Does anyone know..about cycling in Ireland?

ozchick · Post by **ozchick** » 23 Jan 2007, 2:32am

Hi there, sorry if this is in the wrong spot.

We are planning on moving to Ireland in the next few months, and I was given this website saying it had links to affiliated groups in Ireland. My research so far on Irish sites hasn't revealed much, so wondering if anyone has any ideas.

My hubby and I are keen cyclists, road and recreational MTB and are seeking some info on the riding in Ireland (other than warm clothes and rain gear :wink:

) We aren't really interested in racing (too old and slow!) but have done some time trials here in Australia and leisure road tours (i.e 100km events)

We arent' sure if we will take our bikes with us or try to buy something second hand there. I will be coming back to Oz about 3 times a year for a few weeks, so sort would like to have my bike here to ride when I get back.

Oh, we would be based in Dublin, probably living on the south side.

So does anyone have any info? links? experience? suggestions? know of any chatsites like this in Ireland I could haunt?

Thanks in anticipation - Ozchick

Lusting my Pinnarello · Post by **Lusting my Pinnarello** » 23 Jan 2007, 11:01am

Hi Ozchick.

I know nothing of cycling in Ireland. However I am looking to do this next year for my 2nd Tour. I have heard roumers (sp?) that the country is more laid back than say England. So cycling on the "Road" should be less stressful (although any road cycling always posses a danger)

I have been to Ireland (1984) with the scouts, so a LONG time ago. But the mommories stay well.

Have a great time. But please dont ship your stuff on a cargo ship. Because if it gets beeched, then someone else will be scavenging the stuff
:wink:

Reynard · Post by **Reynard** » 29 Jan 2007, 1:15pm

I have done a sponsored ride from Waterford to Castlebar and will be doing Malin Head to Mizen Head later this year. Ireland has stunning scenery, wonderfull, friendly people, great pubs but some appalling roads. There appears to be no logic to it, some main roads are crumbling and some tiny backwaters are like billiard tables. Just go ride and enjoy it. You'll be warmly welcomed everywhere (unless you're related to King Billy or Oliver Cromwell!)

d clark · Post by **d clark** » 29 Jan 2007, 7:07pm

Cycling in Ireland is great. I agree about the roads, the good are very ,very good but the bad are atrocious The people are very friendly always willing to chat. There are super cafes at reasonable prices but beware of the tourist traps where there can be rip offs. The main centres have good and helpfull cycle shops. Being a relative of Oliver Cromwell raised no hostility. But, a big but, get some very good water proof clothing.

iron legs · Post by **iron legs** » 31 Jan 2007, 9:03pm

Try checking the Cycling Ireland website. Although dedicated to racing there will be people there who can help and point you in the right direction.

Get good wet weather gear. It has been a very wet and usually mild and stormy winter here. A 'soft day' can test your waterproofs to the limit.

eileithyia · Post by **eileithyia** » 2 Feb 2007, 12:59pm

Beautiful country, beautiful cycling, have even toured there in a heatwave! But take the advise to take the waterproofs. As someone else has said, put cycling ireland into a search engine and all sorts appears including companies who hire bikes. The people are friendly, and out in the country the drivers are very laid back. Get out into the Wicklow's and on longer trips get out to the south and west coasts, cork, galway etc. The magillycuddy reeks, cliffs of maher and cape clear island are a must. Not forgetting the arran islands, and up the north west to malin head.
Enjoy exploring....

eileithyia · Post by **eileithyia** » 2 Feb 2007, 7:00pm

PS forgot to mention the north east, Antrim coast/Giant's causeway.

Kentish Man · Post by **Kentish Man** » 2 Feb 2007, 8:53pm

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Kentish Man · Post by **Kentish Man** » 2 Feb 2007, 8:54pm

Try to find the itinery for coach tours to the popular tourist attractions and then avoid these roads like the plague! Mrs KM and her mother went on a coach trip there in 2005: they had a wonderful time but the coach driver freely admitted that the schedule was too tight to be able to drive within the speed limits. Problem is that some of these roads are narrow and there are a number of coach parties following on each others' heels.

Hope you have fun.

trevor · Post by **trevor** » 5 Feb 2007, 10:27am

I know a little about cycling in Ireland as I live there :-)

(Belfast not Dublin).
Try the Cyclist Touring Club Ireland website at http://homepage.eircom.net/~ctc/ or the MTB Association of Dublin at http://www.madmtb.com/.
You'll enjoy Dublin and living in the south of the city you'll be down in the Wicklow hills in no time.

mrLenin · Post by **mrLenin** » 5 Feb 2007, 10:39am

Hi everybody! I am newbie in circle sport but hope with your help I will be able to get used very fast. Thanks