Bicycle Touring Ireland's Coast

by Igor and Adrian

Ireland's West Coast has some of the most breath-taking views imaginable, one of the major reasons it is often the backdrop of epic films and TV shows. In terms of cycling, it is a challenging mix of steep climbing, perilous descents, crosswinds, headwinds, narrow lanes, and constantly overcast and unpredictable skies - but each challenge is consistently and equally rewarded with stunning vistas, friendly towns, and intriguing wildlife. 

Our plan was to arrive in Dublin, stay with friends a couple days for a tour of the city, train to Cork, ride to Westport, then train back to Dublin. Due to traffic controller strikes at the Iceland airport, we were forced to shave 2 days off our trip. No biggie, we made the best of the time we were stuck in Iceland by riding a different kind of steed.

Finally we made it to Dublin, unpacked, got caffeinated, and explored the city by cycle.

The next morning, we jumped on the train and hopped off at Cork. How could we not stop at the Butter Museum? We also climbed up St. Anne's Tower to ring the bells and gain a terrific viewpoint.

Apparently, we accidentally rode over some of the highest peaks in Ireland. There is a distinct lack of switchbacks out on these roads.

After visiting the Blarney Castle and House, we continued to the Dingle Peninsula. Inch Beach is a spectacular beach, extending off the main land and flanked by a cliffside to the North and mountain views across the ocean inlet.

Ballybunion is a small seaside town with golfing as the overwhelmingly popular sport. We skipped golf and moseyed on down to the beach and cliffside walk. But first a snack.

Pro-tip: Clip your helmet inside the tent for more storage space.

Hopping back on the bikes, we headed up to the Cliffs of Moher. It was a rather tough but short climb by bike, but we were in good company and in fact accidentally joined the paceline of a large cycling event.

From there we ferried to the first of a string of tiny islands accessible only by ferry or small aircraft. We loaded our bikes onto the ferry for Inisheer just as the weather began to kick into high gear.

Shipwrecks were explored.

Galway on through Westport was a great wind-down complete with the only tailwinds of the trip, and afforded us the opportunity to see such local recreation as urban fly fishing and a hurling match. The route was perfect, the people friendly, and the riders extremely satisfied. We will definitely return for more riding in the Emerald Isle.

Here's a quick summary of Igor's carry:

-55cm Campeur

-46/30 50.4 crankset

-11-30 cassette, 10 speed

-Dia-Compe friction shifters

-Campeur Front rack

-Velo Transit Panniers

-Grand Cru Handlebar bag

-REI Half Dome 2 Tent

-Big Agnes Fish Hawk sleeping bag and sleeping pad

-Lightweight inflatable pillow

and Adrian's:

-49cm 26" Campeur

-48/34 Drillium crankset

-11-32 cassette, 9 speed

-Shimano 9 speed indexed bar-end shifters

-Campeur Front rack

-Ortleib Panniers

-Grand Cru Handlebar bag

-Big Agnes Roxy Anne sleeping bag and sleeping pad

-Lightweight inflatable pillow

Do you have an upcoming tour? Where would you want to go?