Celebrate Slow Tourism Month with a Green Road Trip around Ireland

  • Luke Mc Leod

  • Last Updated: 1 week ago

  • Minute Read

Cycle Paths around Ireland

Tourism Ireland has introduced ‘Slow Tourism Month’ this June, promoting a more sustainable and immersive way to travel. Slow tourism encourages visitors to explore local areas at a leisurely pace, reducing the reliance on high-mobility, mass tourism methods. Instead, it invites travellers to use eco-friendly transportation options like rail, bicycle, and bus. 

At TIFCO Hotel Group, we are excited to align ourselves with this initiative, reinforcing our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. By offering cycling points at many of our hotels, including Clontarf Castle Hotel, Travelodge Waterford, Travelodge Limerick Castletroy, and Hotel Killarney, we provide our guests with the opportunity to enjoy a more environmentally friendly stay. Sustainable development is at the heart of everything we do, and we continue to work towards reducing our carbon footprint and supporting a greener tomorrow.

By embracing slow tourism, we’re not just helping the planet we’re offering travellers a unique and enriching experience that allows them to fully appreciate the beauty of Ireland, one pedal stroke at a time.

Dublin offers a wide variety of cycling routes that effortlessly take you from vibrant city streets to tranquil canals and lush green spaces in minutes. With over 190km of dedicated cycle routes, you can explore different neighbourhoods, take in the sights and experience the city at a more relaxed pace. Hop on your bike and discover charming cafes, sprawling parks and the revitalised Docklands, all while enjoying the freedom of cycling through Dublin’s most iconic areas. Here are some notable options to consider:

Phoenix Park Cycle Paths

Route: Inside Phoenix Park. One of the largest urban parks in Europe, Phoenix Park has dedicated cycling paths that weave through its expansive green spaces. It’s perfect for recreational cycling and offers safe, traffic-free routes. It’s a favourite among families and cyclists who prefer a relaxed pace.

Dublin Bay Cycle Route

Route: From Clontarf to Howth. This coastal route offers beautiful views of Dublin Bay and connects Clontarf, Sutton, and Howth. The path is popular for both commuters and tourists looking to explore Dublin’s coastline. Stunning sea views, easy access to seaside towns, and good for both casual and more serious cyclists.

Grand Canal Greenway

Route: From Portobello to the outskirts of Dublin. While the full Grand Canal Greenway extends outside Dublin, the section within the city is a popular route that connects the city centre with surrounding suburbs. It’s part of the larger national project but remains a pleasant, traffic-free route in Dublin. Flat and easy to cycle, tranquil waterside views, and excellent for daily commuting.

Cycle Lanes in Dublin City Centre

Route: Multiple routes across the city, including key streets like Baggot Street, Camden Street, and Clanbrassil Street. Dublin’s city centre has expanded its network of cycle lanes to improve connectivity for cyclists. These lanes are separated from motor traffic where possible, providing a safer environment for commuting.

The Docklands Cycle Path

Route: Through the Dublin Docklands area. This area is home to many of Dublin’s modern developments, and there are several dedicated cycling paths that connect landmarks such as the Convention Centre and the 3Arena.

Dublin Port’s Tolka-Estuary Greenway

Route:  The route runs along the north edge of the port facing Clontarf, with phase one starting at East Point Business Park and ending at access to the ferry terminal area. This newly opened greenway runs along the northern edge of Dublin Port and offers fantastic sea views, perfect for those wanting a more scenic route with a view of Dublin Bay. Quiet and tranquil, perfect for cyclists seeking to escape city traffic, with spectacular views along the waterfront.

Waterford

Waterford has a growing network of cycling infrastructure designed to encourage active travel and improve connectivity within the city and surrounding areas. Here some options to consider.

Waterford Greenway

The Waterford Greenway, known locally as the Déise Greenway, is a 46km long walking and cycling route between Waterford City Centre and Dungarvan. The route follows the former railway line from Waterford to Mallow, and it forms part of EuroVelo 1 route. The Waterford Greenway runs links Waterford City, Mount Congreve, Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas, and Dungarvan, featuring 11 bridges, three viaducts, a 400-metre-long tunnel, and passes along part of the Copper Coast. The Waterford Greenway just beside Travelodge Waterford. 

Bilberry to City Centre Waterford Greenway

This project will link the Waterford Greenway at Bilberry to the proposed South Quay Plaza, where the River Suir Sustainable Transport Bridge will connect to the North Quays. It aims to provide a safer, more attractive route between Bilberry and the city centre, enhancing the 2km section of the 46km Greenway closest to Waterford City. The link will provide a continuous route across the region, promoting wellbeing and accessibility for all residents and visitors, regardless of age or ability.

Limerick

Limerick has an extensive and varied network of cycle paths for both recreational and commuter cyclists, which is making the city an increasingly bike-friendly destination. Here are a few recommendations 

Limerick Greenway

The Limerick Greenway, a 40km off-road trail that meanders through the scenic countryside of West Limerick, linking the towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West, and Abbeyfeale. This captivating path offers day-trippers and families a chance to explore rural Limerick by bike, immersing them in the region’s natural beauty.

Limerick to Patrickswell Cycle Route

The Limerick to Patrickswell Cycle Route improves connectivity within the city by providing dedicated cycling facilities along the R526 Regional Road. The 4km route features a mix of on-road and off-road cycle tracks and shared paths, designed to provide safe and continuous cycling options for both commuters and recreational cyclists.

Killarney

Killarney boasts a wide variety of cycling routes that have been carefully designed to provide both locals and visitors with a safe and scenic cycling experience. Here are some of the more notable options to consider.

Killarney National Park Cycling Routes

The park features several cycling trails, allowing cyclists to explore its stunning natural beauty. A popular route within the park is the Muckross to Ross Castle trail, a scenic path for leisurely cycling through the heart of the national park.

The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry a world-renowned cycle route and offers cyclists breathtaking views of the coastline, mountains and picturesque villages. This longer route can be done in one day, with plenty of stops along the way.

Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley

This challenging but rewarding route takes you through the Gap of Dunloe and the remote Black Valley. Renowned for its dramatic scenery, it’s a must for cyclists seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Killarney to Muckross House

A short but beautiful route linking Killarney town with Muckross House and Gardens. This route offers views of the lakes and parkland and is ideal for a relaxed ride.

Coomasaharn Loop

This loop takes cyclists through the rugged terrain of the McGillycuddy Reeks. It offers a mix of quiet country roads and challenging climbs for those looking for a more challenging ride.

Kenmare to Killarney

This route links the towns of Kenmare and Killarney, offering cyclists stunning views of mountains, lakes and valleys as they travel between them.

Sligo

Cycling in Sligo is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore more of this part of Ireland. 

Sligo Greenway

The Sligo Greenway will be a 35.5km long off-road public walking and cycling trail linking Bellaghy & Charlestown with Collooney, County Sligo via the new greenway. 

Caves of Keash

The Caves of Keash are embedded into the flanks of Keshcorran Mountain, which itself is capped by a large un-opened cairn. This is known locally as the Pinnacle, and can be seen from many parts of Co. Sligo.
Seventeen caves are located on the western side of the mountain. The hill and it’s surroundings feature in a number of legendary tales including a story that tells of the birth of Cormac Mac Airt.