Originally Posted by
Caretaker
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 agree, except that I don't think urban cycling in Ireland, even in Dublin, is any more challenging than elsewhere. I find it difficult to understand the apparent American preoccupation with "shoulders". Few country roads have meaningful shoulders, and this is true of large areas of Europe, not just Ireland. One simply rides on the road in the usual way. And Limerick and the Ring of Kerry is great cycling country, in my view.