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 These sections were awarded the official EuroVelo Certification label, ensuring high-quality cycling conditions.They were surveyed in the field by EuroVelo Route Inspectors to respect minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels, surface quality, EuroVelo signage, and access to services as defined by the European Certification Standard (ECS) methodology. EuroVelo Certified routes are the best options for beginners!
  • Developed + Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic, rideable surfaces, and EuroVelo signs along the route. Developed routes with signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app as signs can have defects.
  • Developed + Not Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic and rideable surfaces, but without EuroVelo signs. Developed routes without signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app.
  • Partially Developed + Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, even though EuroVelo signs are in place. Partially developed routes with signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Partially Developed + Not Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, and EuroVelo signs are not in place. Partially developed routes without signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Undeveloped / Unknown These sections do not meet minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels or surface quality – or their conditions are currently unknown. They may include dangerous stretches. Cyclists choosing to cycle there should use a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. It is recommended to use public transport to skip these areas where possible.
  • Public transport link These sections include continuity across seas or rivers and undeveloped parts of the network that can be skipped with a reliable public transport connection allowing bicycle transport.

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