Cycling is a fascinating way to explore the Irish countryside. Biking entire counties is not an uncommon way to see the best of Ireland. For the less ambitious, taking a day to pedal around the sights is a sure-fire way to fully enjoy the scenery. Bike rental shops are located throughout each county, especially in the more touristy areas. Bike rental fees range from 15 to 25 per day and 80 to 100 per week.

Hiring a bike before you arrive in the country is paramount if cycling is a central component of your travel plans. This will ensure you the type, style, model, and size desired. Certain agencies, such as Eurotrek Raleigh (01 465 9659, www.raleigh.ie) in Dublin and Emerald Cycles (061 416983, www.irelandrentabike.com) in Limerick allow one-way rentals.

Undeniably, planning and arranging your own bike trip helps build the enthusiasm and knowledge necessary to carry through with such an adventure. However, various bike tour operators run professionally arranged trips that take the inconvenience out of preplanning. Easy Rider Tours (1 800 488 8332 U.S., www.easyridertours.com) runs affordable and fun biking adventures in the southwest, west, and northwestern counties. Bike Riders Tours (1 800 473 7040 U.S., www.bikeriderstours.com) offers more upscale biking adventures in Ireland and throughout the world. Finally, Biking in Ireland (1 800 257 2226 U.S., www.bikeireland.com) has high-quality, bargain trips run by the amiable folks at Bike Vermont.

Best Places to Cycle and Mountain Bike

Although more hilly than other parts of Ireland, Counties Cork and Kerry offer unspoiled splendor with on-and off-road cycling potential. One-or two-day trips can be had on the 80km (50-mile) Sheep's Head Cycle Route (087 232 4984, Bernietobin7@eircom.net) southwest of Bantry. Or, consider the 94km (59-mile) Cork-Beara-Gúgán Barra Route, offering spectacular views of the Cork countryside. The Gougane Barra Hotel (026 47 069, www.gouganebarrahotel.com) in Macroom, an epicenter for great back-road cycling, has bikes for rent.

In County Kerry, contact Irish Cycle Tours (066 712 8733, www.irishcycletours.com) in Tralee to put together guided and self-guided excursions in the Iveragh and Dingle peninsulas, among other spots in Ireland.

If on your own in Dingle, rent bikes from Mountain Man (066 915 2400) off of Strand Street and head out 45km (28 miles) to Slea Head to view the wondrous Blasket Islands. For a leg-burner, ride from Dingle over Conor Pass to Castlegregory, a village between the Brandon and Tralee bays.

The north Cork and east Limerick area called Ballyhoura (www.ballyhouracountry.com) is an outdoor paradise with trail walking, paragliding, hunting excursions, and best of all, mountain biking. Contact Chris O'Callaghan at XCT1 Bike Rental (087 131 4577 or 087 203 3060, www.xct1.com) based in Kilfinane Village, County Limerick, to put together an amazing trail-riding adventure. If you have your own suspension bike, head to the Ballyhoura MTB Trails (063 91 300), which has light-to-demanding loops, some pressing on for over 50km (30 miles).

The northwest of Ireland, with its varied terrain and remarkable vistas, has some equally splendid biking opportunities for the resilient two-wheeled tourist. The Northwest Trail (www.northwest-trail.com) is a 326km (202-mile) circular route linking Counties Donegal, Sligo, and Northern Ireland. A family-friendly section of this route includes the short 55km (32-mile) route known as the Inis Eoghain Cycleway (www.iniseoghaincycleway.com).

Northern Ireland has a highly developed cycling infrastructure with its Sustrans and National Cycle Network (www.sustrans.org.uk) movement. The Faughan Valley Cycleway in Derry (www.derryvisitor.com), County Londonderry, is a popular network of three circular routes, each slightly over 32km (20 miles).

Additionally, the Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone is comprised of twelve circuitous routes designed for the average cycler. Each trail is clearly marked and signposted. The 50km (31-mile) Gold Cycle Route and remote 66km (41-mile) Lough Fea Cycle Route top the rest. Information and maps are available at the Cookstown Centre Tourist Office (028 8676 6727) off of Molesworth Street. It is open during regular business hours. For more about cycling in Northern Ireland, visit Cycle NI (www.cycleni.com).