Ireland bike trip

[The emperor has no clothes]

My wife, myself and another couple are in the planning stages of a trip to Ireland next summer. The plan so far is to rent bikes for 7 days and travel around sort of in an unstructured way. Then fly to Spain for a couple days just as a regular tourist then fly back home. Anybody been there on M/C's and have any advice on where to go and what to see. Or any advice in general. Any ideas from our Irish club members would be appreciated also. My biggest concern is riding on the left side and am wondering how it was for anyone else that has done that. TIA

[mike72903]

I've done it in cars. A right hand drive car driving on the left was terrifying at first as it made it seem a head on crash was inevitable to on coming traffic on two lane highways. DAMHIKT.  I expect a MC will be easier as the perspective will be more normal.  Divided highways and narrow country roads are easy.  In towns, you need to keep your wits about you so a situation or distraction doesn't put you on the wrong side of the road by habit particularly when turning a corner.  Roundabouts are fun, once you learn you can just keep going around until you decide which road it is you need. 

[donaldcc]

   sounds like a lot of fun. 

[da prez]

We were there. Contact some of the Irish Valkers. Very friendly country. Good food , beer and weather changes by the mile.

                                                 da prez and wife

[mike72903]

Best lodging value is to be found in B&Bs, preferably in medium or small towns or just out in the country. There are lots of them.  You can buy B&B guides. Eat at the local pubs, good ales and bitters and beer.  We always found pub food excellent.  Thinking about it makes me want to go again

[pitbull]

Don't be to concerned about driving on the opposite side of the road. You'll pick it up quite easily.

If there's other traffic about it won't be a problem. It's when the roads are empty that might catch you out.
Being in the UK, I drive on the left full time. I've ridden the Valk to Europe(they drive on the right) twice now and done over 5k miles. Once on each trip I rode on the wrong side, just for a few yards. The first time was late evening, empty roads and I was looking for a hotel. I saw a sign post for the hotel and headed in that direction then came across another sign post saying it was back where I came from. After a couple of runs up and down I turned around in a car park and headed back, on the wrong side. It doesn't take long to realize you're not where you should be.
The second time we had just come out of an attraction at the top of a mountain and there was heavy rain, the road down was steep with a shear drop to oblivion from the edge of the tarmac. Got down to the T junction at the bottom, turned and ended up on the wrong side for 50 yards.

I've always fancied a trip to Southern Ireland but the lure of good weather and superb roads keep pulling me to Europe.
Have a great trip. 

[Chippy01]

Well, here's a pre-emptive céad míle fáilte for you meathead. 

As for hiring a bike, about the best place is http://www.motorental.ie/ but you might want to start saving the pennies though, it ain't cheap!!

Check out the Discover Ireland website too; in fact there is so much info online with regards to Ireland holidays, you'll be reading for weeks ...... 

If you can narrow down your interests, it might help your search. Also, check out some of the festivals held here online to see if any of them grab your fancy. Lisdoonvarna, the Galway Festival and the Puck Fair come to mind.
Road racing? look at the NorhWest 200 (ok, it's in Northern Ireland, but still great craic), The Skerries 100 or the Fore Festival are others.
Looking for big bikes? Check out the time and place for the GWOCI Treffin. This year it's about 10 miles from my house. It'll be a gas, I'm sure.

Whatever you do, enjoy!!!!!!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks guys! You've given me some good ideas Chippy that is the company we are going to rent from. And yes it is expensive ! But it is something that we are looking forward to. My wife really wants to see Ireland and I think riding over there will be a cool way to see the country

[Chippy01]

meathead, I found another one for you. Looks cheaper to rent, but they have a limited bike selection.

http://overlandersrentals.eu/rentals/pricing/

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks Chippy . I'll give them a call. Their prices are definitely better!