Commute from D15 to D4

dwolf20

Hi,

recently purchased a new Giant Defy 3 to participate in upcoming triathlons. Considering cycling to work and I am living in D15. Just wondering what the road conditions are like through the city centre - especially up the quays as I would probably use the Phoenix Park to get to city. Working close to Grand Canal dart station. Just wondering how many boardies commute on a road bike and if anyone commutes from D15?
What sort of time should you do the commute in - i think it is 8 miles door to door...

Muller_1

I'd use the Grand Canal instead of the quays a lot safer with good cycle lanes on the road that are kept clean for the most part.

Lumen

I often commute from Clonsilla to Baggot St. It's about 14-15km each way depending on route.

Takes me 30-35 minutes in, and 35-40 minutes out, depending on traffic.

The park is fine, the quays are fine inbound but I avoid them outbound.

MadHatter

It'd be fine on a road bike. Lumen's time estimates would be about right.

As for route, I've tried both the quays and Grand Canal and I'd take the quays anyday for inbound leg. If you cross the river after Custom House and turn onto City Quay, you can continue onto Sir John Rogersons Quay, then turn and head to Pearse Street. You'll be pretty close to Grand Canal station at that stage.

Homeward bound is a bit trickier, the South Quays are a bit of a nightmare from George's Quay to Wood Quay so maybe best to avoid. When I worked off Baggot Street, I would head for Leeson Street, past south end of Stephen's Green, onto Cuffe Street and Kevin Street. Turn right at Clanbrassil Street and up past Christchurch before joining quays from Winetavern Street. Found this safe enough. Only headache then is to turn right at Heuston Station, but with some practice and a lot of patience it's straighforward enough.

Definitely worth doing though. Enjoy.

sexpot

I cycle into college (Bolton Street) whenever I can from Blanch. I use the park all the time and its great. Much better than using the Navan road which can be a bit dodgey and roads aren't in great nick (well cycle lanes anyway). Definitely use the park though. I never use the quays as I've heard they're a death trap, I tend to follow the luas lines which can be a bit bumpy but safer.

Definitely recommend cycling in, way quicker, take me on average 25 mins in and 30-35 back. That's taking it easy though.

RobAMerc

I do Laurel Lodge to Merrion Sq most days.

I do - Castleknock Village -> Park -> Quays -> Westland row

Outbound I would suggest using the canal ( The southside quays are no fun at all on the bike as traffic is travelling much faster outbound)
Head down through Kilmainham and up through the park via the exit at island bridge ( not strictly legal) or up through chapilizod adds a bit of spice to it.

Takes about 25mins inbound - never measure outbound sorry.


Edit: Just read MadHatters post - yes, up clanbrassil st is a good option too, but as stated getting across the quays to go right at Heuston can be much fun.

Maybe try continuing on Thomas St to go down the side of the Guinness Brewery ( I think ) LUAS lines - makes it easier.

MadHatter

sexpot wrote: »

I never use the quays as I've heard they're a death trap, I tend to follow the luas lines which can be a bit bumpy but safer.

The quays has a cycle lane or bus lane the whole way along. A lot of sections have a cycle lane and bus lane, so you're well separated from the traffic. Bus drivers are also used to cyclists so are generally curteous.

Benburb Street & beyond has tram tracks - they don't mix well with bike wheels. And not forgetting the trams - they can be hard to hear and don't stop in a hurry.

One of those routes could be described as a "death trap", but it wouldn't be the quays. Also, much of the luas route is tram-only, so it's illegal to cycle along it.

flickerx

I used to do Blanch to Clonskeagh every day, going through Castleknock and the park is slightly longer but much nicer than the Navan Road. Southside quays are a bit nasty alright, I tended to go home via Stoneybatter and Navan Rd, or occasionally join back up with the park at the NCR entrance.

mmclo

Genally concur with routes but there would be one other option for that location....the Royal Canal. It can be iffy in winter but quite as far as n. strand or Ballybough and down to the quays and across footbridge??

Civilian_Target

I was going to say the same... come down to Phibsbro on the N3, along the North Circular, down Gairdener Street and straight across into Grand Canal Dock. Easy peasy and skips most of the centre.

BostonB

Coolmine to Baggot St. 35~45 in, 45~60 out. Unfit and on a MTB. I go via Whites gate into the Phoenix Park, down Kyber Road, through Island Bridge, Kilmainham straight up to the canal, then its a straight run down to Baggot St or Grand Canal. Going through town is quicker by 5~10 mins. But lots more junctions, turns, lights, traffic, fumes and pedestrians, and you've got to battle though, and cross a lot more traffic. IMO Via Grand Canal is far more enjoyable, much simpler route. Sometimes I go via town just for a change of scenery. Try a few routes and let us know what you think.