Independent Cycle Travel

Cycle trip from West to East Coast of Ireland

This trip was taken with my son (age 18) as the first leg of a world cycle trip, but it would be a great indepenent tour for a short holiday.

We began in Coominoule in Dingle, which is as far west as you can go in Europe (inhabited). It's a stunning location overlooking the Blaskett Islands and one of the Gaeltach (Irish Speaking) areas of Ireland. The beaches and views (especially from the mountains overlooking the coast around the peninsular) are superb and I would say unrivalled in Ireland or the UK.

We started on a Saturday morning at 10.30am and headed through Dingle Town, stopping at the characterful O'Currain's pub on our way through. We followed the coast road through Inch with its amazing 4 mile sandy beach, to Castlemaine where we ate our packed lunch, past Faranfore and on to Ballydesmond where we stopped at the main pub/restaurant for an excellent dinner of sausage and mash.  We continued to Boherbouy where we stayed in a house for the night, invited by a local man who stopped us on the road. On other nights we camped.

The following day we continued on small roads through Castletown Roche, Fermoy and on to Dungarvon where we stopped at one of many seafront traditional Irish pubs. We cycled along the coast road through Bunmahon and on to Tramore, finally heading up to Waterford.

In 2 long days we covered 293 Kilometres (around 180 miles) which was a lot. The views were stunning, the people charming and the food delicious. This is a great way to experience rural Ireland without a tour bus. You could even do a round trip inside 5 days. There is a good bike hire shop in Dingle town named Paddy's Bike Shop. It is around the corner from the excellent Grapevine Hostel.

Food in Ashe's pub opposite the Grapevine is excellent and so is Adams just up the street. We got great help from Dingle Phone Shop just along the road (John's Street). There is also an Internet cafe just along from the Grapevine Hostel.

Don't take too much bagage on a cycle trip. Clothing-wise, lycra type shirts and shorts / zip off trousers are light and can be washed and dried easily so only need two sets. Padded shorts help.
Consider taking a small tent in case you get stuck miles from anywhere and too tired to continue. Carry enough water for the day.

Mark & Sam Swain