Cycling Routes Ireland

Cycling Routes Around Clonmel, Cahir and Tipperary

South Tipperary is one of the most rewarding parts of Ireland for road cyclists. The Golden Vale gives you flat, fertile valley roads along the River Suir, while the Knockmealdown and Galtee mountains close by offer proper climbing for anyone who wants a tougher day out. Whether you're looking for a gentle traffic-free spin or a full day in the saddle, here are some of the best cycling routes within easy reach of Cahir.

Not sure which route suits your fitness level? Check availability at Boolakennedy Cottages and we're happy to point you toward the right ride for your stay.

Suir Blueway — Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir

Distance: 21km one-way (42km there and back) Time: 1–2 hours each way

Highlights:

• Fully traffic-free, riverside cycle path
• Flat, family-friendly surface suitable for all ages and e-bikes
• Passes through the village of Kilsheelan

This is the easiest route on the list and the one we recommend most often to guests cycling with children. The path follows the River Suir the whole way, with a gentle downhill grade if you ride from Clonmel toward Carrick-on-Suir (helped along by the prevailing westerly wind). We've written a full guide to the Suir Blueway between Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir if you'd also like to combine a stretch of cycling with kayaking on the river.

Growing up and training as a pro cyclist around Waterford in Ireland, Conor knows the roads like the back of his hand. He shares his favourite training loop, a 120km (ish) loop through some of the most beautiful and stunning Irish scenery which will make you want to jump on your bike and ride!

Ireland Epic Road Ride in Co. Waterford

Growing up and training as a pro cyclist around Waterford in Ireland, Conor Dunne knows the roads like the back of his hand.

He shares his favourite training loop, a 120km (ish) loop through some of the most beautiful and stunning Irish scenery which will make you want to jump on your bike and ride!

Check out the route on Komoot

Cashel Loop from Tipperary Town

Distance: ~60km loop Time: 3–4 hours

Highlights:

• Athassel Abbey, the largest medieval priory in Ireland
• The Rock of Cashel
• Hore Abbey, a 13th-century Cistercian ruin

A moderate loop with around 400m of climbing, mostly on quiet paved roads through the Golden Vale. It's a good middle-distance option if the Suir Blueway feels too easy but an 80km mountain route feels like too much — and it strings together three of the area's best-known historic sites in one ride.

The Vee & Clonmel Loop from Cahir

Distance: ~80km loop Time: 4–5 hours (allow longer if you're stopping often)

View route on Komoot

Highlights:

• The climb over the Vee Pass through the Knockmealdown Mountains
• Clonmel's historic West Gate
• Cahir Castle on the return leg

This is the classic challenge route for cyclists staying in Cahir, and it starts and finishes almost on our doorstep. The climb out of Clogheen up to the Vee is long rather than steep — a steady 8km drag rather than a sharp ramp — and it's worth every bit of effort for the panoramic views back across the Golden Vale from the top. Riders who'd rather drive this stretch and admire the view from the car can find our guide to touring the Vee by motorcycle instead.

Cahir, Cashel & Fethard — the big one

Distance: ~180km loop Time: Full day (8+ hours) — experienced cyclists only

Highlights:

• Ardfinnan Castle and the ruined Burncourt Castle
• The Rock of Cashel
• Long, quiet stretches through the Tipperary countryside

If you're training for an audax or simply want to see as much of South Tipperary as possible in one ride, this loop links Cahir, Ardfinnan, Cashel and Fethard into one long day. It's almost entirely on paved roads, but the distance and roughly 1,200m of climbing mean it's best suited to riders who are already doing long weekend rides at home. Start early, and check the weather — there's very little shelter on the exposed sections near the Galtees.

Waterford Greenway, Dungarvan

Distance: ~46km one way Time: 3–4 hours

View route

Highlights:

• The scenic coastal views along the Suir and Tramore estuaries
• The historic town of Dungarvan
• The picturesque village of Kilmacthomas

The Waterford Greenway is a traffic-free trail that stretches from Waterford City to Dungarvan, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in County Waterford. It's suitable for all levels of cyclists and offers a relaxing way to experience the region's natural beauty and historic sites.

Bring your bike, or hire locally

All of these routes are ridable straight from our self-catering cottages in Cahir — most guests either bring bikes on a roof rack or arrange hire locally for the week. If you're combining cycling with some off-road riding, our guide to mountain biking in Ireland covers the nearest trail centres, including the unofficial network right in Clonmel.

Ready to plan your cycling trip? Book your stay at Boolakennedy Cottages or get in touch if you have questions about routes, bike storage, or the best time of year to ride the Vee.