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's plenty of places to stop for a caffeine hit too. Try Junior’s Deli & Cafe on Bath Avenue. Sip a cappuccino while you chow down on 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 breathtaking 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). 

Appreciators of street art will want to keep an eye out for the pieces on Hanover Quay’s walls, while music fans can tour U2's Dublin by bike. Pay a visit to Windmill Lane Recording Studios where much of the band’s music was recorded, from 'Boy to Songs of Experience'. 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 midway along the wall’s 8km length. Once refreshed, make one last push to the iconic red Poolbeg Lighthouse that marks the end of the route.

Windmill Lane Recording Studios

Things to see & doMuseums

Poolbeg Lighthouse

Things to see & doHiking

Media captionTake a spin through Dublin's historic centre.

Dublin’s historic centre has so much to see and do. There's no better way to experience it than by bike. Start at the Guinness Storehouse in the Liberties, where you can hear about the area’s proud brewing heritage. 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.

Guinness Storehouse

Food & drinkBars & pubs

Royal Hospital Kilmainham

Things to see & doPublic buildings

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

Things to see & doMuseums

Media captionExplore Phoenix Park by bike.

Phoenix Park is one of the largest walled city parks in Europe. Grab your bike and explore 707 hectares of lush, green fields. Here 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. Look out for the herd of urban deer who live here too. 

Dublin Zoo

Things to see & doZoos, visitor farms & wildlife

Áras an Uachtaráin

Things to see & doHistoric houses

A ten-minute spin away from Phoenix Park is Smithfield. This former warehouse district is now known for its square where you’ll find art studios, vintage shops, The Generator Hostel 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 stuffing with lemon aioli. For a tipple and some traditional music pop into The Cobblestone or visit a world-famous whiskey destination at the Jameson Distillery Bow Street.

Cobblestone

Food & drinkBars & pubs

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Things to see & doBreweries & distilleries

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

Explore the city through a walking tour or experience all Dublin's coastline has to offer. Start planning your next Dublin city break now and find out What's On in Dublin.