Ireland 2014

[DenArnold]

Ireland Day4

From Killarney to Limerick. First scenic route around Killarney National park, followed by technical twisties in Black Valley and Gap of Dunloe. Via Castlemaine into Dingle peninsula, with beautiful sandy stretches of... beach at Inch, Slea Head and Ballybunion. A small walk took us to the Bromore Cliffs. From the coastal narrow roads to the fast sweepers on the N69 with superb shoreviews at the Mouth of The Shannon. We stopped for a last coffee at Adare, before heading to Oxbore via the M20

 

[Dustin]

Great photos! Great trip! Great bike! Great guy! Keep them coming!

 

[DenArnold]

Ireland Day 5

A long route projected from Limerick up north towards Sligo. Taking off from Limerick via a short stretch along the M18 to the Cliffs of Moher via Ennis, but not without passing a few typical Irish castles (of which plenty are visible from the road, some used as hotel, other just ruins) The must see when visiting West Ireland are the Cliffs of Moher, (including a picture of me ) a bit overrated though. Continuing via the Wild Atlantic Route we headed towards Galway. Lots of twisties on good asphalt road were passing under our wheels. Stopping for lunch at Oughterard next to Lough Corrib. We headed west towards Clifden, driving through the rough landscape of the Connemara. Visiting Kingston at coast via the Sky Road revealed again the beautiful coastline of Ireland. Then it went via the N59 Westport-Castlebar where a heavy rainshower pinned us down. Sitting the rain out we continued via Pontoon crossing Lough Cullin where the last strech towards Sligo was quickly ridden via Ballina in a drizzling rain.

 

[DenArnold]

Ireland Day 6

Taking off from Sligo city with drizzling rain which will be the menu throughout the day. One has told me you haven't truly visited Ireland if not visited while raining. Via the beautiful Glencarr waterfall we continued into Northern Ireland, passing the eastside of Lower Lough Erne, where a short but superb trackquality street rolled under the wheels. Via the Black Gap we travelled via Donegal towards Killybegs, where large trawlerships were being readied to sail out. A beautiful sandy beach with great rock formations at Bay Fintrach was a welcome break before heading into the rough mountains, and many hairpins in The Rosses. Following further the coast scenic route before turning right via Glenveagh National Park to arrive at Letterkenny.

 

[DenArnold]

Ireland Day 7

Today the route took us from Letterkenny via Londonderry (with still impressing still memories of the troubled times not so long ago) to the most northest point of the island at Malin Head. From there via the twisty coastal roads we took the ferry back into Northern Ireland. Soon after debarking we passed a large military complex/prison. Even further every policestation has large walls and high fences (see picture in Day 8 post) . Quite impressive though. Also the Union Jack is highly visible here. Next stop was at Joey's Bar and the memorial of both Joey and Robert Dunlop @ Ballymonney, after which we drove up north to see (yet another tourist trap) the Giant's Causeway. Not that giant though.

 

[DenArnold]

Ireland Day 7 bis

Driving along the B15/A2 coast road with (and it does not get bored) a lot of twisties Passing the Antrim Mountains on the right and the North Channel on the left the bike and rider were smiling from ear to ear, with the sun fully present. And passing Carrickfergus castle (where King William III landed in the 17th century) we headed to our hotel at the Belfast Intl airport. Tomorrow last day heading down Dublin. including some inside pics of Joey's bar. Looking at this leather suit and the lifesize of the statue, it was not a tall guy, but sure was a great rider !!

 

[DenArnold]

Ireland Day 8

Last day of riding going from Belfast via back and B-roads with destination Dublin. Riding south following Lough Neach and Lough Bech, again (this does not get bored) fun twisties. Via Aghagallon the route took us to Armagh (something special there about St Patrick) from where I continued the Armagh Road aka St Patricks trail towards Downpatrick. Next cruising the coastal road alongside the Mourne Mountains to have a walk on the beach at Kilkee. Back up... NorthWest towards Newry to round Carlingford Lough. Crossing the border was only noticable via the speedsigns at Kilcurry. Following further south via Dundalk, having a chat with some fishermen trying to repair a rusty old boat at Annagassan, riding via Clogherhead, Drogheda to exit at Balbriggan to visit the Battle of Boyne field. A last visit of the large park and grassfields at Ardgillan Demesne Castle before arriving at the final stop. It was a great week and definitely a recommendation to visit this beautiful country. Best enjoyed on two wheels

 

[DenArnold]

Ireland Day 9

While we handed over our bikes to the hauling company on day 8 evening, in a kinda hurry as he was aiming to get his boat from Dublin to Holyhead on time, we changed into more comfortable clothing and enjoyed some beers in the centre of Dublin at Temple Bar. Only carrying the basics, I had not my camera with me, but here some pics of the Dublin Castle and a bar in Temple Bar (...)

I had a wonderful trip and definitely one to redo...June looks the best period, but it needs some luck with the weather.
Accomodation more than available. Every town you'll find several Bed& Breakfast (prices varying from 25€ to 75€ per person/per night) and it's clearly marked Vacancies/No Vacancies. So you can visit it without making any accomodation bookings, but best still to check if no event is taking place in the region you're passing, then all will be most likely occupied.

I was kinda warned about the Irish motorist not aware about motorcyclists, but by experience and stories they are quite friendly and would even go aside to let you pass far quicker than in example Belgium

The pictures I attached to this thread are a first selection and yet to sift through all the gopro/camera pictures and to edit the video's...So I hope you enjoy this pictures as much as I enjoyed riding there and taking them pics...:Rockon:

 

[returnrider]

:icon_beer::icon_beer:Looks like a great time! Those pictures were all great, I forgot how beautiful and how much fun Ireland is! It's been almost 5 years since I have last visited, I need to figure a way to get back to the land of Guinness.

 

[DenArnold]

Ireland 2014-random pics

Some random pics taken by others on this trip

 

[DenArnold]

Ireland 2014 - random pics

Some random pics taken by others on this trip