Mark Graham and Ellie O’Byrne share their favourite cycles in Ireland for all levels of ability from paved paths to off road adventures perfect for making the most out of the long weekend
Mark Graham and Ellie O'Byrne at the bridge on the Suir Blueway at Kilsheelin, Co Tipperary , 10km from Clonmel . Photograph: John D kellySeveral years ago, while out on the roads of Ireland, we met Anja, a travelling harper. She explained to us that the difference between a harper and a harpist is that harpists perform concerts in spaces dedicated to music, while a harper travels the countryside with their harp on their back, meeting people and playing wherever opportunity presents itself.
Because of prevailing winds, you’ll likely have a headwind on your way out to Malin Head and this, like the old Irish blessing, will be at your back on your return once you’ve tackled the hillier sections of the route. This means it’s worth keeping an eye on the weather when planning this cycle. It would not be fun in high winds.
There’s plenty of heritage interest too, with an obligatory stop at Doo Lough famine memorial, the hulking mass of Croagh Patrick with its endless succession of pilgrims, and the well-signposted Clew Bay Archaeological Trail all around. The only downside might be the 12km stretch alongside the R335 from Louisburgh to Murrisk, where traffic can be heavy and fast.
Factor in the silence, the wildlife, the undulating fields of ripening grain, and the fact that you don’t have to navigate so much as a single junction with cars, and really this cycle is so relaxing that it can seem like a meditation. Watch out for the sneaky extra climb after the Healy Pass: between Lauragh and Kenmare, there’s another elevation that isn’t as high as the others but still takes effort. This cycle is challenging but can be taken slowly and, a bit like life, every inch of struggle to reach those peaks comes with equal rewards.We have history with this route. This is one of the first cycles that Ellie and myself did when we first met 10 years ago.
Donegal Malin Mayo Tipperary Clonmel Kilkenny
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