Has anyone here rented bikes to tour around Inis Mor? We’ve been thinking about renting ebikes there, but the narrow Irish roads have us wondering if we’ll be safe. Any thoughts?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10580 posts
I did just that on September 1st. I prebooked Ebikes from Aran Bike Hire. I hadn’t ridden a bike in many years and had never ridden an Ebike. It was a blast! I want an Ebike now. The roads are narrow, but just be cautious and you’ll be fine. We rode to the end of the island. There is one road recommended for experienced bikers so try to avoid that one. I never would have made it on a regular bike. Have fun! It was one of the most memorable days (we flew to the island on a 7 minute flight) we have had in our many trips.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
While its certainly true that Ireland has some narrow roads (impossibly narrow, it will seem at times to many of us), and driving on them needs to be approached with a healthy dose of caution and respect, things are different on Inishmore. No, the roads are not wide and smooth there. But you're going to be on a bike, not driving a rental car.
There is little motorized traffic on Inishmore. Roads are not heavily trafficked, and what "traffic" there is will be mostly:
1) Pony carts (little horse-drawn wagons), usually carrying tourists on a day trip, driven by locals. Small, slow-moving rigs under the control of a local who knows the roads and knows how to avoid bikes.
2) The occasional small motor vehicle being driven by a local. They'll watch out for you as best as they can.
The hazards of riding a bike on Inishmore are mostly falling off or having a "single vehicle" crash caused by a lack of skill of the rider, wind, rough pavement, or simply losing control because you are paying attention to the scenery and not the road.
Riding bikes on Inishmore is quite safe. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Not a lot of vehicles around.