Family cycling in Offaly and surrounds during Bike Week 2023

BIKE Week takes place from May 13to 21. Offaly is hosting a number of events from our inaugural Grand Canal Greenway Relay on Saturday, May 13 to school / club cycle days and lunchtime cycles.

If you’re looking for something to do this Bike Week with family or friends, take a look at Offaly Sports Partnership’s guide to family friendly cycling venues in Offaly and its environs; so why not strap on the bikes, strap in the kids, pack the helmets, and ride your bicycle this Bike Week and throughout the summer in any one of five delightful venues: -

Lough Boora Parklands.
For those that have not visited Lough Boora Discovery Park, it’s well worth the trip. Offering miles of safe cycling on marked trails in a unique environment, there are a number of routes available: -

9.3km Mesolithic trail
15.8km Turraun trail
Each trail explores a different habitat within the park and provides plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of the grey partridge, corncrake or any other number of birds, animals, flora and fauna of the park. Families can bring their own bikes, or rent them from Lough Boora Bike Rental which can be found beside the cafe in the park. Route maps and more information can be found by visiting www.loughboora.com.

the "Old Rail Trail".
The Old Rail Trail is a purpose built off-road shared pedestrian and cycleway trail, along a disused railway track from Garrycastle to Mullingar. Generally flat with a smooth surface and some gentle slopes, this trail is ideal for family groups of all ages, and all types of bikes.

Approximately 40km in length, there are a number of access points on to the Old Rail Trail. Route maps and more information can be found by visiting http://www.athlone.ie/visit/the-greenway-cycleway/

Grand Canal Greenway.
The Grand Canal Greenway is a purpose built off-road shared pedestrian and cycleway trail, along the Grand Canal. Currently being developed, almost 50km of the route is complete from Daingean to Lough Boora Discovery Park; while a further 13km is complete from Ballycommon to Kilbeggan. Generally flat with a smooth surface and some gentle slopes, this trail is ideal for family groups of all ages, and all types of bikes. Check out https://www.visitoffaly.ie/Things-to-do/Outdoor-Adventures/Cycling/ for more information on cycling routes in Offal

Mount Lucas Wind Farm.

It’s not just wind energy that’s being produced at Mount Lucas Wind Farm; Bord na Móna Powergen has completed the development of a 7km walk / cycleway around the farm. This colour coded route is proving a big hit with fitness and biodiversity enthusiasts because as well as providing pathways for walkers, runners, joggers and cyclists, the site also allows people to view first hand a cutaway bog and its re-vegetation.

With approximately 500 people using the facility a week; and car parks at the northern and eastern ends of the site, the park is going strength to strength. For more information on Mount Lucas Wind Farm as a cycling destination, check out http://www.bordnamona.ie/corporate-responsibility/amenities/mount-lucas/

Bike the Blooms: mountain biking in Offaly
For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, check out the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails at https://www.visitoffaly.ie/Things-to-do/Outdoor-Adventures/Slieve-Bloom-Mountain-Bike-Trails/

Guided tours available from Mid Ireland Adventure and Birr Outdoor Education Centre. Bike rental available.

Contact Mid Ireland Adventure on 085 1735204 or Birr Outdoor Education Centre on 057 91 20029 to book your guided mountain bike tour