Discover Dublin on four scenic cycle routes

Media captionRide along Dublin's main cycling route.

This 3.6km route along the Grand Canal is Dublin’s main cycle artery. It links historic Portobello’s Georgian past with the tech hubs of Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock. There are plenty of places to stop for a caffeine hit and a bite to eat, too. Try Junior’s Deli & Cafe on Bath Avenue for a cappuccino and a New York-style Reuben or a Caesar club sandwich. This short trip is the perfect way to kick your Dublin cycling senses into gear. 

Media captionMarvel at the wide-open views along Dublin’s Docklands.

Dublin’s Docklands area is an eclectic mix of old and new. Here, trendy wine bars on the waterside contrast with the original village feel of Ringsend. Before setting off on your cycle, start with an Italian blend coffee and continental treat like cannoli, ricottini or croissants at il Valentino Bakery & Cafe on Grand Canal Harbour. It’s good fuel for the rest of your trip (and you can pick up an extra snack to take away for later). 

Media captionFill your cycling pack with sweet treats from il Valentino.

Appreciators of street art will want to keep an eye out for the pieces on Hanover Quay’s walls, while music fans can book a private tour of U2's Dublin with Cycle Dublin Bike Tours. Pay a visit to Windmill Lane Recording Studios where much of the band’s music was recorded, from Boy in 1980 to Songs of Experience in 2017. As you head towards Ringsend, watch out for locals racing their rowboats along the River Liffey.

Take a breather before the final pedal to the Great South Wall. On sunny days, cyclists can cool off with a dip in Dublin Bay along the wall’s 8km stretch. Once refreshed, make one last push to the iconic red Poolbeg Lighthouse that marks the end of the route. There, you'll be greeted by a pop art mural of one of Dublin's most famous exports, James Joyce. 

Media captionReward your efforts with a visit to Poolbeg Lighthouse.

The city centre is dotted with historic landmarks, engaging galleries and interesting museums. So, why not cycle from one to the next and enjoy as much of Dublin's intriguing past as possible? Start at the Guinness Storehouse in the Liberties, where you can hear about the area’s proud brewing heritage and the story behind the influential Guinness family. From here it’s a short trip to the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham where over 3,500 contemporary artworks by Irish and international artists are on display. While you’re in the neighbourhood, seek out Manning’s Bakery on Thomas Street for a slice of rainbow cake or a coffee eclair. Or stop by Two Pups for a quick coffee and pastry or a proper sit-down brunch.

Media captionStart off at the Guinness Storehouse and wrap up at IMMA.

With 707 hectares of open green fields, Phoenix Park is one of the largest walled city parks in Europe – perfect for a leisurely bike ride. Woven into the network of cycle lanes and green plains, you’ll find Dublin Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin (The President’s House) and beautiful Farmleigh House, with its extensive walled garden. On a budget, the park is the perfect place to picnic and play, but be sure not to feed the local deer and to keep a safe distance.

Media captionExplore Phoenix Park by bike.

A ten-minute spin away from Phoenix Park is Smithfield. Once a former warehouse district, it's now known for its square where you’ll find art studios, vintage shops and the Lighthouse Cinema. Grab a sandwich nearby at the Oxmantown Cafe, nestled next to St Mary’s Abbey. Try the grilled cheese made with Gruyere, or roast chicken and onion stuffing with lemon aioli. Two of Dublin's best bakeries and coffee shops – Elliot's and No Messin' – are also spitting distance from the square. For a tipple and some traditional music pop into The Cobblestone or visit a world-famous whiskey destination at the Jameson Distillery Bow Street.

Media captionGet involved in the arts and culture of Smithfield.

If you don’t want to bring your bike on holiday, you can easily rent one from the multiple Dublinbikes stations scattered around the city, and their fleet includes hybrid electric models, too. For something more customised, head to Phoenix Park Bike Hire where you can try rentals by renowned Dutch brand Giant.

See Dublin from the saddle

Don't put the bike away just yet. Continue to uncover more of Dublin on some of the county's bike tours, whether it's a city centre cycle or a free-wheeling day along the Dublin Coastal Trail.