Hi Heff
Over the past few years, I have ridden a lot of miles in the West and South West. Here are a few highlights of those trips I'd recommend
First up for an overnight stay is this years Sligo point in the Irish photo rally - The Beach Bar. Its a hidden gem of a spot, Food and drink is excellent and cheap enough and the Atlantic Ocean is 50 Yards from the front door. Plenty of space to pitch a tent and I think its only a tenner a night.
Link to website -
http://www.thebeachbarsligo.com/index.html
After a night here, I'd head west on the N59, Take in a lap of Achill Island, head back for Westport and once here take the R335 and follow till you rejoin the N59. Follow this road west to Clifden and loop around to Maam cross and hang a right onto the R336. This will bring you into Galway via Spiddal. This is a good campsite in Salthill. -
http://www.salthillcaravanpark.com/about-us/
From here it has to be on to Co. Clare and a lap of The Burren with a stop off at Father Teds House. The Coordinates are N53.00994 W009.02990
I've never camped anywhere else along the west or south west so I can't give you any pointers but there is a campsite near Kilrush I've heard lads I go on spins with talk about.
Following on from Co Clare a quick float across the Shannon via the Tarbert/Killimer ferry will save a lot of driving and land you right into Co Kerry. If you can, spend 2 or 3 days doing Cork and Kerry and try and include The Conor Pass, The Gap of Dunloe, The ring of Kerry (the big one!!), The Healy Pass from S to N preferably) a trip around the Beara Peninsula (good campsite in Allihies apparently)
For the South Id look at a stop over in either Youghal or Dungarvan and for the east on your last night have a look at here -http://www.irelandholidaypark.com/. After your night here, I'd strongly recommend heading to Laragh and a spin across the Wicklow Gap from Glendalough to Holywood. From here turn right onto the N81 and follow it till you reach the M50. From here its less than 90 mins back to Banbridge.
Dave
