Touring - Ireland!Bikes!Guiness!!

hiya

I'm here,working in the Republic of Ireland for the next 6 months and looking to find other cyclists to ride with,tours to join,places to go,as well as a good place to buy a bike--basically anything related to cycling in Ireland would be appreciated!

There is a pretty good bike shop in Bantry, the best one I have seen on my travels in Ireland.

You are in great cycling country, and you can start by exploring all the peninsulars. They do get a bit windy at times, but you get a tailwind on the way back.

I rode from Belfast, up around the North of Ireland and down to Sligo. My friend hurt his knee so we then rode straight across to Dublin. The Northwest part of Ireland is spectacular, then again, I don't think you can go wrong no matter which part you ride in. Unless you are comfortable performing in large groups, don't tell anyone in a pub that you sing or have ever touched an instrument! :D One thing a found when touring in Ireland, expect to be treated like a star. If it's raining, people will pull up beside you and try to get you to accept a ride. If you stop to look at your map, cars will keep pulling over to offer advice till you put it away. When you are laboring up one of their tortuous grades, they'll pull beside you and cheer. Great place, but you've probably figured this out. The North can be tense but as long as you don't discuss politics the people are just as cool. If you have questions about specific destinations let me know.

They do get a bit windy at times, but you get a tailwind on the way back.
I forgot about the wind, that's when you switch to Bushmills.

I have an ex-girlfriend there you can have...

Thanks for the tips-I'll try to check out the shop in Bantry,if I can't find what I need in Cork...

Being "treated like a star" is right!Before I left home, a well-travelled friend told me that Irish people are the friendliest in the world and I thought he was exaggerating, but really they are amazing!I've only had time to make a few weekend jaunts down to the coast (I'm in the SW) and so far have experienced only 2 days of sun in my 2 weeks here...yes at times,the wind here really sucks,as does the pissing rain,but most of the time I find it invigorating and the fact that a cozy pub (very possibly with a fireplace!) is never too far is quite comforting as well.As for the North,I've only been to Belfast for a few days before I started work,but I plan to check it out before I leave.Giant's Causeway sounds beautiful.

The Giant's Causeway is cool, so is Dunluce Castle (http://www.geographia.com/northern-ireland/ukiant03.htm). I also liked the Carrick-a-Rede (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=391) rope bridge, not for those (such as myself) that are afraid of heights. I'll take the Irish girlfriend - assuming you aren't interested.

She's actually a Swedish ex-girlfriend in Ireland...she does not bike>>>>that's the main problem.

Ah heck, I'll get her a Trail-a-Bike.

there ya go!!!

Thank God it's Friday!

Yep ... everybody have a nice weekend! :beer: Probably my last ride in the mountains before the snows come.

Just the title of the thread makes me wish I drank.

Oooh I'm jealous. I saw a lot of Ireland on horseback, before I started mountain biking. We talk about taking a trip there, and I've wondered. I hear a lot about road cycling, but is there much mountain biking? I think of the trails we used to ride and I don't think I'd enjoy pedaling through the mud. And my bike won't jump a 3' stone wall so well.:D

I prefer Smithwicks, too bad we can't get it here!