EuroVelo 2– another opportunity for cycling this summer
Last month we had an article about EuroVelo 1 in Ireland and this month we are looking at the other EuroVelo route here, EuroVelo 2 - Capitals Route. This route runs between Dublin Port and Galway City (or vice versa).
Who is EuroVelo 2 suitable for?
EuroVelo 2 has something for all levels of cyclists. The details below make it clear which sections are suitable for cyclists of all abilities and where the route is only suitable for experienced cyclists.
At 231km in length, it is only 10% of the length of EuroVelo 1 in Ireland, so very possible for experienced cyclists to do the whole route over a few days. Tthe route goes through the midlands of Ireland, so it’s mostly flat and an easy cycle.
What is the route like?
Below describes the route from Dublin to Galway, so read this the opposite way if going the opposite direction.
In Dublin the route starts/finishes at the ferry terminal in Dublin Port. In Galway the route starts/ finishes in the city centre at Ceannt train station - the main station in the city.
It is planned that the EuroVelo 2 route in Ireland will ultimately be traffic free all the way. However, the full traffic free route is not yet complete. Currently about 58% (134km) of the route can be cycled without traffic.
Route breakdown
Dublin Port to Maynooth (31km) – some greenway, some unsurfaced canal tow path, some closed sections, so some road detours as a result. The route starts at the ferry terminal and immediately joins the Dublin Port Greenway. After 4km it joins North Strand Road for 1km before joining the Royal Canal tow path towards Maynooth. While this will all be built to greenway standard soon, it is currently quite variable all the way to Maynooth.
A lot of it is on perfectly good, surfaced paths but there are also still some unsurfaced sections. Most of these are ridable except for the ‘Deep Sinking’ section where cyclists are not allowed and must detour off the canal on the road for about 2km. There are also some short sections under construction and therefore closed so it is necessary to find a detour around these. You can check the current status at this link before your planned cycle.
Between Maynooth and Athlone (106km), the route is all on greenway and suitable for any level of cyclist. The only challenge might be distance. This consists of the following:
Maynooth to Mullingar (60km) - Royal Canal Greenway
Mullingar to Athlone (46km) - Old Rail Trail Greenway
Athlone to Galway City (95km) – here the route follows mostly quiet roads. However, the 10km between Oranmore and Galway City will be shared with other city traffic, so it is only recommended for cyclists who are confident in this type of cycling environment.
Navigation
There are no EuroVelo signs on this route yet. While it is mostly straightforward on the greenways, you will need a GPS unit or map to follow the route between Dublin Port ferry terminal and the start of the Royal Canal and between Athlone and Galway. The full route can be seen here https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50337750 and you can download a GPX file from here too
Train options
There is a frequent train service between Galway (Ceannt Station) and Dublin (Connolly Station). This allows you to cycle either direction on the route and get a train back to where you started. There are also 10 train stations between Dublin and Galway where you could get on or off the route. You can see train timetables and make booking here www.irishrail.ie. There is no charge to bring a bike, but you must book a bike space in advance as spaces are limited.
For those who want the traffic free route only it is possible to get a train to Maynooth and there are stations in Mullingar and Athlone to get the train back.
Break the route up into chunks
There are accommodation options along the route so you could spend a few days going from one end to the other – breaking it up into manageable chunks. An ideal trip for a long weekend. Of course, you could go all out and do the whole spin in one day if you are fit. If you want to avoid a head wind, Galway to Dublin is usually the nest option.
For any questions on specific details not provided here feel free to email info@euroveloireland.ie