Cycle Trails/Routes

MascotDec85

Hi

I live in Meath and my daughter (aged 9) and I have recently got mountain bikes.

I was wondering if there were any decent trails or routes which we could cycle near us? I have a cycle carrier so anywhere within reasonable travelling distance in the car would be fine, I could even through the tent in the car and make a weekend of it.

Any ideas folks?


Thanks in advance

paulgs

You could try Donadea Forest Park in Kildare near Kilcock / Maynooth I have seen families cycling down there. IMO the purpose built MTB trails in Dublin and Wicklow would not really be for children although Djouce Wood would be alright for a spin as well being a big forest with lots of forest road and trails which would not be hard for a child there are also some nice views of Powerscourt waterfall.

michaelm

If you are ever in the west/midwest region - Portumna Forest Park (Co. Galway - but on the Tipp border) is one of the real secrets in this regard - perfect for family cycling, miles of paths without a car in sight. Still amazed that very few people seem to know about it. I work in the town and go there during a long lunch break from time to time and rarely see anyone except a few walkers - oh and the deer of course!

MascotDec85

That's great thanks, that's the kind of advice I'm looking for, like the sound of both of those.

Wouldn't mind some coastal paths to follow if that would be an option, maybe Co. Dublin/Wicklow.

I'd like to maybe bring my dslr with us so we could break up the cycle or all I'll hear is, "Daaaaad, my legs hurt!!!" :rolleyes::D

Any ideas about this?

MascotDec85

MascotDec85 wrote: »

That's great thanks, that's the kind of advice I'm looking for, like the sound of both of those.

Wouldn't mind some coastal paths to follow if that would be an option, maybe Co. Dublin/Wicklow.

I'd like to maybe bring my dslr with us so we could break up the cycle or all I'll hear is, "Daaaaad, my legs hurt!!!" :rolleyes::D

Any ideas about this?

Shameless bump

Doctor Bob

Maybe the Táin Trail?

http://www.meath.ie/Tourism/SportsandActivities/Cycling/

http://www.longford.ie/longford_content.aspx?id=264&linkidentifier=id&itemid=264

MascotDec85

michaelm wrote: »

If you are ever in the west/midwest region - Portumna Forest Park (Co. Galway - but on the Tipp border) is one of the real secrets in this regard - perfect for family cycling, miles of paths without a car in sight. Still amazed that very few people seem to know about it. I work in the town and go there during a long lunch break from time to time and rarely see anyone except a few walkers - oh and the deer of course!

Thanks Michael

Drove across on Sunday there with my wee girl and her wee pal. Had a great day! The place is really nice. We took the longest trail which took us about 1hr 45 mins.

I'd definitely recommend it and would probably go back too. Wish I had something like that on my doorstep

feck sake lads

take her up to the boyne canal do a circuit stop off in oldbridge for tea and ice cream just to give her a tastse it's about 4 miles but beautiful dead flat until you need to climb (walk) up the steps at the top but only for a 100 yds.;)

QueensGael

Curraghchase Forest Park in West Limerick. Serviced camping and dedicated bike trails (very kid friendly) and beautiful forest walks if it all gets too much If you're travelling from Dublin, take the last exit before the Limerick/Shannon tunnel, onto the N69 west, and it's about 25 mins drive from there.

http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/?id=53&rec_site=109
http://www.discoverireland.com/us/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/listings/product/?fid=FI_12618

Repolho

The Great Western Greenway from Newport to Mulranny in Mayo is nice. Its mostly away from the road although there is 1 short section along a quiet road and you have to cross the road at another point.