Ireland bike tour

[indysteel]

Does anyone have an opinion as to which part of Ireland would be the best for someone who's never been there? I'm thinking about using this tour company; the first eight tours are possibilities. I want to see the coastline and drink beer.

I'll do some research, too, but if anyone knows Ireland, I'd love to know what you think.

You can't go too wrong in Ireland. It's a beautiful country throughout and the people are simply lovely. Some of the areas covered in the tours get a greater tourist "onslaught" in the summer than others. The Ring of Kerry stands out in my mind in that regard. I don't know what kind of roads they'll have you travel on but that would be a consideration for me. I have been to both Cork and Galway and loved them. Kinsale is supposed to a be a nice town as well. Northern Ireland is supposed to be just beautiful, too, and you might run into fewer crowds.

Gosh, I'm not being much help. Again, you can't really go wrong. You might go to a book store/library and peruse some guide books to see what appeals to you. You might also talk to the tour company about whether any of the routes are more crowded than others or offer better or worse weather. The one thing I'd mention is that Ireland generally has mild weather, but it can be cool and rainy just about any time of year--even in the summer. Dress accordingly!

Please, please, please give us a trip report if and when you go!

[Caroline]

Hi!

It really depends what you want to do. I would highly recommend that you do the Ring of Kerry on your bike, as it is really amazing!
You might also like Waterford and Tipperrarry,and the Comeragh mountains, home of the great Sean Kelly.

I live in Dublin and my hilly spins take place in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, which I enjoy however I would not recommend cycling in Dublin as the best irish cycling experience, far from it. You really have to go to the country side.

As for the majority of irish roads, be prepared for major pot holes and uneven surfaces throughout the country

[divingbiker]

I would highly recommend that you do the Ring of Kerry on your bike, as it is really amazing!

Ring of Kerry is one of the options that my friend who may go with me wants to do, so that will move to the top of the list! Thanks for the info.