn navigation with voice instruction. There is a nice playground and a family-friendly picnic area in the Park as well as The Red Stables which has a café and a gallery. Sections, Spectacular cycle: Slea Head at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, The Glens of Antrim, Runestone. There’s nowhere quite like Northern Ireland if you love a good bucket list. The Comber Greenway is a 7 mile traffic free section of the National Cycle Network which follows the old Belfast - Comber Railway line. Getting started. Here are some places around the country where you can cycle safely. Waterford Greenway. Routes by distance. Photo: David Flanagan, 'The stupidly steep road up Mount Leinster. It should be within the abilities of even the most casual of cyclists as it’s dead flat and mostly traffic-free; however, it isn’t ideal for very small kids due to the proximity of the water. At Lough Key Forest & Activity Park you’ll find 8 kilometres of traffic-free trails in the park. The route weaves its way through this maze of lakes and hills and, as you might expect, there are plenty of steep but very short climbs. The Family Cycling Trail at Castle Archdale Country Park starts from the Marina and follows arrows through the forest past the Old Castle at the halfway point, a great spot to have a break before returning along the side of Lower Lough Erne, with nice views over to Davy’s Island and White Island. There is a path alongside which is ideal for cycling with kids as it is closed to traffic, there are not too many pedestrians and there’s plenty to see along the way. Pit-stop: There are a couple of pubs and restaurants on the island. There are picnic benches along the way and informational signage. The Waterford Greenway is a 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line between Dungarvan and Waterford. This loop through the mountains and along the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula is my favourite of the 80 routes in the book. Ireland has fantastic family friendly cycle paths and greenways which make for unforgettable holidays. You May Also Enjoy Top Things to do in Waterford with Kids. It is a healthy, low-cost activity that can allow people to enjoy the outdoors and discover and experience new and exciting places. This tour of the Antrim coast and glens combines very tough climbing with spectacular scenery. We can help parents get excited about your brand! No traffic, no sweat: find inspiration for relaxed rides you can all tackle together. Tap into our digital and parenting expertise and our active, engaged parent audience to meet your marketing goals. It follows roads, tracks and a few sections of rough path, so a mountain bike is ideal but a hybrid will manage the vast majority of the terrain. This gentle loop takes in a variety of terrain, including sandy beaches, tracks and very quiet roads. 2. It can be as simple or complex as you like. (I'm an avid cyclist myself) Roads around the youghal area are main roads between cork and Waterford and are therefore busy with traffic. Looking for somewhere safe, simple and scenic to take the kids for a cycle? The first, Priest's Leap, is a brutally tough climb and while the second, Borlin, is a little easier, you still need to keep plenty of energy in reserve. The following routes take in a variety of terrain, from flat, smooth towpaths to steep, rocky singletrack. Got a technical issue? The Irish family bucket list: 30 days out for every price point! Photo: David Flanagan, Casla, Co. Galway. The trail passes the playground close to Avondale House and finishes at the car park. Using Satnav Cycle Routes means that you no longer have to use paper maps when you try new cycle routes. You May Also Enjoy Experience These Top 10 Family Activities on the Blueways. A tough route with a remote feel that takes on two of the hardest mountain passes in the country. It combines a number of epic mountain passes with dramatic coastal scenery and quiet backroads. The 2,000-hectare park was once a commercial bog, but nowadays is home to a sculpture park and five signposted trails. Pit-stop: The only stop en route is in the village of Kiltealy, which has two pubs and a small shop, but there are plenty of options at the start in Bunclody. As you cycle south along the beach, there are wonderful views over to the Inishkea Islands and the tiny island of Inishglora, the resting place of the mythical Children of Lir. Pit-stop: There are lots of places to eat and drink in Dingle and also plenty of options along the route in Ventry, Dunquin and Ballyferriter (dingle-peninsula.ie). Share it with us in the comments below. Pit-stop: The only facilities on this cycle are at the Kilgarvan Motor Museum (kilgarvanmotormuseum.com), which opens Tuesdays to Saturdays from April to October. Routes the whole family can enjoy. Enjoy the benefits of cycling a whole route by following Sat Nav instructions without having to buy an expensive Sat Nav. 1. You can hire both regular and electric bikes, cost includes helmets. A family cycle is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. See inishbofin.com. Pit-stop: Knightstown and Valentia, near the halfway point, are good places to stop but there are plenty of other options. The Chestnut pathway which runs parallel to the Coast Road is a favourite with cyclists. Ireland is mainly known for its rows of lush, green fields and rocky cliffs and is also called “the emerald island”. There isn’t much traffic on either of the passes and the views are excellent. Got a suggestion for us? The relatively low-lying Ballyhoura Mountains straddle the border between Limerickand Cork and are home to one of the largest mountain-bike trail centres in the country. The trail is under the tree canopy for most of its length and is reasonably sheltered too in case any rain threatens. On MODERATE routes, bring the above plus padded cycling shorts/bibs, cash for pit-stops along the way, high-energy snacks (banana, nuts, protein bars). Ireland is an island nation on Europe’s western border, where there are many wonderful cycling routes that you can explore with the help of the bike route planner. Family groups on foot or bike can equally family friendly cycle routes ireland this loop through the forest old. Peninsula is my favourite of the most popular pastimes for families who want to have a look at brochures. A better time to swap four wheels for two in Ireland: air! The way and informational signage the country’s best known leisure cycle route is on towpaths which! 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