Back to Killarney - July 27, 2022

I took a round about way back to Killarney. I headed up Moll's Gap and then back over the Gap of Dunlop. Dunloe was crazy busy with e-bikes and horse carriages and walkers! Seems they kick the passengers out to walk the steep bits! Definitely check out the video!

I had hoped to stay at the same BnB I had a few days prior, but it was booked. I had booked another place and dropp[ed my gear there before headed out to the Castlemaine climb. 

Unfortunately the place I found was right on a busy road, with the room right at the front. I was uncomfortable leaving the window open, since it was right out to the street. But it was hot and noisy. So note to self not to stay here again! But it was handy for the train bright and early the next day. I'd take the train back to Dublin, pack up the bike and then fly to Amsterdam for the second leg of the trip

Priest's Leap - Jul 26, 2022

 Our friend, Dave Cain, alerted us to Priest's Leap, a few years ago, when he toured around Ireland. It's been on the list since. John and avid rode it a few months back, and now was my turn. First thing though was breakfast at Maison Gourmet. Then I'd find some proper Irish roads with grass up the middle and free range sheep. I even saw another lone cyclists, coming down the side I was climbing. I survived the climb, but was very happy I was staying in Kenmare for two nights and could ride it with less gear. I returned to town for a great lunch at my favorite French bakery and then take on another short loop before heading back to the BnB.

 

 

 

Killarney to Kenmare - Jul 25, 2022

John came over earlier in the year and travelled out west with David. They stayed at a BnB just outside of Kenmare that he raved about. So it was a must stay place for me. I reserved it for a couple of nights and then plotted a route via the Ballaghbeama Gap. This gap has featured on a few trips for us, so I knew what I was getting into. What I didn't expect was crazy traffic. Just after the pass, I saw an oncoming cyclists, then a speeding rental van, and another touring cyclist. This road is normally very quiet, but for some reason, lots of vans were here on this day. The day started wet, but sun came out by the end of the day. I found a great afternoon snack in Kenmare before making my way out to the BnB

The view from the BnB

 

Gap of Dunloe - July 24, 2022

After a day with family, Dave headed out with me briefly to catch the train west. It was a bit of a journey, with a change of trains, then finding the bnb, but daylight in Ireland lasts well into the evening, so I had time after arriving to take in a loop up the Gap of Dunlop. I was quite lucky to bump into a local who kept me company and showed me a lovely shortcut at the top. 

 

photos

Mount Leinster - July 22, 2022

This was my first trip after the pandemic started. I pack loads of masks, along with my bike and touring gear. A group of friends were planning to get together in the Netherlands for a week. That's too short for me to travel all the way to Europe, so I decided to bookend it with stays in Ireland. This coincided with my nephew's birthday, so I planned to start the trip in Carlow, see family, celebrate the birthday and then head to the west coast. 

John's sister picked me up at the airport and graciously drove me down to Dave and Siobhán's house. After my red eye flight, I thought about taking a nap, but instead decided to put the bike back together. It's been a while, and I ended up texting a few photos back to John to remind me which side had spacers a such. But I managed to reassemble the puzzle and then headed out for a short ride to check everything on the bike was right and clear my head of cobwebs. 

The next day, I set out for Mount Leinster, one of the toughest climbs in Ireland. It was a glorious day for it, with mild winds and wonderful views at the top. It was nice to do it somewhat lightly laden, as well.