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GPS apps for your Irish Cycling or Hiking adventure

The best GPS apps for your Irish cycling or hiking adventure

There’s something magical about exploring Ireland on foot or by bike. While you slowly navigate through the rolling countryside, there is plenty of time to take in everything you come across. Fluffy sheep in the greenest fields you’ve ever seen, ancient stone walls, rugged mountain tops… It’s all there. 

 

The last thing you want is to spend all your energy looking for directions. But don’t worry. At Ireland Walk Hike Bike, we will make sure you’ll never get lost. We’ll provide you with easy-to-use GPS apps that get you from A to B without a hitch. So you can focus on the more important stuff: making memories. 

In this blog post, we will tell you all about the 2 apps you will use if you book a trip with us: Ride with GPS and our own Ireland Walk Hike Bike app. 

Why not Google Maps?

But, first things first: why should you even bother about GPS apps? There’s always Google Maps, right? True, but in the Irish hills, cell service can disappear faster than a rainbow after a spring shower. 

Besides, Google Maps will not provide you with the less walked hiking trails you don’t want to miss. And then we haven’t even mentioned these advantages of the apps we use: 

  • They allow you to download detailed maps for offline use.
  • They provide elevation data, which shows you exactly how challenging your day will be.
  • Our Hike App is a “one stop shop” for your tour with all of your documents, GPS tracks and local information inside
  • Our Bike App allows you to record your adventures so you can share them later (and brag about that 1,000-foot climb you conquered!).
  • They include points of interest that mainstream maps lack, like that perfect picnic spot or hidden waterfall.

So, let’s get started!

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

Let’s first have a proper look at the Ride with GPS app. The free version of this app is fairly limited. However, the link you’ll receive from us will give you full access to all functionalities of the paid version for your trip. 

Ride with GPS offers features that are perfectly suited to a two-wheeled exploration of Ireland.

Here’s what makes it stand out especially:

  • incredibly detailed route planning with turn-by-turn directions
  • ability to see elevation profiles (crucial for preparing mentally for those Irish hills!)
  • easily downloadable offline maps
  • detailed info on the surface you’ll be on
  • audible and visual navigation options
  • real-time tracking that friends and family back home can follow

The app’s turn-by-turn voice navigation feature is particularly helpful. The audio directions allow you to keep your eyes on Ireland’s – sometimes narrow – country roads, instead of staring at your device.

1. RWGPS Routes 2. RWGPS Start 3. RWGPS Graph 4. RWGPS Cue Sheet

Hiking: Ireland Walk Hike Bike app

Now let’s check out the Ireland Walk Hike Bike app, the app you’ll use if you book a hiking holiday with us. While there are many hiking apps readily available, we still decided to develop our own.

The app contains several features, which make sure your trip will not only be adventurous, but also care-free!

Once you’ve entered your code, the app will bring you to the main page. 

Here, you can access:

    • An overview of all your routes in 1 map, including historical and cultural information about points of interest along the way
    • your day-by-day itinerary, including all the numbers, such as mileage, height gain and height loss  
    • emergency contact details
    • important information, such as user instructions, safety information and pre-departure info.
    • a detailed weather forecast 
    • important documents, such as your route notes

 

You can use the Ireland Walk Hike Bike app offline, too. Which means you can explore the more remote areas of Ireland worry-free! The route notes include photos of key junctions, so you know exactly what to look for.

1. IWHB App Homescreen 2. IWHB App Route Map 3. IWHB App Day By Day 4. IWHB App Day Details 5. IWHB App Documents 6. IWHB App Important Info

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.

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!

ireland cycling gps app image ireland self guided hikes app 01 ireland cycle app female cyclist

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PO BOX 372, Tralee,
Co. Kerry,
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