A bike ride is a lovely way to spend some quality time with the family, while taking in some of the most beautiful spots in Ireland.
Here are a few of the best family bike trails right on your doorstep.
1. Cycle Killarney National Park Loop
This easy cycle goes through the best of Killarney National Park, and much of it is on narrow but well-paved traffic-free paths. You will share it with walkers and horses, so it might be a little slow, but it is so beautiful around here that you are unlikely to mind. This is an extremely popular place to rent a bike and cycle around.
2. Phoenix Park Dublin Cycle Loop
This loop takes you around the quietest roads of the Phoenix Park in Dublin City. It’s the perfect way to unwind, for both Dubliners and visitors, who play all sorts of sports in the park. There is bike hire available at the main entrance.
3. Glen of Aherlow Cycle Loop
This tour takes in the beautiful Glen of Aherlow before going east to Athassel Abbey and then returning to Limerick Junction on the back roads. The highlight is the view of The Galtees and the Glen of Aherlow from the famous viewpoint at Christ The King Statue. The area is a popular spot for walkers and outdoor activities.
4. Old Head of Kinsale
This short loop takes you through beautiful Sandycove and then on the famous Old Head of Kinsale. Then you spin down to Garretstown Beach and on to Ballinspittle. The route back to Kinsale takes you past Ballinspittle Shrine, which became famous in the 1980s. You pack in a lot in a short distance on this route.
5. Lismore Waterford Cycle Loop
Lismore is a small town with a beautiful setting on the banks of the River Blackwater. This route follows the mighty river downstream before climbing a ridge on a narrow country road with great views of the surrounding hills. You finish with a descent to Lismore and great views of the imposing Knockmealdown Mountains behind it.
6. Carrick-on-Suir Cycle Loop
This short loop takes you out of Carrick-on-Suir and up the famous Seskin Hill, near where the great cyclist Sean Kelly grew up.
After that, you travel on the backroads for a few kilometres, with great views of The Comeragh Mountains, before joining the main road for the descent back to the town.
7. Castlebar Mayo Cycle Loop
Castlebar may not have the coastal glamour of nearby Westport, but it has plenty to offer the family cyclist all the same. There is plenty of flat countryside yet also mountains to look at in the north, west and south. But since Westport attracts so many cycle tourists, this route is a neat nearby addition to what is available in the area.
8. Kildare Curragh Cycle Loop
This short and easy loop takes you around the sights of Kildare Town. It is almost entirely flat, although it can be windy and there is not much shelter on the Curragh. There are a number of attractions in a very small area.
Image via Pinterest.
