Aside from being one of the most popular cities in Ireland, Dublin is also its capital and is known for its friendly locals who welcome everyone with a unique humor and sunny disposition. The city itself is fantastic, being situated right at the entrance of a bay near the River Liffey. Inside the city limits, you will see a few older structures dating from the 17th century as well as more modern buildings which are mainly built with Norse, Georgian, and Norman architectural styles.
The beautiful buildings and urban landscape of the city leave lots to explore, with hidden gems and historical treasures along every road. One of the best ways to discover Dublin is by foot, but it is also a bike-friendly city and cycling can be an even more efficient way to get around if you want to cover a lot of ground. If you want to explore the cobblestone streets on two wheels you won’t be able to carry your bags around with you, which is why you should stow them at a Dublin luggage storage locker.
How to Rent Bikes in Dublin
Didn’t bring your own bike to Dublin? No need to worry! Dublin offers a fantastic bike sharing system called NOW Dublinbikes. All that you have to do is make an account on their website or smartphone app to use them anytime, or you can sign up for a short term subscription. Then you are free to take a bike from one of the many stations that are situated around the city!
The first 30 minutes of biking is completely free and you will only start being charged after that. Once you are done using the bike all that you have to do is return it to any other station in the city! They have subscriptions that are valid for one day, for three days, or for an entire year.
Where to Bike in Dublin
You can get almost anywhere in Dublin by bike, but if you want some ideas of the best bicycle paths in the city then keep reading!
- Liffey Greenway
If you are looking for a short and simple but picturesque place to go biking, you should check out the Liffey Greenway. The path spans only 1.4km and you can bike through the route beginning in either direction. You will love biking past the lush, green landscape and the River Liffey, and there are a few nearby attractions that you can check out, too! The path ends at Chapelizod Village which is definitely worth exploring, and at the other end, you will find the gorgeous Irish National War Memorial Gardens.
- Glasnevin to St Anne’s Park
For this next Dublin biking adventure, you should start at Glasnevin and continue down Griffith Avenue. This road holds the title of being the Northern Hemisphere’s longest tree-lined street that doesn’t have shops or any retail buildings so it is a gorgeous place to bike, especially in autumn! From there you should continue along Marino onto Clontarf Road and continue on until you reach Dublin Bay. Finish off your journey by cycling through the beautiful St Anne’s Park! If you take this route between 10 am and 4 pm on a Saturday, you can also stop by the weekly Farmer’s Market held in the park.
- Dublin Old Town
If you are visiting Dublin to do some sightseeing then getting around on a bicycle can be an efficient way to see the Old Town. If you plan out your itinerary in advance you will discover that lots of the main attractions can be reached easily by bike, and you can create your own little cycling tour. We suggest starting at the Guinness Storehouse followed by a short bike ride to the Museum of Modern Art. Next, stop by any of the nearby bakeries or coffee shops for refreshments! If you make your way to Thomas Street you will find Manning’s Bakery which is a great choice.
Tips for Biking in Dublin
Before you take off on your cycling journey around Dublin there are a couple of things that you should keep in mind. The tips that we’ve listed below can help you stay safe while you explore Dublin by bike.
- Always be Aware of Your Surroundings
When you are traveling in Dublin by bike, it is important to always pay attention to what is going on around you. If you are cycling near roads you should be careful of car doors opening and avoid traveling in their blind spots. Keep an eye out for other cyclists and pedestrians as well, stop at crosswalks and stop signs, and stay on your designated side of the road or bike path to avoid accidents.
- Wear the Proper Equipment
Although you are not legally obligated to wear a helmet in Dublin, it is highly recommended and the best way to ensure your safety while you are cycling around the city. Appropriate footwear is also important and can help you to control the bike!
- Lock Your Bike
While you are biking around Dublin you will definitely be passing by some pretty cool places. If you ever want to stop to get a closer look at something you should make sure to lock your bike securely before leaving it unattended. Each of the bicycles that you rent will come equipped with a bike lock that you can use to secure while you aren’t using it.
Seeing Dublin on Two Wheels
Dublin is such an easy city to bike around, especially with its bike sharing system, and these are only a few of the places that you can explore on two wheels. Phoenix Park, Dublin’s Docklands, the Royal Canal Greenway, and Tolka Valley Park are also worth checking out. As always, be careful when you are biking around a new city and remain aware of the other bikes, pedestrians, and cars around you. Now that you know a little bit more about Dublin you are ready to go out and start biking!
To read more on topics like this, check out the Travel category
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