Tour of Ireland

[Rob J]

Hey folks,

A biking pal and i were thinking of spending a few days touring around Ireland next year and was keen to get some suggestions or recommendations of some good routes places of interest, places to stay, things to see and do etc.

We are coming over from Holyhead and were thinking of spending 3 or 4 days having a good look round (all on road) and spending nights in hotels (not wanting to camp on this trip) without completely emptying the piggy bank.

We would really appreciate your recommendations to piece something together or perhaps you have done your own route which you might consider sharing.

All suggestions welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Regards

Rob J

 

[airhead_eire]

Hi Rob,

I'm on the south coast. There are many great routes and scenery along the south-west side of the
country i.e. Cork & Kerry. If you had 4 days, you could take the motorway as far as Cork (a smidge
over 2 hours from Dublin) and then take the more scenic routes around the south-west region.
The west, south west and north-west of Ireland (the Atlantic coast) are barren and rugged and offer
rugged scenery, something akin to Scotland.
I guess another factor to consider would be many miles a days you would like to ride ?
If you are thinking of going south-west or west then I can give you some route info and places to see.
If you fancy staying closer to the ferry port and staying on the eastern side of Ireland then maybe one
of the "easterners" on here can offer some relevant info for that region.
Here's a taster (!):

 

[Bob Jeffries]

From Holyhead head north and follow the Antrim coast road and around the north coast to Derry and then follow the Wild Adlantic way all the way to the the south

Some web sites to get you started http://www.wildatlanticway.com/home/ http://www.irishphotorally.com/ http://www.bestbikingroads.com/motorcycle-trips/complete-gps-roadbooks/ireland-__2948.htm http://www.roadtrooper.com/category/biking-routes-ireland/

 

[oblertone]

Don't bother, it's shite Been there, done that twice, once with my son and once with the wife; used B&B's mainly and a few hotels, nothing pre-booked, just turned up. Always accommodated, never snotty over bike gear, unfailingly friendly, occasionally myopic when driving, you might need more than four days

Top tip: Try and coordinate with a 'tosser' event; you won't be disappointed!

 

[tadhgocuilleain]

I second the route airhead_eire suggested. The wild atlantic way is a great route to ride.

 

[Damien]

Don't try and do too many miles per day. You would be lucky to average 30 mph on the Wild Atlantic Way. Scenery is fantastic, and no need to pre book accommodation.

 

[Rob J]

That would be great. We were quite keen to take in the south & west coast with a plan to take our time and aim for around 150 miles per day.

Any tips, suggestions or route info would be most welcome,

Regards

Rob

 

[patzx12]

3-4 days keep it simple.
A blast across the M4-M6.
Stay in Galway (pre-book).
Tour Connemara.
Take an interesting route back to the ferry starting in Westport.

 

[richie]

3-4 days keep it simple.
A blast across the M4-M6.
Stay in Galway (pre-book).
Tour Connemara.
Take an interesting route back to the ferry starting in Westport.

I am told that South West especially Cork is better

 

[airhead_eire]

Well I think you can't go wrong with any of the west or south western regions (north west nice too). It just has a rugged charm.
Although rugged weather too at times (like right now).
Just off the bat - Priest's Leap, the Beara Penninsula (Allihies/Eyeries/Kilmacalogue Pier) & Healy Pass is a nice ride, the Ring of Kerry,
Killarney and the lakes.
Having said that, Connemara is nice too and the coast road towards Westport.

 

[comberjohn]

For such a short period I would head south west, too. The Wild Atlantic Way is worth exploring but don't expect to cover many miles in only a few days.
It's actually 1600 miles long!
For somewhere to stay I would recommend the Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna and the Leenane Hotel in Leenane, just south of Westport. Both are comfortable and not too expensive.
The Leenane Hotel is popular with some of the BMW Clubs for weekends.

 

[widget]

As Oblertone.... Never had any problem with B and B.... Just check that there are no races on anywhere near where you want to stay...We went to Galway while the races were on...a tad busy, but we did find a place....And don't just get on a bus and go into town with out at least getting the name of the place where you are staying or a road name....or you may have trouble finding your way back!! DAMHIK!!!

If your breakdown is with the AA, double check you are covered...after a puncture, they told me I wasn't in the South...Carol Nash to the rescue... When I got back, I rang to complain, they said I was covered but couldn't find a record of my call so couldn't do anything about it!!!!

Had two fantastic visits to the South...Great scenery, great people.and the Guinness does slide down very easily.

If you stay in Killarney, Rathmore house is a nice B and B, 3 minutes walk from the town.

 

[Rob J]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

The consensus seems to be South west which is where we were thinking.

I'll start piecing the suggestions together into a route and see what the route looks like.

Thanks again.

Rob

 

[Baz]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

The consensus seems to be South west which is where we were thinking.

I'll start piecing the suggestions together into a route and see what the route looks like.

Thanks again.

Rob

I'd be interested in seeing the finished result if you wouldn't mind sharing.

Ta
Baz