Where to go in Ireland 2.5 day trip in Sept

[Rushy]

Ok . The only time I've been to Ireland was to the two bashes in Lahinch that Pythagonal organised so my knowledge of your fair Isle is non existent.

A pal and I have a weekend free for a trip in a few weeks and the choices are Ireland (preferably) or southern Scotland . We hope to get the evening ferry from Holyhead on Thursday and find a hotel straight (in advance) straight off the boat as it's likely to be around 1.am. When we check in. Then we have all day Friday, Saturday to ride some good roads Then Sunday we wil head back to Dun L for the afternoon ferry home.

Our priority is to ride some good/great roads and see some majestic scenery rather than do some sightseeing off the bikes. Happy to do 200-300 miles per day, roads permitting.

My mate has been looking at some guides on good roads to ride and he said most are in the south so that's his preferred direction . All recommendations welcome.

Looking briefly at a map are the Slieve Aughty Mountains worth a visit? The area around Killarney looks good ...nice loop possible N70/71/72 Ring of Kerry ?
What's the N71 from Killarney to Cork like?

Thanks, Ian

 

[Hairnet600]

into dub

out through larne or belfast

do both dun laog doesnt go anymore

places open off the boat - the 4 travelodges swords ballymun phoenix park and rathmines

theres an ibis at red cow roundabout m50 n7 junction

ashbourne house hotel - 12 miles north use the n2 to skip the toll on the n3

would rather do n71 from skib to kenmare than the ring

in 2.5 days southeast corner wicklow and carlow and kilkenny woudl be enough kerry is a trek tho

 

[Two wheels good]

A lot of the N71 Cork-Bandon-Clon is busy, tedious main road.
Further west is better but not remotely "majestic" until Bantry-Kenmare-Killarney.
As mentioned - it's a long trek from Dublin. Almost 3hrs to Cork city alone.

Considering the time available I recommend Connemara and/or Mayo. If you want majestic go west, I say.
Quick access on the M6 as far as Galway. The same routes GSers will be enjoying next weekend.
Cong - Finny - Leenaun - Clifden - R344 Lough Inagh. Plus the many possibilities for Wild Atlantic Way diversions.
Another loop northwards Leenaun - Louisburg - Westport - Achill.

Slieve Aughtry, near Lough Derg? - it's scenic and I wouldn't choose it for a biking holiday; maybe a day trip as a local. Further west is spectacular scenery : The Burren, Kinvara - BallyVaughan - Fanore - Lisdoonvarna.

 

[Flintlock]

Could also consider a quick 90 mile dashup the M1 and spend a couple of days exploring the Mournes and Strangford lough.?

Personally I would do a weather check for the days you are over and which ever of the areas mentioned has the best weather, thats where i would go.

Where ever you choose, hope you have a good trip

 

[nud1e]

Lakeside Hotel in Ballina

The Lakeside Hotel has been a UKGSer venue in the past and is just 2 and a bit hours from Dublin so you could think of a dash from the boat to it down the M7.
Good base for Kerry, Clare or Galway.
Killarney would be 90 minutes, Clare starts across the bridge, Connemara about an hour. Lot of variety on your doorstep an easy run back to the ferry.