Get set for an Irish ‘end-to-end’ cycling adventure across the varied and beautiful landscapes of the Emerald Isle. From the pristine beaches and dramatic mountain passes to ancient ruins, disused railways, narrow country lanes, deep lochs, historical county towns and meandering rivers, this is a curated exploration of Ireland's natural wonders.

Mizen to Malin, often likened to Britain’s renowned Land’s End to John O'Groats, is a 447-mile (720-km) journey from the most south-westerly point at Mizen Head to the country’s most northerly point at Malin Head.

Having cycled from Mizen to Malin back in 2010, I've made a few alterations to my original route to encompass more variety and include some unmissable highlights. I was particularly struck by the extensive network of serene country lanes, practically devoid of traffic. Additionally, the beaches at both ends were incredibly beautiful, so if you have the opportunity, I recommend allocating some time to explore these coastal gems.

I've divided the route into ten stages, each concluding at a town or city offering a variety of accommodation options. If you’re planning on camping, I've also recommended the best campsites for each stage. It's worth noting that while wild camping in Ireland is not strictly legal, it is generally tolerated in many upland and remote areas.

Throughout your journey, you'll pedal through towns, villages and cities with plenty of eateries, supermarkets, and traditional Irish pubs. In the Tour descriptions, I've highlighted longer stretches where these facilities may be less frequent.

The entirety of the route consists of paved surfaces, nearly 10% of which are traffic-free. Anticipate a mix of flat terrain, manageable undulations, and a few challenging climbs, particularly in the first three days in the southwestern region. While prior multi-day cycling experience is recommended, the average daily distance of 45 miles (72 km) enables you to cycle at a relatively relaxed pace. I've provided the complete route, allowing for customisation based on your personal preferences and abilities.

For this adventure, a touring or road bike is ideal. The route is doable year round, though most campsites are closed during the late autumn and winter. The driest months in Ireland are from April to July, but given the common rainfall, be sure to pack waterproofs.

Your adventure starts at Mizen Head, a remote headland in County Cork, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. The nearest train stations, Killarney or Cork, are accessible via a direct train route from Dublin, although they’re still a fair distance away. However, you can take bicycles on buses if there’s space, so the quickest way to get to Mizen Head is by taking a train to Cork and then hopping on the 237 bus to Schull. From Schull, Mizen Head is a 15-mile (24-km) cycle. Malin Head is slightly less remote, a 33-mile (53-km) cycle away from Derry, where you can catch a direct train to Dublin. Bicycles are welcome on most trains in Ireland, but securing a reservation is advisable, and note that some peak restrictions may apply.

Prepare for an exhilarating adventure with a tapestry of breathtaking viewpoints and the charm of Ireland's lesser-known roads and settlements. Immerse yourself in the genuine warmth of Irish hospitality that is typical of this friendly island.

If you have more time, consider exploring the stunning coastal version of this route – the Wild Atlantic Way (or TransAtlanticWay). This well-signposted route spans 1,455 miles (2,343 km) along Ireland’s stunning western coastline, featuring surfaced roads and cycleways. For more details, see komoot.com/collection/1138837/transatlanticway-bikepacking-in-the-wild-west-of-ireland.