Touring Ireland?

LouSCannon · 15-03-2011, 11:30 AM

So, after some inspiration from another member (Thanks Char) I'm thinking of planning a week away to Ireland. Never toured or even been on holiday on my own before, but thinking it might do me some good... I need the break from work and I have no desire to mope around on my Birthday!

Before I go delving in to maps and websites, was wondering if any other member can recommend any places to visit or stay over there? Will be on a budget so will have to avoid the 4 star hotels...

Any other advice also welcome....

15-03-2011, 01:48 PM

Funny, was just chatting to Martin about this yesterday. Depends if you're going north or south etc?

On another note we were talking about getting over there as a bigger group maybe next summer (this ones pretty full already), to catch some road racing and good roads. Bacon sarnies on my mum also on the menu

J.P · 15-03-2011, 02:14 PM

I'd definitely stick to the south, even just looking at google maps it looks much greener.
If a bloke can travel round Ireland with an old fridge, I'm sure you can manage it on the S4R.

Shuffy has in-laws over there so he'd be a good source of where to AVOID !

Stafford · 15-03-2011, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.P

If a bloke can travel round Ireland with an old fridge, I'm sure you can manage it on the S4R.

Aren't they the same thing all pipes and stuff?

J.P · 15-03-2011, 03:20 PM

Yes, and once you get Jim on me on the bikes, we're pretty 'cool' too.

15-03-2011, 04:23 PM

Sounds good Jim, if the weather holds you'll have a good week over there. Wouldn't mind trying Ireland again either 1 year in the near future, but it would have to be Southern Ireland though the North (NW200) takes forever and a day to reach.

AS Bex mentioned however 2011 has now been booked for a Mugello trip so will look at my Crystal Ball for next year and beyond.

15-03-2011, 05:33 PM

I've driven most of the roads through Cork, West Cork, Kerry and Galway - no speed cameras and unless things have changed dramatically in the last few years, the local police aren't too bothered.....

Road surfaces are the main problem - for potholes read craters, road markings are optional and adherance to any kind of highway code by the locals is at best, hit and miss.....

Traffic is light but a lot of agricultural traffic which means mud - and lots of it........

Love to take a bike over Heally Pass and Gap of Dunloe........

Sounds good!!

utopia · 24-06-2011, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon H

Road surfaces are the main problem - for potholes read craters, road markings are optional and adherance to any kind of highway code by the locals is at best, hit and miss.

That sums up the road conditions in Cork and Waterford pretty accurately, in my experience.
You should definitely try to catch a road race somewhere. They seem to run them very frequently, often on consequetive weekends, so there should be one somewhere, sometime during your visit.
And of course, make sure you spend at least one evening amongst bar-room musicians.

I'm definitely up for a group jaunt to Ireland in the near future.

Headhunter · 24-06-2011, 05:18 AM

Lous, I toured Ireland a few years back. Will try and find my route maps for you.

Ring of Kerry is a must - would also check out parts of north west Ireland (Galway etc). Head north from Dublin to Roscommon - then on to Galway - then head south along the coast towards Ring of Kerry - then head up north towards Dublin.

My single piece of advice, regardless of time of year, is to buy the best waterproof clothing. Emphasis on being waterproof! Don't want to dampen spirits (no pun intended) but be prepared to get very wet. I've been to Ireland to see family on numerous occassions and there's two things you can guarantee......getting wet and getting your stomach very wet (guinness).

You'll love it though!

Rally · 15-03-2011, 06:27 PM

Jim,
I've been there on a number of occasions over the years, last year was the most recent. The South is great. I would ride through Wales from yours to Pembroke, ferry to Rosslare and head for Cork, Limerick, Killarny, ring of Kerry and Dingle and then to Galway. (Check out the Sears Pub at the dockside!) Make sure you see the Moah Cliffs, granite at its best. The roads are okay, but rough around the 'Rings', not many cameras, but there are two on the road to Cork now. Lastly, go from Galway to Dublin, a great road (Check out Temple Bar) and then ferry back to Holyhead. A55 back across to hester and home.

I have some B & B phone numbers on that route if you want them?

bigredduke · 15-03-2011, 08:37 PM

Just make sure you miss Killarney, it's full of Americans 'searching for their roots'

Ireland has got seriously expensive in recent years so make sure you take lots of spending money to fund the Guinness. It is really fabulous over there, a completely different drink from over here.

15-03-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigredduke

Just make sure you miss Killarney, it's full of Americans 'searching for their roots'

Killarney is terrible - those bloody tourist cart drivers are the worst - won't take no for an answer.

On a good day the road round the end of the Dingle peninsula is stunning - Conner Pass is an experience too - just don't hold up one of the locals if he is on a mission!!

Grumpy · 15-03-2011, 09:12 PM

The coast road from Portrush towards Belfast is on a world heritage site, amazing road, plus if you time your trip right you could take in some real road racing.

15-03-2011, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

The coast road from Portrush towards Belfast is on a world heritage site, amazing road, plus if you time your trip right you could take in some real road racing.

As Bex will confirm the Antrim coast road http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A2_road...Ireland)#Route is a brill road and on my front door, the north is cheaper, has better roads and very easily you can visit Donegal in the north of the south (only in Ireland). Start with breakfast in Caffe Spice the best eating house in Larne http://caffespice.com/home.cfm (if I say so myself), ride onto Portrush http://portrush.org.uk/ , then onto Letterkenny in Donegal http://www.letterkennyguide.com/ just in time to enjoy a few pints

Bring it on

24-06-2011, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigredduke

Just make sure you miss Killarney, it's full of Americans 'searching for their roots'

Ireland has got seriously expensive in recent years so make sure you take lots of spending money to fund the Guinness. It is really fabulous over there, a completely different drink from over here.

Why not "do" Scotland instead?

Its lovely!!!!!

15-03-2011, 11:30 AM	#1
LouSCannon These must fit a Monster? Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Stockton Heath Bike: Multiple Monsters Posts: 1,036	Touring Ireland? So, after some inspiration from another member (Thanks Char) I'm thinking of planning a week away to Ireland. Never toured or even been on holiday on my own before, but thinking it might do me some good... I need the break from work and I have no desire to mope around on my Birthday! Before I go delving in to maps and websites, was wondering if any other member can recommend any places to visit or stay over there? Will be on a budget so will have to avoid the 4 star hotels... Any other advice also welcome.... __________________ "Sometimes it takes a whole tankful of fuel before you can think straight."

15-03-2011, 02:14 PM	#3
J.P No more Monster... Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London Bike: Other Not a Ducati Posts: 4,326	I'd definitely stick to the south, even just looking at google maps it looks much greener. If a bloke can travel round Ireland with an old fridge, I'm sure you can manage it on the S4R. Shuffy has in-laws over there so he'd be a good source of where to AVOID ! __________________ J.JP ------------------------------- My Mum says, there's no such thing as Monsters.

15-03-2011, 03:20 PM	#5
J.P No more Monster... Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London Bike: Other Not a Ducati Posts: 4,326	Yes, and once you get Jim on me on the bikes, we're pretty 'cool' too. __________________ J.JP ------------------------------- My Mum says, there's no such thing as Monsters.

24-06-2011, 05:18 AM	#9
Headhunter THFC Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: London Bike: M620ie Posts: 829	Lous, I toured Ireland a few years back. Will try and find my route maps for you. Ring of Kerry is a must - would also check out parts of north west Ireland (Galway etc). Head north from Dublin to Roscommon - then on to Galway - then head south along the coast towards Ring of Kerry - then head up north towards Dublin. My single piece of advice, regardless of time of year, is to buy the best waterproof clothing. Emphasis on being waterproof! Don't want to dampen spirits (no pun intended) but be prepared to get very wet. I've been to Ireland to see family on numerous occassions and there's two things you can guarantee......getting wet and getting your stomach very wet (guinness). You'll love it though! __________________ Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened. Sir Winston Churchill

15-03-2011, 09:12 PM	#13
Grumpy record breaker!! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Peterborough Bike: M1200R Posts: 2,155	The coast road from Portrush towards Belfast is on a world heritage site, amazing road, plus if you time your trip right you could take in some real road racing. __________________ It's not the destination, but the journey that matters Definition of a motorbike, a devise for overtaking cars!

15-03-2011, 01:48 PM	#2
bex Guest Posts: n/a	Funny, was just chatting to Martin about this yesterday. Depends if you're going north or south etc? On another note we were talking about getting over there as a bigger group maybe next summer (this ones pretty full already), to catch some road racing and good roads. Bacon sarnies on my mum also on the menu

15-03-2011, 04:23 PM	#6
samieb Guest Posts: n/a	Sounds good Jim, if the weather holds you'll have a good week over there. Wouldn't mind trying Ireland again either 1 year in the near future, but it would have to be Southern Ireland though the North (NW200) takes forever and a day to reach. AS Bex mentioned however 2011 has now been booked for a Mugello trip so will look at my Crystal Ball for next year and beyond.

15-03-2011, 05:33 PM	#7
Gordon H Guest Posts: n/a	I've driven most of the roads through Cork, West Cork, Kerry and Galway - no speed cameras and unless things have changed dramatically in the last few years, the local police aren't too bothered..... Road surfaces are the main problem - for potholes read craters, road markings are optional and adherance to any kind of highway code by the locals is at best, hit and miss..... Traffic is light but a lot of agricultural traffic which means mud - and lots of it........ Love to take a bike over Heally Pass and Gap of Dunloe........ Sounds good!!

15-03-2011, 06:27 PM	#10
Rally Taking life easy........ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wiltshire Bike: Other Not a Ducati Posts: 1,969	Jim, I've been there on a number of occasions over the years, last year was the most recent. The South is great. I would ride through Wales from yours to Pembroke, ferry to Rosslare and head for Cork, Limerick, Killarny, ring of Kerry and Dingle and then to Galway. (Check out the Sears Pub at the dockside!) Make sure you see the Moah Cliffs, granite at its best. The roads are okay, but rough around the 'Rings', not many cameras, but there are two on the road to Cork now. Lastly, go from Galway to Dublin, a great road (Check out Temple Bar) and then ferry back to Holyhead. A55 back across to hester and home. I have some B & B phone numbers on that route if you want them?

15-03-2011, 08:37 PM	#11
bigredduke Nothing to see here Join Date: May 2005 Location: brough Bike: M1100evo Posts: 1,550	Just make sure you miss Killarney, it's full of Americans 'searching for their roots' Ireland has got seriously expensive in recent years so make sure you take lots of spending money to fund the Guinness. It is really fabulous over there, a completely different drink from over here.