Ireland doesn't get mentioned enough in the gravel conversation. While half the cycling world obsesses over Belgian cobbles and American fire roads, this country sits quietly on a network of forestry tracks, military roads, abandoned farm lanes, and purpose-built greenways that would make any gravel cyclist's eyes light up.
The terrain is perfect for it. Centuries of forestry work have left thousands of kilometres of compacted gravel roads threading through mountains and valleys. Coillte (the state forestry company) manages much of it, and most of these roads are open to cyclists. Add in the old military roads, the canal towpaths, and the growing network of greenways, and you've got a gravel riding destination that rivals anywhere in Europe.
Here are twelve routes that are worth planning a ride — or a trip — around.
1. Wicklow Military Road
Distance: 55km (one way, Dublin to Aghavannagh) | Surface: Mixed tarmac and gravel | Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
The Military Road runs through the spine of the Wicklow Mountains from Rathfarnham in south Dublin to Aghavannagh in the south. Built by the British Army after the 1798 rebellion to flush out rebels hiding in the mountains, it's now one of the most spectacular riding roads in Ireland.
The first section from Dublin to Sally Gap is mostly tarmac, but the gravel starts properly south of Sally Gap and runs through some of the most remote and beautiful terrain within an hour of a capital city. Blanket bog, mountain lakes, and views that go on forever. Glenmacnass waterfall and Glendalough are along the route.
Tip: Start from the south and ride north if you want to finish with the descent into Dublin. Bring enough food — there's nothing out there.
2. Great Western Greenway
Distance: 42km (one way, Westport to Achill) | Surface: Compacted crushed stone | Difficulty: Easy
The Great Western Greenway is Ireland's longest off-road cycling trail, running from Westport to Achill Island along the route of the old Midland Great Western Railway. It's flat, well-surfaced, beautifully maintained, and passes through some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Mayo.
This isn't a technical ride — it's an accessibility ride. Families, beginners, and anyone who wants a long, scenic day in the saddle without worrying about traffic or navigation. But don't dismiss it because it's easy. The views of Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, and the Atlantic coast are genuinely spectacular.
Tip: Start from Achill and ride to Westport. The prevailing wind is usually from the west, and you'll have it at your back. Finish in Westport for food and a pint.
3. Old Kenmare Road (Killarney National Park)
Distance: 20km (one way) | Surface: Rocky track, grass, gravel | Difficulty: Hard
The Old Kenmare Road is the original route between Killarney and Kenmare, running through the heart of Killarney National Park. It's rough — more MTB than gravel bike on some sections — with loose rock, stream crossings, and boggy patches. But it's also one of the most atmospheric rides in the country, threading through ancient oak woodland with mountains rising on both sides.
The middle section between the Torc Waterfall path and Derrycunihy is the wildest and most remote. You'll feel a long way from anywhere, even though you're technically in a national park.
Tip: Ride this on wider tyres (45mm minimum) and be prepared for walking sections if you're on a gravel bike. A hardtail MTB is the ideal bike for this route.
4. Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails
Distance: Multiple loops from 8-55km | Surface: Forestry gravel, singletrack | Difficulty: Easy to Hard
Ballyhoura in County Limerick is primarily known as Ireland's largest purpose-built MTB trail centre. But the forestry road network that surrounds and connects the singletrack trails is some of the finest gravel riding in Munster.
The gravel roads climb through mature forestry plantations to ridgeline viewpoints overlooking the Golden Vale. You can link up multiple loops for a big day out, mixing gravel roads with the smoother green and blue-graded singletrack if you fancy it.
Tip: The Greenwood Loop (approximately 20km) is a great gravel-focused option that takes in the best views without committing to the full MTB trail network.
5. Waterford Greenway
Distance: 46km (one way, Waterford to Dungarvan) | Surface: Compacted stone and tarmac | Difficulty: Easy
Another purpose-built greenway that follows the old railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan on the coast. It passes through the beautiful Suir Valley, crosses a 400-metre viaduct at Kilmacthomas, and finishes at the seaside in Dungarvan.
The surface is impeccable — smooth compacted stone and some tarmac sections. It's accessible to any bike, but on a gravel bike you can extend the ride by exploring the back roads and forestry tracks that branch off from the greenway.
Tip: The Kilmacthomas viaduct is worth stopping for. Start in Waterford for a slight overall downhill gradient toward the coast.
6. Coillte Forests, Slieve Bloom Mountains
Distance: Variable — 20-60km of forest roads | Surface: Forestry gravel | Difficulty: Moderate
The Slieve Blooms straddle the Laois-Offaly border and contain an extensive network of Coillte forestry roads that see almost no traffic. The riding is peaceful, remote, and surprisingly hilly — the mountains reach 527m and the forestry roads climb properly.
The Glenbarrow loop through Glenbarrow waterfall and the Ridge of Capard is a standout section. You can build a route of almost any length by linking different forestry tracks, and the surface is generally well-maintained compacted gravel.
Tip: Bring a map or download the route beforehand. Phone signal is patchy and the forestry junctions all look the same after a while.
7. Royal Canal Greenway
Distance: 130km (Dublin to Longford) | Surface: Compacted stone towpath | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
The Royal Canal Greenway follows the towpath of the Royal Canal from Dublin's north inner city all the way to Cloondara in County Longford. At 130km, it's the longest greenway in Ireland and makes for an excellent long-distance gravel adventure.
The surface is mostly compacted stone, well-maintained and flat (it follows a canal, after all). It passes through Dublin's suburbs, through Maynooth and Mullingar, and out into the quiet midlands. As an overnight bikepacking route from Dublin, it's hard to beat.
Tip: Break it into two days with an overnight in Mullingar. The western half from Mullingar onward is quieter and more scenic.
8. Ticknock and Dublin Mountains
Distance: 15-30km (looped) | Surface: Forestry gravel, fire roads | Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
For Dublin-based riders, the Dublin Mountains are the go-to after-work gravel hit. Ticknock Forest, Three Rock, Kilmashogue, and the Hell Fire Club all have networks of forestry and fire roads that climb above the city with views across Dublin Bay.
The climbs are short but punchy, the descents are fast on loose gravel, and you can be riding within thirty minutes of leaving the city centre. The surfaces vary from smooth compacted gravel to loose rocky fire road, so wider tyres pay dividends.
Tip: Combine Ticknock with a loop through Kilmashogue Wood and the Hell Fire Club for a 25km route with around 600m of climbing. Busy at weekends but quiet on weekday evenings.
9. Glenveagh National Park, Donegal
Distance: 15-35km (various out-and-back routes) | Surface: Estate roads, gravel tracks | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Glenveagh in County Donegal is one of Ireland's most remote and beautiful national parks. The old estate roads around Lough Veagh and through the Derryveagh Mountains are perfect for gravel riding — well-surfaced, car-free, and surrounded by wild mountain scenery.
The main estate road from the visitor centre to Glenveagh Castle is a gentle introduction. For more adventure, follow the tracks deeper into the park toward the Poisoned Glen and the slopes of Errigal.
Tip: Check access restrictions before you go — some tracks have seasonal closures for deer management. The park is remote, so be self-sufficient with food and spares.
10. Comeragh Mountains, Waterford
Distance: 30-50km (looped) | Surface: Mountain tracks, forestry roads | Difficulty: Hard
The Comeraghs are a compact mountain range in County Waterford with a network of old mountain tracks and forestry roads that offer some of the best challenging gravel riding in the southeast. The terrain is steep, the surfaces are rough in places, and the scenery — particularly around Coumshingaun, a dramatic corrie lake — is exceptional.
This is a route for riders who like their gravel with a bit of edge. Some sections will have you off the bike on a gravel setup, but a hardtail MTB handles the whole lot.
Tip: The loop from Kilclooney through Nire Valley and over the mountain road to Mahon Falls is a classic route with around 800m of climbing.
11. Blessington Lakes Loop, Wicklow
Distance: 40km (looped) | Surface: Minor roads and forestry tracks | Difficulty: Moderate
Blessington Lake (Poulaphouca Reservoir) in County Wicklow is surrounded by forestry plantations and quiet back roads that make for a perfect mixed-surface loop. The western shore has several kilometres of forestry tracks, and the eastern side has minor roads with almost no traffic.
It's a great introduction to mixed-terrain riding — you get some proper gravel forestry sections, quiet tarmac, and views across the lake to the Wicklow Mountains. Close enough to Dublin for a half-day spin.
Tip: Start from Blessington village. The forestry tracks on the western shore between Lacken and Ballyknockan are the highlight — good gravel surface with gentle climbing through the trees.
12. Ards Forest Park, Donegal
Distance: 12-20km (looped) | Surface: Forest roads, beach, track | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Ards Forest Park sits on a peninsula in Sheephaven Bay near Creeslough in Donegal. It's a compact but beautiful ride that combines forestry roads, coastal tracks, and a stretch of sandy beach. The forest roads are well-maintained and the coastal sections give you views across to Horn Head and the Atlantic.
It's not a big day out in terms of distance, but it's the kind of ride that makes you linger. Pack a flask and stop at the beach. If you're in Donegal for a few days, combine it with the Glenveagh ride for a full weekend of gravel riding.
Tip: Time the beach section for low tide. At high tide, the coastal track is passable but less pleasant. The cafe at Ards is a decent post-ride stop.
Planning Your Gravel Rides in Ireland
A few practical notes for riding gravel in Ireland:
Access: Ireland has a strong tradition of open access to mountains and forestry. Coillte forests are generally open to cyclists, and most greenways are purpose-built for bikes. Respect landowners, close gates behind you, and don't ride on private land without permission.
Weather: It rains. You know this. Dress for it, bring a gilet or light waterproof, and don't let it stop you. Some of the best rides happen in moody weather when the mountains are draped in cloud and you have the trails to yourself.
Bike setup: A gravel bike with 40-45mm tyres handles the majority of these routes. For the rougher mountain routes (Old Kenmare Road, Comeraghs), a hardtail MTB or a gravel bike with 50mm+ tyres is better. Tubeless is strongly recommended for all off-road riding in Ireland — thorns, flints, and sharp stones are everywhere.
Navigation: Not all of these routes are waymarked. Download GPX files beforehand and carry a phone with offline maps. OS Maps Ireland is the best mapping resource for off-road routes.
Ireland's gravel riding is world-class and still largely under the radar. Most of these routes, you'll have to yourself on a midweek spin. Get out there.
