Biking in Ireland

A trip that I took in 2001, starting in Cork, biking north up the west coast, and ending in Galway.  There are nine chapters here, one about planning the trip, and one for each day of biking.  The descriptions are quite detailed and there are lots of pictures.

 

Getting Ready for the Trip

Planning the trip, worrying about the hills, trying to figure out the maps, fussing with my GPS, and deciding what to pack.

 

Arrival in Cork

Taking the train from Dublin to Cork, finding the hotel, searching for a pub with good Irish music.

 

Biking from Cork to Macroom

Renting the bikes, over hills in the rain to Blarney Castle, problems with the bike, finally arriving at the little town of Macroom at the foot of the mountains.

 

Biking from Macroom to Killarney

Riding in the rain over the pass, coasting down to Killarney as the sun came out.  Exploring Killarney, pub crawling in the evening.

 

Biking from Killarney to Tralee

Seeing Ross Castle, riding on wet footpaths, over back roads on an empty Sunday, arrival in Tralee.  More pubs with music.

 

Biking from Tralee to Ballybunnion

Finding an ancient standing stone.  Visiting the ruins of Ardfert Cathedral, lunch on the shore at Ballyheige, along the sea to Ballybunnion.  Feeling silly to arrive there without golf clubs..

 

Biking from Ballybunnion to Lahinch

The longest day.  Inland and north in order to get a ferry across the river Shannon.  Over hill and dale to finally arrive at the scenic small town of Lahinch.  Amateur singers night at the pub.

 

Biking from Lahinch to Ballyvaughan

Up a steep hill to the cliffs of Moher.  Lunch in Doolin, then riding through the rocky burren to arrive at Ballyvaughan.  A cute song at the tiny local pub.

 

Biking from Ballyvaughan to Galway

A flat ride along highways around Galway Bay.  Dinner and walking in Galway.