Ireland has all the elements needed for highly memorable and very leisurely cycling tours of this unique country. While Ireland's road and motorway network continues to develop in line with the highest European standards, there are thousands of kilometres of quiet, winding, narrow roads, which are often deserted and well away from urban centres. Few of these roads are high above sea level, making the going as easy as possible. The mountainous areas are generally closer to Ireland's coastline, which extends for thousands of kilometres and features everything from craggy headlands to endless sandy beaches. There are beautiful areas framed by meandering rivers and dramatic lakes, quiet woodlands and the wide-open spaces of the country's central plain. Cyclists can also visit Ireland's welcoming cities, towns and villages in order to unwind after a day on the saddle. Good quality maps are required to follow these routes, so that all the attractions along the way can be fully savoured. Maps are obtainable from Ordnance Survey Ireland in here .