The best traffic-free bike rides in Kildare

Kildare offers a wide selection of road cycling routes designed to minimize traffic, with over 130 routes available. This includes 71 easy routes, 55 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options for experienced cyclists.

Kildare, known as the 'Thoroughbred County,' features generally flat plains, making it ideal for road cycling. You'll find routes along scenic waterways like the Grand Canal and River Barrow, through unique landscapes such as the Curragh Plains, and occasionally near woodlands or gentle hills like Cupidstown Hill, offering varied and enjoyable terrain.

Yes, Kildare is well-suited for family-friendly cycling with many easy, traffic-free options. Routes along the Grand Canal Greenway or the Barrow Blueway (Kildare section) are particularly popular for their flat, car-free paths. For a specific easy route, consider the Roadbike loop from Clane, which covers nearly 40 km with minimal elevation.

Many routes pass by or are close to interesting landmarks. You might cycle near the historic Castletown House and Demesne, or the ruins of Donadea Castle. The unique Bluebell Forest is also a beautiful sight, especially in spring. The Curragh Plains themselves are an iconic natural feature.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Kildare are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Victoria Bridge – Donadea Castle loop from Hazelhatch and Celbridge, offering a moderate 52.5 km ride.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Kildare, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's generally flat and accessible terrain, the abundance of quiet roads and dedicated greenways, and the picturesque scenery, especially along the canals and through the open plains.

Parking availability varies by route. Many routes start near towns or villages where public parking is available. For routes along the canals, designated parking areas are often provided at access points. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.

Absolutely. While Kildare is known for its plains, you can find routes that offer diverse natural views. The Bluebell Forest is a stunning natural feature, particularly in spring. Routes around Blessington Lake (Poulaphouca Reservoir), though partly in Wicklow, are often accessed from Kildare and provide beautiful lake and mountain views. The Bog of Allen also offers unique natural landscapes.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Kildare, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, including the bluebells in Bluebell Forest, while summer provides lush green landscapes. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable.

Yes, while many routes are easy, there are moderate options for those looking for a bit more challenge. The Sallins – Naas Lock No. 4 loop from Clane is a moderate route covering nearly 38 km with some elevation gain, offering a good workout while still enjoying traffic-free sections.

Kildare has a network of public transport, including train and bus services, that connect to many towns and villages where routes may start or pass through. For example, towns like Naas and Clane are well-connected. It's recommended to check local transport schedules and bike carriage policies for specific routes and starting points.