Overview
EuroVelo 2 – the Capitals Route – is the east‑west spine of the EuroVelo network, stretching from Galway on the Atlantic coast to Dublin Port on the Irish Sea. The Irish leg is a compact 231 km crossing of the Midlands, renowned for its virtually flat profile and a blend of traffic‑free greenways, historic canal towpaths and quiet country roads. The route is sign‑posted with the distinctive EuroVelo 2 logo and can be tackled in either direction, making it ideal for a multi‑day bike‑tour or a series of day‑stages.
The westernmost section, from Galway to Athlone, is currently a temporary on‑road alignment on low‑traffic routes. From Athlone eastwards, the route is fully developed and traffic‑free, following the Royal Canal Greenway and the Old Rail Trail Greenway for more than 110 km. The route finishes at Dublin Port, where a regular ferry links to Holyhead, Wales, opening the door to the rest of the EuroVelo 2 network.
History & Development
The EuroVelo network was launched by the European Cyclists’ Federation in 1998, with the Capitals Route (EV2) conceived as a trans‑European link between the capitals of seven countries. In Ireland, the route is known locally as the Dublin‑Galway Greenway. Construction of the western section between Athlone and Mullingar was completed in 2015 on a disused railway line, while the Royal Canal Greenway – a former waterway towpath – was upgraded to a dedicated cycleway in the early 2020s. Ongoing work aims to replace the remaining on‑road sections with a fully traffic‑free corridor, but for now cyclists can rely on the well‑marked temporary route and the option to skip unfinished stretches by train.
What to See & Do
| Section | Highlights | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Galway → Athlone (temporary) | Coastal views of Galway Bay, the historic town of Oranmore, and the River Shannon crossing at Athlone | 95 km |
| Athlone → Dublin (traffic‑free) | Royal Canal Greenway with 30+ historic locks, Old Rail Trail passing through Mullingar, scenic countryside of County Westmeath and Meath, Liffey riverside ride into Dublin | 135 km |
Key points of interest
- Athlone Castle & River Shannon – The route crosses the Shannon at Athlone, offering a chance to explore the medieval castle and riverside cafés.
- Royal Canal Locks – More than thirty well‑preserved locks line the towpath, each set in a small park with interpretive signage.
- Old Rail Trail Greenway – A 40 km stretch of former railway line between Mullingar and Athlone, characterised by gentle gradients and open farmland.
- Dublin Port Greenway – The eastern terminus brings you to the bustling ferry terminal, where you can watch ships arrive from Wales and enjoy a waterfront promenade.
The route also intersects with several other EuroVelo and national cycleways, allowing detours to nearby attractions such as the historic town of Maynooth and the coastal village of Sandymount.
Seasonal & Weather Tips
The route is usable year‑round, but a few seasonal considerations can improve the experience:
- Wind on the Irish Sea stretch – The coastal section between Sandymount and Dollymount runs beside Dublin Bay; strong on‑shore breezes are common in spring and autumn. Dress in layers and carry a wind‑proof jacket.
- Tides at Sandymount Strand – The sandy beach path can be covered at high tide. Check the local tide tables and aim to ride the strand at low or mid‑tide for uninterrupted cycling.
- Daylight – In winter daylight hours are limited (≈8 h). Plan shorter stages or start early to avoid riding in darkness on the quieter on‑road western segment.
- Rain – Irish weather is changeable; waterproof panniers and mud‑tread tyres are advisable, especially on the mixed‑surface sections of the temporary western alignment.
Coastal Irish Sea Section
Bikemap highlights a dedicated 6 km sea‑view loop from Sandymount to Dollymount on Dublin Bay. The path is almost entirely on a purpose‑built cycleway, offering panoramic views of the Poolbeg chimneys, the harbour, and the long stretch of Bull Island beach. It is a popular spot for a relaxed out‑and‑back ride, a quick photo stop, or a connector when breaking the longer EuroVelo 2 itinerary into shorter day‑stages.
Sustainable Travel
EuroVelo 2 is frequently cited as a low‑carbon alternative to flying. Cyclists can combine train travel (bikes free on Irish Rail when booked in advance) with the Dublin‑Port ferry to Holyhead, dramatically reducing the journey’s carbon footprint compared with a direct flight. The route’s largely traffic‑free nature also encourages quieter, greener tourism in the communities it passes.
Practical Information
Getting There & Around
- Train connections: Irish Rail runs frequent services between Galway and Dublin, and bikes can be taken on board free of charge provided a bike ticket is booked in advance (see the Irish Rail booking page). Ten stations sit along the EuroVelo 2 corridor, making it simple to break the ride into manageable stages or to bail out if weather turns.
- Ferry links: Dublin Port offers a regular ferry to Holyhead, Wales, enabling seamless continuation onto the UK section of EV2.
- Bike hire: Both Galway and Dublin have several bike‑hire schemes and private rental shops; a fully assembled bike can be taken on the train and ferry.
- Parking: Free on‑street parking is available in Galway city centre (near the start of the route) and at the Dublin Port car park for those arriving by car.
Surface & Equipment
The traffic‑free sections are paved or compacted gravel, suitable for hybrid, touring or gravel bikes with 32–40 mm tyres. The temporary western segment includes short sections of mixed surface (gravel, grass and paved road). Experienced cyclists comfortable sharing quiet roads will find the western stretch enjoyable, while less confident riders may prefer to use the train to skip it.
Signage & Navigation
EuroVelo 2 signage is continuous on the certified greenways, with route information panels at major junctions. In addition, the official website hosts interactive maps and downloadable GPX files that integrate with most cycling navigation apps.
Services & Amenities
- Bike repair: Towns such as Athlone, Mullingar and Maynooth have local bike shops offering repair services and spare parts.
- Accommodation: A range of B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels line the route, particularly in larger towns. Many provide secure bike storage.
- Refreshments: Cafés and pubs are frequent along the Royal Canal towpath, often situated beside locks where cyclists can pause for a drink.
Accessibility
The traffic‑free greenways are designed to be accessible to a wide range of users, including families with children and cyclists with mobility aids. Surface quality varies from smooth tarmac to compacted gravel; the latter may be challenging for wheelchair users.
Planning Your Ride
Because the route is largely flat (total ascent under 500 m), most cyclists can comfortably cover 50–80 km per day. The 135 km traffic‑free stretch can be split into three day‑stages – for example, Athlone → Mullingar, Mullingar → Maynooth, and Maynooth → Dublin – each offering a mix of scenery, historic sites and opportunities to sample local food.
Useful Links
- EuroVelo 2 Ireland – Official Route Page
- Royal Canal Greenway Information
- Old Rail Trail Greenway Details
- Irish Rail – Bike Ticket Booking
Embark on EuroVelo 2 for a gentle yet unforgettable cross‑Ireland cycling adventure, where historic canals, river valleys and vibrant towns combine to showcase the heart of the Emerald Isle.