DESTINATION IRELAND
AUTUMN / WINTER 21 46
Top 5 cycles to explore the island of Ireland
3 . A Dublin City Bike Tour Dublin Castle , the General Post Office , the city ’ s cathedrals , College Green , Merrion Square , Parnell Square , the Grand Canal Dock and more – get a comprehensive handle on the Irish capital and all its charms from the saddle of a Dublin Bike under your own steam . Or with the likes of Dublin City Bike Tours entertaining guides will bring you well researched information on the history of the city and the characters ,
World Bicycle Day on 3 June is the annual opportunity to pay tribute to the bike , not to mention the huge number of beautiful places around the island of Ireland that are explorable on two wheels .
In Ireland , cycling is all about the scenery , the joy and the experience , be it for solo escape or for bonding with the welcoming locals and fellow enthusiasts . So , to celebrate World Cycling Day , check out these five top cycles where the pedalling is pure pleasure , whatever company you keep . events and stories that shaped its character and culture . You even choose an electric bike , cool , comfortable and ecofriendly , from Lazy Bike Tours .
4 . The Mourne Mountains For mountain bike enthusiasts , Northern Ireland ’ s Mountains of Mourne are adventure central . Whether it ’ s riding Castlewellan ’ s fabulous blue , green and red cross-country trails or hooking up with East Coast Adventure to take on the 27km of red trails at Rostrevor , epic downhill runs , panoramic views , the freshest of mountain air and plenty of other non-biking outdoor activities make the Mournes a hard spot to beat in the sport . After a ride , catch a traditional music session in one of a number of friendly local pubs .
1 . The Waterford Greenway Ireland ’ s longest greenway offers a relaxing ride through nature and history . This spectacular off-road cycling and walking trail meanders for 46km from river to sea along an old railway line in Ireland ’ s Ancient East . Start at the riverside quays of Waterford , a city founded by the Vikings , then pedal to the vibrant seaside market town and historic port of Dungarvan . The area is rich in Irish heritage , and the route embraces 11 bridges , three tall viaducts , an atmospheric 400m tunnel and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country .
2 . The Causeway Coastal Route The Giant ’ s Causeway , the Old Bushmills Distillery , ancient castles , golden beaches , pretty seaside towns and villages , Game of Thrones ® film locations and one of the most stunning coastal roads in Europe – this 212km route has it all for cycle fans of any description . Stay at the Ballygally Hotel and follow in the tracks of the professionals , who took this road in the second stage of the 2014 Giro d ’ Italia . The full route from Belfast to Derry ~ Londonderry is rated as one of the most scenic road trips in the world , and when you cycle any part of it you will see why .
5 . The Wild Atlantic Way Cycling the entire 2,500km Wild Atlantic Way would be an epic , though not impossible challenge for those who have the stamina . If the full route is too tall an order , you can decide which and how many of the six awe-inspiring zones , each with their own character and signature discovery points , to take on . Ireland ’ s western seaboard is just teeming with scenic vistas , culture , wild places and miles and miles of stunning roads . So it will be an amazing experience , even if you just fancy carving out a leisurely slice for yourself in places like the spectacular Great Western Greenway in County Mayo , or Valentia Island in County Kerry .
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