DISCOVERING IRELAND (what,where,when & how... a guide to the Emerald Isle)

[bogman]

Took a short break in Inis Oírr, Aran Islands after the Trojans rally in Co Clare, did about 5 hours walking, amazing place and an extension of the Clare Burren, my ferry was from Doolin Pier, 30 minute trip, 25€ return, Fab accommodation 30€ in the Shamrock B&B, even gave me a pot of tea and a plate of freshly baked brown bread at 2pm before I took the ferry back to the mainland

Sample pics

Sunset over Inis Meáin

 

[Hairnet600]

 

[Spear Ruler]

Looks a great place Bogman

 

[frontwheel]

Cork

West Cork, the Beara peninsula and Sheep's Head peninsula in particular are fabulous and not nearly as developed touristically as the Ring of Kerry. See Joe's images.

Found a great B&B run by Dieter and Marie in Ardgroom. It's near the centre and signposted from the village.

Priest's Leap and great biking just south of Kilgarvan nearby.

I know this is a really old post but Im heading to the Ardgroom area & just wondered if anyone knows the name of this B&B

 

[Aidan1150]

Hopefully Peter will spot your post and remember the name of the B&B, or maybe Richie might know it as he lives in Allihies. If not, then it shouldn't be too hard to find as Ardgroom isn't that big.

All being well you will get the weather as the Beara is a glorious place. Do take the advice above and ride out to the end of Sheep Head. There is a grand wee cafe out there too.

 

[richie]

I know this is a really old post but Im heading to the Ardgroom area & just wondered if anyone knows the name of this B&B

Hi Frontwheel,

It maybe a fantastic BandB but.... Ardgroom only has one bar which makes it a dreary village on certain evenings. If I were you I would either opt for Kenmare for the night as it is a busyish town with lots of bars restaurants and music, or better still (I would say that) I would head to Allihies which is a much more animated village. Where you can stay at the fairly Plush www.allihiesseaview.com or the more quaint Veronica's Band B two doors up from me.

If you are going out of season you won't need to book. I will be back in Allihies by early June and could meet up for a drink.

 

[Kamikaze]

I second that.
Allihies...a beautiful spot and a couple of lively pubs with good food.

 

[Ogmios]

Little Help Please!
I'm organising a trip for some of our Continental cousins - i need pics desperately and am very suprised i cant find any of my own!
Nothing specific - generic photos of Ireland / scenery / roads etc. to show why they should come here.
(though a Bike in the pic would be nice)
stick them here / or point me onwards.
It would help a lot.
Thanks a lot in advance folks.

 

[Ravenbyrne]

Little Help Please!
I'm organising a trip for some of our Continental cousins - i need pics desperately and am very suprised i cant find any of my own!
Nothing specific - generic photos of Ireland / scenery / roads etc. to show why they should come here.
(though a Bike in the pic would be nice)
stick them here / or point me onwards.
It would help a lot.
Thanks a lot in advance folks.

You did ask............

Try the past events section,,,, lots of photos there

 

[Mandylicious]

Try the past events section,,,, lots of photos there

That's what I was going to suggest

 

[Kamikaze]

A few good ones here....
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=294643&highlight=photo

 

[Ogmios]

Thanks folks!
i have pillaged the archive.
Much appreciated.

Probably will be back looking for advice ~ imagine....
me, leading (navigating?! ) a buncha tourists around our fair isle.

gods help 'em.

 

[thegasman]

upcoming trip

Hi guys,

A quick question for the panel:

I have some time in Ireland coming up , arriving on a Sunday morning, and leaving a week later. Probably going in and out of Rosslare but could do Dun Laoghaire also.

I have a fixed commitment - a wedding near Waterford , which means I have to be there from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning. This is awkward in that it splits the week into two 2-3 day chunks, limiting the scope of where I can go.

I thought a thrash over to the SW for the first bit - and then bimbling around Beara/Sheep's Head etc. I note the advice re Kenmare and Allihies and this will feature in the plans.

I was wondering about then going up country for a bit - around Tipp/Laois/Offaly - but I have never visited the central bit. Should I? I'm imagining it's a bit road less travelled, which is no bad thing.

What's the view on wild camping in Ireland ? Will I be bothered by the guards ?

Thanks in advance

 

[Jockser]

I was wondering about then going up country for a bit - around Tipp/Laois/Offaly - but I have never visited the central bit. Should I? I'm imagining it's a bit road less travelled, which is no bad thing.

To the west of Waterford you'll find the Comeragh mountains with some nice roads like the R676 south of Carrick-on-Suir. Mahon Falls near Lemybrien is a must. South of Clonmel is also good. Further west are the Knockmealdowns with the stunning Vee (on a clear day) on the R669. The road from Cappoquin to Newcastle is also scenic. The area west of the Vee as far as the M8 has lots a little roads meandering through the hills. Between Mitchelstown & Tipperary town you have the Galtys, not many roads through them but the roads around the edge are nice riding. From there I'd suggest the Slieve Felim & Silvermines mountains to the north for lots of scenic twisty roads. North again & the Slieve Aughty mountains to the west of Lough Derg are crisscrossed by great roads - the road from Killaloe via The Gap to Kilbane is a particular favourite. Once past the north end of the lake head back east to the Slieve Blooms. One of my regular rides is the R440 out of Kinnity & at Killanure take the left for The Cut & Clonaslee. Lots of other roads in there worth exploring if you have time. From there it's a bit flat until you get to the Wicklow mountains but there's any amount of nice roads in there. Avoid the Wicklow Gap on a Sunday as the crotch rockets invade the place. The R115 through Sally Gap is beautiful but it's bumpy & potholed so big trailies are probably all you'll meet. From there Dublin / Dun Laoghaire or Rosslare ports are easily reached. You should have no problem filling a couple of days with that loop

What's the view on wild camping in Ireland ? Will I be bothered by the guards ?

Most of those places you won't see a Guard, never mind be bothered by one
There's lots of forestry in those areas and unless they're logging I doubt anyone will say a word to you. If all else fails ask at a farmhouse if you can pitch in a corner of their field, shouldn't be a problem. Pick the right house & you might even be offered a few eggs or some fresh soda bread

 

[thegasman]

Thanks mate , will sit down with a map and go through this lot.

 

[thegasman]

Well, made it to Allihies, finishing up in O'Neil's and about to wend my way down the through the other pubs before finding my tent on the beach. Nice!

 

[richie]

Well, made it to Allihies, finishing up in O'Neil's and about to wend my way down the through the other pubs before finding my tent on the beach. Nice!

I just missed you left the Lighthouse for Jimmy's and now home. Next time maybe, I have been busy and was on Dursey last night so was not looking out for bikes mise a part the AJS

 

[thegasman]

Ah, no worries. Had a good time and enjoyed my stay. Would have given you some warning, but my phone is not connecting, and internet connection a hit and miss affair. See you next time.

 

[comberjohn]

I'm new here and maybe it's already been mentioned but here's a video that I took last August while driving over the Conor Pass and down into Dingle.
Have a GS now but was on a K1600GT at the time.

 

[widget]

Very nice...