Head to Head Ireland

[craftycockney]

Doing head to head in Ireland (south to north) in first week of July . Tending towards the west coast roads so can glimpse the sea now and again. We are camping but fortunately my partner Christine will be carrying all the gear in her car. Therefore trying to be light as possible on my tourer. Heard the roads can be bad. Any thoughts on the trip and in particular minimum tyre sizes for the journey?

[chrisso]

I've just got back from Ireland, did 1,100 miles mostly around coast. On the whole the roads are not good. Surfaces can be very uneven and rutted on local and some quite impt R routes. Lots of roads are finished with chippings and there seems to be a sheen of loose stones everywhere. Had a few minor repairs needed because of road vibration, but maybe that is to be expected? Irish drivers are very quick, noticed this esp in west (the N59 from Ballysandare to Ballina was terrifying). They do give you good clearance as they overtake but get very close behind you. Some, mostly the major N routes, have a slow lane to stay in but many don't.

Countryside is very attractive. Would esp recommend the Dhulough Pass route between Louisburgh and Letterfrack.

[eileithyia]

Last time I was there they were no worse than Cheshire roads, which is pretty bad!

[craftycockney]

Thanks for the responses. Well done Chrisso. Put 25 mm tyres on from my normal 28mm and on a training run felt some extra vibration but great when the road was smooth. As I am mostly sticking to main roads have to hope for best. Shame Swansea Cork ferry is not running this year.