Leitrim is a county of hills and lakes, quiet roads and mountain trails that cater for both family cycling, road cyclists and mountain bikers. Cycling in Leitrim offers an unequalled opportunity to cycle along unspoilt scenic countryside routes varying from quiet traffic-free roads with excellent surfaces to more challenging off-road mountainous tracks and trails.
Enjoy varied terrain that offers stunning views of rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and the opportunity to enjoy the serenity of all that nature has to offer.
Explore the beauty of Leitrim’s natural landscape on one of the many routes that vary from leisurely 10km family cycles to the more challenging routes of up to 200km for the dedicated cycling enthusiast. Surrounded by wild and untamed scenery, explore and engage with Leitrim’s wild, open and naturally beautiful places which are located in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and along the way enjoy the quaint villages and bustling towns and meet the locals renowned for their hospitality and friendly nature. Leitrim is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way where there are trails just waiting to be explored.
For family cycling there are off road, traffic free cycling experiences on both The Shannon Blueway and the Shannon Erne Blueway which can be guided or self-guided , which are ideal for family cycling holidays.
For road and mountain bikers there are many varied loops ranging from 30km to over 200km with a great variety of terrain from flat to very hilly.
Family Friendly Cycling
1.The Shannon Blueway Cycle.
This cycle from Leitrim Village to Drumshanbo is approximately 10 km one way or 20 km round trip.
Level: Easy. Suitable for most levels of fitness.
The Acres Lake Boardwalk is part of this cycle, be sure to obey the signs and dismount when crossing the Boardwalk. Once in Drumshanbo there are lots of lovely places to eat and visit before heading back to Leitrim Village.
2. The Shannon Erne Blueway Cycle.
Cycling this route you travel west from Leitrim Village along the canal bank to Kilclare which is approximately 5 km.
Level: Easy. Suitable for most levels of fitness.
There is a shop in the village for refreshments before you head back to Leitrim Village. Along the way you can stop at the Blueway Barista for a well-earned coffee and sweet treat on the banks of the Shannon-Erne Blueway.
On-Road Cycling Routes
1. The Dough Challenge Cycle Route
This 42km route starts at the castle carpark in Manorhamilton and heads towards Rossinver. This route is designed for club cyclists who wish to improve their climbing and descending skills and has 850m of climbing within a short distance. This is an excellent training route for cyclists preparing for the Leitrim Glens Sportive 150km and 200kn routes.
Distance: 42km
Alt: 853m
Level: Intermediate
2.The 100 KM Glens Cycle Route
This route which brings you through the heartland of County Leitrim starts in Manorhamilton and heads towards Dromahair and on to the village of Drumkeeran. From there you then head west towards Dowra, along the northern shore of Lough Allen. At Dowra you cycle towards Drumshanbo along the western shore of the lake and on reaching Drumshanbo, head towards Drumkeeran where you trace your route back to Manorhamilton.
Distance: 100km
Avg. Time: 4 – 6 Hours
Alt: 185m
3.The 150 KM Glens Route Route
This route starts in Manorhamilton and goes in the direction of Kinlough/Bundoran through the Glenade Valley and designed for cyclists who wish to experience the challenge of a few hours cycle without too much climbing involved. It covers the entire County of Leitrim, from Kiltyclogher in the North to Drumshanbo in the South, offering a unique way to see the County.
Distance: 150km
Avg. Time: 5 – 7 Hours
Alt: 1200m
Level: Intermediate
Testimonials
”Excellent location for cycling, the road surface is superb’ – John from Dublin
‘Our cycling club recently cycled the marked routes in the Glens of Leitrim, very enjoyable with little travel and good inclines’. – Patrick from Sligo
‘Cycling festivals in Leitrim were well organised and enjoyable’. – O’Keeffe Family from Kerry
‘Great county for on road cycling, the scenery is breath-taking’ – Louise from Clare
Further Information
Bike Hire
For Bike Hire visit Electric Bike Trails
Electric Bike Trails have both regular bikes and electric bikes for hire, they even have tandems and carriers so that the whole family can cycle together.
For further information on cycling in Leitrim see here
Cycling Tips:
- Please wear a helmet.
- Check all of your equipment before you cycle
- Know where you are going and take a map
- Wear suitable and high-vis clothing
Don’t forget to check our our interactive Leitrim Map for places to stay and eat see our selection of Accommodation and Food and Drink