renting a bike in ireland or soctland
 

edit: wow, lot's of search results.

any reccomendations on where to rent a bike from? i don't really want to do a whole pre-packaged tour, just looking for a bike, helmet, and panniers

You could check with Tony at www.irondonkey.com. They have rentals for the tours they offer and he might just do rentals.

Kevin

In Dublin Cycleways rents out bicycles:
http://www.cycleways.com/store/content/46/Rentabike/

what part of ireland are you planning on visiting if you google( irish cycling tours) you should get loads of info .as far as i know you have to leave your passport until you return bike,. i could be wrong.
augest or sep are usually the best months weather wise to tour anyhow enjoy