A Little help with a Route & Campsites, Please

[Running Bear]

Hi All,

Myself and 2 Friends are planning our 1st Bike Trip to Ireland (15th to 18th July), and would really appreciate opions on Our Route, Daily Mileage, and Campsites.

We have a 160 mile trip to Stranraer, then the 12.00 Ferry arriving at Belfast 15.00hr and planned to do the A2 coastal route North, crossing to Magillan Point and then staying at Foyleside Caravan and Camping Site (116 miles)

The following day the plan is to go to Malin Head, then head for Letterkenny and on to the N56. We had planned to stay on this around the coast, but I have read that Glenveagh National Park is worth a ride through (if so which route?) then continue round the coast to Sligo. The only campsite I can find near is Belleek Caravan Park, which is down the N59 (220 miles)

Sundays route is to stay on the N59 to Galway, then head North East so we have a shortish route for the Monday to catch the 13.30 ferry from Belfast.
We have possible routes, one taking us to Rushin House Campsite off the N16 near belcco (260 miles). The other route taking us to Lough Ramour Campsite near Virginia N3. (260 m) Then Monday back to Belfast via Portaferry and Newtownards (124 miles)

Any local! help or opinions appreciated.

Regards Tony

 

[stony57]

sleepy hollows

My wife and I camped at Sleepy Hollows not too far from Glenveagh National Park. Very friendly small family run campsite. Facilities are basic but you're beside an awesome pub with great music food and craic. A great trip is over to Aran Island, but you mightn't have time for that. Anyway it's worth considering. Have a great Hol and I hope the weather is dry(ish) for you lol

 

[BOIRCHE]

My wife and I camped at Sleepy Hollows not too far from Glenveagh National Park. Very friendly small family run campsite. Facilities are basic but you're beside an awesome pub with great music food and craic. A great trip is over to Aran Island, but you mightn't have time for that. Anyway it's worth considering. Have a great Hol and I hope the weather is dry(ish) for you lol

+1 stayed there a few times myself, the nearby pub "Teach Leo's" a family owned affair of non other than "Clannad & Enya" fame, great Guinness an grub

 

[Running Bear]

Cheers Guys for the info, looks a great campsite, just too close to our first night's stopover. Its in the book though

Tony

 

[BOIRCHE]

Cheers Guys for the info, looks a great campsite, just too close to our first night's stopover. Its in the book though

Tony

as said it is quite basic, but bike friendly owners, the village of Crolly is nearby with filling station shop etc.

 

[GerryC]

........Sundays route is to stay on the N59 to Galway.................Regards Tony

Nice route - long day; the R344 takes you down the scenic Inagh valley but misses Clifden. Hope the sun shines.
The empty countryside south of Bangor Erris is a favourite of mine. You can ride quiiet a bit & meet nothing much on the road. Do enjoy.

 

[Running Bear]

Cheers Gerry,
I have been tinkering with the Sunday route as I have changed the Saturday night campsite to Strandhill, North of Sligo. The current route takes us from there down the N59 to Westport, then down the N84, this gives us a 261 mile day. Is it worth the extra miles to see the Inagh valley?
When touring Scotland or Wales 260 miles is an average day for us, but unsure in this neck of the woods

Cheers

 

[GerryC]

Cheers Gerry,
I have been tinkering with the Sunday route as I have changed the Saturday night campsite to Strandhill, North of Sligo. The current route takes us from there down the N59 to Westport, then down the N84, this gives us a 261 mile day. Is it worth the extra miles to see the Inagh valley?
When touring Scotland or Wales 260 miles is an average day for us, but unsure in this neck of the woods

Cheers

The Inagh valley is a few less miles. I have done over 500 miles in a day here but it is tough & that's heading for home with a very late arrival - 260 is dooable but you may end up wishing more time to stop & savour the experience; 261 miles with an early start & you'll be grand.
I rarely cook when camping - a filling station breakfast is quicker.
Do watch out for rural folk heading to or from Sunday mass, sometimes it's their only outing in the car for the week & they can be so full of spiritual zeal that they forget to look before pulling out on the road. Men or women wearing hats while driving are especially liable to disregard your presence on the road.