next year me and the mrs want to go to ireland,around the area of cork/kerry etc, im after some advice of the sort of things i would need, do i need extra insurence coverage, as its a part of europe, obviously im riding with me and the mrs to swansea from norwich can anyone offer me some genral advice on riding that far, this will be a our first big trip on the bike so any advice would be apriciated

Well I did this trip this year with a mate of mine...Rode to Hollyhead and got the ferry to Dublin for around £45. Insurance should be covered but check that you have European breakdown on your policy as you never know...Also fill out that European medical form....E11 I think...Maybe get medical insurance.

Take a basic toolkit a flashlight some waterproofs...Check tyre pressures before trip...and bring along a cheap Halfords guage...Take a puncture repair kit. Remember to stop off regularly and take something carryimg fluids which is easily accessible.


Our trip...

Stayed in Dublin for a night drinking Guiness

Then travelled west to Clifden in Connemara, a beautiful place with some of the best roads I think you'll find. Rode from Clifden to Galway, Claremorris, Westport and back to Clifden. All around Lough Mask, and stayed in Clifden for 2 nights.

Then we rode south to Kilkee and Ennis. Visited the Cliffs of Moher...Another amazing place with great scenary and roads.

Stayed there one night then started making our way east to Cork via Kenmare and Kinsale...Whilst there, did the ring of Kerry..A great run.

Below is all the places we stayed...

In Dublin...

Dublin Hostelling International (An Oige)
61 Mountjoy Street
Dublin
Ireland

Tel: 00 +353 1 8301766

1 night @ €20.82 pppn

In Clifden... (they've got a festival on right about now I think)...Nice place with friendly staff

Clifden Town Hostel
Market Street
Clifden
Connemara
Ireland

Tel: 00 +353-952-1076

In Kilkee...Mr. Keane is a top bloke in this family run B&B, Restaurant and Bar...Mention Eugene and Nick if you go...Really good genuine people.

Keane's Oyster Bar and Restaurant
Lisdeen
Kilrush Road
Kilkee
Co.Clare
Ireland
Phone/Fax 065 905 6302
International 00353 65 905 6302
mail info@keaneskilkee.com

1 night @ €30 pppn


In Cork....A very hip bar and hostel


Bru Bar & Hostel
57 MacCurtain Street
Cork City
Cork
Ireland

2 nights @ €34.86 pp



Also read my thread below about the whole trip
http://www.ukbikeforum.co.uk/forum/index.p...opic=17572&st=0

Hope you have as good a time as we did.

we have a cottage booked for 2 weeks, is there any sights anyone can suggest, ive never been there before.

I´ve just arrived from Ireland today.

best thing you can do is start practising this year on drinking Guiness... that stuff is heavy!

umm guiness

Brendan pass outside Dingle. Go round the Dingle penninsular and look out for the bee-hive monastery (amazing). Go further round and you will find the first church built in Ireland (no cement). Take a boat trip out to Skellig Michael (superb). Swim with Fungi the dolphin in Dingle bay. Also in Dingle go to Dick Mac's pub (half haberdashery - half pub). Further south on the Ring of Kerry check out the beach etc around Caherdaniel and have a pint in the Blind Piper. Heading into Cork head for the Beara peninsular and take the mountain pass then through Glengarrif to Bantry (the mountain pass - not the main road). Around Bantry do the Goat's Head peninsular. Head further down the coast and explore around Schull and Baltimore.

North of Kerry the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren in Clare are a must if you don't mind a bit of a ride.

That lot should keep you going for a while

cheers for the advice everyone, it is next year so a while to go but at least i have some knowledge now

hi guys,

how odd, the girlfriend and i are planning our first bike tour this year to, and again to Ireland.

thanks for the tips on gear etc, what i would like to know is which ferries to use as our current costs for the ferry alone is looking at £150, is that about normal?

we are looking to go in early august as a birthday present to me, but thats not set in stone.

we will be travelling from the north east of england, so we dont mind taking the ferry from wherever really.

Afro where did you get your ferry prices from?

i think afro has left the building...

bum, he was quite a regular when i last used this site, oh well.

anyone else got tips for ferry prices?

oh, well this is my thead originally lol. have you looked on the swansea to cork ferrys, they can do some good deals if you book ahead

Its been replaced with a card now: http://www.ehic.org.uk/ Definately worth getting for travel anywhere in Europe and you can apply online.

seeing all these posts coming up from Afror6 what ever happended to him and his ego? if im breaking a rule asking sorry. just curious

ferries, booked.

holyhead to dublin
belfast to stranraer.

now to find...

things to see
roads to ride
places to stay
what to avoid etc

if anyone has any suggestions please let me know

I'm from the North of Ireland, so can maybe point you in the right direction.

Have a wee read here where I posted a few web links: http://www.ukbikeforum.co.uk/forum/index.p...&hl=ireland

In summary... In the South, Ring of Kerry is awesome ( http://www.ringofkerrytourism.com/
http://www.killarney-insight.com/ ) . In the North, do the Antrim Coast (NW200 country!) http://www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-...ewaycoasttour5/

John

I see youre heading home via Belfast, so you really should do the North Coast before going home. (Do a Google on Bushmills, Giants Causeway, Portstewart).

I highly recommend a stay at the Ballygally Castle Hotel on your last night... about 1 hour from the Belfast ferry and right on the coast. Doing B&B for £35 a night pp at the minute and are very keenly priced - dont book online, give them a ring and ask for a best price. The bar overlooks the sea and is very relaxing indeed....

Link: http://www.hastingshotels.com/index.cfm/aI...lly_Castle.html

Any questions, just ask or PM.

John

PS.... And while you're in the area.... why not call in on the Joey Dunlop museum, and have a pint in Joey's Bar. Surely a "must see". http://www.ballymoney.gov.uk/htmlsite/loca...ails.asp?id=196

definately doing the Giants Causeway and that rope bridge.

all these tips are being noted.

If you want to base yourself around the causeway for a few days, give Alan Laverty a call: http://www.giantscauseway.co.uk/ballylinny.htm

I stayed there a few months ago and the location is 2nd to none. You could tour frmo there for many days, taking in Donegal (with its lovely Atlantic Coast view and beaches).

John

Just 1 last thought for you.... but depends on when exactly in August you are here.

The Ulster TT (Dundrod 150) is 3 days of Road Racing. Sat 18th August is the main race day, with evening practices on the Thurs/Fri.

Some info:
Bags of action and entertainment is on hand for you at the Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week. On arrival you will have time to catch the late afternoon and evening practice for the Dundrod 150. This famous National race programme takes place on the Thursday afternoon with practice for the Grand Prix in the morning from 10.00am – a full day of action. Friday is free to take in all the local attractions and the vintage displays and parades.

dam thats too late, we are going the 1st full week of Aug (6-10)