Cycling in Dublin
City rides, coastal roads, and mountains on the doorstep
Best time to ride
Best months
April to September
Temperature
9-20 C across the riding season
Rainfall
Rain is possible any day; the driest stretch is April to June. Always bring a gilet
The riding
Dublin is not an obvious cycling destination, but it punches above its weight. Within 30 minutes of the city centre you reach the Wicklow Mountains, the coastal road south through Killiney and Bray, and the flat rolling farmland of Meath and Kildare to the west. The variety is genuine: you can ride a 100 km loop from Dublin that includes a serious mountain pass, a coastal stretch, and quiet country lanes.
The south Dublin corridor is where most road riders head. The R115 (Military Road) cuts across the top of the Dublin Mountains and connects to the Sally Gap, one of the most photogenic passes in Ireland. Heading further south, the N11 cycle path links Dublin to Bray and the coastal road continues to Greystones and beyond into Wicklow. Heading north, the coast road through Howth Head is a classic short loop with one sharp climb.
Wind is the dominant weather factor, not rain. A southwesterly breeze is the norm, which means rides heading south into Wicklow often have a tailwind on the outbound leg and a headwind coming home. Route planning with the wind makes a significant difference to ride quality. The Irish cycling community is strong and growing, with group rides leaving from multiple clubs across the city every weekend.
Key climbs & routes
- Sally Gap via R115 (15 km, avg 3.5%) — a long, steady grind across open moorland above 500 m, exposed and beautiful
- Howth Head (3 km, avg 6%) — a short, punchy coastal climb with views across Dublin Bay
- Kilmashogue Lane (2 km, avg 8%) — a sharp ramp in the Dublin Mountains, popular for interval efforts
- Ticknock (3 km, avg 5%) — a forest climb with multiple route options, close to the city
- The Scalp (2 km, avg 4%) — a narrow road through a glacial valley between Enniskerry and Kilternan
Practical info
Getting there
Dublin Airport (DUB) is 12 km north of the city centre with direct flights across Europe and North America. The airport is well-connected by bus and taxi.
Bike hire
Road bike hire in Dublin is more limited than southern European destinations. Cycle Superstore and some specialist shops offer rental. For a dedicated cycling trip, bringing your own bike is recommended.
Where to stay
South Dublin (Ranelagh, Rathmines, Dun Laoghaire) puts you closest to the Wicklow riding. The city centre works for shorter trips. Hotels and B&Bs are plentiful but book ahead for summer weekends.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dublin good for road cycling?
Dublin is surprisingly good for road cycling. The Wicklow Mountains are 30 minutes from the city centre, the coastal road south is a classic, and the surrounding countryside offers quiet lanes in every direction. The cycling community is active with regular group rides. Weather is the main variable - dress in layers and expect wind.
When is the best time to cycle in Dublin?
April to September offers the longest days and mildest weather. May and June are the driest months. Irish summers rarely exceed 22 C, which makes for comfortable riding. Daylight extends past 10pm in midsummer. Winter riding is possible but days are short and wet.
What is the best cycling route from Dublin?
The classic loop runs south through Dundrum, over the Dublin Mountains via the R115 to the Sally Gap, down into Roundwood, and back via Enniskerry and the N11 cycle path. It covers about 80-100 km with around 1200 m of climbing and takes in moorland, mountain passes, and forest descents.
Can I cycle to Wicklow from Dublin?
Yes. The Wicklow Mountains are directly accessible from south Dublin. You can ride from the city centre to the Sally Gap in about 25 km. The N11 cycle path and the R116 through Enniskerry provide traffic-free or low-traffic routes into the mountains.
Is it safe to cycle in Dublin?
Dublin has expanding cycle infrastructure in the city centre, but most road cyclists head south or west into quieter roads quickly. The R-roads in Wicklow and the surrounding counties carry light traffic. As anywhere, early starts on weekdays avoid the worst congestion. High-visibility clothing is recommended given the changeable light.
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