Cycling in Dublin, Ireland

[Charlene]

Hello everyone!

I am an avid cyclist living in Vancouver, Canada. IN August I will be visiting my sister in Dublin; so excited, first time in Ireland! :)

I mentioned to her about cycling and she said that Dublin is not very cycling friendly. I hestitate to take her opinion to heart since she is a motorist and has never cycled in Dublin. Probably not the most reliable source.

So, what is cycling in Dublin like? Are cyclists generally respected on the roads? Where can I get an online map showing any cycling system? I have been looking and so far been unable to come up with a good map. I would like one that shows off-road paths, designated on street bike lanes, difficult intersections, etc.

Also, is there a bike co-op I could approach about renting a bike for my stay? I knwo about the commercial bike renters, but a co-op with the ability to swap out different bikes would be nice. I would like to take my niece on an attached child's tandem, and maybe a child's seat for the one-year-old nephew, or a trailer?

Lastly, sis lives in Tyrrelstown. It's abotu 15 km from downtown Dublin, but what is the ride like? Terribly hilly? On busy streets only? Or lovely separated bike paths?

Thanks for your help!

Charlene

[9elnino]

Have been to Dublin recently, it's not exactly the place to enjoy your rides - just as any big city. But there is Phoenix Park which is about 15mins away from the centre. There is no trffic and lots of bikes. Also, riding in Ireland is great, the Wicklow Mountains are nearby.

[Racingboo]

You can get a train from Dublin out toward the Mournes as well. I'm in love with the Mournes, and it is classified as an official area of outstanding natural beauty. Beautiful cycling here (I live in Dundalk) - some photos here http://nadiacycles.blogspot.com/

Where maps are concerned, I'd go to the trouble of getting an ordnance survey map if you really want something detailed. Otherwise you could buy a road map book, you get reasonably detailed ones for not too much.

My cycling in Dublin itself is limited to a trip from Busaras (bus station) to the docks. Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a culchie (ask your sister or Google it (c; ), but I found it to be an experience I wouldn't want to repeat in a hurry. What bike lanes there were, seemed tattered and ill-kempt.

I don't know much about co-ops, I'm not a very experienced cyclist.

Best of luck with your visit, it's a fantastic country. Do try to get out of Dublin, though, I personally would strongly recommend trying to visit the North.

[justflow1983]

I've been living in Dublin about 9 months and there's plenty of cycling opportunities but you have to get creative. Its not a very supportive place for cyclists, and as beautiful as the countryside is it would be nicer with roads that had a decent shoulder or cycle lane to ride on. I'll probably come off as negative in this post but in reality I've found that I still get out and ride my 35k a day.

Don't get your hopes up about a cycle map. There isn't even a bus map. However, the larger roads have (badly cared for/enforced) cycle lanes and the back roads are fairly cycle friendly. The lanes have a tendency to stop inconveniently though, when that happens indicate with your hand that you're going into traffic and just dive right in.

You're going to have to be really careful with traffic, they drive on the other side of the road from you and its really disorienting (I'm from New York). Drivers are not very mindful of cyclists, but there are enough people on bikes riding in traffic that they don't try to overtake you. Besides, the fastest way to get around Dublin and the best way to see things is on a bicycle so you'll be happy you cycled!

On another note, in Phoenix Park there is a bike rental that rents tandems and bikes with baby carriers. Its at the South East gate (I don't know the name). I doubt you'll find a bike co-op, I haven't seen anything like it and cyclists in Dublin seem to be commuters on cheap beaters or guys with $5000 racers taking a spin in the park showing off their christmas bonus. The reason for all the cheap beaters is that bikes here get stolen constantly, its almost a sport.

Enjoy Ireland and I hope you get to cycle!

[mcpartlins@eirc]

Hi Charlene! im Stephen.i live not far from tyrellstown in Hartstown.Im a recreational/commuter cyclist.I used to race as a teenager.So how long are you coming to Dublin for? PhOENIX PK is great for cycling:)