A lap of Ireland

After the week on Isle of Man it was nice to park up in Belfast for a few days to take a breather. It had been a fairly busy time from my last 2 weeks in New Zealand to getting the bike in Germany and making it to the TT races. I'm still reflecting on what is the most incredible race in the world. 

 

In the cities it can be difficult or expensive to find secure parking for the motorbike. I rung ahead to the hostel to confirm that the parking was indeed enclosed. On arrival it become clear that my accent was not understood and the parking was street side and not an option for my uninsured bike. Luckily the staff where happy enough for me to ride the bike up the steps and into the wide entrance way and out of sight behind locked doors.

 

The plan for Ireland was to do a clockwise loop and stick mainly to the coastline. It was a good ride taking about a couple of weeks. The weather was a bit crappy, there is no gravel roads but they have terrific little paved lanes throughout the country side, the people are great, the Guinness is actually a rather good beer and yes the proclaimer's are right, Irish girls are pretty.

 

 

reminders of Belfast's troubled history

City of Belfast

Standing on the slipway where the Titanic was built, across the way they now work on oil rigs.

Lots of impressive coastline in Ireland

....and also stone workings

Not much dirt roads in Ireland but you can find many neat little paved roads like this

 

One of the few sunny days in Ireland

Sunset in Dingle Harbour, South West Ireland

A few beers at the Hostel in Dingle. Ended up staying a few days here, great location and atmosphere.

Boat trip off the coast of Dingle, managed to see some Dolphins and a few Minke Whales and a heap of nice coastline

 

Irelands most westerly Islands

Nice colours on the Islands



Danielle, nice Irish girl whom I meet at the Dingle Hostel

Michael and his Dakar. Mihael worked at the hostel in Dingle and showed me a few local rides 

Quite liked these little MZ's, ridden up from Germany. 

 

Typical country road in Ireland, very narrow and with high stone walls on either side so visibility is often very restricted 

 

 

Thomas, on his daily walk up behind Dingle. Nice fellow. He reckoned the DR "looked powerful enough to make it up the hill" behind his place. My worn rear tyre was not good enough though for the boggy sections and had to return back down.

 

 

After a second attempt on a different route I got up pretty high above Dingle

 

 

In another area I come across some "Turf cutting". Once dried the peaty bricks are burned for heating.

 

 

 

 

Michel and his Rusty digger was cutting the turf  with his specially built bucket 

 

 

The old road heading up this valley and over the saddle looked really interesting, unfortunately it become too difficult for me.

 

 

At this point I give up, the road turns a bit too lumpy.

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of Castles about

 

 

 

 

My Great , Great Grand Farther Charles Riordan was born in Ireland and died in New Zealand. The Riordans originated from the O Riordans who came from Cork.

 

 

City of Galway, the Irish know how to have a good time. 

 

Lots of good traditional music in Galway

 

 

Some inland mountains in Ireland. There was an old fella living up in them there hills, he had no teeth and spoke funny, think it must have been Gaelic.