IRELAND: BEST OF THE EMERALD ISLE TOUR – JULY 2023
Ride the roads voted the best by Irish bikers and discover this amazing country and its fascinating history, with our guide, Steve Courtney.
Ireland: Best of the Emerald Isle Trip Report July 2023
Day 1
The Ireland tour got off to a cracking start with the easiest crossing imaginable from Holyhead to Dublin despite the windy weather. First on and off the ferry without a second’s delay, we all had a taste of what it must be like to be part of the royal family. The select group of 3 plus me enjoyed a magnificent 3 course dinner after first sampling a couple of pints of the black stuff. Early night for all after early starts today and looking forward to crossing into the North tomorrow. Next stop Belfast.
Day 2
We set out this morning bound for Belfast after a superb dinner last night and a hearty Irish breakfast this morning (do you see a theme emerging here?). Following a very interesting visit to the 5000 year old burial chambers at New Grange and lunch in the border town of Newry, we rode the Mourne coastal route with mountains to the left and the beautiful Antrim coast to our right.
I know it’s been said before, and as amazing and beautiful as Ireland is, it’s the friendliness of the people that really sets this place apart.
Day 3
A day off the bikes today so a chance to explore the city of Belfast. We visited the Titanic exhibition which is brilliantly put together and highly recommended. After a liquid lunch in a city centre pub, we took the open top bus tour around the city. Belfast has come a long way since the times of the Troubles, but it was still sobering to drive along the Falls and Shankhill roads where so many of the violent events of the past are still so clearly marked and remembered. Not a particularly uplifting experience but certainly thought provoking.
We are all looking forward to getting back on the bikes tomorrow for the scenic ride up to Londonderry
Day 4
Leaving Belfast this morning, we rode north to Larne and then along the coast road next to an almost perfectly still ocean through the Antrim countryside. Bliss. The weather has been pretty kind to us so far with only the odd short, sharp shower but today we were treated to an hour or so of what some locals have been known to call “wet rain”.
Undeterred, we visited the world famous Giant’s Causeway (now owned by the National Trust who have turned the place into a serious commercial opportunity) and then onto the village of Bushmills, most famous for the oldest whiskey distillery in Ireland, where the golden nectar has been produced since the 17th century.
Tomorrow we head south and back into the Republic where more fantastic roads and beautiful scenery beckon. Oh, and the forecast says no rain. Fingers crossed 
Day 5
Londonderry to Inniscrone. Today was a moderately long day (185 miles) that seemed to pass quickly due to the quality of the Irish roads, resulting in high average speeds. Our journey took us through some big scenery, pretty villages and along beautiful coastline, with a delicious lunch in Donegal town. The seafood chowder was probably the best I’ve ever had.
After a slightly damp start we had good weather all the way, arriving at our lovely hotel in Inniscrone which overlooks a fantastic crescent-shaped surfing beach.
If you haven’t ridden in Ireland, you really should give it a try because it has everything: amazing scenery, brilliant roads, fantastic food and the friendliest, most welcoming people.
Day 6
After a challenging day, a hot shower, a good meal and a couple of pints of Guinness, topped off with some traditional Irish music, all is well with the world again. John seems to disagree but that’s just his way of letting us know he’s having a great time 
Day 7
What a difference a day makes! Fantastic day on the bikes today. After (mostly) drying out our kit we set off from Galway. The whole day was great but the Ring of Kerry is really special. As ever the pictures don’t come close to doing the views justice but you get the idea. A great day ended with a good dinner and a few beers in Killarney. Ireland is a wonderful place to tour for so many reasons.
Day 8
After a “lively” evening in Killarney we set off this morning to ride the 200+ miles to Waterford in County Kilkenny. After some busy weather overnight we were relieved to discover that the rain stopped as soon as we set off and continued to improve as the day wore on.
Heading around the Beara peninsula and over Healy Pass (known locally as the famine road) that joins Counties Kerry and Cork we rode some tremendous roads through breathtaking scenery, stopping in Glengarriff for coffee and a bit of lunch in Macroom. The afternoon saw us stop at Blarney castle before finishing up at our hotel outside Waterford, where we enjoyed a hearty meal, a few drinks and the usual friendly service we have come to expect here in Ireland. Sadly tomorrow is our last day in this beautiful and friendly country. We will all miss it.
Day 9
A good last day as we rode from Waterford back to Dublin and the ferry via the Wicklow Mountain National Park. We rode over the old military road, parts of which had recently been resurfaced. During the works, some comedian had decided to include some completely unmarked speed bumps which caught us all out as we all unexpectedly took to the air. Fortunately our speeds were fairly low at that time so no harm done.
After a smooth and easy crossing, we all enjoyed the final dinner at the Trearddur Bay hotel before going our separate ways this morning.
We’re sure you will have been inspired by this trip report, so why not ask us about upcoming dates so that you can experience it first hand?