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Ireland. Cork, Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way.


Motobiker

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Just a few days to go and we're about set. just 3 of us this year. The "Birthday Boys" as we all share the same birthday. (funnily enough)

So, Ireland.. Easy enough to get to and without any of the complications involved in crossing to Mainland Europe. Only two bits of documentation required. A passenger Locator form to be filled in 72 hours (or less) before arrival in Ireland. And proof of full vaccination. And that's it. No passport, just proof of ID - a UK driving license. very civilised.

No Covid tests needed either before departure or after arrival in either direction. Which, not only removes a major hassle - it also removes any risk of being denied re-entry to the UK if bad luck strikes and we pick up the virus while away.

Weather forecast looks positive for the start, at least. This weekend. My dog is being collected at (or before) 10am on Friday and I will be setting off shortly after that, Meeting one of the guys at Burton on Trent and then another (who isn't crossing with us) near Cannock. Number 3 is still unsure about arrival times, so will turn up when he's good and ready.  Then a bit of Motorway to near Telford after which, onto normal roads south and west into mid and south west Wales (via Elan) to our overnight digs at a place called Spittal, midway between Haverfordwest and Fishguard. An old police house that is a roofless ruin on streetview. But has since been restored and looks really quite nice.

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Relaxed start on Saturday morning, into Fishguard for a big breakfast and then over to the Docks for check-in and boarding at midday.  Once across we will be having a 130 mile dash to Cork, via Waterford and then stopping overnight just outside the little town of Kinsale, which marks the southern start of the Wild Atlantic way coastal route. Our back of an envelope plan is to spend a few days in Kerry, based just outside Killarney and explore as well as following the route, Then head north, again following the route as far as Connemara, before wending our way east to Dublin and the return ferry to Holyhead. If we have rain, and that's practically certain and it looks like a day will be a washout, then we'll have a day off from riding and head into town. find a nice pub at some point and get pissed. (has to be done)

 

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And that's about it with the pre-plan, I'll post further on here as the days pass and internet connections allow.

 

 

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The ride down was alright, a little bit of rain to start with but once into mid Wales the sun came out and it became rather warm. Now at our overnight stop at Spittal. Huge place all to ourselves relaxed start in the morning load up and ride into Fishguard for a big breakfast before getting ready to board at midday. Looks to be dry tomorrow and a 30% chance of light rain on Sunday.

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1 minute ago, Motobiker said:

The ride down was alright, a little bit of rain to start with but once into mid Wales the sun came out and it became rather warm. Now at our overnight stop at Spittal. Huge place all to ourselves relaxed start in the morning load up and ride into Fishguard for a big breakfast before getting ready to board at midday. Looks to be dry tomorrow and a 30% chance of light rain on Sunday.

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There used to be a good cafe right by the ferry port in Fishguard not sure if its still there

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21 minutes ago, Sir Fallsalot said:

There used to be a good cafe right by the ferry port in Fishguard not sure if its still there

I found one with great reviews at the old railway station, which is very close by the docks. It’s very still tonight so the crossing should be smooth, hopefully. Then a mad dash to Kinsale.

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5 hours ago, boboneleg said:

My mate had a VFR like that, such a lovely smooth bike to ride :classic_cool:

I've had two VFRs, only thing faster off the line was my V-Max but that didn't stop and didn't go round bends, that's a whole nother story

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18 hours ago, XTreme said:

@Motobiker......you in Ireland yet?

Yes, county cork. No internet till today. Current heading west in the wild Atlantic way. Sun is shining and it’s lovely. Some rather nadgery roads, my abs engaged, which was quite exciting. 

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31 minutes ago, Motobiker said:

Yes, county cork. No internet till today. Current heading west in the wild Atlantic way. Sun is shining and it’s lovely. Some rather nadgery roads, my abs engaged, which was quite exciting. 

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Looks great there Tony!

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Sunshine in Ireland.:classic_ohmy:

We did some of the Atlantic way some years ago, very nice if not a little the same and yes we had some good rain in places.
The locals were great though. Enjoy. 

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Now at Killarney and we’re going to stay here until Thursday morning, came over Mills gap and it’s pass, that’s the road from kenmare north into the national park, which was really nice. But obviously a Sunday so a lot of trippers. Normal workday tomorrow onwards so should be much better. Probably Dingle peninsula tomorrow, Ring of Kerry on Tuesday and Ring of Beara on Wednesday. Back of an envelope plan. More photos from tomorrow as today was mostly about getting here. One of the lads got to stand in the Atlantic!! Exciting. Anyway 18:45. Tents are up and shortly a walk to the pub/carvery along the road. We’re a little way out of Killarney. Quiet campsite, set back from the “ring of Kerry road” - I’m tired. 551 road miles from my front door, a lot of the roads today have been quite nadgery, narrow lanes with grass up the middle. It’s been fun.  Despite the damp start. 

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Top of the morning to ye!!  7am and blue skies, no dew - everything is bone dry. Coffee made and waiting for 8 and the local Lidl to open to go buy breakfast. Croissants and so on. I think we will head for the Dingle peninsula today, zumo tells me it’s a 38 mile ride, so nothing too intense - a very easy and relaxing day in store (famous last words) and see where we end up. 
 

view from the tent of the mountains peeping through the trees.

 

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Glorious day on the Dingle peninsula. Doing a figure of 8, currently stopped for a late lunch at a garage cum deli before heading over the Conor pass. Dingle itself was a tourist hell. So a very brief pause. Had a look at the Blasket islands and passed the most westerly bar in Europe (apparently) map shows where we were for the photo opportunity.

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