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Looking to explore on two wheels this summer? Then look no further, we have teamed up with Great Outdoors (the best of the best when it comes to catering for all of your outdoor kit needs) to bring you five of our favourite multi-day bike trips in Ireland.
Five Of The Best Multi-Day Bike Trips
Ireland has many many different options for multiday bikepacking adventures. With free bike transport on trains in Ireland, you can do all of these adventures car-free as well! So what are you waiting for? Pack your panniers and make this a summer to remember.
1. Waterford Greenway Loop
Distance: 117km
Suggested Time: 2-days
Ireland boasts an impressive network of six Greenways, each one worth considering for a multi-day bike trip. Not only do these Greenways provide safe and reliable routes from destination A to B, but we’ve discovered that veering off the beaten path from time to time can lead to exciting adventures and deeper exploration of the surrounding areas. This route takes in the entire Waterford Greenway and even ventures off it to explore some of the gems of the area.
Day one: Waterford to Dungarvan
Distance: 63km
Starting in Waterford City the route follows the Greenway west along the Dawn River to Kilmacthomas. Here you can grab a coffee and a snack at Coach House Coffee. Continue for 5km past the café, and take an optional detour north to the stunning Mahon Falls at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains. There are places to leave your bike while you explore the falls. Then enjoy the downhill cruise to the stunning coastal town of Dungarvan for the night.
Day two: Dungarvan to Waterford
Distance: 55km
Get up and out and head east back along the stunning greenway. Stop at the Railway Cottage for coffee and snacks to fuel your coastal cruise back into Waterford. At the 8km mark for the day you can either continue back along the greenway or nip down to the coastal road and enjoy a lumpy coastal road back into Waterford.
2. Wild Atlantic Way
Distance: 213km
Suggested Time: 2-4 days
The Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest, uninterrupted coastal route. Taking it on in one go is truly an epic adventure and is something to add to your bucket list. The Wild Atlantic Way boasts some of the country’s most breathtaking coastal towns, beaches, and mountains, offering endless adventure opportunities. Regardless of the amount of time you have available, you can ride a section of the Wild Atlantic Way and have an incredible time!
Day one: Westport to Delphi
Distance: 42km
Head west out of Westport along the main road to Louisburgh. From here the roads calm down, and get narrower and more enjoyable for the rest of the route. Enjoy the stunning Doo Lough Valley by bike and take your time as reckon this is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the country. Delphi Lodge Hostel is a great place to rest your head for the night if you aren’t opting to camp.
Day 2: Dephi to Clifden Eco Beach Camping
Distance 45km
Leave the lodge behind you and head down to Killary, Ireland’s only Fjord. The Purple Door Café in Leenuan is the perfect stop for lunch or coffee. Continue to Letterfrack, stopping to appreciate the gorgeous Kylemore Abbey on your way. Turn off the main road 11km after Letterfrack and continue west for 5km before arriving at Clifden Eco Beach Camping for the night.
Day 3: Clifden Eco Beach Camping to Westport
Distance: 126km
The longest day of the trip. Start your day with a coffee and breakfast in Clifden before heading south along the “bog road”. While this is much longer than the main road it is far more enjoyable and less busy. After 80km you will arrive at Maum Cross, there is a shop here where you can refuel if needed. If you can wait, Keene’s is 10km away and is a gorgeous food/craft shop. The final stretch of the trip brings you along the shores of Lough Mask and back into Westport.
When we embarked on this trip we did it in a weekend. We took the train to Westport on Friday afternoon and rode to Dephi that evening, did the shorter ride to Clifden Eco Beach Camping on Saturday and rode back to Westport in time for the 6:30 pm train back to Dublin on Sunday. It was a busy weekend itinerary but incredibly doable and excellent fun.
3. Great Western Greenway
Distance: 163km
Suggested Time: 2 days (3 for a more relaxed trip)
This a slightly more adventurous route for those who want to explore the Best of the West! This route takes in some of the most stunning beaches in the country including Mulranny Strand and Keem Beach. There are several high-quality campsites on Achill that make a great pitstop for the night.
Day 1: Westport to Keel
Distance 80km
Beginning in Westport, head north along the Greenway to Newport. After 15km there is an optional coffee stop at the Riverside Café before continuing west along the north coast of Clew Bay. A few short climbs punctuate the day before you arrive at Achill at the 44km mark. There are many different options for accommodation and food on Achill Island. You really can’t go wrong. The campsite at Keel is an excellent option. We suggest setting up your camp here and taking a spin over and back to Keem on a bag-less bike as the climb is quite tough!
Day 2: Keel to Westport
Distance: 83km
You can choose to return along the carless Greenway or take a few road loops back to Westport.
4. The Causeway Coast
Our Distance: 106km
Our Suggested Time: 3 days
Stretching from Belfast to Derry, the Causeway Coastal Route is dotted with sandy beaches, fishing villages, gorse-covered valleys and imposing clifftop paths. Absorbing this epic landscape from the car is great, but it’s nothing compared to tackling it by bike. Hear the sound of the crashing waves beneath you. Taste the salty air on your lips. And feel the cool breeze whistling through your hair. There really is no better way to explore this famous stretch of coastline so steeped in myth and legend.
Day one: Ballygally to Cushendun
Distance: 40km
Navigating this glorious stretch of coastline isn’t difficult. Winding itself right along the edge of the ocean you will have towering cliffs on one side and the vast ocean to the other side at all times! While the Causeway Coastal Route technically starts in Belfast, we opted to start in the sleepy town of Ballygally instead as it meant we started on quiet roads from the get-go.
From Ballygally, we pedalled along smooth tarmac, passing through idyllic fishing villages and the glorious Glens before our first stop at Cushendun some 40km away. This quaint little village is home to little more than a small shop, pub, café and the caves of Game of Thrones fame. Mary McBride’s pub provides a perfect refreshment stop. With its roaring fires, hearty food and friendly staff, you really can’t go wrong.
However, if 40km seems too far to travel in one shot, I would also recommend a stop in the nearer town of Cushendall, which is home to several cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Day two: Cushendun to Ballycastle (via Torr Head)
Distance: 28km
Leaving Cushendun, you have two route options. Left takes a more direct route to Ballycastle following the Causeway Coastal Route signs. Right follows the scenic route via Torr Head. The former weaves its way inland while the latter follows the coastline. It seems like a no-brainer to choose the latter, although I should warn you in advance that it is not for the faint-hearted.
If you are planning to spend the night in Ballycastle, we recommend Marine Hotel on the seafront. Currently undergoing renovations, the newer rooms are bright and fresh. And most importantly, the hotel is bike-friendly so they look after your precious steed on arrival.
Refuelling options are plentiful in the centre of town. Morton’s, right beside the hotel offers the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted, while the Central Bar on the main street offers some really great grub in a cosy setting. Fans of bread, coffee and cakes should also make sure to stop at Ursa Minor. This bakehouse-come-café is the best I’ve ever been in.
Day three: Ballycastle to Portstewart
Distance: 38km
It is worth giving yourself an entire day to explore this stretch of coastline. The famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is the first port of call on the route, just 8km from Ballycastle. Swaying tenuously over the crashing Atlantic below, it’s not hard to see why hordes of screeching tourists gather at this spot daily to test their nerves as they cross to a small island on the far side. After that, you will glide past Dunluce Castle and onto the quaint harbour at Ballintoy.
Next up on this whistle-stop tour is the Giant’s Causeway. And you’ll be delighted to hear that the entrance fee is waived for those who travel via their own steam.
Back on the road, I would also highly recommend a pit stop at Bushmills for a quick whiskey tasting before making your way towards the seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart. Both towns are home to world-class beaches, good eateries, lively pubs and several ice cream parlours.
We devoured locally caught fish and home-cut chips at Harry’s Shack on Portstewart Strand. Sitting out on its large wooden deck, with the sun beating down on us and the ocean sprawled out before our eyes, it is not hard to see why this place has such a big fan club. It is some spot. Afterwards, we treated ourselves to a wee Morelli’s ice-cream cone as we strolled along the seafront.
5. Ring Of Kerry
The Distance: 175km
Suggested Duration: 2 days
Co Kerry is known as the Kingdom of Ireland and for good reason. The county boasts majestic mountains that rise from the land, creating breathtaking valleys, and beautiful lakes. The spectacular Atlantic coastline completes this stunning landscape. During your cycling journey, you’ll come across charming small villages and scenic towns, each offering a range of accommodation choices to cater to all kinds of cyclists.
Day 1: Killarney to Caherdaniel
Distance: 99km
Day one will see you heading out of Killarney towards Killorglin where you can pick up some snacks before heading on to Cahersiveen. The stretch from Kilorglin to Cahersiveen is absolutely breathtaking. You will pass through the small coastal town of Waterville shortly after which if one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Ireland. Waterville overlooks the gorgeous Ballinaskelligs Bay. Why not take a short break here to walk on the stunning beach and yummy food in The Beachcove Cafe? Continue along the coast to Catherdaniel. Just past Caherdaniel, you will find Glenbeg Camping and Caravan Park, the perfect place to stay on night one.
Day two: Caherdaniel to Killarney
Distance: 75km
The rolling hills will wake you up on day two as you wind your way through Sneem and Templnoe on your way to Kenmare. This quaint town has multicoloured buildings and many sights to see. Kenmare gets it’s name from the anglicisation of the Irish name Ceann Mara which translates to “head of the sea.” If you have time, stop in the Tom Cream Brewery. The famous Irish Antarctic explorer’s granddaughter Aileen runs the brewery and is full of incredible stories. While you’re there, enjoy the homemade pizza and delicious craft beer before tackling the last leg of your journey. The mighty Moll’s Gap Climb winds its way up the mountains finishing at the famous “Lady’s Viewpoint”. Once you have reached the top you will enjoy an almost free ride back into Killarney town!
Planning a Multi-Day Bike Trip In Ireland: Apps to download
There are numerous apps available to assist with organising multi-day bike trips in Ireland. Playing around with one of these route planning applications will get your adventurous juices flowing. It helps to be able to see the different ways of getting from A to B, the elevation profile, the surface and in some cases even worthwhile stops along the way. We use a combination of Strava, Hiiker, PlotaRoute and Google Maps to plot potential trip routes. These routes can then be uploaded to a bike computer or GPS watch and followed for easy mid-ride navigation.
Planning a Multi-Day Bike Trip In Ireland: Where to start?
Our suggestion is to select an already established route and adjust it according to personal time constraints, preferences, and level of expertise. Back in 2021, we selected a section of the Wild Atlantic Way that had a high density of interesting landmarks, mountains and views. We stuck mostly on the Wild Atlantic Way, veering off occasionally for a delicious café, swim or camping spot. The Wild Atlantic Way was the perfect starting point which we then adapted for our trip.
Another approach is to pick a number of specific locations or landmarks that you wish to visit and then plot a route that links them up. This could be anything, from a route between campsites to a route between mountain bike trail centres.
Must-Have Kit
Cycling adventures are different to other modes of exploring as you are a bit more limited on what you can bring. This makes your kit really important in order to have a good experience. A few quick honourable kit mentions are:
- The MSR Hubba Bikepack – a new tent that is designed specifically for bike packing. The Hubba and Hubba Hubba are well-known backpacking tents and are broadly considered to be the best all-around backpacking tents on the market.
- Thermolite sleeping bag liner – Perfect for warm weather camping in conjunction with a jacket & for hosteling.
- Therm-A-Rest or Sea to Summit mats – These are essential for longer trips where you will be camping.
- The MSR Pocket Rocket II – is a perfect stove option.
- The MSR Titan Kettle .95L – MSR Titanium cookware range recently too and have been loving how light and durable the pots are.
- An Ultralight Backpack – an ultrasil backpack weighs about 70g and packs up to the size of a golf ball. It is super useful for carrying food to cap from a shop.
- Sandals or Fip Flops – lightweight footwear that will allow your feet to breathe
- Drybags – even though most bikepacking bags are waterproof, having a set of drybags to organize your gear and keep things dry.
- Power Bank – charging your phone, bike computer or bike lights on the go is super important.
We’ve created two comprehensive lists that should help you find the answer you’re looking for. The lists have been specifically designed for the two main forms of multi-day bike trips: bike touring and bike packing. We would encourage you to check them out before embarking on your next cycling adventure.
