Find and book motorcycle tours to Ireland

Motorcycle Tours in Ireland

When it comes to riding Northwestern Europe, Ireland has few rivals. Quiet country lanes meandering through emerald green hills, dramatic coastline with thousands of miles of winding roads revealing stunning cliffs and bays, picturesque villages, rolling hills, and Irish hospitality make motorcycle tours in Ireland one of the best motorcycling experiences in Europe. Both guided and self-guided tours in Ireland are filled with jaw-dropping scenery, hearty cuisine, and twisty roads perfect for two-wheeled travel.

Although Irish weather is notoriously unpredictable, motorcycle tours in Ireland focus both on the country’s beautiful coastline and inland mountains. The Atlantic Way, Connemara, and Killarney are all must-see when riding motorcycles in Ireland, and if you’re into city breaks and Guinness tasting tours, add Dublin and Galway to your itinerary to experience the Irish nightlife. Ireland also boasts a robust and vibrant motorcycle culture, and according to local riders, this is the perfect country to ride: fantastic landscapes, empty roads, few speed cameras, and more pubs per square mile than anywhere else in Europe – what more could a rider wish for?

Motorcycle tours in Ireland are ideal if you love leaning into corners, traveling through tranquil, green scenery, exploring medieval castles and charming little seaside villages and towns, and getting to know the locals. The Irish people are world-famous for their friendliness and hospitality, so when you’re traveling the Emerald Isle, expect to make friends everywhere you go.

Motorcycle Tours in Ireland: Highlights

Motorcycling in Ireland is an awesome way to spend your holidays, whether going on a self-guided tour or joining a group ride. If it’s your first time in Ireland, however, here’s a list of our favorite destinations along the way:

Dublin
The capital city of Ireland situated on a bay on the East Coast is one of the friendliest and most laid-back cities in Europe. Once a Viking settlement, Dublin has a magnificent Old Town and is bordered by mountains providing a spectacular backdrop to the city’s skyline. Dublin has a vibrant and colorful urban life and boasts countless taverns and pubs ideal for exploring; if you were ever going on a pub crawl after finishing a motorcycle tour, this is the place to let your hair down.

Galway
Situated in Western Ireland in the middle of the Atlantic Way, Galway is another must-see city. Most motorcycle tours in Ireland add Galway to their itineraries because of the city’s dynamic lifestyle, festival culture, and sites like the Spanish Arch and the Menlo Castle. Galway is perfect for a day or two of exploring, recharging, and immersing yourself in the Irish ways of life. If you’re a foodie, Galway is an excellent place for culinary adventures: try out the local Irish stew, cockles and mussels, black and white pudding, Galway oysters, or the famous “boxty” – grated and mashed potato cakes served hot.

Connemara
More a cultural region than a geographical area, Connemara is situated in West Galway and is beloved among local motorcyclists because of its undulating green hills, the Twelve Bens mountains, and quiet country roads winding past small, sleepy villages and towns. Connemara is fiercely Gaelic and unmistakably Irish: out here, don’t be surprised to strike up a conversation with a local farmer, admire the endless greenery, the bends of the Invermore River, and the multiple peninsulas and inlets forming the coast of Connemara.

Atlantic Way
Stretching for 2,500 kilometres from Derry all the way to Cork, the Atlantic Way is one of the longest and, in our humble opinion, most spectacular coastal roads in Europe, if not the whole world. Often called the Wild Atlantic Way because of its dramatic, jagged cliffs, isolated bays, and wild beaches, this road is Ireland’s pride and joy – and a true motorcycling gem for adventure riders. Towering cliffs, picturesque towns and fishing villages, dreamy islands, and charming traditional thatched cottages line the road, and the Atlantic Way is rightfully one of the best highlights of motorcycle tours in Ireland. If you’re riding here solo, aim to travel the Way on weekdays or hit the road earlier in the day to avoid the tourist crowds and RVs, especially in the summer months.

Killarney
Leaving the coast behind and heading inland, Killarney is probably the most Irish place in Ireland. The town of Killarney in southwestern Ireland is surrounded by green hills, and the nearby Killarney National park is a fantastic place to ride motorcycles and enjoy the countryside. The Park extends to over a hundred square kilometers of pristine yew and oak forest inhabited by red deer, brooding mountain peaks, and the beautiful Lakes of Killarney. If you have the time, make sure to go on a hike in Killarney to truly appreciate the tranquil, verdant green country.

Practical Information for Touring Ireland

Much like its neighbor Great Britain, Ireland is notorious for its spectacularly unpredictable weather. Most motorcycle tours in Ireland are scheduled for late spring, summer, and early fall months when the temperatures are mild and pleasant, especially on the coast. However, expect rain and pack some waterproof gear: it’s impossible to tell whether it will actually rain or not, but in Ireland, it’s always best to be prepared.

Ireland uses the euro as its official currency, and you can easily pay by card just about everywhere you go, although it’s always good to have some cash in hand. Ireland isn’t a very expensive place to travel but expect to be spending around $100-$120 a day for your food, fuel, and accommodation, unless that is included in your tour package.

Generally, Ireland is a very safe country to travel, and apart from an occasional pickpocket, safety is not a concern. In Dublin, make sure you park your motorcycle safely – just as in any big city, motorcycle theft does occur. However, out in the countryside, expect nothing but warm hospitality.

Motorcycle tours in Ireland can be enjoyed on any type of bike. Cruisers, tourers, street and adventure bikes are all capable of tackling Irish roads, so pick the bike you enjoy the most and hit those twisties!