A few years ago I planned and executed a 7 week, self sustaining, non-supported cycling tour of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. I've still got maps, map books, etc. Just get ahold of the Irish Tourist Board and ask for a kit that includes Independent Holiday Hostels. Not just the 'Guiness' one. There're 2/3 more not as well known, but cheaper. They're ALL equipped w/kitchen utensils and good cheer. International Youth Hostels membership is a good idea, too. Try to stay away from ones that have 100+ beds as they can be a bit on the busy side. My ride was called 'The Grand Tour' and I did it clockwise. I would do it counter clock wise as the first hostel north of the airport is only 28mi in Slane and one doesn't want to take Swords Road into Dublin...it's pretty nuts. I did the whole trip for about 2500.00 including airfare and I bought a mandolin while I was there. I shopped at the local 'Spars' and was able to get a good balanced diet of pasta, veggies, chicken(upon occasion), OJ, Milk, Meuslix and the odd pint o' guiness when I was feeling the 'craic'. I did 2200 miles in 7 weeks and am looking forward to the day I can do it agian.

Decided against 'camping' about 3 days into the tour as the rain is pretty significant and I simply wasn't prepared, so I did a 'modified credit-card' tour. The Irish are keen on Yanks, but when you're in NI and in the pubs you may want to say you're Canadian as the talk then doesn't degenerate into strong polital discourse.

BTW, I based my trip off of a book...still in print, I think called 'Cycle Touring Ireland' by Brendan Walsh. I found it to be very informative and filled w/side trips only a 'true' local would know about.

OH yeah, if you make it to Wales there's a place callled Betws-y-Coed in N. Wales. From my Anglo
-English pronunciation it seemed 'Betsy co-ed' made sense...the correct pronunciation is 'Bet-oose-uh-Coyd' W is a Vowell in Welsh w/t 'oooh' as in smooth and the 'oe' as 'oy' as in 'boy'. They'll LOVE you for it...trust me. It means 'Place in the Woods'. Enjoy!