Dubliners Prefer the Scenic Route
Breathtaking bike routes around Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, with its legendary nightlife and rich history replete with the arts, offers a beautiful place to live, work, or vacation. While the historic Old Town is certainly a must-see, the seriously underrated parts of Dublin lie just beyond the city limits. City dwellers are often seen cycling through the Dublin’s outskirts and exploring the major parks and greenways. Here, cycling is a highly preferred method of transport, and in our opinion, the best way to see what lies just beyond the main tourist attractions.
With weather growing warmer and dryer over the next several weeks, the time is ripe to take your two wheels to the road and officially christen this cycling season. But don’t bother covering the same ground you’ve been treading for years. How about venturing further out to the scenic route?
Come on, we’ll show you the way.
Ireland Before You Die and Lovin Dublin list several bike routes that you definitely can’t miss on your next adventure to this grand city:
Grand Canal to Bushy Park
Via: Dodder River (8.3km)
One of the three main rivers in Dublin, the River Dodder empties into the Liffey, Dublin’s central river and main water supply. The Dodder runs through Bushy Park between Clonskeagh Road and Milltown and can be reached by following the cycle lane past the traffic crossing and Dropping Well. For the nature lover, the Bushy Park Native Tree Trail may be of interest as there are 15, easy to follow native tree signposts throughout the park. There’s even a booklet available to help guide you. The park has much to offer in the way of outdoor activities such as sports field, tennis courts, band performances, a playground, and various gathering places and pavilions.
Malahide Castle to Howth Peninsula
Via: Coast Road and Balscadden Road
We’re raising the bar – and the elevation – for this next route. A little off the beaten path, the Irish village of Howth is located on the Howth peninsula, a 35-minute drive from center-city Dublin. Medieval ruins and clifftop trails with 360-degree views of the ocean make this a picture-perfect outing and unforgettable ride. Your starting point lies at the famous Malahide Castle and gardens, which cover an area of about 22 acres and date back to the 12th century. From here, you’ll follow the Coast Road all the way to Howth. Finish strong with a short uphill climb and you’ll be rewarded with the most magnificent views of the bay.
Glasnevin to St Annes Park
Via: Griffith Avenue and Clontarf Road (11.8km)
Griffith Avenue is a crowning jewel in Dublin’s magnificent collection of sites. As the longest tree-lined avenue in the Northern Hemisphere free of any retail shops, this scenic avenue remains tranquil as you ride along towards Dublin Bay. To get to Saint Annes, you’ll ride straight through Marino and turn onto Clontarf road for a stretch before reaching the vast green space. Bonus points for completing this route on a Saturday – you’ll hit the farmer’s market in the park between 9am and 5pm.
Fun fact: The famous Guinness family made their former home in St Annes park and their creative landscaping masterpieces remain very evident across the nearly 500-acre plot of land.
Sandymount to Dun Loaghaire and The Forty Foot
Via: Strand Road (9.8 km)
Looking for a refreshing end to your bike ride? This route drops off at one of the most popular swimming destinations in Dublin, and arguably, in all of Ireland. The Forty Foot is an iconic historic bathing site off the southern tip of the Dublin Bay and is a must see for visitors to the area. Although, swimming here requires a certain level of bravery (and probably stupidity). To make a day of it, start at Sandymount Beach and head down the Dublin coastline through Booterstown, Blackrock Park, Monkstown, and finally on through Dun Laoghaire.
St Stephens Green to Ha’penny Bridge
Via: Kevin Street Lower, Christchurch Hill, Henrietta Street, Capel Street
We couldn’t leave you without detailing a quick trip through Dublin’s inner city. This route takes you through the bustling streets, across the River Liffey dividing the city, and ends at landmark Ha’penny Bridge. The order of the route goes like this: Start at St Stephens Green and ride west towards St. Patrick’s cathedral. Head north to pass by Christchurch cathedral and just over the hill you’ll cross the Liffey. Ride through Smithfield and head to Henrietta Street. The last leg of the ride takes you along Capel Street and drops off at the beautiful Ha’penny Bridge. We hear it’s a pretty Ha’penning place over there. Jokes.
One of the great things about cycling through Dublin is the safety and bike-friendly nature of the city and surrounding areas. And, if you take a look around, Dublin is full of amazing sites that one must truly slow down to enjoy. So, what better way to experience the city than by heading down one of our many breathtaking bike routes? No matter which route you pick, you’ll won’t be ready to leave when the ride is over!
The Cycle SuperStore has it all when it comes to cycling equipment, bikes, and MTBs. Before you embark on one of these five amazing routes, check out everything our store has to offer and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
