I may have come across as a little unwelcoming in my previous post and if I did I apologise.
When I read the OP it was with an equal sense of horror and amusement. Horror that someone would consider driving around Ireland doing 40-70 mile loops as a bicycle tour and amusement that anyone would expect 'nightlife' just waiting to happen.
Originally Posted by
cyclezealot
I was there last September.. Seek advice on where the better bike paths are. . I didn't find them.. We saw a few cyclists about. Sure looked dangerous to me with the narrow shoulders, blind curves, and busy roads.. We stayed in West Ireland this time. Limerick south towards the Ring of Kerry.. Considering the roads I saw, I would not bike there..
Maybe there are better areas to cycle. I didn't see them. But, if you aren't cycling- it's a great place to vacation..
Cyclezealot and I have discussed this previously on Regional Forums (Europe) and while I choose to do most of my touring in France rather than at home in Ireland I don't agree that cycle touring in Ireland is anymore dangerous than touring in say England or Italy. Urban cycling in Ireland and particularly Dublin is challenging and should be approached with care especially when you have just come from a country where everybody cycles on the right side of the road.
I have hosted thru. Warmshowers many cycle tourists from the U.S., France and Italy usually both on their inward and outward journeys (I live 8kms. from Dublin Airport). They have always reported having had a great time in Ireland and never complained about the danger.
My Warmshower guests have led me to reconsider my future plans and I now intend to include more cycle touring at home here in Ireland.