What to wear in Dingle, Ireland

[AmazonX42]

I am going to take a 8 day trip around the Dingle peninsula in Ireland. I understand this is a very popular trip. Has anyone done this? Any tips? How did you like it?

I havn't any bicycle gear, but I did read the beginners gear page.

How many jerseys / pants should I bring for a week in Ireland in July? I probably want more than 1 set, right?

I'm not sure how people dress off bike in the pubs either, but i imagine it's just street clothes.

Do people really wear the pants "au naturale"? I don't know if I can do it! Alternatives (like fancy fabrin panties that don't cost a fortune.)

[DeniseGoldberg]

I did a tour in Ireland & Northern Ireland (http://denise2003ireland.crazyguyonabike.com) in the fall of 2003. (If it helps, there is a page in my journal that lists the gear and clothing that I took with me.) On the clothing front, I took the same (#) of changes of cycling clothes that I always take on tour - two! That means, of course, that every night I washed out my cycling clothes. So I had a clean set in the morning, with my second set either near dry or close to dry.

Bike shorts with chamois - I wear Pearl Izumi's - are designed to be worn without underwear, and I wouldn't consider wearing anything under my shorts...

As far as the off the bike clothes are concerned, I found everything to be pretty casual. I had a travel pair of khakis (travel = quick wash & dry) that I wore most of the time. I also carry a Terry wrapper (skirt only, not skirt over bike shorts) with me, takes very little room, and gives me an option if I want to wear something other than pants after cycling.

Have a great trip - and please share your experience with us. I'd love to hear about it!

[SadieKate]

Bike shorts with chamois - I wear Pearl Izumi's - are designed to be worn without underwear, and I wouldn't consider wearing anything under my shorts...

I also carry a Terry wrapper (skirt only, not skirt over bike shorts) with me, takes very little room, and gives me an option if I want to wear something other than pants after cycling.

Commando -- only way to go!

Terry wrapper -- I have 3! Love them! Makes a good changing room also. I was voted best dressed rider on my last mtn bike tour because I would show up "dressed for dinner." :D Just a little hint thought, the current version runs a little small.

[MightyMitre]

Hi AmazonX42 - sounds like a great trip.

I was in Dingle cycling about 12 years ago as an 18 year old on my first bike trip with my boyfriend at the time and it's really beautiful. My advice would be to make sure you have some decent wet weather gear. I was also there in July and lets just say, they know how to do rain in Ireland! :) It can sometimes get quite misty too so while you don't want to weigh yourself down with too much gear make sure you take something warm.

Off the bike - I'd agree with Denise, all pretty relaxed really.

Hope this helps and have a great trip. Look out for Fungi the Dolphin who lives in Dingle Bay. :) :)

[AmazonX42]

Ooh, thank you! Very helpful - especially that journal.

Just thought of something else- Contacts or glasses?

[DeniseGoldberg]

Glad to hear that you found my journal helpful. I'd be happy to try to answer any other questions that you come up with as you plan your trip.

I had Lasik surgery back in 2000, so no more glasses for me. But when I toured back in the days when I wore glasses and contacts, I always took both with me. What I usually did was wear my contacts with sunglasses when I was riding, and I would wear my glasses in the evening.

--- Denise