Biking.ie
Great routes, epic views and adventures
Biking.ie is a cycling business in the Dublin and Wicklow hills. Tarja Owens and Niall Davis set it up in 2007. Both are former elite mountain bikers who competed internationally, including at the Sydney Olympics and several World Championships. They started by renting bikes out of a spare room next to the Ballinastoe trails. Tarja went on to become Ireland’s first qualified mountain bike leadership tutor.
They now run two bases: their Dublin HQ at the Ticknock mountain bike trails and a second base at the Ballinastoe trails in Co Wicklow. From these they offer guided mountain bike, road and gravel rides. These range from flowing forest singletrack to climbs over the Sally Gap and routes past Lough Tay and Glendalough. Tours suit individuals, groups and corporate events, and they also run youth camps, skills coaching, bike maintenance lessons and team-building programmes.
They also rent road, mountain, gravel, touring and electric bikes at the trailhead, and their Trails Café serves barista coffee and home baking. The business is built around sustainability, inclusivity and community, and sees cycling as a way to reduce environmental impact, improve health and strengthen local communities.
Prices from
Guided
€ 80
Overview
Tour Operator Biking.ie
Scenic mountain bike ride in Dublin
The Trail Discovery Ride at the National Mountain Bike Centre at Ticknock follows a mix of forest roads and smooth flowing trails, with stunning views of Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains. It’s a private guided tour for beginners and intermediate riders, and a fun, scenic introduction to mountain biking just 20 minutes from the city.
Ticknock opened in 2011 and was one of Ireland’s original trail centres. After a welcome coffee, your guide fits your helmet and explains how the bikes work before you head up the first hill. Once you’ve found your feet, the trail flows across the hillside and you’re soon caught up in the ride.
Your guide chooses the right trails for you, from bermed flowing trails to more technical singletrack. There are plenty of photo stops and breaks to enjoy the views from the top of the Dublin Mountains, then a free-flowing descent back to base.
Highlights:
- Views over Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains
- Forest roads and smooth, flowing bermed trails
- One of Ireland’s original mountain bike trail centres
- Photo stops at the top of the Dublin Mountains
- Free-flowing descent back to base
- Private guide who chooses trails to suit your ability
Surface and terrain:
Mix of forest roads and smooth, flowing bermed trails, with optional sections of more technical singletrack. Includes a climb to the upper slopes, which can be exposed and windy, followed by a flowing descent.
Likely weather:
The Dublin Mountains are cooler, wetter and windier than the city. Expect around 4 - 8°C in winter and 14 - 20°C in summer. Showers are possible year round and the trails get muddy after rain.
Suitable for:
Beginner and intermediate riders wanting a scenic introduction to mountain biking. Riders need a good standard of cycling technique, and the trails and pace are tailored to the group. Minimum recommended age 11.
Prices from
Guided
€ 80
Overview
Tour Operator Biking.ie
The best mountain bike tour in Ireland!
The Rock and Roll Mountain Bike Tour at Ticknock National MTB Trail Centre is a private guided ride over technical rocky terrain, fast descents and challenging features, just outside Dublin. It’s designed for intermediate to advanced riders and pairs exciting trail sections with wide views over Dublin city, the bay and the surrounding mountains.
As with all Biking.ie tours, the ride starts with a welcome coffee while your guide gets to know you and your mountain bike experience. Your bike is sized and the suspension set up the way you like it. A full suspension bike is recommended for Ticknock’s rocky trails.
Over two hours, your qualified guide chooses the best trails for your ability and fills you in on the new trails being built. It suits experienced riders who want as much trail time as possible, and an e-bike upgrade lets you ride more of the Dublin Mountains.
Highlights:
- Technical rocky trails at Ticknock National MTB Trail Centre
- Fast descents and challenging trail features
- Views over Dublin city, Dublin Bay and the mountains
- The latest on new trails under construction
- Private guide who matches the trails and pace to your group
- Welcome coffee and suspension set up to suit you
Surface and terrain:
Challenging, rocky and technical singletrack with fast descents and features, on Ticknock’s network of blue, red and black graded trails. The upper slopes are exposed and can be very windy. A full suspension bike is recommended.
Likely weather:
The Dublin Mountains are cooler, wetter and windier than the city. Expect around 4 - 8°C in winter and 14 - 20°C in summer. Showers are possible year round and the trails get muddy after rain.
Suitable for:
Intermediate to experienced mountain bikers with good technique who want as much time as possible on technical trails. Trails and pace can be tailored to the group. Minimum recommended age 11.
Prices from
Guided
€ 80
Overview
Tour Operator Biking.ie
Leisurely mountain bike tour in the Wicklow Mountains
The Trail Discovery Mountain Bike Tour at the National Mountain Bike Centre at Ballinastoe explores a variety of scenic, well-maintained trails through the stunning Wicklow Mountains countryside. Ideal for beginners and intermediate riders, this private guided tour combines adventure with scenic beauty, led by experienced instructors.
After a welcome coffee, helmets are fitted and bikes sized before setting off gently on a journey through wild forests and heather-covered uplands. As you get comfortable, the trail flows across the hillside and you start to feel the breeze on your face.
There are plenty of rest stops and photo opportunities overlooking the Varty Lakes and the Irish Sea. With trails and pace tailored to the group, it’s a great choice for older families or groups of friends looking for an active afternoon in County Wicklow.
Highlights:
- Wild forests and heather-covered uplands of the Wicklow Mountains
- Views over the Varty Lakes and the Irish Sea
- Scenic, well-maintained flowing trails
- Plenty of rest and photo stops
- Gentle start with trails tailored to your ability
- Private guide and instruction for beginners
Surface and terrain:
Well-maintained, flowing trails and forest roads through forest and heather-covered uplands at Ballinastoe’s National Mountain Bike Centre. The ride starts gently, with trails and difficulty chosen to suit the group.
Likely weather:
The Wicklow Mountains are cooler, wetter and windier than Dublin. Expect around 3 - 8°C in winter and 13 - 19°C in summer. Showers are possible year round and trails can be wet after rain.
Suitable for:
Beginner and intermediate riders, older families and groups of friends wanting a scenic, relaxed introduction to mountain biking. A good standard of cycling technique is needed. Minimum recommended age 11.
Prices from
Guided
€ 80
Overview
Tour Operator Biking.ie
Private guided mountain bike ride in the Wicklow Mountains
The Flow Rider Mountain Bike Tour at the National Mountain Bike Centre at Ballinastoe, County Wicklow, takes you on fast, smooth trails with berms, jumps and scenic views of the Wicklow Mountains. It suits intermediate riders looking for adventure and a chance to build their skills.
If you already have some mountain bike or cycling experience, this is the tour for you. Ballinastoe is a mountain bike mecca with dozens of great trails. Your guide knows the best ones and the best route between them, and will show you the trails they ride themselves.
After a welcome coffee, you’re sized up on the bike and your suspension is set the way you like it. Tell your guide about your experience and the trails you enjoy, and they’ll know exactly where to go. It’s perfect for avid riders after great singletrack and the best views in Wicklow.
Highlights:
- Fast, smooth flow trails with berms and jumps
- Scenic views across the Wicklow Mountains
- Ballinastoe, one of Ireland’s top mountain bike centres
- Local guide’s favourite trails and best route
- Private tour tailored to your experience
- Skill-building on quality singletrack
Surface and terrain:
Fast, smooth, flowing singletrack with berms and jumps, plus forest roads for climbing, at Ballinastoe’s National Mountain Bike Centre. Trails and difficulty are chosen to suit the group, from flowing intermediate trails to more challenging options.
Likely weather:
The Wicklow Mountains are cooler, wetter and windier than Dublin. Expect around 3 - 8°C in winter and 13 - 19°C in summer. Showers are possible year round and trails can be wet after rain.
Suitable for:
Intermediate to experienced mountain bikers wanting to ride quality flow trails and singletrack and build their skills. A good standard of cycling technique is needed, and the trails and pace are tailored to the group. Minimum recommended age 11.