15th June 2024
I left Dublin and headed south west through Wicklow Gap. It’s one of the highest Irish mountain passes served by an asphalted road. If I thought yesterday was cold, then today proved even colder 8.5°C with showers.
I carried on from Wicklow Gap, west until I hit Carrick-On-Suir. I decided to stop as the sky ahead looked nasty.
I headed inside a cafe and sat next too a window. Just as I started lunch, down came torrential rain, I watched bouncing and dancing off the tar seal. The rain continued for 40 minutes. Boy, was I glad I was inside when that hit
I left in light drizzle with pockets of blue sky. I heading down small country lanes until I came to Lismore castle. Lismore castle is the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. The castle was largely rebuilt in the nineteenth century.
From there it was off to Blarney to see the Blarney castle and the famous Blarney Stone. That was the plan. When I got there there was a €22 entry fee and €2 for the car park. I thought that was too expensive to see a derelict castle so I headed off to a campground near by.
The sun was out and all was well with the world
I left Dublin and headed south west through Wicklow Gap. It’s one of the highest Irish mountain passes served by an asphalted road. If I thought yesterday was cold, then today proved even colder 8.5°C with showers.
I carried on from Wicklow Gap, west until I hit Carrick-On-Suir. I decided to stop as the sky ahead looked nasty.
I headed inside a cafe and sat next too a window. Just as I started lunch, down came torrential rain, I watched bouncing and dancing off the tar seal. The rain continued for 40 minutes. Boy, was I glad I was inside when that hit
I left in light drizzle with pockets of blue sky. I heading down small country lanes until I came to Lismore castle. Lismore castle is the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. The castle was largely rebuilt in the nineteenth century.
From there it was off to Blarney to see the Blarney castle and the famous Blarney Stone. That was the plan. When I got there there was a €22 entry fee and €2 for the car park. I thought that was too expensive to see a derelict castle so I headed off to a campground near by.
The sun was out and all was well with the world
Wicklow Gap
The torrential rain
Lismore castle
Blarney castle, just a ruin
Finally some sun
Enjoying the sun
Today’s route
16th June 2024
I packed up camp in between showers and headed to the start of the Wild Atlantic Way tourist route. It was set up in 2014 by the Irish tourist board and covers 2500km of the south, west and northern coasts of Ireland, passing through 9 counties.
The first stop was Old Head of Kinsale, this is where the Lusitania cruise liner was sunk by a German U-Boat on the 7th May 1915, killing 1200 people. The world was shocked by this loss of life.
Next stop, Glandore, to check out the bay, then onto Baltimore beacon. It was so windy there, I was almost blown off my feet. There were some big drops by the cliffs. It then started to rain.
From there I headed to Healy Pass. Magnificent views and winding roads. It was such a shame it was teeming down.
Todays riding was slow going, lots of narrow twisting roads.
I ended the day in Killarney. Just as I arrived, so did the sun. That was a nice way to end the day!!
I packed up camp in between showers and headed to the start of the Wild Atlantic Way tourist route. It was set up in 2014 by the Irish tourist board and covers 2500km of the south, west and northern coasts of Ireland, passing through 9 counties.
The first stop was Old Head of Kinsale, this is where the Lusitania cruise liner was sunk by a German U-Boat on the 7th May 1915, killing 1200 people. The world was shocked by this loss of life.
Next stop, Glandore, to check out the bay, then onto Baltimore beacon. It was so windy there, I was almost blown off my feet. There were some big drops by the cliffs. It then started to rain.
From there I headed to Healy Pass. Magnificent views and winding roads. It was such a shame it was teeming down.
Todays riding was slow going, lots of narrow twisting roads.
I ended the day in Killarney. Just as I arrived, so did the sun. That was a nice way to end the day!!
Old Head of Kinsale. The start to the Wild Atlantic Way
The bay the Lusitania was sunk
Old head signal house
Glandore harbour
Glandore harbour
Baltimore Cliffs
Baltimore beacon. It was so windy I could hardly hold my phone to take the photo
Baltimore Cliffs
Baltimore Beacon
Baltimore Cliffs
James praying for the rain to stop!!
Healy Pass. Would be even more spectacular in the dry
Healy Pass
Healy Pass
Camp with the elusive sun!
My route today
17th June 2024
What a difference a day makes.
I awoke to a sunny day. No rain gear required for my ride around the Ring of Kerry. It’s about a 180km loop going in an anti clockwise direction. Beautiful, sea, cliff and rolling hill vistas.
It was a time consuming ride as there are many tourists ambling along and very few overtaking opportunities, there is always traffic coming in the opposite direction.
I hit a swarm of wasps while riding, luckily my visor was down, I had time to duck. It was a huge black cloud that came from nowhere. James bore the brunt of them.
There was a high of 19°C, lots of sun, some great twisting roads, inland, where we could stretch James’s legs, which he enjoyed.
I ended the day in Tralee.
What a difference a day makes.
I awoke to a sunny day. No rain gear required for my ride around the Ring of Kerry. It’s about a 180km loop going in an anti clockwise direction. Beautiful, sea, cliff and rolling hill vistas.
It was a time consuming ride as there are many tourists ambling along and very few overtaking opportunities, there is always traffic coming in the opposite direction.
I hit a swarm of wasps while riding, luckily my visor was down, I had time to duck. It was a huge black cloud that came from nowhere. James bore the brunt of them.
There was a high of 19°C, lots of sun, some great twisting roads, inland, where we could stretch James’s legs, which he enjoyed.
I ended the day in Tralee.
Celebrating the sun and beautiful vistas
Kells Bay beach
James waiting at Kells Bay beach
Caheriveen colourful houses
Reenard point ferry heading to Valentia Island
James on the ferry
Valentia island
Needs a little tender loving care. Has great sea views!
Valentia island lighthouse in the background. James is a camera hog!!
Valentia island
Valentia island
Valentia island
Valentia island
Valentia island. Clear waters
Portmagee
Coomanaspic view point
Kerry Cliffs
Kerry Cliffs
Kerry Cliffs
View from Kerry Cliffs
Kerry Cliffs
Tourist at the Kerry Cliffs
Com an Chiste lookout
Com an Chiste lookout
Gap of Dunloe
Gap of Dunloe
Strike the pose!
Gap of Dunloe
Today’s ring of Kerry route
18th June 2024
Today was a loop around the Dingle peninsula cutting through Connor pass.
It was a grey and wet day today, the roads wet and slippery in places.
The Connor pass is one of the highest passes in Ireland.
The 456-metre (1,496 ft)-high pass on the Dingle Peninsula links Dingle, in the south-west, with Brandon Bay and Castlegregory in the north-east. The scenic road leading to the pass weaves its way around the sharp cliff faces and past high corrie lakes. At its highest point it passes between the mountain peaks of Binn Dubh ('Beenduff') and Sliabh Mhacha Ré ('Slievanea').
When I got to the lookout it was completely covered in cloud. If you like a view of a cloud, you were in luck
I decided to bide my time and see if the wind would clear it, after 10 minutes it did. It revealed a magnificent vista.
I ended the day in Doonaha right next to the coast.
Today was a loop around the Dingle peninsula cutting through Connor pass.
It was a grey and wet day today, the roads wet and slippery in places.
The Connor pass is one of the highest passes in Ireland.
The 456-metre (1,496 ft)-high pass on the Dingle Peninsula links Dingle, in the south-west, with Brandon Bay and Castlegregory in the north-east. The scenic road leading to the pass weaves its way around the sharp cliff faces and past high corrie lakes. At its highest point it passes between the mountain peaks of Binn Dubh ('Beenduff') and Sliabh Mhacha Ré ('Slievanea').
When I got to the lookout it was completely covered in cloud. If you like a view of a cloud, you were in luck
I decided to bide my time and see if the wind would clear it, after 10 minutes it did. It revealed a magnificent vista.
I ended the day in Doonaha right next to the coast.
First stop, Castlegregory beach.
The view from The lookout at the top of Connor pass. Nice bit of cloud!!
Cloud on the move
All clear. Ice shaped this landscape. About 20,000 years ago, thick ice sheets covered most of Ireland. A glacier flowed from here to Brandon bay picking up debris as it moved. When the ice melted around 14000 years ago, it left behind a new alpine landscape of jagged peaks, knife like ridges, deep corrie lakes and U shaped valleys.
Dingle
Dun Urlann
Dun Urlann
Dun Urlann
James admiring the view
Queued on the ferry
The ferry
Drying my towel.
Tonight’s camp
Todays route.
19th June 2024
It was a day of castles, cliffs, rolling hills and “Craggy Rock”
I headed west to Loop Head lighthouse perched on top of high cliffs.
I then headed east along the Northern road, riding very close to the edge of some more cliffs, it was windy, at one point I felt I was only meters from the edge.
Then it was north to Ireland’s number one attraction, the Cliffs of Moher and O’Brien’s tower.
Then it was off for a cup of tea at Father Ted’s place
I finished the day riding 100km/h roads that were dry and twisted and turned like a snake. The scenery was very much like NZ.
All this was in dry, windy conditions with the occasional burst of sunshine. Very pleasant!!
It was a day of castles, cliffs, rolling hills and “Craggy Rock”
I headed west to Loop Head lighthouse perched on top of high cliffs.
I then headed east along the Northern road, riding very close to the edge of some more cliffs, it was windy, at one point I felt I was only meters from the edge.
Then it was north to Ireland’s number one attraction, the Cliffs of Moher and O’Brien’s tower.
Then it was off for a cup of tea at Father Ted’s place
I finished the day riding 100km/h roads that were dry and twisted and turned like a snake. The scenery was very much like NZ.
All this was in dry, windy conditions with the occasional burst of sunshine. Very pleasant!!
Loop Head lighthouse
The cliffs at Loop Head
The Bridges of Ross
The Bridges of Ross
The Bridges of Ross
Cliffs of Moher
O’Brien’s Tower
Cliffs of Moher
Would you loik a cup of tea Steve?
Oi wud. That’s a noice drink, to be sure!!
Father Ted’s house
Father Ted’s house
Dunguaire castle
Could be NZ
James having a rest after a good time!!
Kyle more Abbey
Tonight’s stop
today's route
20th June 2024
I’m continuing north but detoured east around Killary Harbour to meet an old work friend in Westport. We hadn’t caught up for about 8 years. He’s a native, so had some good sightseeing suggestions. It was nice to catch up!
From there I headed northwest to Keem beach, a golden sandy beach that wouldn’t be out of place on a pacific island.
On the way, there were some nice curvy roads, with a few tight ones thrown in to keep you focused. As well as contending with the strong wind, there were a few wooly objects on the way. Most of them were street wise.
From Keem beach I headed north through Bangor past many bog fields to Ceide fields and checked out the cliffs.
Then a stop off to get some food supplies before pitching up in Ballina.
I’m continuing north but detoured east around Killary Harbour to meet an old work friend in Westport. We hadn’t caught up for about 8 years. He’s a native, so had some good sightseeing suggestions. It was nice to catch up!
From there I headed northwest to Keem beach, a golden sandy beach that wouldn’t be out of place on a pacific island.
On the way, there were some nice curvy roads, with a few tight ones thrown in to keep you focused. As well as contending with the strong wind, there were a few wooly objects on the way. Most of them were street wise.
From Keem beach I headed north through Bangor past many bog fields to Ceide fields and checked out the cliffs.
Then a stop off to get some food supplies before pitching up in Ballina.
These mountain sheep get a nice view
Killary Harbour
Killary Harbour
Grazing with a view
Keem beach
Keem beach
James has an admirer
Looking a bit sheepish!!
Benaderreen cliffs
Benaderreen cliffs
Tonight’s camp
Todays route. Not the three easterly lines. Tracker playing up.
21st June 2024
Another day of overcast sky’s and rain, but another day of epic scenery, castles and Irish culture.
First stop,Bellick castle. It’s now a fancy hotel and wedding venue.
Then off to castle Gore.
Some one I know, family originally owned this property, they also have blue blood?, it was great to be able to share the experience with them.
Then to st John’s point beach, another pacific island style beach.
Then to Sliabh Zliag cliffs. Probably the most spectacular cliffs of the trip. Like being in Jurassic park!
Then a stop off an Glencolmcille Folk Village. It was interesting to see what a harsh life the locals lived.
Probably the highlight of the whole Irish experience was the Irish band at the local pub. Not only the musical talent of the band but the absolute celebration of their culture. It
was magnificent.
Another day of overcast sky’s and rain, but another day of epic scenery, castles and Irish culture.
First stop,Bellick castle. It’s now a fancy hotel and wedding venue.
Then off to castle Gore.
Some one I know, family originally owned this property, they also have blue blood?, it was great to be able to share the experience with them.
Then to st John’s point beach, another pacific island style beach.
Then to Sliabh Zliag cliffs. Probably the most spectacular cliffs of the trip. Like being in Jurassic park!
Then a stop off an Glencolmcille Folk Village. It was interesting to see what a harsh life the locals lived.
Probably the highlight of the whole Irish experience was the Irish band at the local pub. Not only the musical talent of the band but the absolute celebration of their culture. It
was magnificent.
Bellick castle
Castle Gore.
What happens when you place a BBQ on a wooden table
St John’s point beach
St John’s point beach
Beautiful flowers
Sliabh Liag cliffs. For €5 I was able to ride James to the top. I got plenty of aggressive stares as the walk was very steep
Sliabh Liag cliffs
Sliabh Liag cliffs
Glencolmcille folk village
Glencolmcille folk village
Glencolmcille folk village fishing cottage
Glencolmcille folk village fishing cottage
Granny Glen looking down to Mahera Strand
Short back and sides
Assaranka waterfall
Shower anyone?
I might need a Guinness !!
First one in Ireland
Half full
Gone. 4 more to come!
The bar
Yum Yum!!
The band
Great way to finish the night!!
Today’s route
22nd June 2024
I found out a few things today, my waterproof jacket is not waterproof, my waterproof boots are no longer waterproof and my hands are blacker than Michael Jackson’s, courtesy of the dye coming out of my gloves. Yes, today has been a wet day!!
I managed to check out some more views, even though the cloud was low, a lighthouse and an old reconstructed fort.
I’m now in Northern Ireland. I spent most of my time in gridlock due to roadworks.
I found out a few things today, my waterproof jacket is not waterproof, my waterproof boots are no longer waterproof and my hands are blacker than Michael Jackson’s, courtesy of the dye coming out of my gloves. Yes, today has been a wet day!!
I managed to check out some more views, even though the cloud was low, a lighthouse and an old reconstructed fort.
I’m now in Northern Ireland. I spent most of my time in gridlock due to roadworks.
Fanad lighthouse.
Horn Head lookout
Horn Head lookout
Some sort of observation hut at Horn Head lookout
Doe castle
Grianan of Aileach reconstructed hill fort
The view from Grianan of Aileach reconstructed hill fort
Grianan of Aileach reconstructed hill fort
Tonight’s camp
Today’s route
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