GPS apps for your Irish Cycling or Hiking adventure
The best GPS apps for your Irish cycling or hiking adventure
Looking for the best GPS apps for hiking and cycling in Ireland? This practical guide shows what we use on our trips and how to set yourself up for safe, offline navigation. On Ireland Walk Hike Bike tours, you will use Ride with GPS for self-guided cycling and the Ireland Walk Hike Bike app for hiking. Both work offline and include your day-by-day routes.
Quick answer
Cycling on a self-guided tour – use Ride with GPS with our trip link. You get turn-by-turn voice prompts, elevation profiles and offline maps.
Hiking with us – use the IWHB app. Your code unlocks your itinerary, GPX tracks, weather, safety notes and documents.
Signal comes and goes in the hills – download every day’s maps before you set out and carry a power bank.
If you are still choosing between formats, see our pages on self-guided hiking tours with luggage transfer and self-guided bike tours in Ireland.
Why not Google Maps?
Road-focused apps are great for towns and driving, but they do not cover many Irish trails and green lanes. In remote areas coverage can drop without warning. Purpose-built outdoor apps store maps for offline use, give clear elevation data and let you follow a pre-planned track with confidence.
Getting started ....
Before you even pack your bags for Ireland, take some time to get familiar with Ride with GPS and the Ireland Walk Hike Bike app. Both are available for iOS and Android devices.
Download the Ride with GPS app for your self-guided cycling holiday and the Ireland Walk Hike Bike app for your hiking adventure.
Book a trip with us, and, after your pay your balance, you’ll get a link that brings you right to all your day-to-day route info.
If you book a self-guided hiking trip with us, you will receive a code that unlocks your personal page on the Ireland Walk Hike Bike app. Keep reading if you’d like to discover what the app has to offer!
Cycling app: Ride with GPS
Book a self-guided cycle and we share a private trip link that unlocks paid features for the duration of your holiday.
What you get
Turn-by-turn voice navigation on your phone or bike computer
Clear elevation profiles to pace climbs
Offline map downloads for every stage
Surface hints and cue sheets where available
Option to let friends view your live location if you choose to share it
Before you fly
Install the app and log in.
Open the trip link we send after your balance is paid.
Tap each route and download the map for offline use.
Test voice prompts with headphones at home.
Planning to spin the classics? Our pages for the Ring of Kerry cycle and the Ring of Beara routes give a good flavour of daily distances.
Hiking: Ireland Walk Hike Bike app
Hikers receive a unique code that unlocks your personal trip area in the Ireland Walk Hike Bike app.
Open the app to find
A single map with all your routes and points of interest
Day-by-day itinerary with distance, ascent and descent
Key documents such as route notes and user tips
Weather snapshot for planning
Safety numbers and our 24-hour support line
Good to know
The app works offline once you have downloaded your routes.
Our route notes include photos of important junctions to help with wayfinding.
If you enjoy a deeper look at how we support you, read about our GPS hiking and cycling app.
Practical tips for use
If you use technology, there are a couple of risks to consider. Especially when you’re active all day. Here are some essential tips that will literally get you through a long day of hiking or cycling:
- Always carry a power bank.
A full day of GPS tracking will drain your battery quickly. A good quality power bank can recharge your phone 2-3 times. Therefore, it is as essential as your water bottle! - Optimize battery usage.
There are several ways to do so:
- Lower your screen brightness.
- Close background apps.
- Put your phone in airplane mode (GPS still works in this mode).
- In Ride with GPS, use the battery saver mode.
- In our app, download your routes before heading out and use offline mode.
- You could even consider bringing an old-fashioned camera to take pictures.
- Protect your device from the elements.
Irish weather is famous for its changeability. A simple ziplock bag could do the job, but a proper waterproof phone case is worth the investment.
Besides, cold temperatures drain batteries faster. On chilly days, keep your phone in an inner pocket close to your body heat. - Have a backup.
Technology can fail, so always have a backup plan. Take screenshots of key route sections, carry a paper map, or write down important directions.
FAQs
Will GPS work without mobile signal?
Yes. GPS uses satellites. Download the map tiles and route in advance so the app can draw your position on the map when you are offline.
Can I use a Garmin or Wahoo device?
Many cyclists do. We can supply GPX files. Ask when you enquire so we can confirm compatibility for your chosen itinerary.
Do I need data roaming?
No for navigation if you download in advance. A small data bundle helps with weather checks and messaging.
Is my phone enough or should I bring a paper map too?
Your phone will guide you. A small paper back-up remains wise in the hills.
Let’s hit the trails!
With the right GPS apps in your pocket, you’re all set to experience the best of Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re cycling the Ring of Kerry with Ride with GPS or hiking the Dingle Way with our IWHB app… You can explore with confidence, knowing you won’t miss a turn.
So charge those devices, download your routes, and prepare for an unforgettable Irish adventure. We’ll make sure you can focus on what truly matters: immersing yourself in the remarkable beauty, rich history, and warm culture that make Ireland so special. We can’t wait to help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
