I asked a friend about his trips to Ireland, so I'll copy and paste his response: Briefly, I've solo biked toured in the west of Ireland in 2001 and 2010. Flew into Shannon both times and use the Jamaica Inn Hostel at sixmile bridge, run by Michael and Nula, as a 'portal' hostel, leaving my bike's cardboard box there.

Western Ireland has been a pleasure both times. I've had ZERO problems with traffic. Yes, the roads can be narrow. Mostly I've stayed off the busy roads when ever possible. I have a helmet and a rearview mirror mounted on my glasses. I also wear a bright flourescent vest to help the drivers see me. Everyone was courteous. Even when roads were busy, it usually wasn't for too long before there was an alternative. I usually stayed at hostels along the way.

The west is my favorite. Last May I choose to take a leisiurely ride and savor the place rather than cover too much ground (hell, it's a small island!) I rode west from Limmerick to Dingle, hanging around Dingle for 5 days staying at Broigin Farmhouse B & B. run by Anne and John Curran. Heaven. Biked out around Slea Head. Took a ferry out to the Blasket Islands. Then I rolled south and did a loop through Kerry. Dawdled around Cahersiveen, staying at the Sive Hostel which is a fine place. Went out to Skellig Michael (must see) and enjoyed the town.

Sometime when I go back, I'd like to do the 3rd western peninsula, Beara, where the Collin Ferrell movie, Ondine (2009) was filmed. Looks lovely.

I don't recommend going in a group. You are less likely to meet the people and psychologically isolate yourself to your tour group. Hostels are generally better than the B & B's for meeting people, be they Irish, German, French, etc.

The Irish people are wonderful. Engage them in a little conversation and they blab and blab and blab. Intelligent, curious and more. Sure, there are jerks and people who are pre-occupied with their own problems. But the vast majority are warm and generous. Even in these times of great economic troubles, they're still very human. In spite of my Irish name, I'm only a quarter Irish, was brought up a upper midwestern USA Lutheran (go figure?) so I've no real ties to the Island. But I do love it.

Personally, I don't spend much time at pubs. I don't drink so don't need that particular venue. But you can catch some music and food there. Some people love the night life. I'm not that into it.

I prepare ahead of time with good Michelin maps, have some general itinerary so I've got a general idea where I may go. But then I ramble... It always seems to work out well. I've been to Ireland 4 times, twice on bike. Never have had a negative experience. Within the last ten years I've also toured in Denmark, Italy, England and many regions of the USA. But western Ireland is my favorite. Because of the people.