Ireland’s capital is packed with things to see and do and what better way to experience all that Dublin has to offer than by bike. And, with Dublin Bikes, exploring the big smoke has never been easier.
Launched in 2009, Dublin Bikes now has 26 stations dotted across the city. Simply sign up, pay a €5 subscription fee for a three-day pass, choose the bike you want and hop on the saddle. Every first 30 minutes of a journey is free but it’s worth noting that there are hourly charges once your journey exceeds this.
Check out this route with plenty of great cultural sites and attractions to visit around Dublin city centre.
Trinity College Dublin
Start your day at the historic Trinity College Dublin, take a short walk through the front arch and admire the iconic bell tower. It is said that if a student passes under the campanile when the bell tolls, they will fail their exams. Stroll across the cobblestone square and exit via Nassau street to pick up your Dublin Bike to start your cycle tour.
Dublin Bike Stop: Leinster Street South
Cycle towards St. Stephen’s Green and up Harcourt street until you reach the Iveagh Gardens.
Iveagh Gardens
Popularly known as Dublin’s “secret gardens”, the Iveagh Gardens host an oasis just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city. Grab a coffee and step into this beautiful Victorian garden containing rustic grottos, sunken lawns, and fountain centrepieces. And if you have any book lovers in your mix, be sure to check out MOLI, the Museum of Literature Ireland, which is located on the St. Stephen’s Green side of the gardens.
Dublin Bike Stop: Clonmel Street
Once you’re ready to get to the next stop, cross over the road, walk through Camden Place and cycle up Camden and Richmond Street until you cross over the Grand Canal. Then cycle along the canal towards Portobello.
The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal was built in the 19th Century as an important trade route between Dublin and the River Shannon but today is a great spot shared by kayakers, barges, and swans alike. Once you reach the Robert Emmett Bridge, cross over the canal and cycle up Clanbrassil and Patrick Street until you come to the Cathedral.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few medieval buildings left in Dublin city. As the name would suggest, the cathedral was built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, who was said to have baptised Christian converts on this site 1500 years ago. Take in the glorious gothic architecture of the cathedral and head inside to take a look at where Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, is buried.
Dublin Bike Stop: Golden Lane
After the Cathedral, collect your bike and continue up Patrick Street until you reach Dublinia and take a left down High Street and another left down Thomas Street. Cycle down this road until you come to St. James’ Gate and the Guinness Brewery.
Guinness Storehouse
Find out about the history behind the black stuff at the Guinness Storehouse in St. James’ Gate. You’ll have to purchase a ticket to take a tour of the storehouse where you’ll learn all about the ingredients, culture, and story behind Ireland’s most iconic beer. At the end of the tour you’ll be brought up to the Gravity Bar which offers up breath-taking panoramic views of Dublin city.
Dublin Bike Stop: James Street
Continue cycling up James’ Street and take a right on Bow Ln W, cross over the Séan Heuston Bridge and take a left up to the Phoenix Park.
Phoenix Park
As one of Europe’s largest enclosed public parks in a capital city, Phoenix Park is a must-visit. Home to a large herd of fallow deer, the Zoological Gardens, Áras an Uachtaráin (where the President of Ireland resides), and Victorian flower gardens there is plenty to enjoy in the park. There are also lots of cycle routes, as well as tea rooms and a café if you’re looking for spot of lunch.
Dublin Bike Stop: Parkgate Street
Cycle down the Liffey until you reach Grattan bridge and then cross over to our final stop at Temple Bar.
Temple bar
Enter into Dublin’s ‘cultural quarter’, here you could go to an exhibition in the National Photographic Archive, enjoy some street art along the Icon Walk or check out The Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum. There are also plenty of opportunities to experience live music or potentially book a theatre show or movie in the Irish Film Institute (IFI). Wind down the day with a lovely meal and soak up the atmosphere in the heart of Dublin city.
Dublin Bike Stop: Dame Street
Cycling in a city can be tricky so check out our six tips to help you ride in traffic.
