Well! What can I say?... I have never seen so much sunshine while running a tour in Ireland, the weather was superb with the only mist being at the top of the Conair Pass in Kerry, and we went back the next day for the photos anyway. Lovely mix of people from both home and overseas, American, German, English and Irish made for a cosmopolitan group. We had a birthday party, an anniversary party, a green leprechaun hat party... and several other parties too... Just over 1500 miles with no punctures or breakdowns added to my enjoyment of the tour. Thanks to you all for coming along and making the tour what it was. My photos are up at the following location.
This is an 11 day tour that takes you along Northern Ireland's spectacular coastline, across into Donegal in the far northwest of the Republic of Ireland, then follows the rugged Atlantic seaboard south to the Kingdom of Kerry. This is the traditional Ireland of colourful villages, thatched cottages, turf fires, mountains, sea cliffs and sandy beaches, Irish speaking communities, curious legends and tall tales... and always the possibility of catching sight of a Leprechaun (although we still have to actually see one ourselves...).
The tour will start near Larne in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. We will gather at the first nights hotel where we will get to know each other over a meal or possibly a pint or two of Ireland's famous dark brew. The hotel is situated in an easily found location less than an hours ride from Belfast and less than 4 hours ride from Dublin. This will allow anyone travelling on ferries from Britain or renting motorcycles time to complete their travel/hire arrangements the same day.
Friday, and we will set off along the A2, the famous Antrim Coast Road with it's stunning views across the North Channel to Scotland. Past the Glens of Antrim we will stop for a look at Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge and the Giants Causeway before arriving at our hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Saturday, and the first stop will be at the memorial to Northern Ireland's famous son, the great road racer, Joey Dunlop. He came from the area and is fondly remembered. On westward we cross the border into the Republic of Ireland and Co. Donegal to visit Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head before riding through the mountains to our next hotel in the Blue Stack Mountains of southwest Donegal.
Sunday morning and we'll follow the little roads to view the sea cliffs at Slieve League, reputed to be Ireland's highest. there will be an opportunity to stop in Donegal before we head south to Sligo and the lovely, lonely mountains of County Mayo and to our hotel on Achill Island.
Monday, and it's off around the Atlantic Drive and a visit to a mountain top viewpoint (weather permitting) before leaving Achill and travelling through Connemara to the village of Cong, still celebrating the fact that the John Wayne film, "The Quiet Man" was filmed in the locality in the 1950's. Read the book, see the film: buy the T shirt, mug, fridge magnet etc.etc... we stay in Cong tonight.
Tuesday sees us travelling south into Co. Clare and the limestone area known as The Burren. We should have time to visit some of the historical sites in the area including a round tower and megolithic dolmen before arriving at our hotel close to the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Wednesday we cross the River Shannon on a ferry (15 mins and less than 10 Euro) to the County Kerry shore. We will travel over Irelands highest mountain road to the pretty town of Dingle, famous for it's colourful shopfronts, Irish music and dolphin... it has taken up residence in the bay. Tonight we will have the opportunity to sample some traditional music and nightlife.
An easy start on Thursday to allow you some time in Dingle before taking the road out to Slea head and Ireland's most westerly point, Another film, Ryans Daughter was filmed here in the early 1970's. We have to return to Dingle Town to take the road along the southern coast of the Dingle Peninsula to our hotel for the last 3 nights of the tour close to the bustling town of Killarney.
Friday and it's a day of mountain passes as we take the road into the Caha mountains, through some short tunnels into Co. Cork and onto the Beara Peninsula for the Healey Pass. This takes us back into Co. Kerry where we will ride the most scenic part of the road around the Iveragh Peninsula which is known as The Ring of Kerry. If is is clear we should have some fine views of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain at 1038metres.
No trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone... kiss it and you have the "Gift of the Gab", lets see who dares to lean back from the castle wall to complete the challenge... After visiting Blarney we'll travel through delightful West Cork and back to Killarney and our last night of the tour.
Sunday morning and it's time to make our way back home. Our tour leader will be travelling back to Dublin, and will have you there in plenty of time for anyone wishing to catch the mid afternoon ferry to Holyhead in North Wales. If you have rented bikes from Naas, our route will allow you to leave the motorway close to the hire company premises. If you have rented bikes from Northern Ireland then our tour leader will be continuing to Belfast have you back there before teatime. Killarney is about 3 hours ride from Rosslare for anyone considering a ferry to Fishguard in South Wales.
Most days we will be riding 150 - 200 miles, so some touring experience is required for this tour. Your bike will also need to be "All day" comfortable for you
The cost of the tour includes ten nights hotel accommodation with full Irish breakfast, parking at the hotels for the bikes, daily itinerary and route description, and the services of an experienced motorcyclist/tour leader.
£695 per person sharing twin/double room £795 per person single room
