Ireland - south/west - suggestions?

[oreocereus]

Down in west cork/Kerry area for a week or so. Any suggestions on specific areas to go for a few days trip?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Take a road bike.

[oreocereus]

Take a road bike.

Not much available off road? Could dust off the panniers

[Bearbonesnorm]

Not much available off road?

No RoW network like here and I really struggled to find much off road at all. Entire place seemed plastered in 'Private' and 'Keep Out' signs. Maybe it's better the further west you head.

[oreocereus]

No that’s too far off my experiences. I’ve mainly walked here anyway. People do cycle the Wicklow way, but I haven’t paid too much attention to other bikepacking spots - but Wicklow I’m general has a good rep for off-road.

[Bearbonesnorm]

It was Wicklow where I was, so maybe things have changed.

[slarge]

I was there (south and west edges) 3 years ago and took my CX bike - couldn't find anywhere off road to ride - as Stu says there is a lot of "Private" signs and just a lack of paths. The road riding was good though around the Western peninsulars.

[oreocereus]

Come to think of it, I think the Wicklow reputation is for downhill - not necessarily any longer off road. Though there were some enjoyable forestry roads where I stayed.

On road cycling is fine. Slarge, any particular favorites? Seems the peninsulas are a common suggestion online.

[The Cumbrian]

I stayed on the Dingle Peninsula years ago, and it's beautiful. I camped on Inch Beach, and on the campsite next to it. Just down the road at Anascaul is the South Pole Inn, which was opened by Tom Crean after his years in Antarctica with Scott and Shackleton. He was one of the men who sailed from Elephant Island to South Georgia, and then crossed South Georgia with Shackleton. There are lots of great artefacts and phots on display there too.
Dingle town is lovely, and Mount Brandon is a great walk. Some of the roads are rougher than some of the gravel tracks I've ridden.

[slarge]

All the peninsulars are lovely - there is a sportive around the Ring of Kerry, plus Dingle and Mizen heads are very scenic. Be prepared to get wet, and also the roads are quite narrow (but empty) - definitely a place to take your time around.

[oreocereus]

Yeah I cycled through a fair bit of Ireland last year, so quite familiar with narrow roads and fast traffic! Scariest roads I had on my trip from wales>Ireland>France>Corsica>Sardinia>Morocco were in Ireland. But never made it down more south than Clare.

Another friend mentioned Dingle - checking the new covid restrictions this morning, it appears cross-county travel is now forbidden so I’ll have to stick to the Cork peninsulas.

Somewhat disappointed not to get into Kerry, but it removes the decision paralysis.

[oreocereus]

Cycled the Sheeps head pensinula over the weekend. All on road, but generally very quiet roads that weren't really proper asphalt, but not quite gravel either. Tough riding with lots of up and down. Excellent views and relative isolation. Highly recommended.

[Gummikuh]

I have a house in Ireland, and honestly Stuart is correct, very few ROW's.

That said there are some good tracks and on the most part the little lanes can be pretty car free. It is changing though with some off road routes, which in Ireland simply means car free. The scenery can be breath-taking.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cycling-Irelan ... 144&sr=8-1

Has a good selection of routes and is an OK read.

You do not need a full suspension bicycle!!

[EyeballPaulie]

Have a look at the Beara Way down in West Cork, it's all on road but very enjoyable and has some fantastic scenery. If you get some fine weather there are a few places along the way for a nice dip in the sea.

I did the Beara Way in July 2019 with my brother and a friend and we had fantastic weather the whole way. You pass through some lovely little villages, we stopped off in lot's of pubs for a drink and a bite to eat along the way.
We are hoping to do it again in 2021 if possible.
If you have any questions just ask.

https://bearatourism.com/things-to-do/b ... ling-route

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3845406765
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3845455243
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3845465953

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=102 ... 5157062456

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=102 ... 5157062456

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=102 ... 5157062456

[GregMay]

There is a chunk of XC riding, but mostly local trails for local people. Years since I've rode that neck of the woods.

Road bike would be my suggestion - then avoid the Ring of Kerry route - too many cars.

Gap of Dunloe is worth a ride up. Especially if there is a tail wind :)