Packed programe for Bike Week 2026 in Offaly
A wide range of events will take place across Offaly for Bike Week 2026, which runs from tomorrow, Saturday, May 9, to Sunday, May 17.
The highlight of the week is the fourth annual Grand Canal Greenway Relay, organised by Offaly Sports Partnership.
The 65km cycle relay will take place this Saturday, May 9, along the Greenway from George’s Bridge in Edenderry to Shannonharbour.
The event is split into seven stages throughout the day. The first group will leave George’s Bridge at 9.30am, with cyclists joining and finishing at different points along the route as the relay moves through Rhode, Daingean, Tullamore, Rahan, Pollagh and Ferbane, before finishing in Shannon Harbour at 3.45pm.
Refreshments will be available at several stops along the route, including Cappincur, Pollagh and Shannon Harbour. Ride leaders will be present to support families and less experienced cyclists, and a limited number of bikes will be available to hire.
In addition to the relay, Offaly Sports Partnership is working with Cycling Ireland to provide a 'Bike Week in a Box' toolkit for primary schools from May 11 to May 15.
On Tuesday, May 12, a cycling session for people with additional needs will take place from 10am to 1pm. Later that day, the Offaly Traveller Movement will host a youth cycle event from 4pm to 6pm.
Although Bike Week is the primary focus in the county from Saturday, May 9 to Sunday, May 17, Offaly is home to a number of cycling venues which are certain to appeal to families during the summer months.
The Grand Canal Greenway is a 70km purpose built off-road shared pedestrian and cycleway trail, along the Grand Canal from Edenderry to Shannon Harbour, while a further 13km is complete from Ballycommon to Kilbeggan. With a smooth surface and some gentle slopes, this trail is ideal for family groups of all ages, and all types of bikes.
Lough Boora Discovery Park offers miles of safe cycling on marked trails in a unique environment with a number of routes available ranging from five kilometres to 16 kilometres in distance. Each trail explores a different habitat within the park and provides plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of the flora and fauna in the park.
Mount Lucas Wind Farm features a seven kilometre walk/cycleway. This colour coded route provides pathways for walkers, runners, joggers and cyclists.
The Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails are an option for those looking for more adventurous cycling routes. There are three trails from which to choose ranging in distance from 14 kilometres to 30 kilometres.