EuroVelo 2 Capitals Route

Ireland

EuroVelo 2 - Capitals Route (230km) runs directly across the midlands of Ireland joining Dublin City on the east coast, with Galway City on the west coast. Travelling westwards, you will follow peaceful cycle paths along canal banks and old railways for 140km before joining mostly small low traffic rural roads for the rest of the route. You will experience lots of built and natural heritage and will be immersed in Irish culture. Sample a Guinness in an Irish pub and maybe catch a traditional music session.

The route crosses only flat terrain and is suitable for cyclists with all levels of fitness. Between Dublin and Athlone, the route is mostly traffic free and suitable for cyclists at all levels of experiences. Between Athlone and Galway some experience cycling with other traffic is recommended.

The route can be reached by train or bus at numerous locations. Some cyclists go by train from Dublin to Galway and cycle back to Dublin. With the wind mostly from the southwest or west this direction of travel can avoid cycling into a headwind.

Find all details about the route including downloadable GPX files here.

If you have any questions you can contact [email protected] or check out the EuroVelo Ireland Facebook Discussion Group.

Some stories from cyclists who have cycled the route can be found here.

Countries

Legend

Development status
  • Certified Section of at least 300 km that has successfully undergone the certification process in line with ECF’s European Certification Standard. It is the highest quality level on the EuroVelo network
  • Developed with EuroVelo signs Developed route (see category below) with continuous signing along the route, incorporating EuroVelo route information panels.
  • Developed Route developed for cyclists and signed in line with the respective national standard (i.e. it is part of a local, regional or national cycle network). There must also be a website providing information to users. Developed route can be heterogeneous in terms of infrastructure: type of cycling infrastructure, surface, width, gradients, etc
  • Under development Route containing sections that require further development (e.g. stretches on public highways with high levels of traffic). Cyclists are advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
  • Planning Undeveloped route with no detailed information publicly available on the Internet. The itinerary communicated is a proposal for the best possible option currently available. It may also contain dangerous sections. Cyclists are advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
  • Public transport link

Markers

  • Natural Heritage
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Culinary Delights
  • Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
  • Other Point of Interest
  • Service
  • Bus station
  • Train station
  • Mobility info center

National & Regional Information

Cycling Ireland

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

Cycling Ireland is the National Governing Body for cycling on the island of Ireland, recognised internationally by the UCI and UEC. Cycling Ireland operates across all cycling disciplines and is dedicated to promoting, developing, and organising cycling activities. Cycling Ireland receives support from both governments on the island of Ireland. Cycling is considered one of the three priority sports within the Irish Government’s National Sports Policy 2018-2027. The National EuroVelo Coordination Centre and management of EuroVelo routes in the Republic of Ireland is led by the EuroVelo Route Manager based in the Development and Participation Unit of Cycling Ireland. Eurovelo in Northern Ireland is managed by Sustrans.

Visit Site

EuroVelo Ireland

This is the national website for EuroVelo routes in the Republic of Ireland. This website provides detailed information, maps and points of interest for EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route and EuroVelo 2 - Capitals Route.

+353 86 8571008
Visit Site

Discover Ireland

This website is provided by Failte Ireland, the national tourism body in Ireland. It provides tourism information targeted at domestic tourists.

1800 230 330
Visit Site

Irish Cycling Campaign

Irish Cycling Campaign is an ECF member and part of the Irish National EuroVelo Coordination Centre. Since 2008 it advocates for cycling to be a normal part of life in Ireland - both everyday cycling and recreational / tourism cycling. It has branches in Ireland's cities and in many towns and rural areas. These include greenway promotion groups and bicycle festival organisations.

Visit Site

Tourism Ireland

This website is provided by Tourism Ireland which is an all-Ireland tourism organisation promoting tourism on the island of Ireland both in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland. This website is targeted at overseas visitors to Ireland.

Visit Site

Sport Ireland Outdoors

Sport Ireland Outdoors works with sporting bodies and other organisations to develop and promote outdoor activity sports. Sport Ireland also support the development of walking and cycling trails. This website and provides a search facility to find all recognised walking and cycling trails/routes in the Republic of Ireland.

+353 1 8608800
Visit Site

Transport Information – Ireland

This page from euroveloireland.ie provides a guide to travelling by public transport in Ireland

+353 86 8571008
Visit Site

Dublin Port Greenway

Website with information about the Dublin Port Greenway which connects directly to the point of embarkation at Dublin Port.

+353 1 887 6000
Visit Site

Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Website with information about the Galway Dublin Cycleway which is EuroVelo 2 in Ireland.

+353 (0)91 509267
Visit Site

Old Rail Trail

Website with information about the Old Rail Trail which goes between Mullingar and Athlone on and makes up 40km of EuroVelo 2.

+353 (44) 933 2000
Visit Site

Royal Canal Greenway

Website with information about the Royal Canal Greenway which makes up over 100km of EuroVelo 2 between Dublin and Mullingar.

+44 28 6632 3004
Visit Site