One of the big advantages of choosing to travel by bicycle it the ease at which it allows you to stop and explore. Compared to our fellow visitors, who opt to explore from behind the wheel, being on a bike allows you to easily climb off, to check things out, or head down that narrow road simply because it happens to be there. With a coastline that weaves in and out past bays, beaches, small peninsulas, headlands and cliffs, Donegal has more than its fair share of hidden gems. Any of these can be discovered as part of a Donegal cycling holiday. With that in mind here are five hidden gems well worth exploring when cycling in Donegal.
At Cindy Graham Studio
1: St. John’s Point If you look at a map you might wonder why we are including this as a hidden gem. After all this peninsula sticks out in a rather obvious way – right into the heart of Donegal Bay. However, surprisingly few visitors choose to make the journey. It’s a beautiful cycle down the narrow road that brings you to the lighthouse at the end of the peninsula. On the way you will pass the delightful studio of traditional weaver Cindy Graham, and closer the end another delight – Coral Beach with its unusual pink tinted sand. We could easily say that the lighthouse, Cindy Graham’s Studio and Coral Beach are actually 3 hidden gems, but as they are all so close together and within easy cycling distance of each other we will simply lump them all together and call St. John’s Point one hidden gem with many parts.
Illannamarave
2: Illannamarave The Irish name for this little harbour and beach Oileán na Marbh translates as “Island of the Dead”. Don’t let the name fool you though, this is an absolutely gorgeous spot. The small beach here is located close to Donegal Airport. “Beach” signs close to the Airport will direct you to Carrickfinn Beach – itself a beautiful stretch of pristine white sand, and well worth a visit in its own right. To reach Illannamarave, cycle past the airport with the runway on your left. At the end of the runway follow the narrow road to the left. At the end of this road, a real hidden gem awaits. Illannamarve is located close to the village of Annagry – one of the overnight stops on our Highlights of Donegal Bike Tour.
Cycling down Granny
3: Granny Valley Many of our customers who have done the Highlights of Donegal Bike Tour, or the Backroads and Beyond cycling and walking tour will name the cycle down Granny Valley as one of the stand-out highlights of the trip. Once you have visited you will realise why. By the way the name has nothing to do with Grandmothers, it comes from the Irish word for a gravel covered area. A deserted mountain road leads through bog lands to the top of the valley where views open out to the beaches, bays and mountains beyond. The roads drops steeply (some cyclists would say scarily) through the valley right down to the coast and beautiful Maghera Beach with its powder-like sand and series of caves. A little further on is yet another gem -Assarancagh Waterfall. Again this could be at least 3 hidden gems, but just like St. John’s Point we are calling the area just one.
4: Crohy HeadThis headland is located west of the town of Dungloe close to the village of Maghery. It’s a wild and beautiful spot. A rollercoaster of a road leads out to the headland where views over the bay and the mountains in the distance are simply spectacular. With a bit of searching you might discover “The Breeches” – an unusual two-legged sea stack. It can be viewed by first finding the grassy lane that leads to the shore. Further along the road is the village of Maghery with it’s fine golden sandy beach. Crohy head may be a bit off the beaten track. But if you are doing our Highlights of Donegal Bike Tour it is possible to include it on the day you cycle from Glenties to Annagry. (we’ll include directions) It’s a tough cycle as the coastal road constantly winds it way over hills and dips. The rewards are magnificent though, and well worth every bit of the effort.
Cycling to Loughros Point
5: Loughros Point From close to the village of Ardara a narrow road leads along this beautiful peninsula. As you cycle further from the village more and more wonderful views open up. The road follows the narrow Loughros Beag Bay until it reaches a tiny slipway close to the end of the peninsula. For cyclists tired of the hills this roads is one of the less demanding in Donegal. If you fancy having a pretty beach all to yourself – tiny Trabawn on the north side of Loughros point might be just what you are after. If you happen to be around in the evening the sunsets here are magnificent. The setting sun adds wonderful warm colours to the surrounding hills as it sinks over the Atlantic Ocean.
We could go on an on about the hidden gems in the area, with so many beautiful tiny beaches and harbours, so many archaeological treasures, so many local crafts people producing their own individual gems we could be here for a long time. Rest assured though that a cycling holiday in Ireland will deliver a wealth of gems and memories to go along with them.
The signs are positive and it looks like the world is finally beginning to emerge from the two years of lockdowns, isolation, fear and uncertainty caused by the Covid 19 pandemic.
For many of us the urge to travel is stronger than every. Experiencing the wonderful sights, smells and sounds while cycling or hiking through the Irish countryside is once again a possibility.
Regulations Regarding Travel to Ireland in 2022
In brief the regulations as they currently stand are as follows.
You must produce one of the following:
(a) Proof of Vaccination
You must produce an accepted proof of vaccination.
If you are an EU resident the Covid Digital Certificate is the accepted vaccination cert.
For non-EU residents the cert must be issued by the relative authority.
Primary vaccinations (not boosters) must have been administered not more than 270 days from the date of arrival in Ireland.
For passengers arriving who have received a booster there is no time limit.
There are currently 8 vaccinations accepted for travel to Ireland. These are listed on the Irish Government website. See the link below.
or
(b) Proof of Recovery from Covid 19
You must produce a written or digital proof of recovery from Covid 19.
Proof of recovery is not valid if it is more than 180 days since the first positve test result.
or
(c) Proof of a negative PCR test
This must have been taken not more than 72 hours before arrival in Ireland.
Children under 11 are exempt from testing requirments. There are also some other exemption. See the link below.
Passenger Locator Form
All passengers over 18 must fill out a passenger locator form. This will be provided by your airline or ferry company. You will be emailed a receipt. You will be required to produce this when boarding.
Children under 18 must be included on an adults passenger locator form.
As Covid 19 is still very much with us, it is possible that some regulations will change as they have done since travel first started opening up again. It is therefore a good idea to regularly check the Irish government website for any updates. The relevant page can be found at
Even as travel opens up it is still strongly advised to take all reasonable care. For those of us who enjoy cycling and walking it is great comfort to know that we can do what we love and still be able to avoid the crowds.
Anyone who has done even a limited amount of of cycling will almost certainly know what a nuisance it can be if you have a sudden breakdown or puncture that leaves you stranded on the roadside. Yet, while such incidents will always be an inconvenience, there is no reason why they should be anything more than that. By carrying a puncture repair kit and some simple tools you will almost always be back on your bike in a short time.
So what should you carry? Over the years we have refined our tool kit to include everything you need to get you back cycling, without needing to provide a really bulky and usually unnecessary bicycle repair kit.
At Ireland by Bike we keep our bikes very well maintained. We also use the most puncture resistant tyres currently available. This means that our repair kits are almost never opened. However we still always take a “just in case” approach to providing a repair kit.
Our kit contains.
Two spare inner bicycle tubes.
A Mini Pump.
This will not pump your tyres as hard as one of the larger, better bicycle pumps, however it will be more than good enough to bring you home. It is a good idea to buy a pump with both schrader and presta valve connections as that will cover you in all scenarios. (And possibly get your friends out of difficulty too). The mini pump we use is the SKS Infusion TT. It is small, making it easy to pack and has both types of connection. There are countless brands all of which are perfectly good, however avoid buying very cheap ones as they may let you down when you need them most. Your local bicycle shop will recommend a suitable brand.
A Puncture Repair Kit.
With two spare inner tubes in your kit it will be a very, very bad day if you need to use this. However these kits are so small and light that you might as well pack one anyway. These can also be useful, if, for some reason you are unable to remove the wheel in order to replace the tube. It is often possible to repair a puncture without actually removing the wheel.
Tyre levers.
You will need these in order to remove the tyre from the rim when repairing a puncture. If you have bought one of the puncture repair kits mentioned above it may also contain bicycle tyre levers. However many of these tend to be weak and can often break when in use. It is worth while investing in metal or high quality plastic tyre levers (you will need 3).
A bicycle multi-tool.
There are an infintie number of these available. Many have a huge number of functions. However the basic ones are usually more than adequate. For minor repairs to most bikes a multi tool with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 mm allen keys (hex head) a straight and philips screwdriver and one or two TORX screwdrivers are all that you will need. If you are comfortable repairing a broken chain a bicycle multi-tool that also incorporates a chain splitter is worthwhile. Likewise if you are happy to work on a broken spoke, a spoke wrench is a useful addition. Most bicycle multi-tools are specified by the number of functions. You can be quite happy that one with 10 to 12 functions will be more than adequate. As with the mini-pump the very cheap options might not be good value. These often tend to bend under pressure and can also damage heads of screws etc.
At Ireland by Bike we also include a 15mm spanner. This is used in case you want to fit your own pedals. It is a more than adequate substitute for the much bulkier pedal wrench. It should not be necessary to include this in the repair kit you carry for regular cycling.
Thinking of going self-guided? Here are the answers to the most important questions about self-guided bike tours in Ireland.
If you are planning a cycling holiday or bike tour in Ireland, there are a number of tour types to choose from. These include Guided Bike Tours; Self-Guided Bike Tours; and Fully Independent Tours.
With a fully guided bike tour, the bike tour company takes care of all the organisation. This includes accommodation, routes, meals, and activities. This is very convenient for because it means all the organising will be done for you by a local expert. On the other hand, a fully independent bike tour gives you much greater freedom to do and see the things you’re most interested in. It also lets you cycle at your own pace and choose where to eat.
Self-guided bike tours give you the best of both worlds – the tour company uses their local expertise to arrange routes and accommodation for you. You have complete flexibility to visit what attractions you prefer, where to eat, etc. You can cycle at your own pace, there will be options for add-on cycles and detours if you’re feeling extra energetic. Read on to find the answers to the most common questions about self-guided bike tours in Ireland.
What is a self-guided bike tour and how does it work?
Self-guided bike tours or cycling holidays are also referred to as self-led bike tours and sometimes non-guided tours. The main difference between a self-guided bike tour and a guided bike tour is that you do not have a tour guide to lead you and your group on each cycle. There will also be no support vehicle accompanying the group. Instead you follow directions, maps and possibly GPS routes provided by your bike tour company. You cycle at your own pace from one destination to the next.
Will I be part of a group?
You choose your group, it might be you on your own, it might be your family or possibly a group of friends. It is up to you. It is quite possible that you may be following the same routes as others who are also doing the tour, this is especially likely during peak summer months. At other times you may find that your group is the only one on the road. Some cycling holiday companies allow you the freedom to choose any start date within the season. Others only allow you to start on a particular day each week. If your chosen tour starts on a set day it is more likely you will encounter other cyclists following the same routes as you.
How many people can be accommodated in one booking?
Most bike tour operators will be able to accommodate a large variety of group sizes from individuals right up to large groups. Depending on the bike tour company individuals travelling alone may be asked to pay a solo traveller supplement.
How do I follow the routes?
Self-guided bike tours directions and maps from Ireland by Bike
Routes are planned for you, Some cycling holiday companies provide you with written turn by turn directions along with route maps. Alternatively you may get a GPS unit with your routes pre-programmed (sometimes at an extra cost). Another alternative favoured by some bike tour companies is to use an app such as Ride With GPS allowing you to download the routes to your mobile (cell) phone.
At Ireland by bike we give a detailed set of turn by turn directions, along with route maps. You bicycle will have a front handlebar bag with a map holder, easily allowing you to follow the directions as you cycle. We also provide a GPS unit with routes pre programmed at no extra cost, meaning it will be almost impossible to get lost.
Will the daily distances be too much or to little for me?
Most cycling holiday companies grade their tours based on what distance you cycle each day along with other factors such as hills etc. There are tours available all over Ireland to suit virtually every level of cyclist. Ireland by Bike offer bike tours such as the Donegal Coastal Treasures Bike Tour where the average daily distance is between 30 and 40 km (20 to 25 miles). Other tours including our Highlights of Donegal Bike Tour and Causeway Coast Bike Tour have average daily distances of 45 to 55 km. Some companies throughout Ireland offer tours with even greater daily distances suitable for competitive cyclists looking for the most demanding of tours.
Do I need to keep to a set pace?
Ireland has a myriad of back roads perfect for exploring.
A real advantage of self-guided cycling tours over guided cycling tours is that you can travel and explore entirely at your own pace. There is no need to be conscious of a guide telling you that you need to be at this café or that attraction at a certain time. So if you pass a beautiful beach and you want to go for a swim – go for a swim. If you want to stop for a coffee – stop for a coffee. If you spot something of interest that is not in your tour notes – check it out. No one is going to complain that you have held up the group.
Another of the great advantages of choosing a self-guided cycling holiday is that you are free to explore as many or as few side trips as you like. Take for example Ireland by Bike’s Donegal Coastal Treasures Bike Tour. On the day you cycle from Donegal to Killybegs you have the option of cycling to the lighthouse at the end of the St. John’s Point peninsula. This adds a total of 15 km to the days cycle. However as this is a self-guided tour whether you choose to do this or not is entirely up to you. This and all other possible side trips are detailed in your tour notes and directions. Most of Ireland’s coastline – especially along the western seaboard is a tapestry of jagged headlands and peninsulas, very many of these offer wonderful ocean views. These coastal treasures are well worth including as extra cycling or side trips along the way. Almost all Irish self-guided bike tour notes and directions give clear directions for these additional options.
Can I customise my self-guided bike tour?
This will depend a lot on the particular tour and the bike tour company. In many instances it is possible to add extra days either at the beginning or end of the tour. Some bike tour companies will also give you the option of choosing where along the route you would like a rest day without cycling.
Are there dedicated cycling paths in Ireland?
There are some but not as many as in countries such as The Netherlands and various parts of France, Germany etc. What Ireland does have is a vast network of small roads with little or no traffic. These are a joy to cycle. Careful planning allows bike tour companies to use routes that follow the quieter roads bringing you comfortably and safely from A to B.
How will I know what attractions are along the route?
Self-guided bike tour guide notes.
Most bike tour companies will give you guide notes. The Ireland by Bike tour notes give you a very comprehensive guide to everything worth seeing along the way. The Irish coastline is for most people the main attraction and simply following it makes the tour worthwhile. But there are countless historical and other treasures along the way that it would be a pity to miss. Your guide notes will give you information about these.
What about my luggage?
The vast majority of cycling holiday companies include luggage transfers as part of the tour package. This gives you the freedom to enjoy each day, safe in the knowledge that your luggage will be waiting for you when you arrive at your next accommodation. It is worthwhile checking with your bike tour company if panniers, handlebar bags, etc. to carry the items you need during the day are provided.
What if I have a problem or a puncture?
Most cycling holiday companies include a backup service as part of the self-guided tour package. This is normally in the form of a number to ring in an emergency.
At Ireland by Bike we use the most puncture resistant tyres available so punctures are very very rare. We also keep our bikes in tip top condition, so like punctures, mechanical problems are also almost non existent. To be absolutely safe we provide you with a puncture repair kit as well as a spare inner tube.
Can I choose my own start date?
This may vary from one cycling holiday company to another and also from one tour to another. In recent years accommodation has not been as easily available along the West Coast of Ireland as it had been in the past. For this reason many bike tour companies including Ireland by Bike have had to set a fixed arrival day during the week for their self-guided tours.
Will I meet someone from the cycling holiday company?
Very many cycling holiday companies include a welcome or orientation meeting as part of the service. Others simply arrange to have your bicycle, tour notes, etc. delivered to your first accommodation. Here at Ireland by Bike we arrange to meet you on the morning of your first cycle, or occasionally on the evening you arrive. We give you your bicycle and make sure it is set up properly for you. We explain how to follow the tour directions and use the GPS. We also answer any questions you may have so that you are totally at ease before you set off.
If I am using an electric bike how will it be charged?
Your e-bike charger is quite a small unit. You will be given this at the start of your tour. You can then have it transported along with your luggage and it will be available when you arrive at your next destination. To be sure that your battery will last for each day’s cycle it is best to charge it every evening.
Is self-guided cycling in Ireland safe?
This question is especially important if you are a woman travelling alone. Well, thankfully for self-guided tours in Ireland the answer is yes. While nowhere in the world is entirely crime free, in rural Ireland the crime rate is very low. At Ireland by Bike we have had numerous solo female travellers over the years, all without problems.
Any other questions?
If you are considering a self-guided bike tour in Ireland hopefully this will have answered most of your questions. If there are more questions you would like to ask please contact us and we will be more than happy to help. Alternatively browse our list of self-guided bike tours in Ireland.
Here are our tops tips to keep your bike in tip top shape…
It’s the middle of winter here in Ireland now, and the weather this time of year can put increased strain on your bike. But no matter what the time of year, a bicycle that is well looked after, will make your tour safer, your ride more comfortable and your adventure more fun. So we thought this would be a great time to give you our top tips for looking after your bicycle.
1 – Keep your tyre pressure right. The sidewalls of your tyres have information about the appropriate inflation pressure written on them. Keeping the pressure within this range makes for a more comfortable ride, better grip, and fewer punctures.
2 – Check your tyres for sharp objects. It often takes many days for pieces of glass and metal to work their way from the outside of the tyre to the tube, where they will cause a loss of air. Inspect your tyres regularly and send any objects that you find in them on a trip to the bin. This will prevent many punctures.
3 – Look after your chain. Chains start to wear out long before they break. Bring your bicycle to a mechanic at least every few months so that a worn chain can be identified and replaced in time. Not only will this prevent breakdowns, it will prolong the life of your other bike components. Apply lubricant to your chain whenever it seems too dry, and wipe off the excess with a rag.
4 – Check that your brake pads are in good condition. You should make sure that there is always plenty of wear left on your brake pads, and get them replaced before they wear out fully.
5 – Investigate any unexplained noises like rattles, squeaks and clicks. These often indicate problems that will be much easier to fix if they are addressed sooner rather than later.
6 – Keep your bike dry while you’re not cycling. If your bike gets wet every time it rains, then corrosion will do a lot of expensive damage to your components.
These tips will help keep your bicycle in good condition. However, there truly is no substitute for the trained eye of a qualified bicycle mechanic when it comes to making sure that your bicycle is safe and road worthy. Bring your bike to your local bike shop often: Most shops will give the bicycle a quick inspection for no charge. This will help to identify problems that are easy and cheap to fix when caught early but could become more difficult to fix or be a hazard on the road if they are not addressed.
To conclude, look after your bicycle and it will look after you. Happy cycling!
Dominic Ó Gallachóir, Bicycle Mechanic, Ireland by Bike
Our simple guide to help you choose the ideal bike for your needs…
There is no better way to see the world than by bicycle. Indeed, there is no better way to get from A to B than by bike — whether that involves a quick spin to the local shop, or the daily commute to work and back.
As you cycle, without even trying, you will improve your mental and physical health, leave no carbon footprint and reduce pollution and congestion in your area. There is also a growing amount of evidence to suggest that cycling or other exercise can reduce fatigue.
So if you have decided to take the plunge and begin cycling, you will need to decide what type of bike to buy. There is a large range of bikes out there, and at least one will suit your needs perfectly. Here is our simple guide to the various types.
Road or racing bicycle.
You will recognise this bike if you have ever seen a group out training on a Sunday morning, or if you have ever watched a professional cycling race like the Tour de France. These bikes are designed for speed. Various features of the design such as the dropped handlebars keep the cyclist in the best possible riding position to achieve maximum speed. While this is a big advantage when racing it may prove to be a little uncomfortable for general use. If you are simply getting back on your bicycle to get a little exercise, or for the purpose of commuting, then this is probably not the bike for you. If you do become an avid cyclist and you fancy graduating to something faster, then you can always switch to a road bike in the future.
Mountain bike
In general, mountain bikes are used for cycling off road — on everything from relatively smooth gravel trails to “extreme” terrain. They feature wide tyres and suspension. Some feature both front and back suspension, while others known as “hardtail” have front suspension only. Mountain bikes have a large range of gears at a low range to allow for cycling up steep hills. While they are perfect for cycling over rough terrain they are much slower on paved roads than other bicycle types. The sitting position is more upright than on road bikes, and may feel more comfortable if you have not been on a bike for some time. It might be worth considering purchasing a mountain bike if you think you may do some cycling on forest paths or other off-road tracks, or if commuting by way of a rough path is an option for you.
Hybrid bike
These bikes are like a cross between road and mountain bikes. They have a large range of gears. Their tyres are wider than a road bike but narrower than a mountain bike. The sitting position is more upright than a road bike. They may or may not have front suspension. Hybrid bikes without front suspension are often referred to as urban or city bikes, (which is a little confusing because they are perfect for cycling on rural roads.) Hybrid bikes with front suspension are often referred to as cross bikes, due to their suitability for some off-road cycling.
To get back to cycling after a long break, or for relaxed touring or commuting, hybrid bikes are probably the best choice. To decide whether you need to opt for front suspension or not, ask yourself what type of terrain will you be cycling on. If it is mostly smooth paths or roads, there is no need for the extra cost and weight that comes with front suspension. If, on the other hand, you think you may venture onto rougher terrain once in a while, a front suspension fork is a good option.
Cruising bike
These bikes have a very relaxed upright sitting position, by way of their raised handlebars. They have quite large “balloon” tyres. As the name suggests, they are used for “cruising” around. Often they have only one gear — which is fine if you live and cycle in a perfectly flat area. They are also occasionally referred to as beach bikes.
E-bike
Also known as electric bicycles, pedelecs, or electric assisted bikes. These are bicycles with a motor that give assistance when cycling. They are available as hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and, recently, even high-end road bikes. While expensive, they are a great option for commuting in a hilly or windy area — and are a great option if you want to arrive at work without having to sweat! They also allow bike touring over much greater distances. The most recent e-bike technology will give assistance over ranges up to 150 km on a single battery charge.
Over the past decade or so the range of e-bikes has increased hugely. Every type of bicycle listed here is now available as an e-bike with a variety of battery capacities, battery mount positions and motor types.
Other bike types
Folding bike
As the name suggests, they can be folded — making them very convenient for transportation or storage. Many folding bikes are surprisingly comfortable to cycle. They are a very good option if you have limited storage space or commute by train and bike.
Recumbent bike
These have a low laid back sitting position. While this may look uncomfortable, recumbent enthusiasts will argue that they are the most comfortable bikes of all.
Cyclocross Bike
A version of a road bike suitable for cycling in rough or muddy terrain.
Tandem
The classic “bicycle built for two”. Tandem bicycles have seats and pedals for two riders, one behind the other.
Idyllic cycling through the quiet roads of Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan and Fermanagh…
When you picture a cycling holiday or bike tour in Ireland, what destination comes to mind?
The chances are that destinations such as Connemara, Donegal or the Ring of Kerry are high on the list. There and several other iconic destinations and wonderful places to visit by bicycle, but perhaps the best Irish cycling destination of all is missing off most bike enthusiast’s list.
The area forming a rough triangle between the towns of Sligo, Ballyshannon and Enniskillen is an area of quiet country roads, tranquil lakes, green valleys and small villages. It includes parts of counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Cavan (in the Republic of Ireland), and County Fermanagh (in Northern Ireland.) The network of small roads found here perfectly fits most cyclist’s definition of what constitutes idyllic cycling.
Sligo town, with its good transport connections to the rest of the country, is a good place to start. Leaving Sligo, the North West Cycle trail takes you quickly into the surrounding countryside via a network of tiny roads. From here you can point your bicycle north along the Atlantic Ocean or head east through Glencar Valley.
Cycling to Eagles Rock
Wonderful countryside awaits in either direction. Along the Atlantic there are beaches and bays to explore — with the best probably being at Mullaghmore. Further inland, lakes abound. Glencar Lake, Upper and Lower Lough McNean, Lough Gill, the great stretch of Upper and Lower Lough Erne and legendary Lough Melvin are among the best known. But for a genuine hidden gem, cycle along Glenade Lake, where, as well as the stunning lake and valley, you can also pass the magnificent Eagle’s Rock – the highest free standing rock in Ireland.
Apart from all the delightful scenery in the area, it is also steeped in history. One of Europe’s best megalithic sites lies just outside Sligo at Carrowmore. The ruins of the Abbeys at Creevlea in County Leitrim and Keenaghan in County Fermanagh are great places to visit. An uphill cycle from the village of Blacklion will take you to the Cavan Burren, an area dotted with iron age and bronze age monuments. If you are willing to leave the bike for a while and get on a boat, Devenish Island in Lough Erne — just outside Enniskillen — is one of the best monastic sites in Ireland.
Creevlea Abbey
And if you have explored all of what the area has to offer above the earth, you can take a trip underground at Marble Arch Caves, or the lesser known Whitefather’s Cave. There are a handful of busy roads here, but even a simple local map will keep you on the quiet back roads. There are also a number of marked cycle trails. The North West Cycle Trail and the Kingfisher Trail pass through the area.
If you would like spend time cycling this wonderful part of Ireland, then please check out our Sligo’s Yeats Country Single Centre Bike Tour. We have options 4 or 5 night tours available.
Perhaps it’s time you discovered this first-class Irish cycling destination!
Glen Head in County Donegal. One of the many spectacular locations on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for an amazing 2,500 km (1,500 miles) along Ireland’s west coast. It’s a route that brings you past every possible seascape; from towering cliffs, hidden inlets, pebble and sandy beaches, tiny harbours, tranquil bays and everything else a coastline can offer.
Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way has become a dream for many. It can be done in one (very long) holiday or spread over several holidays. Here are some of our top tips if you would like to turn your Wild Atlantic Way bike tour into the experience of a lifetime.
Plan your route
This might seem like a bit of a contradiction. After all, you are following the Wild Atlantic Way. However, it is worth knowing that most people who follow the Wild Atlantic Way do so by car. This can lead to very busy roads, especially at peak holiday times, when you can also expect to have quite a few tour buses thrown in for good measure! To avoid having to cycle on these busy roads, get yourself good local maps. The “Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Discovery Series” have a 1:50,000 scale maps, so all small local roads are clearly shown. Maps 1,2,3,6,10 and 11 cover the County Donegal section of the route. You may end up not following the exact Wild Atlantic Way, however your experience as a cyclist might be a lot more pleasant.
Book your accommodation ahead
Ireland has a good network of hostels, hotels and bed and breakfasts. Most of the time this will mean that you will find accommodation at the end of a day’s cycling. A note of caution however; on occasions when a festival, a summer school, a sporting event, or a myriad of other events is taking place, you might find that all accommodation is booked out for miles around. A pleasant day’s cycling could turn into a bit of a nightmare if, at the end of the day, you have no option but to get on your bike for another long cycle, simply to get a bed for the night.
Silver Strand in County Donegal.
Take your time
OK – it’s 2,500 km long and you want to see as much as possible. But by trying to pack in too much you might be missing out on the real gems. It simply would not be possible to count the number or places that are worth spending some time at along the way. Remember, many of the very best memories of an Irish cycling holiday will be when you are off your bike. So… dip your feet in the Wild Atlantic Ocean, lock your bike and hike to a remote headland, enjoy the atmosphere of an Irish pub and taste some delicious fresh local brown bread. Chatting to a local farmer herding his sheep or visiting a traditional woollen weaving mill might well be the highlight of your adventure. Every stop will lead to one more special memory to take back with you!
Explore what is near the route as well as the route itself
How many attractions – both well known and hidden — lie just off the Wild Atlantic Way? It may be well worthwhile heading inland every now and then. In County Donegal, Mount Errigal, The Poisoned Glen, Glenveagh National Park, Lough Eske and several other treasures lie just off the route. The same applies to every other county along the way. Don’t miss out on what lies just over the horizon by sticking rigidly to the coast. You might just find the hidden gem that others are missing out on.
The Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal. Many interesting attractions lie just off the route.
Consider letting others do the hard work for you — then all you have to do is to enjoy the ride!
You probably just want to get on your bike and enjoy the very best of what the west of Ireland has to offer. The easiest way to do this could be to let someone else do the hard work for you. Local tour companies know the highways and byways, the places you shouldn’t miss and the places you should avoid. They will also book your accommodation and transport your luggage while you are cycling.
At Ireland by Bike we know every tiny road, every hidden gem and everything in between. We pick up your luggage each morning and make sure that it’s waiting for you when you arrive at your accommodation. We have been working with some of the very best Bed and Breakfasts in this region for the past ten years and we know how well they care for cyclists. So… if you want the ultimate Wild Atlantic Way experience, contact us. The bike tour of a lifetime awaits:
The Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal. Many interesting attractions lie just off the route.
Have you ever been on a family cycling holiday, or even on a one day group cycle, over hilly terrain? Then you will know that as soon as the road starts to go uphill, your groups cohesiveness goes quickly downhill. It’s an all too familiar occurrence. While the fitter cyclists among the group cruise effortlessly up even the steepest hills, those of us who exhibit the normal human frailties are left to puff and pant our way to the top. It can be both frustrating and a source of tension between group members.
If a cycling holiday destination appeals to you but you fear the hills, then fear not! The solution may be as short as a single word — “e-bike”!
E-bike, electric bike, electrically assisted bike, pedal assist, pedalec. Essentially they all mean the same thing. These are conventional bicycles with a motor and battery added. When assistance is required, the motor engages, and gives that lovely push that takes you effortlessly up even the toughest hill.
If you are somebody who feels that this is not really cycling, or that it’s a bit of a cop-out, well consider that you will still be turning the pedals as much as you would on a normal bike. If you sit there and do nothing, your e-bike will also do nothing. The assistance only engages when you pedal. The experience of cycling is exactly the same — just without the same effort on the hills.
Most cycling holidays in Ireland follow routes over hilly terrain. At Ireland by Bike our Highlights of Donegal Bike Tour is one of our most popular. It follows a beautiful route along the coast and through the Donegal highlands. Is is a route that is constantly hilly. Similarly, our new Causeway Coast tour follows a stunningly beautiful coastline, but once again the routes are hilly. This is fine for anyone with even a moderate level of fitness. However if you would like to take the effort out of making it to the top of those hills, the solution is easy… simply opt for an e-bike!
Advantages of using an e-bike.
Cycle up hills as if you are cycling on the flat.
Cover longer distances at ease.
Get the exercise without the grind.
Cycle without difficulty in a mixed ability group.
Perhaps you are thinking about a cycling holiday in Ireland. Maybe you are wondering if it is really for you, or indeed if you will be fit for the cycling. Well if the idea appeals to you there’s no need to worry. With a little preparation and by choosing the correct tour, just about anyone can enjoy all the thrills that an Irish Cycling Holiday has to offer.
It might seem obvious, but the most important part of your preparation is to do some cycling. Not only will this improve your fitness, but even more importantly, it will provide you with the bike handling skills necessary for your safety and comfort on the road. You do not need to train like a competitive cyclist, but the more leisure cycling you do the more enjoyable your holiday will be. If you live within cycling distance of your workplace this could be the perfect way of fitting in your preparation. You also have the added health advantages that regular cycling brings. If this is not possible, then getting out on the bike a few times a week will have equal benefits. As with all exercise, the advice is to begin with a little and gradually increase your distances.
It is not necessary to cycle the same distances as you will cover while on holiday. Keep in mind that when you are on holiday you will have all day to get to your destination. Plenty of time to stop for coffee, have a leisurely lunch and stop to take a photo at every turn on the road. (Believe us when you are on a cycling holiday in Ireland you will want to take a photo at every turn on the road). If you choose a leisurely bike tour such as the Sligo’s Yeats Country Single Centre Bike Tour or Donegal Coastal Treasures Bike Tour you may be cycling as little as 25 km (15 miles) per day, so no need to hurry. Therefore even a small bit of cycling prior to your trip will leave you more than ready.
If you opt to do a cycling tour with longer daily distances, it follows that you need to do a bit more preparation. Keep in mind that much of Ireland is hilly. This, after all, is what makes it so beautiful. If you live in a flat area you should probably choose a cycling tour with approximately two thirds of the daily distance you feel you can comfortably cover.
So why wait! If you haven’t been doing any cycling recently, then it’s time to dust down your bike. Check that the tyres are pumped and that your brakes and gears work. Before long you’ll be more than ready to experience the sights, sounds, smells, stories and much more that a cycling holiday in Ireland has to offer.
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