The Metals

At the end of this cycle, you stand in a place that bears witness to four world records: the world’s oldest commuter railway; the world’s largest constructed harbour; the world’s first atmospheric railway, and a man called Frank Elrington who, unwittingly, became the fastest human in history at the time, when the carriage on which he stood took off at breakneck speed. The fact that the conversion of this historic railway line to a pedestrian/cycle way occurred long before it’s more contemporary greenways, just adds to its charm.

A series of pathways, easily navigable by bike or on foot, lends itself to a spin that lies very much in the leisurely end of the active spectrum: speed along and you will surely miss all but the occasional bump and hollow. Apart from the rich history, the views of Dublin Bay from Dalkey all the way downhill to Dun Laoghaire is another reason to give it a go. Of course, you can do it in the other direction, but the climb only gets steeper! With DART stations at Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey, it is as well served for access as it is for culinary treats at both start and finishes. Another gem you may never have known was there!

Some Places of Interest

• Dalkey Village
• Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
• Dalkey Quarry
• Site of the original stationery locomotive of the atmospheric railway
• The Metals railway line
• Dun Laoghaire seafront
• National Maritime Museum
• Teddy’s Ice cream
• People’s Park
• Dublin Bay Ferry (to city centre or Howth)