Just don't know where the time has gone, but Easter looming and I intend making the most of my freedom to leap on the old khog and get myself over to the Emerald Isles somewhen the week of 14 Apr. I haven't booked any ferry of accomm yet (tent or B&B?) but am thinking of getting the Holyhead to Rosslare ferry (not the most convenient of crossing times, but no matter) and then heading over, via Cork, to ride the Ring of Kerry (calling on a friend in Killorglin). 

If any of you Eccentrics are up for it and free, it would be great to arrange a meet up. At the moment I am thinking of coming over between Thu 17 Apr - Sun 21 Apr, but let me know if a particular date works best and I can try and plan accordingly. Likewise, if there is anyone from this side of the water that fancies a few days over yonder, then let me know and we can see what works.

I don't know if it is too early to camp (shouldn't be), but any local advice on camp sites with suitable bars near by would be appreciated. I expect I will go posh at least one night (B&B/hotel in Cork) - if only to dry out (from the anticipated rain - not the alcohol). Might just have to get myself an emergency bottle of Jameson's too - just in case.

And now a silly question - when taking a bike on a ferry, is it best to stick her on the centre stand or side stand and/or do you/the ferry operator strap bikes down in case of rough crossings? I'd hate to start the adventure with my bike busted up lying on her side (or impaled in the side of a tin box)!

Time to go and dust off the camping gear....and start loading the GPS with some useful waypoints etc.

Hi Paul

You have me intrigued, I wasn't aware of a Holyhead to Rosslare ferry, Fishguard and Pembroke definitely go to Rosslare, Holyhead normally serves Dublin.

But you will be very welcome. A few Eccentrics in Dublin (Ringfad Sgmayhew DeRodster BlackrocK100) Gorey (88KE) Wexford (Trapper) Cork (PatOD Corkboy 92KK Bjorn)

I am sure something could be arranged. I am bikeless just now but that should be sorted this week. PM me and I will send you some contact details. If time is not good a meet up would be on. A trip to the Ring of Kerry could be nice. Camping even better!!

Camp sites are all included in here http://www.camping-ireland.ie/ Most if not all should be open as Easter is generally the start of the season. There are other camp sites not in this and which are also quite good.

For weather use www.met.ie and look at forecasts/5 day forecast

I assume you will use the Holyhead ferry but that it will take you to Dublin. You have choice of Stena or Irish Ferries and there is a better range of ferry times than you might think. If you take a motorway run its M7/M8motorway all the way to Cork....two tolls, €1 for each and 3 hours ride time is comfortable. Good 24 hour petrol and food stops at M7 J14 Monasterevin, M8 J8 Cashel, M8 J14 Fermoy. If you do want Rosslare allow 2 hours from Dublin, you pass 88KE on the way.

There are lots of hotels around Cork if you want a non camping night but there are also some nice camp sites.

You should also be aware, since you mentioned a pub, that Good Friday, April 18th, is a dry day, ie pubs are closed [Publicans get two well earned holidays a year, Good Friday and Christmas Day]. Of course if you are staying in an hotel, as a resident....... that probably explains the first night in hotel [to dry out? or 'too' dry out].

The Ring of Kerry is very scenic and perhaps some camping at Glenbeigh, on right as you approach from Killorglin. Some nice pubs in Glenbeigh....Also a camp site approaching Kenmare from Cork [on the right] but its not in the guide. There is also another nice one between Kenmare and Sneem, its elevated and also not in the guide. I have been to both, you need to bring your shopping with you but they are nice locations.

If the weather is good there is a camp site on the water at Eagle Point Bantry about an hour from Cork. You can camp right at the sea front, a must if the weather forecast is reasonable. Opposite the entrance is a good supermarket/off licence. A short distance from Glengrarriffe, then on to Adrigole and over the Healy Pass to Kenmare. Its a must do route, short but extremely memorable. Go clockwise from Kenmare and you have the sea on your left the whole way round.

You could also give a thought to the Dingle Peninsula and the Slea Head Drive, its very under rated and quite awesome. A day each for the ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula would be a perfect sunny weekend...

My plans are a little up in the air as I have to be away in work for about a week at some point but dates are not yet sorted out. However I do hope to be around Easter.

I would go 1 night at Eagle Point. 1 night at Glenbeigh/Killorglin, other nights depending on time available. It is nice to get a whole day on the Ring of Kerry but remember its green for a reason. It rains sometimes. Mostly its just twice a week, first for three days, then for four days.

Don't dismiss the idea of Dublin Limerick [] Dingle Peninsula [] Ring of Kerry [] Dublin. You could do worse than camp two nights near Killarney and hit Dingle one day and Ring of Kerry the other.

In Limerick there is AvengerGT and in Kerry HoverK100. His K100 is a little different to the others which si why you should meet him if you can.....

And now a silly question - when taking a bike on a ferry, is it best to stick her on the centre stand or side stand and/or do you/the ferry operator strap bikes down in case of rough crossings? I'd hate to start the adventure with my bike busted up lying on her side (or impaled in the side of a tin box)!

I always put mine on the centre stand as I have had visions of the side stand failing. The guys on the ferry usually help to tie the bike down. It is a good idea to bring a bit of protection for the seat (where they put the tie down straps) an old piece of carpet is suitable. Also using the centre stand helps stop the K smoke effect which can be challenging in the confined space of a ferry. I know I have filled one once. If you are planning to come via Dublin let us know and we could maybe meet up

Ringfad mentioned the ferry too, just as well. I got a set of Lidl ratchet straps for a trip in May. You can loop one from the mainstand centre brace to the front wheel to prevent it rolling off the mainstand. Also a small ratchet strap on the front brake can help. The sort to strap a bicycle rim to a bike rack. Don't forget something to protect your seat.

I just got news I may not have my K back until middle of next week. Disappointed but not entirely unexpected. If I do have it I will try to meet up.

To be honest I would wait until you see the weather forecast before making my last minute plans over here. There are a lot of nice places and while your target locations are top notch they are not the nicest in wild wet windy weather. They do offer excellent shelter in the form of good pubs.

From Dublin you can be anywhere in 3 hours, North Antrim Coast, Connemara, Donegal so you would have a perfect opportunity to follow a patch of good weather if the need arises.

Paul, you won't have time to do this before your trip, but it could be useful in the future.

https://www.k100-forum.com/t3290-centre-stand-lock?highlight=locking+stand

Paul.

If you want somewhere to stay in Dingle, I can heartily recommend a B&B called Harbour Nights.
It's right on the shore with excellent parking around the back. Very clean and moderately priced. Good breakfast too.
Short walk into the town.
I've stayed there a couple of times in the last few years. Fantastic area to tour on a bike.
The weather can be unpredictable this early in the year and you may need somewhere to dry out.

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:Hi Paul

You have me intrigued, I wasn't aware of a Holyhead to Rosslare ferry, Fishguard and Pembroke definitely go to Rosslare, Holyhead normally serves Dublin.

But you will be very welcome. A few Eccentrics in Dublin (Ringfad Sgmayhew DeRodster BlackrocK100) Gorey (88KE) Wexford (Trapper) Cork (PatOD Corkboy 92KK Bjorn)

I am sure something could be arranged. I am bikeless just now but that should be sorted this week. PM me and I will send you some contact details. If time is not good a meet up would be on. A trip to the Ring of Kerry could be nice. Camping even better!!

Doh - my bad! I meant Fishguard, but there do seem to be more sociable ferry times out of Holyhead (and more sailings). Perhaps I should come out one way (Holyhead) and go back the other (Fishguard). I hadn't considered Dublin as part of the plan, but it's got me thinking. 

I'm stupidly busy this week (hosting conference with colleagues from America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - don't think any are part of the K club though), so long days and brain half fried - but hope to be able to get some serious route planning done by the weekend. 

I'll get a PM out to you in the next couple of days. 

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:Camp sites are all included in here http://www.camping-ireland.ie/ Most if not all should be open as Easter is generally the start of the season. There are other camp sites not in this and which are also quite good.

For weather use www.met.ie and look at forecasts/5 day forecast

I assume you will use the Holyhead ferry but that it will take you to Dublin. You have choice of Stena or Irish Ferries and there is a better range of ferry times than you might think. If you take a motorway run its M7/M8motorway all the way to Cork....two tolls, €1 for each and 3 hours ride time is comfortable. Good 24 hour petrol and food stops at M7 J14 Monasterevin, M8 J8 Cashel, M8 J14 Fermoy. If you do want Rosslare allow 2 hours from Dublin, you pass 88KE on the way.

There are lots of hotels around Cork if you want a non camping night but there are also some nice camp sites.

You should also be aware, since you mentioned a pub, that Good Friday, April 18th, is a dry day, ie pubs are closed [Publicans get two well earned holidays a year, Good Friday and Christmas Day]. Of course if you are staying in an hotel, as a resident....... that probably explains the first night in hotel [to dry out? or 'too' dry out].

The Ring of Kerry is very scenic and perhaps some camping at Glenbeigh, on right as you approach from Killorglin. Some nice pubs in Glenbeigh....Also a camp site approaching Kenmare from Cork [on the right] but its not in the guide. There is also another nice one between Kenmare and Sneem, its elevated and also not in the guide. I have been to both, you need to bring your shopping with you but they are nice locations.

If the weather is good there is a camp site on the water at Eagle Point Bantry about an hour from Cork. You can camp right at the sea front, a must if the weather forecast is reasonable. Opposite the entrance is a good supermarket/off licence. A short distance from Glengrarriffe, then on to Adrigole and over the Healy Pass to Kenmare. Its a must do route, short but extremely memorable. Go clockwise from Kenmare and you have the sea on your left the whole way round.

You could also give a thought to the Dingle Peninsula and the Slea Head Drive, its very under rated and quite awesome. A day each for the ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula would be a perfect sunny weekend...

My plans are a little up in the air as I have to be away in work for about a week at some point but dates are not yet sorted out. However I do hope to be around Easter.

I would go 1 night at Eagle Point. 1 night at Glenbeigh/Killorglin, other nights depending on time available. It is nice to get a whole day on the Ring of Kerry but remember its green for a reason. It rains sometimes. Mostly its just twice a week, first for three days, then for four days.

Don't dismiss the idea of Dublin Limerick [] Dingle Peninsula [] Ring of Kerry [] Dublin. You could do worse than camp two nights near Killarney and hit Dingle one day and Ring of Kerry the other.

In Limerick there is AvengerGT and in Kerry HoverK100. His K100 is a little different to the others which si why you should meet him if you can.....

Excellent - thank you.....lots of food for thought here to be factored into the plan.
 Getting excited about the prospect.

Ringfad wrote:

And now a silly question - when taking a bike on a ferry, is it best to stick her on the centre stand or side stand and/or do you/the ferry operator strap bikes down in case of rough crossings? I'd hate to start the adventure with my bike busted up lying on her side (or impaled in the side of a tin box)!

I always put mine on the centre stand as I have had visions of the side stand failing. The guys on the ferry usually help to tie the bike down. It is a good idea to bring a bit of protection for the seat (where they put the tie down straps) an old piece of carpet is suitable. Also using the centre stand helps stop the K smoke effect which can be challenging in the confined space of a ferry. I know I have filled one once. If you are planning to come via Dublin let us know and we could maybe meet up

Ringfad - several bits of good advice, thank you. I hadn't even considered the smoke bit (my bike is not to bad for smoking, but then I've never started up in a confined space, so probably don't realise the true impact) let alone thinking about a seat protector. 

Incidentally, I messed up on my crossings and invented a new route, but now that the seed is sown....Dublin is becoming a good prospect too now. I'll let you know once I have had a chance to work out some speed/time/distance stuff.

sidecar paul wrote:Paul, you won't have time to do this before your trip, but it could be useful in the future.

https://www.k100-forum.com/t3290-centre-stand-lock?highlight=locking+stand

Paul.

Nice one Paul - time is probably too short now, as you say, but that looks like a really neat option to both stop the centre stand inadvertently folding and provide some added anti-theft protection. I'll definitely get that mod onto my bike as soon as I can (might need to have a bit of off bike practice with my welding gear first though - it's been a while since I last struck an arc).

Comberjohn wrote:If you want somewhere to stay in Dingle, I can heartily recommend a B&B called Harbour Nights.
It's right on the shore with excellent parking around the back. Very clean and moderately priced. Good breakfast too.
Short walk into the town.
I've stayed there a couple of times in the last few years. Fantastic area to tour on a bike.
The weather can be unpredictable this early in the year and you may need somewhere to dry out.

Thanks CJ,

Sounds just the ticket - I appreciate that it can be wet over there on the west coast and, while I would prefer buckets of sunshine, I am not deterred by a minor monsoon or three....but a good friendly drying out spot is always a sensible option.

I need to do some careful planning - I obviously can't get everywhere in a few days....well, not without turning it into a ride for rides sake. If I don't get all the places this time round, I'll just have to come back over again and try harder.

By the way - got some of that rainX weatherbeater spray from Asda last weekend. Just haven't had a chance to get out on the bike in the rain to see how good it is yet.

I use the sidestand only on the ferry. Bike in gear and bungee/cable tie front brake.The bike will roll forward on the centre stand if the boat lurches and elderly K bikes are noted for sudden and untimely osteoporosis of the area known as the centre stand. The Carlow Classic Bike Show on Easter Sun/Mon is worth a visit and you could camp at the Rooters rally on the Saturday night if you are inclined for music and large guiness

Which is why I use a strap between the crossbrace on the main stand and front wheel. Plus front brake held on. Plus left and right tie down to the frame. But you must check out the condition of the stand.

tomfoley wrote:I use the sidestand only on the ferry. Bike in gear and bungee/cable tie front brake.The bike will roll forward on the centre stand if the boat lurches and elderly K bikes are noted for sudden and untimely osteoporosis of the area known as the centre stand. The Carlow Classic Bike Show on Easter Sun/Mon is worth a visit and you could camp at the Rooters rally on the Saturday night if you are inclined for music and large guiness

Looks like I'll have to do a trial run at home - have a fiddle about with ratchet straps, tie wraps and bungees to learn how to get the old girl suitably sedated for the crossing. Lots of great advice of which i am extremely grateful. So glad I asked the question!

I am heading back east to Rosslare for 21:00 ferry on Sun 20 Apr, so might take a detour up to Carlow for the classic bike show on the way.

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:Which is why I use a strap between the crossbrace on the main stand and front wheel. Plus front brake held on. Plus left and right tie down to the frame. But you must check out the condition of the stand.

I will be checking the centre stand this weekend when I do my pre-tour checks. 

I have more confidence in the centre stand than I do in my side stand, which seems to pitch the bike over at an odd angle (compared with my previous LT, which just seemed "right"). 

I already have a heap of straps and bungees but don't want to end up with a snakes wedding that takes me half the crossing to rig and half the crossing to remove....and leaves no room for luggage!

Latest update: 
16 Apr - run home to Holyhead (245 miles). Ferry booked Holyhead - Dublin (arrive 17:05), stay in Dublin hotel overnight.
17 Apr - run from Dublin to Cork (160 miles). Hotel booked Cork for night of 17 Apr.
18 Apr - run from Cork to Glenbeigh (130 miles) & do Ring of Kerry (100 miles). Probably camp overnight at Glenbeigh campsite (18 Apr is first day they open)
19 Apr - run around Dingle peninsular (approx 110 miles) via Killorglin. Return to camp at Glenbeigh
20 Apr - run from Glenbeigh to Rosslare (possibly via Carlow) (231 miles). Ferry booked Rosslare to Fishguard (depart 21:00)
21 Apr - run from Fishguard to home (176 miles).

Total trip approx 1200 miles (5 tanks of gas).

Paul

Sounds good. You can take the scenic route to Cork and/or meet a few Eccentrics in Dublin.!! That's a nice leisurely day. As in all cases visiting cities be careful where you leave bike in Dublin. Ks are not on the hit lists but 'tourists' can be.

From Glenbeigh to Rosslare if you go anticlockwise on the Ring of Kerry to Kenmare then Healy Pass to Glengarriffe you can come east through Gougane Barra and Inchigeelagh, lovely scenic route. With the late ferry and a sunny day that would be a good choice.

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:Paul

Sounds good. You can take the scenic route to Cork and/or meet a few Eccentrics in Dublin.!! That's a nice leisurely day. As in all cases visiting cities be careful where you leave bike in Dublin. Ks are not on the hit lists but 'tourists' can be.

From Glenbeigh to Rosslare if you go anticlockwise on the Ring of Kerry to Kenmare then Healy Pass to Glengarriffe you can come east through Gougane Barra and Inchigeelagh, lovely scenic route. With the late ferry and a sunny day that would be a good choice.

Thanks 92KK. I hope I can meet up with a few Eccentrics along the way. I got your text yesterday, so will be in touch while I'm in the vicinity of Cork.

I have a lot of route planning to do in the next few days and your suggestions are proving very useful. I am really looking forward to the adventure. Weather isn't everything - but if I'm blessed with a even few decent hours of sunshine, in the right place then that will be a bonus. I am watching the weather carefully....and optimistically!

Your comments about Dublin are noted, sadly this is true for many cities and I don't intend straying too far.

Hi Paul.

I have a spare free bedroom available in dublin on wed 16th if you wish. safe spot to park bike and close to Ringfad as well. let me know by PM if you're interested

steve

electric_monk wrote:Hi Paul.

I have a spare free bedroom available in dublin on wed 16th if you wish. safe spot to park bike and close to Ringfad as well. let me know by PM if you're interested

steve

Steve,

Thanks for the generous offer. Unfortunately, I have already booked my accommodation but I've sent you a PM with my contact details etc. to try and organise a meet up.

I wish my K wasn't off road just now. Temptation to head to Dublin and enjoy a scenic route back to Cork. Lots of potential. Like Dublin, Gorey (coffee 88KE), Stradbally, Kilkenny (coffee Tom Foley), Clonmel, the Vee, Cahir (Cluain Is), Glen of Aherlow, Mitchelstown, Fermoy, Lismore, Youghal, Cork.(Bjorn Pat OD Corkboy 92KK).

See what time you want to head off from Dublin but bear in mind that if you meet Ringfad and Electric Monk you may not be inclined to leave too early!!

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:I wish my K wasn't off road just now. Temptation to head to Dublin and enjoy a scenic route back to Cork. Lots of potential. Like Dublin, Gorey (coffee 88KE), Stradbally, Kilkenny (coffee Tom Foley), Clonmel, the Vee, Cahir (Cluain Is), Glen of Aherlow, Mitchelstown, Fermoy, Lismore, Youghal, Cork.(Bjorn Pat OD Corkboy 92KK).

See what time you want to head off from Dublin but bear in mind that if you meet Ringfad and Electric Monk you may not be inclined to leave too early!!  

I have figured on a ride of about 5 ½ hours from Dublin to Cork taking in a few twists and turns - with minimal motorway riding (I'm not in a hurry). I do want to get to Blarney Castle while it is still open though.


Sounds like might have a meet with Ringfad, EM and 88KE in Dublin if all goes well - as you say, this could have a direct bearing on when I am fit to leave Dublin on 17th! Probably get kicked out the hotel by 1000 though, so may need a few expressos..... Worst comes to the worst, I can always do the castle first thing on 18th!

Paul

With where you are staying in Cork you are just up the road from Blarney Castle and well placed to do it Friday morning. To do it Thursday puts you under a lot of time pressure.

Tom, you mentioned the Carlow Classic Show and I was thinking of taking a run down but can't go on Sunday.
According to their Facebook page it's only on on the Sunday and not Monday.
Or do you know any different?

Met up with Paul last night, a pleasure to welcome another K rider to our shores.

Hopefully a few nice photos from your trip Paul. It looks like Comberjohn sent you some of his nice weather. Safe travels for the weekend too. Nice to get another signature on the Banner too. ....

Comberjohn wrote:Tom, you mentioned the Carlow Classic Show and I was thinking of taking a run down but can't go on Sunday.
According to their Facebook page it's only on on the Sunday and not Monday.
Or do you know any different?

It used to be a two day show but I forgot it had been shortened to the Sunday only. I will be in the little upstairs cafe at 11.30 am for a coffee.Look out for an old guy in a Lookwell "74" jacket.

 Note to self:Always read everything first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sure I will post more in due course, with pictures once I've got them sorted....but just a quick line or two to say fan-flaming-tastic!

I have just enjoyed a first class 5 days of touring pleasure from Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Dingle and back across the southern coast and the weather just could not have been better. The scenery was stunning, the riding exceptional, the twists and turns everything that I could have hoped for and the hospitality - wow - well that just blew me away.

Thanks to Ringfad and 92KK for meeting up with me and making me feel so welcome - I'm sorry that the plans to meet up with 88KE and Electric Monk fell through (but the plans were always meant to be relaxed and opportunistic anyway) - hopefully I will get to meet them and other Eccentrics next time I am over or if any are passing through Somerset...

Currently waiting at the Rosslare Ferry port for the haul back across the Irish sea this evening and an exhausted ride back through Wales to get to home. Wind has picked up and there are now a few spits of rain in the air - but after the weather I have had - who cares!

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote: It looks like Comberjohn sent you some of his nice weather. 

Better than that - I think he let me into his secret. I sprayed the magic potion on my screen and it worked like a charm! I wonder if it only works like that in Ireland?

It's really leprechaun's pee!

I was in the office today and heard a few raindrops a short while ago and wondered where Paul was....Seems Paul got the best of weather and Comberjohn was there in spirit. As for leprechaun's pee, there is a lot of that in Kerry. Rain they call it there.

It was great you made it over Paul and safe travels home.

88KE and myself have sort of parked away a little camping trip later in the year that might just take us across your way. Might get a few others to come too.....

Well that'll teach me to be cocky! 

 Having had fantastic weather and dry roads throughout my tour of Ireland, as I got within 10km from Rosslare the first spits and spots of rain found me. By the time I came to check in for the 21:00 Stena ferry, it was blowing a hoolie and the rain was lashing down. The ferry was then delayed getting in by 2 hours.

Still, every cloud/silver lining and all that....got talking to 3 other bikers (including a BMW R80 owner - 1990 vintage) and whiled away the time in a nearby bar tucking into some traditional Irish Chinese food. There is no doubting that you Irish folk are an incredibly sociable lot - I even got the contact details from a publican with bike friendly place over in County Clare (useful for my next trip).

Ferry did eventually dock and had a quick turn around so that, when we sailed, we were only 2 hours behind schedule. A slightly bumpy crossing (thanks for all the tips and suggestions on securing a bike on a ferry) but a good opportunity to grab 3 hours sleep before hitting the shores of Wales at Fishguard. On arrival, the weather front had all blow through and I had clear dry roads all the way home - although it was still quite windy.

Finally got home at 06:30 exhausted at the end of a truly memorable trip.

With the bike still hot and dirty (during the trip I named her "Heidi", a good German name for an "H" reg bike meaning "of noble kind" but sounded hot and dirty to me!), I was already thinking about planning my next trip......

Thanks to everyone who provided advice and suggestions and especially to all the Irish Eccentrics for being such a fantastic and welcoming group.

Great to have met you and glad you had a good trip, I get the impression you may be seeing a few Irish Eccentrics quite soon    

Finally... I have worked out an easy way to get still pictures from video...using nothing more complicated than the "Preview" application (I'm a mac man) and avoiding having to buy video converting software (that I don't need). So here goes a data dump of my recent ride over to the Emerald Isle at Easter (Spring Break)...
 
I'd been toying with taking the bike over to Ireland for some time and a combination of a promising weather forecast, time off work and my daughters going to stay with their mum for a week turned the opportunity into a reality that was too good to miss. 
 
As with most good plans, the basic idea was uncomplicated with just one mission:

• Visit Blarney castle to kiss the Blarney Stone (when I last went to Ireland (at the age of 5, I was too scared to do it and I wanted to right this wrong). Don't ask me why, after 45 years, now felt like the right time, but it did!
  


I figured it was a long way to go just to slap a lip lock on a cold bit of rock, so added the additional aims:

• Meet up with a school friend that I hadn't seen since 1980 (lives near Killorglin, Co. Kerry)
  
• Meet up with any Irish Eccentrics or other K100 forum members
  
• Just to get out and ride in some fantastic scenery - and get some camping done too. 
  

 
So far so good, through the power of the forum, I got some excellent advice on routes to take and tips on how to secure my bike on the ferries (thanks to 92KK, Ringfad, Sidecar Paul, Comberjohn, Tomfoley and Electric-Monk). Unfortunately, my timing wasn’t great, and the short notice meant that I couldn't persuade any of the UK contingent to venture over to Ireland with me nor get any Irish Eccentrics to come out for a ride but I did arrange to meet up with a few on my travels.
 
The basic plan was:

• Day 1 - Ride up through Wales (Brecon and Snowdonia national parks) to Holyhead ferry port and catch the afternoon Stenaline ferry to Dublin. Stay in hotel overnight.
  
• Day 2 – Ride from Dublin to Cork via Wicklow Mountains National Park, Tipperary and Blarney Castle. Stay in travel lodge accommodation
  
• Day 3 – Ride coastal route from Cork to Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry taking in 2/3 of the Ring of Kerry (clockwise). Camp at Glenbeigh
  
• Day 4 – Ride through Gap of Dunloe, Black Valley and return on Ring of Kerry (anticlockwise) through Killarney National Park. Ride out on Dingle peninsula following coastal road and then over to Fahamore via the Conor Pass. Return to camp at Glenbeigh.
  
• Day 5 – Strike camp and ride Ring of Kerry (clockwise) back through Killarney National Park to Kenmare and then take Healy pass over to Glengarriff. Hang a left to take scenic route back to Cork and then onto Rosslare ferry port in time for the evening Stenalines ferry to Fishguard.
  
• Day 6 – Arrive Fishguard at about midnight and ride home.
  

 
So, how did it work out?
 
Day 1: Wednesday 16 April 2014 - Bruton to Dublin (250 miles)


 On a beautiful clear but frosty day, at 05:30, I rolled the bike out of the garage, did the final pre-ride checks, made sure all luggage was secure and fired up the GPS. The first hour of the ride was my normal commuting route to Bristol and with the temperature hovering just below freezing, I was grateful for my heated grips however, I was soon on the M4 motorway and heading for the Severn crossing and Wales. Once in Wales and off the motorway, the traffic disappeared and I had clear, dry empty roads all the way up through the Brecon and Snowdonia National Parks.

 I’d figured on a 6 ½ hour ride up to the Holyhead ferry and even with throttling back and taking it steady to enjoy the scenery I still made good time. Anglesey was a bit of a disappointment – very flat and featureless, but the ferry port easy enough to find. I’d booked the early afternoon Stena line ferry to Dublin, and was pleased that everything was running on time. It’s quite an experience riding onto a ferry for the first time and I took it easy on the smooth steel decks. There was only one other bike on the ferry, so we were well taken care of and I soon had the bike strapped down using all the hints and tips provided by the forum – bike in gear, ratchet strap across the seat securing bike to deck (I had a square of carpet for protection, but the ferry guys had padding too to help stop the webbing straps cutting into the vinyl), bungy cord wrapped around the front brake lever, webbing strap immobilizing front and rear wheels and bungy strap from side stand to front of bike. I’d opted for leaving the bike on the side stand as it kept both wheels in contact with the deck. However, after all those precautions, it turned out to be a pretty smooth crossing.
 
Just over 3 hours later, we docked in Dublin and disembarked. The weather had just got better and better and by now it was hot and sunny. It was only a short ride from the ferry to the hotel and I was secretly glad for the dry roads – there were so many railway tracks laid into the tarmac around the docks that it would have been quite dodgy on a bike if the roads had been wet. One thing I hadn’t planned on was the Dublin rush hour, or rather “not rush” hour and my going was quite slow due to the heavy traffic. The hotel did not have on site parking, so I made my way to a nearby 24 hour multistory car park. A lot of Irish riders just park up on the pavement (sidewalk), but being in a strange town with foreign (English!) plates I didn’t want to attract any unwelcome attention. The car park was only 7 euros for the night, so hardly was going to break the bank. I had a bit of a snag getting through the barriers – designed for cars not bikes (I wasn’t far enough forward to trip the “I’m here and want a ticket” sensor), but eventually got it sorted and found a secure pace to park up.
 
The next part was a bit of a slog – dressed in full winter armoured bike wear and carrying rear panniers and helmet, I set out into the warmth of the city for the Marriott Shelbourne Hotel on St Stephens Green arriving very hot and sweaty! Despite it being the poshest hotel in Dublin, I was welcomed unreservedly and offered a nice cool glass of fresh lemonade while I checked in. Better still, my stay was completely free – using Marriott reward points that I’d accumulated while working in the USA a few years back!
 
That evening, I had arranged to meet up in the “Horseshoe bar” with forum members Ringfad, 88KE and Electric-Monk. Unfortunately, neither 88KE or E-M were able to make it in the end, but I met Ringfad and was shown a little of the town while downing several Guinness’s, talking K bikes and listening to a local band. It was just so good to meet up with a real live forum member and while we were complete strangers, it really felt like I was meeting up with an old friend.
 
Day 2: Thursday 17 April 2014 – Dublin to Cork (205 miles)
 
 After a monster breakfast, I checked out and lugged all my gear back to the car park. The day was cool and overcast, but dry. I’d decided to get out of Dublin early, before the traffic to too heavy but unfortunately this meant that I missed 88KE’s call to meet up for coffee. Still, next time….

My route to Cork took me initially down through the Wicklow Mountain National Park and the Glenealo Valley. It was nice to get out of the city and onto twisty open roads. I had loaded a bunch of waypoints into my GPS, but as it was a car GPS, it was limited on the number of waypoints that could be added to a route and this conspired against me on several occasions as it kept trying to put me back on the motorway. Sometimes, having a good old fashioned map would be the best option! Anyway, I was in no hurry and meandered my way in a generally south west direction. As I was passing close to Tipperary, I had to take the dog leg just to say that it was indeed a long way. By early afternoon, having done more motorway than I had originally planned, I was at Blarney and followed the signs to the castle. The weather had cleared and once again in was hot and sunny by the time I rolled into the castle car park.
 
I was on a mission – I had a date with a stone and no time to waste. The castle wasn’t quite as I remembered it from my previous visit, but well worth the visit and I clambered up the narrow spiral staircases, with stones worn smooth by countless visitors over the centuries, until I reached the battlements at the top of the castle. After a short bit of queuing I was invited to lie down, grab the stout iron rails and lean back over the abyss to kiss the Blarney Stone. Don’t know why I’d been so scared when I was 5 – it wasn’t like you could actually fall that far if you slipped!

Mission accomplished and wallet relieved of 10 euros for the proof photograph, I took the time to wander around the castle grounds before jumping back on the bike and heading for my hotel (Commons Inn) for the night. This was more of a motel and about 3 miles north of the centre of Cork, but the rate (including breakfast) was reasonable and the room plenty comfortable and spacious. 92KK had been a little concerned about my choice of location, but it proved secure enough and I parked my bike right up by the front doors and decanted all my gear to my room for safety. I had arranged to meet up with 92KK and having shed my bike gear, I walked the 40 minutes walk into town.
 
Having found the place to meet 92KK - he wasn’t there ( I was earlier than he had expected and he was still working), over the next hour or so we exchanged several texts and I was starting to feel like the meeting wasn’t going to happen, however, we did finally cross paths in the Metropole Hotel. Once again, it felt like meeting an old friend and we chatted easily over coffee. 92KK had the 30^th anniversary K banner with him – it was good to read all the familiar names from Australia and those of the Irish Eccentrics and I was honoured to add my name to the roll call. But I didn’t take a picture of the event – it just never crossed my mind at the time! Doh!! We then made our way to one of 92KK’s local restaurants and ate very well indeed. The conversation, like the wine just kept flowing!
 
At the end of a busy but enjoyable day, I bid farewell to 92KK and walked (staggered) back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.
 
Day 3: Friday 18 April 2014 – Cork to Glenbeigh(240 miles)
 

Starting the day with a good wholesome “Full Irish” breakfast then loaded up the bike. While checking tyre pressures etc. I noticed a lot of oil and grime on left fork, left brake caliper and brake disc. On closer inspection, it became obvious that the fork seal had started leaking, allowing fork oil to dribble down. This was not a good sight and my first thought was that my tour was about to come to an early end. Being Good Friday, I was now into the Easter weekend and the chance of getting a new seal and effecting the repair looked pretty bleak (it would have been an interesting job with just the BMW toolkit). Desperate times call for desperate measures, so, with nothing to lose, I set about wiping away the oil contamination and cleaning up the brake disc and caliper. I pulled up the fork seal dust cover to try and inspect the seal I couldn’t see anything obvious but on depressing the forks gently, I could see oil being emitted past the seal. This was definitely not good. However, using a strip of toilet paper, I managed to fashion a packing type seal which I was able to tamp down gently in the recess above the failed fork seal. I also packed the dust cover with more toilet paper “packing” a pressed it firmly down in place. I tried depressing the forks again and was pleased to note that there was no more evidence of oil on the fork struts.
 
With the repair effected, I finished loading the bike and checked out (with a spare toilet roll stowed away – just in case). I rode the bike a couple of times around the car park to test the brakes and check my temporary fork seal and, when satisfied, hit the road towards Cork. As I was heading into town, in fairly slow moving traffic, I noticed a police van and bike coming the other way with their blue lights on and a white van between them. Initially I thought the van driver was just getting in their way, but all became clear when he then swerved back across his lanes – he was the one the police were after and the maneuver was his attempt at getting away. 

Obviously, the event was past me very quickly, but I was glad that the “crazed” perp didn’t try to barge his way into my lane – still it was a bit of excitement for the day! Apparently the chase went on for a while and the perps took out a police bike before finally being detained.

Pic of crashed Garda bike from Irish Mirror, full details at the following link...
http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/crime/hero-garda-crash-horror-crazed-3430578

Anyway, excitement over, it was another beautiful day and I left Cork on the N71 towards Skibbereen. Despite the loss of oil from the left fork, the bike was still handling normally and when I pulled over for fuel a quick check proved that my seal packing was holding up well. Result! The roads were nice and quiet and I cruised along at a steady speed taking in the views and just enjoying the ride. From Bantry, my route took me along the coastal road – not the shortest route to my destination, but the whole point was to ride and not just get there! At Kenmare, I joined the fabled “Ring of Kerry”. This circular route is about 90 miles long and takes in some spectacular mountain, forest and coastal twists and turns. The quality of the road surface was quite variable though – nice smooth tarmac to broken, rutted tarmac that felt like it was going to shake the bike to pieces.
 
Having completed about 2/3rds of the Ring of Kerry, I arrived at the Glen Ross Caravan and camping site at Glenbeigh. This was to be my home for the next 2 nghts. I was quite amused as I pulled up at the campsite – it was empty. The 18 April was the first day of the 2014 camping season and even though it was about 4pm, I was the first camper to arrive. This was excellent as it gave me a choice of pitches and I selected a sheltered spot where I could park the bike right next to my tent.

The camp site had been recommended by 92KK and did not disappoint. It even had a campers dining room where you could go and sit out of the weather if needed. More usefully, this room had power points which was perfect for recharging phone, laptop and downloading video footage from the bike camera. The only disappointment was, being Good Friday, all the bars and pubs were closed – even the off license (liquor store) sections of the shops and garages were closed. Luckily I had been warned about this and had stashed a half bottle of Jamesons Whiskey in with my camping gear. Having pitched my tent, inflated the airbed, rolled out the sleeping bag and stuffed my face with a “traditional” fish supper (fish & chips) and got everything squared away, I went out for an evening ride around Lough Carragh and the surrounding mountain area Here I learnt a valuable lesson – don’t believe everything you see on google maps or the GPS. I followed a route that seemingly was going to link up with the road through the Gap of Dunloe, however, the further up I went, the narrower the road became, the more grass grew down the centre and the less tarmac there was between the potholes. Finally, on rounding a corner on a gravelly steep section I came up against a locked gate – this was clearly a no through road! I then had a nerve wracking time trying to turn the bike round without dropping it or sliding into the ditches. Easier said than done on a narrow gravelly slope, and I was relieved to be riding back down the road again. Back at camp, it was time to break out the Jamesons and enjoy a well deserved tot (or two)while the darkness fell.
 
Day 4: Saturday 19 April 2014 – Gap of Dunloe , Killarney National Park and Dingle Peninsular (178 miles)
 

After a freezing cold night – I discovered that the compact sleeping bag I had taken with me was designed for use in the height of summer. It was rubbish and near useless for camping in early spring. Big mistake. Needless to say, as soon as it got light, I was out of bed and getting the kettle on for an early morning brew to warm up. This was followed by a slap up breakfast (4 sausages, half a pack of bacon, 3 eggs and beans) cooked on my little gas stove. All this was achieved well before any of the miserable other campers (about 6 other campers had pitched up since my arrival), nice and snug in their caravans and motorhomes (RVs), had even stirred!

Still I had exploring to do, so there was no time to waste. My first route was through the Gap of Dunloe and the Black Valley– a beautiful but narrow road that twisted it’s way through the mountains. It wasn’t a fast ride, but well worth the effort.



 









Eventually reaching the main road, I rejoined the Ring of Kerry and rode through the Killarney National Park. It was another superb day and traffic was incredibly light. 







I then headed north onto the Dingle peninsular and followed the coast road past Inch beach... 

...through Dingle and round the end of the peninsular. Comberjohn had recommended that I check out the Dingle peninsular while I was over that way and I was very grateful for his advice. This was a stunning route although behind the rugged beauty of the sea cliffs was the desolation of the Irish Famine cottages – a harsh reminder of the terrible suffering endured by the Irish peasant farmers in 1845.





My route then took me over the Conor pass (a great ride with cracking views) ...

...and down between the sand dunes to Fahamore. After a quick leg stretch and walk on the beach, I then headed back towards Killorglin to call on my old school friend. I hadn’t seen her for 34 years, but we had been in touch through facebook. It was great to catch up after so long and I was envious of the views from her house – mountains to the South and the sea over to the Dingle peninsular to the North. After a delicious dinner, I was sorry to leave and have to go back to my cold little tent. 
 
I was in for another chilly night - I kept my full bike gear on and crawled into my useless sleeping bag for a restless night. I was warmer than the previous night, but it wasn’t particularly comfortable.
 
Day 5: Sunday 20 April 2014 –Glenbeigh to Rosslare (243 miles)
 

Another early start – waking early is a real downside of camping - but quickly revived with another slap up breakfast. I packed up my camp, reloaded the bike and set off on my journey to the ferry port at Rosslare. I had loads of time, my ferry wasn’t until 9pm, so I had no need to thrash the bike. I rode the Ring of Kerry between Glenbeigh and Kenmare – finally completing my complete clockwise circumnavigation of that road, passing back through the Killarney National park and up over the mountains (probably the best part of the circular route).


I then rode over the Healy Pass, 92KK had told me that this pass was most impressive ridden from north to south and he wasn’t wrong. The road wound it’s way up over the mountains, through tunnels hewn out of the rock face and snaked it’s way down the other side. Another great ride on dry empty roads in glorious sunshine. 







When I had made my plans to visit Ireland, I had expected lots of rain and just hoped for the odd glimpse of sunshine. I had been totally spoilt, dry, sunny weather throughout my tour – that was about to change though!
 
After Glengarriff, I took the R584 towards Ballingeary rather than stick to the main roads east. This wasn’t a bad route, but after the roads and scenery that I had experienced already, it was nothing really special and the road surface was mostly awful – I felt like my teeth were going to vibrate loose! Maybe I would have enjoyed it more earlier in the tour, before I was spoilt with all the other roads that I had ridden. I was also becoming saddle sore: 6 -7 hours a day riding was getting hard on my backside and my legs were getting stiff. I really must invest in a comfort seat before my next tour!
 
Anyway, I made good progress, back past Cork, a bit of a leg stretch at the Jameson distillery at Midleton...

...and on to Rosslare. I don’t think I did this part of the route any justice and it became little more than a fast transit route. As I came within 10km of the ferry port, I noticed the first spots of rain, but it pretty much held off until after I had arrived. I had nearly 5 hours to kill before my ferry, but as the wind had picked up and the sky was dark and menacing, I decided not to head up to Carlow where Tomfoley had said there was a classic bike show on. Instead I parked up next to another BMW...


...and went into the terminal building for a coffee. While in there, I got talking to a couple on another bike which passed the time before they went off to find something to eat. By now the wind was blowing a hoolie and the rain lashing down, so I was glad to be inside in the dry. At 7pm I venture out into the storm and got myself in the ferry queue. As soon as I parked, I got a text message saying that the ferry had been delayed by the storm! Well, there was no way I was going to sit out in the rain waiting, so leaving the bike where it was, I walked back to the terminal building. There I got talking to a local biker who recommended going to the nearby pub for dinner while we waited. Rather than walk, I extracted my bike from the queue, returned my boarding pass and rode off. It was a good excuse for a pint of Guinness and some chinese food It was a really sociable place, whiling away the time talking to the biker and a bar owner and his daughter from Co.Clare who were waiting for the same ferry (Co. Clare is now on the list for my next tour of the Emerald Isle). Eventually the ferry did dock and we all returned to the queue (almost feeling sorry for the car drivers who had been sitting there through out). In the queue, my bike found another friend – a BMW R80.


 
Day 6: Monday 21 April 2014 – Rosslare to home (176 miles)
 

 With the bike suitably strapped down for the anticipated rough crossing (I am an expert at this now!) I made use of the free tea/coffee voucher and 8 euro voucher for food (given out in compensation for the ferry being 2 hours late!) before finding a quiet place in the lounge at the stern of the ship to get some kip during the 3 hour crossing. Literally, rocked in the cradle of the deep, I slept soundly and woke up just as we were docking at Fishguard, Wales. The storm had blown though and, although it was still quite windy, at least it was dry again. The ride home was fairly eventless, quickly losing the crocodile of cars and trucks coming off the ferry and punching through the darkness. As I crossed the Severn bridge back into England, it was starting to get light and I rolled up at my house about an hour later. Tired, stiff and ready for bed.
 
All in all I had a fantastic trip to Ireland, travelling 1296 miles. It was great to meet up with Ringfad and 92KK and everyone I met were just so friendly and sociable. The weather had been very kind to me and I had enjoyed 5 and a bit days of real quality riding. I will be going back and exploring more…and hopefully meeting up with some more Irish Eccentrics. I also look forward to being able to host them on my own turf if they ever venture in this direction.
 
Once home, it was time to order up a pair of new fork seals and administer some tlc on my trusty steed (replaced fork seals and fork oil, greased drive shaft splines – and while I was in there, replaced the gear position indicator with my hot spare (one of those to do jobs), replaced brake pads and new tyres front and back and got rid of the non-OEM radio to provide more useful storage space). I must save up for a comfort seat though……and then plan the next tour.



 

Great account, Paul.
Glad you had such a great trip and enjoyed some good hospitality.
Hope we see you back over again in the future. Maybe get a few more together next time.

Thanks what a great time you had and the pics to prove it. 

Great report (it was worth waiting for   ).

Are a lot of the pictures from your on bike camera i.e. video stills ?

Ringfad wrote:Great report (it was worth waiting for   ).

Are a lot of the pictures from your on bike camera i.e. video stills ?

Thanks for the comments

Yes - a lot of the pics come from my Garmin virb elite, which was recording continuously though the tempered glass window (replacement clear glass for welding helmet) that I'd set into my perplex screen.

I found a way to take a screen shot (using the Preview App on my macbook) where you can pause the video at the chosen point and then select the part of the picture you want to convert to a still picture. It isn't the highest resolution picture, but plenty good enough for forum pics. Incidentally, I did the same with several of the pictures taken on my DSLR where the original image size was 8 Meg (I tend to opt for the highest quality for the picture). The servimg.com software on the forum post toolbar, doesn't seem to like uploading from images this big, so I take a screen shot and save that as a JPEG which reduces the picture down to about 180 K, which the software uploads easily.

Hi Looks like you had a good time, I just got my K 75 this weekend and was without a bike before otherwise I would have loved to join in for parts of the route. Thanks for uploading all the pictures, makes me want go out for a ride.

I fear you did not go over Healy pass though, the one you did is Caha Pass, but don't worry it's an equally beautiful route to drive. Looks like you'll have to come back for healy pass  

I was up at Caha pass on Sunday morning, all very foggy, no view at all....

Love this part of Ireland and have done some touring in the area with the motorbike and/or bicycle.

Paul

A lovely post and indeed a good trip. Was a pleasure to meet up with you in Cork. I would have taken some time out to do the trip too but K was off road and work prevailed and I ended up flying to Beirut on Monday morning.

As Sagi says, the Healy Pass is further west of the route you show on your map. I don't recall a tunnel on the Healy Pass route. Check out from Bantry to Adrigole to Laragh/Tuosist to Kenmare. Both routes are good so you have to come back again!! Maybe some of us would make it over your way too, will see if we can rustle up some interest.

Strangely on going to France the ticket was €140, for Fishguard it was €124. But Somerset, the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan and Minack Theatre are on my list. I was at the Minack for the total eclipse in 1999 and its worth a repeat- the Eden Project wasn't complete at that time.

You clearly had Comberjohn's input- your weather is due to his input. Give a thought to coming over in September when we have our trip up North. A good Saturday run is on the cards and the North Antrim Coast will not disappoint. Excellent camping at Tollymore Forest Park! Just bring a decent sleeping bag and a tent with a sewn in groundsheet.

If you are going to the Minack, then just before you get there is an old Post Office Telecomunications centre, which was built into the rock as the war was looming. It is where all the transatlantic cables originated, so (for me) well worth a visit. I think you get a discounted ticket that covers both sites.

Mike

Olaf (& Sagi) - google maps is good, but there is no substitute for local knowledge - I'm devastated that I'll have to come back and do the real Healy Pass at some stage. It took me 45 years to right the wrong of not kissing the Blarney Stone first time around, I can assure you that it won't take me another 45 years to right the wrong Healy Pass wrong!

Let me know the dates when you are riding North in September, I could easily be tempted, but it may not work with school commitments etc. 

It sounds like you and Will had a good run to France - I'm reading the posts with much interest. As you say, it is nearly the same price to get the ferry over to the continent as it is to get to the UK, and there are so many great places to explore and different cultures to experience. However, if you do make it over this way, it would be great to hook up again.

Thanks Paul, that was a good read and nice pics of a country I missed when I had the chance
but I'm not dead yet, so watch out Irish Eccentrics !

Excellent Paul.
Another good read from a forum member and making the rest of us extremely jealous.

rosskko wrote:Excellent Paul.
Another good read from a forum member and making the rest of us extremely jealous.

Well, you know the only solution.

Corkboy is down under at the moment, went over for his brothers 50th birthday. A few bike rides were planned! 

I am sure some of us Irish Eccentrics wlll have a significant birthday so a visit should be on the cards.