The fab four have arrived in Wexford. We really enjoyed the first Guinness of the tour, donated by Mike and Ruth
A certain French toilet anorak (ehem... Clive) would be interested in the facilities here
Team Ireland all shared one room at a farmhouse B&B last night and we were under a strict 11.30 curfew from our landlady. A hearty breakfast was followed by a scenic 30 mile bimble to our official starting point at Mizen Head.
Our discredited banker decided the 7.5 euro entry fee to walk to the end of the cliff was too expensive, so we settled for photos outside the gift shop.
On the way to Bantry we admired the view at Barley Bay and had lunch at Goleen. In the bar there was an interesting haircut photo 😱58 miles.
So, today the fab four went right across the bottom of Ireland! OK, we did use a large car between Wexford and Cork but then we cycled the remaining 50 miles to Skibbereen. The picture is from our 11's stop at Dungarvan.
Meanwhile, elsewhere within the EU, the fab four took a day off almost by only cycling 50 miles and up two mountain passes.
Following JT holding up the group, we climbed up to Turners Rock Tunnel before a descent to lunch at Kenmare.
All the hype about Molls Gap was a walk in the park for the fab four. We even had time to stop at the Torc Waterfall in Killarney Forrest.
Last night we spotted a typical Irish sign
Having waited for JT to fix his inner tube and sew his underwear (don't ask
) we finally got going at 9.30 this morning.
Leaving Killarney we picked up the quieter R roads to 11s at Tralee. It was then a matter of how lucky we would be with timings for the Shannon ferry crossing. Putting the hammer down on the flat roads paid off as we arrived just in time for the 2pm sailing.
At Kilrush we stopped for soup and tea before rolling into our overnight stop at the seaside town of Kilkee. 69 miles.
A 15.5mph blast was required today in order to beat storm Hector to Lisdoonvarna.
We arrived in light drizzle at lunchtime but are now snug in our executive hotel. Outside I can see many cyclist going by; all battling the heavy wind and rain to stay in contention for the North to South Wild Atlantic Way race that is currently underway.
It was so different last night!
A strong westerly wind hampered our progress from Galway along the Connemara peninsula this morning.
However, the predicted rain showers fell away from us as we made our way along a remote and at time bleak landscape. We came across just one coffee stop opportunity near Screeb so made sure we used it.
Scenery akin to Rannoch Moor and the Yorkshire Dales then followed as we made our way to our overnight stop at Clifden.
Last night storm Hector slammed into Lisdoonvarna. But that didn't bother the fab four as we tucked into our steak diner followed by Irish dancing.
This morning there was a bit of debris on the roads as we cycled with a tailwind to Galway. Highlights would be the sea views and going down Corkscrew Hill.
Now, Ireland is a bit pricey and we were running out of cash. In Galway centre Alan and I guarded the bikes while our eminent current and past Club Treasures went to the cash points. 30 minutes later they returned, cashless.... they then spent another 20 minutes finding another bank that would eventually give them a modest 200 euros each....... Those who are not discredited bankers then took five minutes and secured 500 euros each
The rain as we left Clifden this morning didn't last long. The 25mph westerly wind did help a lot, except for when our route switched back West as we went around the passes in the Maumturk Mountains and Sheeffry Hills.
We stopped for a bit of sight seeing at Kylemore Abbey and at Killay Harbour.
We had intended to stop at Westport tonight but there was no rooms to be had... At any Inn, so we pressed on to Castlebar.
All in all, the Connemara peninsula has proven to be bleak, remote but stunningly beautiful, a must see if you are ever in the area. 64 miles.
Yesterday's ride from Castlebar to Sligo was cross country and mainly on L roads. Think farm track or poorly maintained country lane to get an idea what L roads are like. Mist and drizzle accompanied the wind blowing across the Atlantic so no pictures. Being a Sunday and in rural Ireland it proved a challenge to find lunch. Every village shop and pub seemed to be closed. We did eventually come across an open shop in Carrowmaden, the owner made us sandwiches and even opened the pub next door, just for us!
Today's weather was much brighter as we first went around Lough Gill and through the Dartry Mountains. Lunch at Ballyshannon was followed by a blast along an N road (like a A road but with good hard shoulder you can cycle in) to our overnight stop in Donegal.
Well over 500 miles now and in 'soft' border country.
With a few spots falling and with the rain forecast to turn heavier as the day went on, the fab four set off early and in full waterproofs from Donegal this morning.
We have cycled up and down a few valleys in Western Ireland, many were formed by glaciers and are stunning to observe. Our first task was to cycle up another one via the Barnesmore Gap before tuning off at the top and going through a forest.
Lunch was at a transport cafe in St. Johnstown, right on the Brexit border with Euro's and Stirling both accepted. With the rain very light we pushed on and got to our destination, Buncrana, just in time to see Japan win only their fifth game in World Cup history.
As this is our last night in Ireland we are all trying to spend, or eek out, our remaining Euro's. 58 miles.
Breaking News!
Fab four make it to Malin Head and complete the Mizmal
