Spring is the perfect time of year for families to explore the beauty of Ireland on two wheels. The Easter mid-term break, with its promise of adventure and quality family time, is a great opportunity to embark on cycling journeys that are sure to excite the whole family.
From the enchanting Easter Trail at Belvedere House in Co. Westmeath to the vibrant Spring Festival at the Slieve Aughty Centre in Co. Galway, prepare to add these top destinations to your Easter to-do list.
Belvedere House, Co. Westmeath: The Easter Trail and Pet Farm
Nestled in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Belvedere House and its sprawling gardens offer an idyllic setting for an Easter cycling adventure. The estate’s dedicated Easter Trail is a delight for families, guiding cyclists through lush parklands and along serene lake shores.
As parents enjoy the scenic beauty of the Georgian estate, children are treated to the thrill of an Easter egg hunt, with clues hidden along the trail leading to chocolate treasures. The estate is also home to a pet farm, where kids can interact with friendly farm animals, making for an unforgettable springtime outing!
Route Tip: Start your journey at the visitor centre and follow the marked Easter Trail through the estate’s gardens and woodlands. The route is relatively flat, making it suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Slieve Aughty Centre, Co. Galway: A Spring Festival Wonderland
The Slieve Aughty Centre, set against the backdrop of Co. Galway’s scenery transforms into a wonderland for its annual Spring Festival. This eco-friendly retreat offers a network of gentle cycling trails that are perfect for families looking to immerse themselves in nature.
The festival boasts plenty of Easter-themed activities, from face painting and pony rides to organic gardening workshops. The highlight for many is the Easter Egg Hunt, which takes adventurers on a quest through fairy-filled woods and blooming meadows in search of hidden eggs!
Route Tip: Opt for the family cycle trail that meanders around the centre, offering safe and easy riding for even the little ones!
The Great Western Greenway, Co. Mayo: Breathtaking Scenery and Historical Sites
For families seeking a longer cycling adventure, the Great Western Greenway in Co. Mayo is unmatched. Stretching 42km from Westport to Achill, this off-road cycling trail offers spectacular views of the Atlantic coast, Clew Bay, and the Nephin Beg mountain range.
Easter is a fantastic time to explore the Greenway, with various local businesses along the route offering Easter themed activities. The trail is predominantly flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for all cycling abilities.
Route Tip: Choose a segment of the Greenway that matches your family’s fitness level. The section from Newport to Mulranny features stunning coastal scenery and is dotted with picnic spots for a perfect Easter lunch break.
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Co. Roscommon: Adventure Awaits
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Co. Roscommon presents a unique blend of natural beauty and Easter excitement. The park’s cycling trails navigate through woodlands, past historical ruins, and along the picturesque shores of Lough Key.
Easter is a particularly special time of year, with its treasure hunt that challenges families to solve riddles and find eggs hidden throughout the forest. The park also hosts an array of other activities, including boat tours and a treetop walkway, making it a great destination for a midterm day out.
Route Tip: Follow the Lakeside Cycle Path for a leisurely ride with stunning views of the lake and islands. This path is wide and smooth, ideal for families of all ages.
Luggwoods, Co. Dublin: Easter Enchantment and Countryside Rides
Luggswoods, set amidst the serene beauty of Co. Dublin, transforms into an Easter haven that captures the imagination of both young and old during this time of year.
Renowned for its seasonal themed celebrations, Luggswood offers families with young children an enchanting experience with its themed egg hunts, where children can wander through woodlands in search of hidden Easter surprises. At the end, the little ones will meet the Easter Bunny who will have a chocolatey treat just for them!
Route tip: For a nearby family-friendly cycling experience, start your journey from the quaint village of Saggart, taking the quiet country road towards Saggart Hill. This route offers gentle inclines suitable for younger riders and less experienced cyclists.
For more family cycling inspiration, our guide to family cycles has all the tips and tricks you’ll need to get your little ones cycling crazy…
