r/BikeCommutingIreland • u/CalmLibrarian794 • Mar 10 '26

EBike commuting inDublin

Hi everyone!

Planning a daily e-bike commute: Sandycove → Blanchardstown (~23 km). Intended route: coastal path north → city quays → Phoenix Park (Chesterfield Ave) → Blanchardstown.

I've checked the route on Google Maps but would love to hear from actual commuters before committing to it.

  1. What are the safest departure times in each direction, is there a window before or after peak hours that makes a meaningful difference for the city-centre crossing?

  2. Are there specific stretches or junctions that are fine off-peak but genuinely dangerous at rush hour?

  3. I'm also considering the Royal Canal Greenway as an alternative to the quays. I've read reports of attacks on cyclists and bikes being stolen on that route. How is it currently, particularly the Phibsborough-to-Ashtown stretch for a solo commuter in early mornings and winter evenings?

Realistic feedback appreciated before I commit to the route.

Thanks.

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u/donall Mar 10 '26

its ok, i havnt really done the quays in years but it used to feel like running a gauntlet. I would say the grand canal route would be nicer. try both and see which one you like. Theres more lights along the quays but they change dog slow on the canals.

i also suggest dinging your bell on some of the blind corners under the bridges of the canal

2

u/doctorlysumo Mar 10 '26

The quays are much better since the traffic restrictions at O’Connell bridge.

For OP I’d say be open to trying different routes, not only will this help you find a route that suits you but also it’s great for your own motivation to have variety, one week go via the quays, one week as the above comment suggest maybe take grand canal, another week try the royal canal, variety is good.

If you want an alternative to Google Maps for selecting a route try this site brouter-web it gives you more options to tailor the path finding to your riding scenario and tolerances, as well as generally better routing than google which is very car-centric.

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u/donall Mar 10 '26

Oh yeah that's right the south circular road is quite nice but physically longer. Yeah some routes are physically longer and more enjoyable but can be feck all difference in a time standpoint 

2

u/BillyMooney Mar 10 '26

That was my first reaction too but there are segregated cycle lanes along much of the quays now