Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way?

Curley · 1 Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 9:22 am

Curley

Silver member

Number of posts : 131

I am planning to do the Wild Atlantic Way this year with the missus once the lockdown has been lifted.
In the process of planning routes etc. Have not decided if i am going start from the south or north.
Any advise or tips from you experience would be much appreciated.

Dai · 2 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 10:17 am

Dai

Life time member

Number of posts : 5722

Not the full length... but some of the roads in County Donegal really do come under the 'Irish road jokes' catagory. You have been warned! Very Happy

Bonzo · 3 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 11:24 am

Bonzo

Life time member

Number of posts : 392

I did a five night Air B&B mini tour last July.

Sailed into Belfast and stayed near Dunfanaghy. Day 2 stayed in Ballina. Day 3, just outside Galway. Kilrush - Talbert ferry saw me staying night 4 in beautiful Killarney and my last night was in Wexford where I took the next mornings ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard.

It was wonderful but sadly the weather didn't play ball. Olaf said it was Park Up Bike (pub) weather.

I'll definitely go back and pretty sure I'd take the K this time (took the R1200RS last year).

92KK 84WW Olaf · 4 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 1:30 pm

92KK 84WW Olaf

Life time member

Number of posts : 7967

Been doing bits of it for the last almost 50 years and some fabulous wild camping along the way. .

Not sure this year yet but France and Spain are off the agenda and I have pulled out my big Vango 6 man tent to maybe spend some time on it......tent can go in trailer... I like personally to settle in one place for a longer stay but some tips for the parts nearer to me.

Mayo: do a figure of 8 from Galway to Maam Cross and Maam Valley to Leenane to Killary fjord to Louisburgh to westport to Leenane to Clifden [via Sky Road]. You need to do it in that order for best. Camping at westport House.

Clare: Do the full loop around the Burren and take in Craggy Island. Nice camp site at Doolin, Nagles camping but even better is wild camp at Fanore looking out on the Atlantic.

Kerry: From Killimer to Tarbert Ferry go clockwise to take in the Dingle peninsula, Conor Pass is not great going up, fabulous coming down....we used to go hang gliding off the top of it. Go around by Inch, and come down Conor Pass but take in Slea Head Drive.

Ring of Kerry: do it both ways, then Beara Peninsula and Healy Pass. Nice camp site at Eagle Point.

Cork anti clockwise is good but to get the best of the Healy Pass you also need the Caha Pass and do it both directions.

Dai · 5 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 4:32 pm

Dai

Life time member

Number of posts : 5722

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:we used to go hang gliding off the top of it. Go around by Inch, and come down Conor Pass but take in Slea Head Drive.

Jeyzus - not you too!!!

92KK 84WW Olaf · 6 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:14 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

Life time member

Number of posts : 7967

Dai wrote:

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:we used to go hang gliding off the top of it. Go around by Inch, and come down Conor Pass but take in Slea Head Drive.

Jeyzus - not you too!!!

But I was never ~~brave~~ foolish enough to fly a Gulp.

Curley · 7 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:47 am

Curley

Silver member

Number of posts : 131

Thanks guys for the info and tips. I will be looking to do the round trip in 14 days with a few extended stops.
Galway, clifden and connemara area i will give it a quick run through as i have been in that area a lot.

Still have not decided which direction north to south or the other way around!!

Ringfad · 8 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 9:09 am

Ringfad

Life time member

Number of posts : 937

Watch out for the k1's in Leenane

Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? P1040510

92KK 84WW Olaf · 9 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 9:43 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

Life time member

Number of posts : 7967

Curley wrote:Thanks guys for the info and tips. I will be looking to do the round trip in 14 days with a few extended stops.
Galway, clifden and connemara area i will give it a quick run through as i have been in that area a lot.

Still have not decided which direction north to south or the other way around!!

Some parts best north to south, eg Sky Road, Burren and Healy Pass, some parts best south to north, eg Conor Pass, many others brilliant both directions.

I did an extended stop camped on the Ballinskelligs beach and took in all of the areas both directions.

But.......if you are heading out for 14 days my start point at the end is going to be dictated by the weather map.!!! Follow the sun....if its out and about.

Personally if its looking good spend the entire of the 14 days south of Galway, or alternatively 14 days north of Connemara and take in the North Antrim Coast and the entire of the A2 around the Mournes. Its fantastic too.

Curley · 10 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 10:33 am

Curley

Silver member

Number of posts : 131

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:

Curley wrote:Thanks guys for the info and tips. I will be looking to do the round trip in 14 days with a few extended stops.
Galway, clifden and connemara area i will give it a quick run through as i have been in that area a lot.

Still have not decided which direction north to south or the other way around!!

Some parts best north to south, eg Sky Road, Burren and Healy Pass, some parts best south to north, eg Conor Pass, many others brilliant both directions.

I did an extended stop camped on the Ballinskelligs beach and took in all of the areas both directions.

But.......if you are heading out for 14 days my start point at the end is going to be dictated by the weather map.!!! Follow the sun....if its out and about.

Personally if its looking good spend the entire of the 14 days south of Galway, or alternatively 14 days north of Connemara and take in the North Antrim Coast and the entire of the A2 around the Mournes. Its fantastic too.

Thanks for that Olaf. Much appreciated. Might just head down your way and start from there. Work our way up, taking our time to explore.

Ringfad · 11 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 10:51 am

Ringfad

Life time member

Number of posts : 937

Hi Raj

Something else to consider, these locations are normally off the beaten track

http://irishphotorally.ie/map

Reg · 12 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:15 pm

Reg

Silver member

Number of posts : 118

It's Been awhile, but k11 is still looking good and doing miles, Iam trying to upload photo of my other bike just completed, I've completed some fantastic routes on www, but more inland ish, well recommended.[url=https://servimg.com/view/20216536/1]

Reg · 13 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:38 pm

Reg

Silver member

Number of posts : 118

Ah, if you click the link you can see, yes, XT500, just got it up and running from a box,so as ye can imagine, my routes have taken a bit more off normal tracks, but, what a fantastic country.

Reg · 14 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:55 pm

Reg

Silver member

Number of posts : 118

Give a heads up if around galway..

92KK 84WW Olaf · 15 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Thu May 21, 2020 7:46 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

Life time member

Number of posts : 7967

Reg, good to see you back. XT is a nice one and you are still welcome on either but also glad to see you still have the RS. I finally went down the RS road too but its an 83 one and currently stuck in Spain. Maybe you might make Kedada Alicante next year as ours are staying there until then.

Looking at events might mean a September get together...!!!!

88 · 16 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Thu May 21, 2020 7:31 pm

88

Life time member

Number of posts : 3171

There's only a few sections in Donegal and west Cork of it I have not done Raj. The ultimate way to do it is not to treat it as a road to be ridden from end to end but an experience, take your time and if you find a spot you love (and you will) give it an extra bit of time. It's not like you have to leave the Island to go back and complete it.

K100LT Notts · 17 Lock down rule changes? Wed Jun 24, 2020 4:34 am

K100LT Notts

Silver member

Number of posts : 75

Does anyone have info as to when lock down will be lifted as would like to do this trip.

The specific rules I need to know are (as starting from England) -

Ireland
- Travel allowed by Motorcycle
- Camping allowed
- B&B allowed
- Restaurants open

From UK to Ireland
- Ferries from Wales to Ireland running for motorcycles
- Wales lifting travel restrictions to get to ferries?

If take Ferries to NI, are their restrictions between NI and Ireland

Any special docs / insurance requirements

MOTs have been suspended in UK and automatic extensions given - are the extensions valid for Ireland / NI?

Its looks to me as back to days of FUD (Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt)

Ringfad · 18 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed Jun 24, 2020 5:11 am

Ringfad

Life time member

Number of posts : 937

Ireland opens up on Monday 29th June

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/

Ireland
- Travel allowed by Motorcycle Yes
- Camping allowed Yes
- B&B allowed Yes
- Restaurants open Yes

From UK to Ireland
- Ferries from Wales to Ireland running for motorcycles Not sure
- Wales lifting travel restrictions to get to ferries? Not sure

If take Ferries to NI, are their restrictions between NI and Ireland No

Any special docs / insurance requirements No

MOTs have been suspended in UK and automatic extensions given - are the extensions valid for Ireland / NI? - Ireland does not have Mot's , extensions should apply in N.I.

moriarti · 19 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed Jun 24, 2020 5:25 am

moriarti

Life time member

Number of posts : 700

Your best bet is MYSTIC MEG for a clear answer, Ferries,Holyhead/Dublin see web site,Republic of ireland is EU member,so take logbook etc,Insurance,give them a ring but green cards not issued as yet MOT PLAY SAFE GET IT DONE.Irish tourist
board for relevant info or ring Garda HQ in Dublin for updates.Until all the governments are on the same page we are at a loss.Two Paracetamol and a nap in order now scratch

88 · 20 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed Jun 24, 2020 6:28 am

88

Life time member

Number of posts : 3171

K100LT Notts wrote:Does anyone have info as to when lock down will be lifted as would like to do this trip.

The specific rules I need to know are (as starting from England) -

Ireland
- Travel allowed by Motorcycle
- Camping allowed
- B&B allowed
- Restaurants open

From UK to Ireland
- Ferries from Wales to Ireland running for motorcycles
- Wales lifting travel restrictions to get to ferries?

If take Ferries to NI, are their restrictions between NI and Ireland

Any special docs / insurance requirements

MOTs have been suspended in UK and automatic extensions given - are the extensions valid for Ireland / NI?

Its looks to me as back to days of FUD (Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt)

As ever there are anomolies in dealing with the Irish case. The Republic require people to self isolate/quarantine for 14 days if coming from abroad but abroad doesn't include Northern Ireland. So you can cross the border freely. Therefore you can move withing the UK to N.I. freely and cross the border freely subsequently.

In reality I expect the restrictions will have eased significantly by end July. You don't need a test on bikes in the Republic so you will never be asked this side of the border for proof of MOT but a copy of your insurance cert and registration would be handy to have on you in case.

P.S....Are those clear indicator Lenses on our LT? Where can I get them?

Dai · 21 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed Jun 24, 2020 8:00 am

Dai

Life time member

Number of posts : 5722

Stenaline require you to wear a mask at all times. Irish Ferries seem more ambivalent on it. And don't expect to hear an Irish accent on Irish Ferries - they're all Polish. Something to do with severely reducing pay for new starts a few years back.

https://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferries-to-ireland

https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/frequently-asked-questions/top-10-faqs/coronavirus-covid-19/

Of the two, these days Stena are the more comfortable ferry but IF are the only ones that run a fast ferry (the 'Dublin Swift'). Both run into Dublin Port; Stena abandoned Dun Loaghaire ('dunleery') when they realised IF were picking up a much bigger share of the trade because Dublin Port was easy to get to/from.

92KK 84WW Olaf · 22 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Thu Jun 25, 2020 6:08 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

Life time member

Number of posts : 7967

If travelling wales is an issue there is Liverpool to Dublin on PO Ferries, I have used it and its excellent. Ticket includes cabin AND meals, 2am ferry arrives about 10am at Dublin port. There is also Liverpool Belfast on PO.

Camp sites are open but are recommending booking especially weekends, wild camping is an option and don't dismiss it.

Let us know when you are over or planning to come, a meet up somewhere is a nice thought.

I have booked some camping for end July/beginning of August.

tinyspuds · 23 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Fri Jul 03, 2020 1:38 am

tinyspuds

Life time member

Number of posts : 729

This was the trip I was planning to do this June:ang:. Thinking now that I might get 3 weeks away in September and perhaps try again.
I expect to get wet but would hope for some Sun, any thoughts from the local team or should I just re-plan for next Summer?

92KK 84WW Olaf · 24 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Fri Jul 03, 2020 8:51 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

Life time member

Number of posts : 7967

tinyspuds wrote:This was the trip I was planning to do this June:ang:. Thinking now that I might get 3 weeks away in September and perhaps try again.
I expect to get wet but would hope for some Sun, any thoughts from the local team or should I just re-plan for next Summer?

Its the use of this 'or' that's the issue.

Do both and end the debate....

September generally is good for camping too.

tinyspuds · 25 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Fri Jul 03, 2020 11:59 am

tinyspuds

Life time member

Number of posts : 729

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:Its the use of this 'or' that's the issue.

Do both and end the debate....

Always rely on the Klan to wield Occam's razor.
Cheers Olaf

Dai · 26 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Fri Jul 03, 2020 8:30 pm

Dai

Life time member

Number of posts : 5722

Look: you're gonna get wet whenever you come, so just do it.

Sponsored content

1 Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 9:22 am

Curley

2 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 10:17 am

Dai

3 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 11:24 am

Bonzo

4 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 1:30 pm

92KK 84WW Olaf

5 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Tue May 19, 2020 4:32 pm

Dai

6 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:14 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

7 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:47 am

Curley

8 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 9:09 am

Ringfad

9 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 9:43 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

10 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 10:33 am

Curley

11 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 10:51 am

Ringfad

12 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:15 pm

Reg

13 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:38 pm

Reg

14 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed May 20, 2020 7:55 pm

Reg

15 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Thu May 21, 2020 7:46 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

16 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Thu May 21, 2020 7:31 pm

88

17 Lock down rule changes? Wed Jun 24, 2020 4:34 am

K100LT Notts

18 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed Jun 24, 2020 5:11 am

Ringfad

19 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed Jun 24, 2020 5:25 am

moriarti

20 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed Jun 24, 2020 6:28 am

88

21 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Wed Jun 24, 2020 8:00 am

Dai

22 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Thu Jun 25, 2020 6:08 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

23 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Fri Jul 03, 2020 1:38 am

tinyspuds

24 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Fri Jul 03, 2020 8:51 am

92KK 84WW Olaf

25 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Fri Jul 03, 2020 11:59 am

tinyspuds

26 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way? Fri Jul 03, 2020 8:30 pm

Dai

27 Re: Any Eccentrics done the full Wild Atlantic Way?

Sponsored content