It seems that Irish Eccentrics have met up in early August, on the Saturday after our August bank holiday weekend. This puts it on 8th August 2015.

Stradbally is between 1 and 2 hours from EVERY ferry port into Ireland so its very accessible from Scotland, England Wales or France/Europe.

I have been exchanging emails and contact with a few members outside Ireland and many K owners seem to like the idea of making a trip over this way.

With that in mind I had a thought of expanding on what was a very nice meet up at Stradbally Fayre this year, but for a few of us was a much longer camping weekend and seeing if we could do some sort of a weekend meet up in 2015 with a mix of some camping or hotel/B&B accommodation for those who prefer it and might have a few visitors.

Not too many of us have firmed up yet on holiday arrangements for 2015 but some of us do have fixed times so it won't work for everyone. But it might offer an opportunity to have a few members over from UK or further afield to do a little travelling and enjoy some fun if we had such a venue organised. Nore Valley works well for camping and there is some B&B accommodation not too far but it might be nicer to have a venue where everyone could be together and we could organise a BBQ. Having a date we are used to seems useful.

Any thoughts on this, kind of keeping it low key so there is no pressure and equally no great amount of organising involved?


Added 24th June [I will need to arrange with camp site due to bank holiday weekend so will post names here]:
Nore Valley Saturday 1st August:
Becky
Born Again Eccentric
88KE
92KK Olaf
Owen

I was asked for a deposit for these 4 pitches for Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd which I will look after today [Friday 17 July] can square up on the weekend. Work permitting 88KE and 92KK planning to be there Friday night as well.

Added 17 July:
Possibly Curley.

Added 19 July:
Owen

Olaf,

Good bit of forward planning. Sounds like a great plan, just need to manipulate my diary to make sure that I can be free for the meet. As you say, low key has got to be the order of the day to minimise hassle and maximise enjoyment.

Just bought my 2015 kitchen calendar and already penciled the date in!! 

Provisionally - I'm in!

(Woo hoo - just gone platinum!!)

(Woo hoo - just gone platinum!!)

That calls for a Carlsberg Guinness. So much of the stuff here it's coming out of the taps.

I am hoping to take some time off the week before and have a few Kamping days.

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:(Woo hoo - just gone platinum!!)

That calls for a Carlsberg Guinness. So much of the stuff here it's coming out of the taps.

 

Now if I were clever - I'f get rid of that pepsi-like logo or colour the other drink all black & velvety. 
Alas, such things are beyond me.  Maybe someone could post a "how to do" it for me?

How to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzmt_X_yPdM

My birthday is in August.

I think I am in.

August. . . . Mmmm.

A camping weekend is likely, in which case it may become a birthday weekend too. No better way to celebrate. Anyone else got a birthday around then? 6 months either way qualifies!!!

Did anyone check out Irish Mist? I must update the list. I'm in and am sure we can find birthday cake. One that says 100 may be safest.

While a trip to France in May sounds nice I'm not too sure I'll be able to do it, as I intend  to do a cycling trip around that time, but August in Ireland should be absolutely doable. 
I'm in the early stages of planning a bigger trip in Ireland, possibly the Wild Atlantic Way with some inland excursions, or even some kind of round trip, camping at a different site every day. But it would be great to either kick this off or end it with a get together weekend so I'll mark the weekend in my non existing calender.

Birthday in March, but I believe that there's no need for an excuse when it comes to cake and celebrations

Waw . . . . Is that a suggestion for an extended K outing? Kamping trip sounds good. Some great must see places on the route!!! You already have all the right gear for that trip!

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:Waw . . . . Is that a suggestion for an extended K outing? Kamping trip sounds good. Some great must see places on the route!!! You already have all the right gear for that trip!

Of course it's always more fun if someone tags along, |'m thinking all in all a 10 to 14 day trip should be possible for me as I managed to save quite a bit of holidays this year, I know that's a long time and with family , work and everything else it's not easy for many people to get away that long. 

But as I said it's very early in the planning stage so if somebody feels like this is a good idea....

The idea is out there. I am hoping to take the week before the Stradbally meet up. As in starring 1st August. No particular plans yet as I have been discussing with 88KE. We could also use Stradbally meet as a start. . . .weekend of 1st August is a very busy holiday weekend here.

Sounds like the Irish Kampers are gathering pace! Some great outings in 2014!

Born Again Eccentric wrote:

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:(Woo hoo - just gone platinum!!)

That calls for a Carlsberg Guinness. So much of the stuff here it's coming out of the taps.

 

Now if I were clever - I'f get rid of that pepsi-like logo or colour the other drink all black & velvety. 

      

Crazy Frog - Sir you are a genius!
Love the new emoticons - very refreshing!!

Hi All sounds like a plan I'm in,

Pat 

Pat O'D wrote:Hi All sounds like a plan I'm in,

Pat 

And what was I doing today?

Installing the snow tires on the car.

Get ready for the  because soon I will be anddue to Parked Motorcycle Syndrome

Pat O'D wrote:Hi All sounds like a plan I'm in,

Pat 

This is excellent. Thanks CF for the green emoticons too. Only one solution, your next trip to France should be via Ireland so we can put beer in you and turn you green!! I do believe there is a Toronto Dublin direct service. . . .

I know 88KE and Alex will be on for this so we now have the makings of a K holiday!!

Looking forward to this one. . . .

Now I wonder who will be the first one up to us from Down Under. . . . Oh, if you fly Emirates or Etihad Dubai to Dublin is direct. . .

As a member of the Faugheen50 RRC and currently awaiting for confirmation of dates from MCUI I would love to be on this wknd. So all free and ok then I may well be able to join in

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:This is excellent. Thanks CF for the green emoticons too. Only one solution, your next trip to France should be via Ireland so we can put beer in you and turn you green!! I do believe there is a Toronto Dublin direct service.

I am still planning to go to Europe in July 2015 and may surprise you by crashing one of your meetings.
In 2016, I should have plenty of time and will definitively crash one of your leprachaun's party.

CF

CF

Do keep us posted. If you land in Dublin none of us will be far from you.....

Agreed.

Eccentrics are up late tonight. Just had some PMs from 88KE......

I'm up late every night! Comes of working stupid hours (grumble grumble). August is a possibility Olaf but as usual, I won't know my standby weekends until about a month in advance.

I'm coming for a week! Got it booked off work and everything not sure if snod will be coming too yet and I might not be on bikey

Born Again Eccentric wrote:
(Woo hoo - just gone platinum!!)

 You'll have to sell a few more records!

Looks like this trip is on!!

I don't know how much I'll get to but will try to join in for a couple of nights!

I'll be in bonnie Scotland from the end of July but may get back by that time - we'll see how long it takes me to climb out of that wee valley around Edradour I plan on taking the caravan with me so we may do this as an extension to the tour.... Still thinking of a way of folding Sleipnír into the van. Or just to borrow something tinier for the time - the only problem is that there's only a few people I know riding smaller bikes and most of them just don't seem daring to take on my little steed (one of them I asked for a temporary swap last year, well, his answer was not quite presentable in good company...).

I'll keep an eye on it anyway, try to do my best (yeah, I know I should buy an F650 again for that purpose )

August might be possible for me too - or at least part of it. So, please count me in;-))

Trapper

This is looking very good now.......

For those thinking of wandering to Kerry......a few cmp sites.

Kinsale. A small camp site owned by a biker.
Bantry [Eagle Point between Bantry and Glengariffe]. Excellent supermarket opposite entrance gate, camp site at waters edge.
Kenmare.
Kenmare between Kenmare and Sneem
Glenbeigh.
Fanore Wild camping at Burren.

The best weather in August this year will be on the wknd of the 15th-16th. "How can he predict the weather that far ahead", I hear you say, "he must think we are all gullible idiots". Well let me answer that. On the wknd. of the 15th-16th August this year the weather will be exceptional. This is due to a kink in the roads around a small village in the South East of Ireland.  Yes, The Faugheen 50 Road Races are set for that date and there has never been rain since 2004.  This event has run on various dates including  October and always in the sunshine. So put the date in your diary, tablet, sphone, pc, chalk and slate etc.  I am always right but no-one ever listens, if I am wrong this time I will eat a whole Kit-kat. 


If any forum members would like to help out at the event I will arrange free camping in the race paddock etc. send a pm.  You will need to provide your own shades and sunscreen.

tomfoley wrote:if I am wrong this time I will eat a whole Kit-kat. 

I'd be happy to spare you some of the pain and help you eat the Kit-kat.


Bill

indian036 wrote:

tomfoley wrote:if I am wrong this time I will eat a whole Kit-kat. 

I'd be happy to spare you some of the pain and help you eat the Kit-kat.


Bill

I will be delighted to let you have it all as it won't be raining. Fleming's Bar in Faugheen village stock them,of cousre you will have to collect in person.  Do you have '36 Indian to  match your user name?

Crazy Frog wrote:

Born Again Eccentric wrote:

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:(Woo hoo - just gone platinum!!)

That calls for a Carlsberg Guinness. So much of the stuff here it's coming out of the taps.

 

Now if I were clever - I'f get rid of that pepsi-like logo or colour the other drink all black & velvety. 

      

Irish Independent today.

Dublin Airport is getting its 15th new route of 2015, with French airline Europe Airpost announcing direct flights to Nova Scotia
The scheduled flights, from Dublin to Halifax, will operate from July 9 to September 11, offering another new destination in North America for Irish travellers.
Flights will depart Dublin on Thursdays and Halifax on Fridays, with prices starting from €659 return, including taxes and baggage.
Europe Airpost is the French subsidiary of Dublin-based ASL Aviation Group, and the new weekly Halifax service will be its first scheduled service from Dublin.
Europe Airpost's Boeing 737-700 will fly with a capacity of 130 seats: 16 in Premium class and 114 in Economy. The new route will also mean a new travel option between Dublin and Paris.

Its just to show our appreciation for the Guinness. Now you have the direct route to come and collect it.....


www.wildatlanticway.com and you can come join the camping trip. All we have to do is find you a K.......that's the easy bit.

tomfoley wrote:I will be delighted to let you have it all as it won't be raining. Fleming's Bar in Faugheen village stock them,of cousre you will have to collect in person.  Do you have '36 Indian to  match your user name?

Next time I'm in Faugheen, then. 

I wish I had a '36 Indian, if only for the value!

The user name is an amalgam of part of the name of a boat my son now has and part of a car registration number I no longer have. Lost in the mists of time for those who haven't known me for 10 years or more. 

Bill

indian036 wrote:

tomfoley wrote:I will be delighted to let you have it all as it won't be raining. Fleming's Bar in Faugheen village stock them,of cousre you will have to collect in person.  Do you have '36 Indian to  match your user name?

Next time I'm in Faugheen, then. 

I wish I had a '36 Indian, if only for the value!

The user name is an amalgam of part of the name of a boat my son now has and part of a car registration number I no longer have. Lost in the mists of time for those who haven't known me for 10 years or more. 

Bill

 I wouldn't wish a '36 Indian on anyone. Two of my friends have old Indians and they and their bikes have an extraordinary love of sheds. Never seem to go anywhere due to constant fettling and yes you can wear out an Indian Scout

Had a message from Born Again Eccentric coming over for our week in August. Becky is on for this too.

Plan is for meet up at Stradbally Fayre on Saturday 8th August.....

So, some thoughts about routes or places to go? Various comments about Wild Atlantic Way which could take in Kerry and also north of Galway.

Any thoughts on this?

Paul and Becky expressed interest in Wild Atlantic Way........

August 1st is a holiday weekend here and riding the Ring of Kerry at that weekend will be very busy. Saturday is of course a day for travelling so lots of cars on the road. Sunday is a day trip day for a lot of people so a little thought may be needed.

Depending on who travels when it could be worth hitting somewhere like Nore Valley Saturday 1st, its not too far from the ferry and easy to locate without satnav/gps. All you are looking for is off ferry and follow the signs, head for tunnel/M1 [toll but on Sat afternoon its small money] and up to M50/M7/M9 exit junction 9. Motorway all the way except about 4 miles from the J9 exit. Very achievable for anyone travelling in the afternoon and arriving around 5/6pm.

Then move off early Monday for Wild Atlantic Way.

A few places for camping as an option.
Kinsale.
Skibbereen  http://www.camping-ireland.ie/parks/cork/85-the-hideaway-camping-a-caravan-park.html
Bantry Eagle Point. http://www.eaglepointcamping.com/
Kenmare 2 lovely sites, not listed, 1 very near Kenmare and the other between Kenmare and Sneem.
Glenbeigh not listed but a nice one.
Dingle. http://www.camping-ireland.ie/parks/kerry/14-campail-teach-an-aragail-oratory-house-camping.html
Kilkee http://www.greenacrescamping.ie/
Doolin http://www.doolincamping.com/
Wild camping at Fanore, north of Doolin
Renvyle http://www.renvylebeachcaravanpark.com/
Westport http://www.westporthouse.ie/
Achill http://www.achillcamping.com/
Sligo Rosses Point http://www.sligocaravanandcamping.ie/
Sligo Strand Hill http://www.sligocaravanandcamping.ie/
Donegal http://www.rosguillholidaypark.com/

Thanks Olaf,

Some good ideas and options.

Nore Valley is very convenient if I come over on the Fishguard/Rosslare ferry and finishing at Stradbally Fayre makes either Dublin or Rosslare an option for the return ferry. I checked out the WAW website - perhaps a bit too great a distance to do it end to end (just under 1700 miles) in a week (plus the getting to/from the start/finish), but definitely scope for doing sections of it. 

Will we need to book into camp sites? It will be peak holiday season, but I don't know how busy the campsites generally get.

That weekend is our August bank holiday. My thought is that if we started out at Nore Valley to try and make it early and get a few pitches. They have what is an upper overflow field which is also near facilities and is fine. We normally don't book but as we are well know there I think they would keep a few spaces for us.

Depending on travel times it seems a good option because if you were arriving late afternoon we could have somewhere all sorted out. My own plan is to head off early in the morning if I can.

The thing about the WAW is that its best assume no more than 30mph and enjoy it slowly. The thing about the northern section is that it could be combined with the North Antrim coast and make a good circuit.

Nore Valley could work and Monday head towards Limerick and up the coast at Clare with an evening at Cliffs of Moher and camp wild at Fanore, next day Galway and around Connemara, possibly to Westport House Tuesday night, day after continue on to Achill and Mayo coast to Sligo Wednesday night, a spare day in there somewhere to explore the Burren maybe, then back down to Nore Valley on Friday for camp there Friday night and Saturday night, ferry Sunday am. Just a thought.

I am open about whether stay out at Nore Valley or move around. I love the Burren and in good weather Fanore is the place to be, so is Westport and a walk along the quay and maybe a boat trip.....

Limerick and up the coast at Clare with an evening at Cliffs of Moher and camp wild at Fanore, next day Galway and around Connemara, possibly to Westport House Tuesday night, day after continue on to Achill and Mayo coast to Sligo Wednesday night, a spare day in there somewhere to explore the Burren maybe" 
I like the sound of that! Some good riding but not riding just for the sake of it. As you say, averaging 30mph is a fair bet on the WAW and why go faster when we don't need to?

Starting and finishing at Nore Valley campsite would work well - it looks like it is only about an hour from Stradbally Fayre, so easy for a run up on the Saturday and an easy run back down to Rosslare for me for the ferry home on Sunday.

I love it when a plan starts to come together....

Paul

That was on the button. The ride up to Stradbally Fayre is nice and as you say just about an hour. As for the ferry you have option of Rosslare or Dublin and its not a long run to either.

Comberjohn mentioned sort of that the Norn Iron trip in September might take us west to Donegal or north Mayo for a change [instead of North Antrim Coast] so maybe the WAW between Limerick and Sligo is the section to hit.

A spare day allows for weather or simple enjoyment or a tour of the Burren and another visit to Craggy Island.
Visit Ailwee cave http://www.aillweecave.ie/ is well worth a stop for lunch and an underground tour.
Or Cliffs of Moher http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/ again a place to eat looking out over the cliffs and sea, its touristy but its really worth a photo and coffee stop. In good weather bring your picnic, no nicer place.
Near Limerick you have Bunratty Castlehttp: http//www.bunratty.ie/ 

For something completely different spend 2 nights at Fanore, a day exploring, an early evening mediaeval banquet at Dunguare Castle in Kinvarra and a ride back to Fanore along the coast as the sun is setting http://www.shannonheritage.com/EveningEntertainments/DunguaireCastleBanquet/

Born Again Eccentric wrote:Nore Valley is very convenient if I come over on the Fishguard/Rosslare ferry and finishing at Stradbally Fayre makes either Dublin or Rosslare an option for the return ferry.

I think thats the best Ferry Routing. 

I have no idea how much I will get to after the bank Holiday weekend but the Limerick/Loop Head to Sligo or even Westport would be a really nice routing. I might be able to organise a sheltered spot for camping and BBQ in Barna that would be a guaranteed night of fun. 

Anyone needing to Cut out has the benefit of the Galway or Castlebar to Dublin main roads for speedy exit for the Connemara Bohereens (Little roads).

On the way back home this morning called into my local ParcelMotel to pick up my mail...as I am getting back on the bike I see a strange K100 pass by and noticed it turned into the adjoining filling station.

Curiosity got the better of me so I went in and met Mark who a month ago acquired a rather nice red 1985 K100RT to match Pat O'Ds K100. So far he is looking for a set of BMW panniers, probably a few other items as well. Hopefully he will be appearing here shortly. Yet another K100 for Cork....!

Count me in. Even though if it's camping, I'm tempted to attach the caravan to the bike

A teardrop caravan...to make you weep! Why not bring a boat too!. 

Nice one Will, I could do with that.... Actually I just checked out a couple of sidecar options to make me able to take both cubs along but had to put that ad acta - either too much time consuming work or too much money to spend on it. Better get a full 'A' licence for Ditte and get her a Deauville or some similar lightweight touring bike.

That's me committed....

Ferry booked: 

• Fishguard to Rosslare - Saturday 01 Aug dept 14:30 arrv 18:00
  
• Rosslare to Fishguard - Sunday 08 Aug dept 09:00 arrv 12:30
  

That gives a nice leisurely ride to Fishguard on the Saturday (the ferry that departs at 02:30am seemed a bit extreme and would get me in far too early). Reckon it is about a 3 - 3.5 hour ride to Fishguard (175 miles), 3.5 hours on the ferry and then a 1.5 hour ride (53 miles) to Nore valley. Means I won't get to the campsite until about 19:30..but by then the bar-b-que should be just about ready and the beers nicely chilled?? 

Thinking about it.... if I sent my camping gear on ahead...my tent could be pitched for me, lilo inflated, bed turned down and a welcome mint on the pillow. On second thoughts..there might be some nasty surprise in my sleeping bag...so scrub that thought!

Gives me a slightly earlier start home on the Sunday than strictly sociable - probably need to strike camp (from Nore valley) about 06:00 to leave at 06:30, but I can breakfast on the ferry, so no drama there.

Bring it on!

That gives a nice leisurely ride to Fishguard on the Saturday (the ferry that departs at 02:30am seemed a bit extreme and would get me in far too early). Reckon it is about a 3 - 3.5 hour ride to Fishguard (175 miles), 3.5 hours on the ferry and then a 1.5 hour ride (53 miles) to Nore valley. Means I won't get to the campsite until about 19:30..but by then the bar-b-que should be just about ready and the beers nicely chilled?? 

Thinking about it.... if I sent my camping gear on ahead...my tent could be pitched for me, lilo inflated, bed turned down and a welcome mint on the pillow. On second thoughts..there might be some nasty surprise in my sleeping bag...so scrub that thought!

Ha you must be remembering last year when we did have the bbq ready for someone who turned up in the evening too.....

19.30 is excellent time to ride to the camp site but I figure it should not take you 1 1/2 hours. Since you will be looking for a simple route forget the SatNav stuff and take the N25 from Rosslare over to New Ross. At that point you have a choice of take N25 to Waterford and then M9 up as far as Junction 9 Stoneyford. Or take the scenic route from New Ross direct to Stoneyford. Even though it seems slow its quicker and quite scenic.

At 19.30 the BBQ should be up and running as my plan is to go earlier in the day. Its 2 hours ride for me.

If you send on 2 crates of beer we will see they are chilled. Can't guarantee what condition the chefs might be in by the time you get here........depends on the beer.

Its an animal friendly site so RSPCA would be unimpressed if your sleeping bag was 'doctored'.

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:... take the N25 from Rosslare over to New Ross. At that point you have a choice of take N25 to Waterford and then M9 up as far as Junction 9 Stoneyford. Or take the scenic route from New Ross direct to Stoneyford. Even though it seems slow its quicker and quite scenic.

 
Take the latter option Paul. I can PM you a map if interested. It's a better biking route. Some great curves once you get off the N25.

I'm not sure if I can do the whole weekend (or week) but I'll do the friday night and join up the following Friday if necessary. As you are entering from my corner of this little Island I could meet up with you and take you a scenic route to the campsite. I think Snod Bladder, Becky and co might be coming over too and into Dublin Port so depending on timings we could all meet up near here and head across. Sounds like fun!!

88KE wrote:Take the latter option Paul. I can PM you a map if interested. It's a better biking route. Some great curves once you get off the N25...

... As you are entering from my corner of this little Island I could meet up with you and take you a scenic route to the campsite. I think Snod Bladder, Becky and co might be coming over too and into Dublin Port so depending on timings we could all meet up near here and head across. Sounds like fun!!

Hi Will,

A map would be most useful, I do rely on my trusty GPS but sometimes you need to tell it which way you want to go or it will decide on it's own route (according to whether fastest or twisty route is selected).

If my arrival is not too late in the day for you, it would be even better to meet up and ride up to Nore Valley together. Let me know what works best for you and a proposed meeting point (and PM me a contact number!!). If Snodders and Becky are able to join the convoy so much the better, but we will be coming from different directions and they could be hitting Dublin at a busy time, with no southbound tunnel to speed them on their way, so timings for a sensible RV might prove difficult.

Olaf,

Glad to hear that no live animals will be used in paying me back for my rather rude remark about you to Ulls (I'm no giant myself!). Looking forward to BBQ! The ride shouldn't take me 1.5 hours, as you say, but when it comes to planning, I assume that there will be some delays in disembarking and, given the time of day, a few mobile chicanes (cars, vans, trucks) to slow me up. On this side of the sea, I would reckon on nearer to 2 hours for that distance.

As for the chilled beer....I would ship a couple of crates over but pickling the chefs early would not guarantee the BBQ being ready!

.