Tour Ireland by bicycle, yea or nay?
I’m wondering if biking around Ireland would be a good idea, or just a treacherous one. I don’t mind the slow pace and not getting to see the entire island, I’m mostly concerned about the road conditions, bad weather and safety issues. Is it worth it or should I stick to driving?
go for it, prob a great way to see the country
Nay it rains way too much
Its the best way to travel enjoy
Im sure its a great way to travel and see the country.. But like, have you seen the rain here?? Yeah.. It rains A LOT! If you were here on a good day, maybe, but otherwise, I’de say no :) x
You’ll get quite comprehensively soaked but it will be well worth it. Some excellent cycle trails are mapped out for such an adventure. Check these out:
http://trifter.com/europe/ireland/the-road-to-easkey/
http://trifter.com/europe/ireland/rathfran-friary/
http://www.trifter.com/Europe/Ireland/Lying-on-Rocks-Near-Galway.501565
http://authspot.com/journals/the-big-silver-beast/
Ireland would be a beautiful country to cycle. Friends have done it. Pick May perhaps. I toured ireland by hire car in May and the weather was terrific. Always prepare all your gear for inclement weather, wherever you tour. You will need to narrow your goals down unless you have more than a couple of weeks. County Clare is an incredibly beautiful area to visit by bicycle. Try the BnBs out. Either self tour with paniers or pick a guided tour where they move your gear for you and arrange for accomodation. Check out the michelin maps. You will find that there are at least 3 types/sizes of road in Ireland. You do not need to be on the larger and busier main highways. Lots of quiet ones to follow to those off track little villages. Go for it.
For an absolutely stunning trip, cycle Lake Constance (Germany,Austria,Swiss) and then down the Rhine. There are lots of other spectacular trips, try the Mosel cycle route – Luxembourg to Koblenz or parts of it.
A lot of people see Ireland this way, and fair play to them. I would say go for it, but you are right to be concerned by road conditions and safety – the weather doesn’t seem to deter too many cyclists, especially if you go in the summer months.