Cycle the Docklands
Hop in the saddle and enjoy a leisurely cycle around the sights of Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock. With plenty to explore, and indulge in, you'll revel in these two dockland areas full of character, heritage and modern charm.
Canal Way Cycle Route
Ideal for families and commuters, the Canal Way Cycle Route is a breeze. At 3.6km long, this off-road passage connects quaint Portobello to the bustling dining, entertainment and business hubs of Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock.
Following the Grand Canal via its parallel cycle path from Portobello, you'll pedal by a number of 200-year-old locks and many of the waterway's historic bridges before reaching Grand Canal Quay and Dock. Lively Grand Canal Dock showcases thrilling watersports activities, top-notch restaurants and of course, the renowned Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. A cycle across its main plaza, Grand Canal Square, lets you admire modern architectural gems, take a break at its outdoor seating and enjoy those waterfront views.
The unmistakable Samuel Beckett Bridge then takes you from Grand Canal Dock across the Liffey to compact Spencer Dock, brimming with nods to the area's industrial past alongside its buzzing business hubs. Around these waters you'll find an ode to local hero Luke Kelly, incredible emigration heritage at EPIC and plenty of seafaring stories too. The cycle route ends in the shadow of the iconic Convention Centre Dublin, parallel to the Royal Canal's entry into Spencer Dock at Sheriff Street Upper.
Hire some wheels
Don't have a bicycle of your own? That's no obstacle to enjoying a spin around these parts, there are plenty of bike hire options to suit.
With stations dotted all over the city, the Just Eat Dublin Bikes scheme conveniently allows you to rent a city bike for short journeys. If you're not an annual Dublin Bikes card holder, you can buy a three-day ticket at your nearest Dublin Bike station. Between Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock, there are eight bike stations, so hopping in the saddle couldn't be easier.
Just Eat Dublin Bikes, multiple city centre locations
Take a two-wheeled tour
If you'd rather follow the leader, a bike tour is a great way to see the city without any fussing about with maps. Take your pick of fascinating tours that hit lots of the docklands' best sights en route.
With Dublin City Bike Tours, you cycle alongside local guides who are veritable fountains of Dublin knowledge. As well as many of the city's most famous attractions like The GPO and Christchurch, you'll pedal part of the Grand Canal and through the lively docklands too.
Dublin City Bike Tours, Isaac's Hostel, 2-5 Frenchman's Lane, Dublin 1
On See Dublin By Bike's tour of U2's Dublin, you'll spin by parts of the capital most associated with the global superstars. Grand Canal Dock alone boasts plenty of U2 heritage, it's the site of their legendary Hanover Quay Recording Studio and the very place their October album cover, complete with canal locks, was shot.
Fancy something more personalised? See Dublin by Bike also provide private and custom bike tours. Perfect for a tour tailored to your interests, why not enjoy a guided spin around Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock, ticking off its musical and industrial heritage, not to mention its abundance of restaurants, as you go.
See Dublin by Bike, Drury Street multi-storey car park, Dublin 2
Find more ways to explore Dublin Canals, check out our Highlights section.