Cycling is one of the more popular activities for tourist in Ireland; it is an ideal way to discover the true beauty and stunning diversity of Ireland. Ireland is a cyclist's paradise with more miles of road per square mile than any other country in the world. Most of these are narrow minor roads used for local access and farming needs.

The O'Sullivan Beara Greenway takes in much Ireland's diverse and fascinating landscape. Beginning on the most southerly and untouched of the three County Cork peninsulas, the Beara peninsula, the 350km route links directly to ferry port in Ringaskiddy (Cork city) and makes its way into the lush heartland of central Ireland (through the counties of Counties of Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and eventually linking to Cavan, Monagahan and on to Northern Ireland. The O'Sullivan Beara Greenway follows the lines of several existing walking cycling routes and has the possibility of connecting with many other routes along the line of the Greenway.

For information on Cycling Events please see the events list.

Cycling Routes that will form part of the O'Sullivan Beara Greenway:

· The Beara Way Cycling Route:
http://www.bearatourism.com/visitor/cyclebeara.htm
· The Beara Gougane Barra Cycling Route:
http://www.bearatourism.com/visitor/cyclegoug.htm
· The Beara Kilgarvan Cycling Route:
http://www.bearatourism.com/visitor/cyclekil.htm
· The Roscommon Cycling Route:
· The Kingfisher Cycling Route:
http://www.cycleireland.com

Transport

If you bring your own bicycle with you, it can be easily transported on the Irish Rail network, to most cities and towns along the line of the route. There is a small additional fare for a bike depends on the journey length and bikes must be placed in a separate compartment. Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) has train services to all major cities, but there are restrictions for bicycles on some services you can get more information on
Train Information: http://www.irishrail.ie

The Irish Bus Service (Bus Éireann) offers local bus services to most cities and rural towns and villages, but the frequency varies seasonally and it is essential to consult timetables to plan your trip. Bicycles will be carried on Bus Éireann services in Ireland but only if there is enough room left for them in the luggage compartment so peak times during the Summer months may be a problem. The cost of carrying a bicycle on a bus/coach is IR£6.00 per single journey irrespective of distance. For more details on itineraries and routes.
Bus information: http://www.buseireann.ie

Accommodation

The most common type of accommodation along the route is 'B&B's' (Bed and Breakfasts) but there are also many high quality hotels and youth hostels. In areas where walking and cycling is popular, accommodation providers often offer facilities for drying clothes and providing packed lunches.

Bike Hire

There are independent bike hire providers in most large towns and cities as well as in popular tourist areas. Raleigh Rent-a-Bike has independently operated bike hire providers' in most main tourist centres. One-way rentals are possible from most Raleigh rental locations. The typical charge is IE£30 per week or IE£7 per day. A one-way rental has an additional charge of IE£12. A refundable deposit of IE£40 and identification is also required

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