It's worth to mention the road fatalities rising lately, mostly pedestrians, 8 cyclists in 2023 and 1 this year so far. Narrow routes with bushes and trees growing out of control reduces the visibility for drivers in the many curves and bends. Wicklow Town to Britas Bay in spring / summer has a lot of cars. The same going to Rathdrum. I found it very dangerous with cars never slowing down when overtaking in the small routes. I like cycling with my son (using the kids ride shotgun seat), we do some wildcamping around Wicklow Town with the bicycle loaded for the 2 of us. I wouldn't risk it in the route with him. Maybe we do the Grand Canal or Royal Canal this summer.
I agree, with kids we need a little more precaution, last year I made from Waterford to dungarven and I love. cars free and the amazing landscape , of course, at the final of the day we catch a monumental downpour 😅, welcome to the channel.❤❤
I've taken my folding bicycle to Ireland three times and have had some good day rides, almost all in the west. I haven't tried camping there and don't know if I'd care to considering all the rain, but I'm an old guy and can use that as an excuse. Come to think of it, it was four times not three. But the first time was with a regular touring bicycle, not a folder.
I bicycle toured in Irelend for about 3 weeks in 1983. Although we had a few wet days the weather was generally pretty good, which means it wasn't raining or blowing a gale and not that the sun came out. Maybe we were just lucky but overall it was great.
Our rural roads are definitely not very friendly for cyclists. Especially most of the "R" Regional roads between most country towns can be very winding and narrow with absolutely no space for a bicycle. Cars and trucks often passing dangerously close on bends or with oncoming traffic at very fast speeds. I would not ride my bike between Carrickmacross and Dundalk in the North East in the mornings because too many car commuters will take too many dangerous overtaking risks expecially when they are rushing to work. It's crazy. It's less dangerous later in the day or even in the evenings and night but still not great, You really do need nerves of steel to ride on narrow, very busy roads with many sharp and blind bends where there's barely enough space for two trucks to get past each other. And vehicles will mostly be travelling at the 80kph speed limit or often faster. I do ride on these roads but not in the mornings when the adrenaline pumping red mist of the commuting imperative is filling the vision of drivers who will ignore the safety of everything else they meet on the road in their rush to get to work. Not all drivers by any means. But there is an aggressive minority who are frighteningly dangerous to cyclists on these roads. So if I don't feel safe to commute by bike in the morning, then I end up taking my car every time instead. Although I think that the weather is not just as bad as described. And I have never bike toured so I have no practical experience of that. Just discovered this channel and I have subscribed, liked and commented. 👍
@@the-portuguese-guy Even though you appear to be more focused on roadie and bike packing cycling I will definitely be returning. My priorities are very much utilitarian and practical car alternative with a bike. See you around my friend. 👍
@@tconnolly9820 The main subject of this channel is the bike, and I hope I can cover everything around the bike, from commuting to BikePacking. You always welcome mister ❤️❤️
as someone from Ireland the tips i would give to bikepackers coming here is to go to Scotland instead. very similar culture, weather and feeling, but better bike infrastructure. however people should be aware that Ireland has a temperate rainforest climate, although we cut down the forest long ago. the country roads aren't that bad, people pass you close yes but when you see a tractor you just pull onto the grass. If you expect city infrastructure on our rural roads you will be disappointed (i am unsure why any country would pay to clean cow dung off a road surrounded by cattle farms?), but if you're willing to get dirty its an enjoyable experience. and comparing my experiences to rural Belgium, Irish people are much more friendly and helpful if you get stuck, but don't expect people to have 2nd languages unless you're in Dublin.
Hello my friends, do you know where is Ireland on our planet ? if you had the pleasure to bikepacking here, please...put your feelings below on comments. Many ❤❤❤ for you, no matter you live.
July's a great month for Donegal. Bring OLD TECH bikes. You bring a 12 speed, internally routed Di2 carbon machine and you'll be screwed; no spares, no expertise. Most roads between towns have no pavements and no street lighting and are often populated by young people doing 90 in cars PACKED with other young people. Sea food is fantastic anywhere on " The Wild Atlantic Way " and everyone...EVERYONE is warm, welcoming and friendly.
3 years ago we made Donegal😅, one day without rain and from Malin Head to Leterkeny we catch a monumental thunderstorm all day, I never forget that day 😅. welcome to the channel ❤❤❤
It sounds like Ireland has many of the same issues as the UK. Bad weather is okay it's a part of life and the adventure but poor infrastructure and aggressive drivers just takes away the enjoyment. At least when I cycled through Wales we hardly met any cars on the back roads and the few we met were courteous, unfortunately that attitude did not seem to exist if we had to go on any slightly busy road. Germany, Denmark and Sweden have all been much less stressful in my opinion and Denmark and Sweden have great camping opportunities. I hope to try some trips in France, Spain and Portugal in the coming years, I hear in France and Spain drivers have a much more accommodating attitude towards cyclists (I haven't heard much either way about Portugal).
My friend in Portugal and Spain have more enforcement from authoritys and the fine for who not comply is heavy. I know very well wales , the Portuguese Guy channel manager is from Wales😅, and I had the pleasure riding on almost all UK, and yes, the drivers simply not see you😂. welcome to the channel my friend, enjoy❤
I wanted to bring my bike with me & bikepack in Ireland in 2018, but my mom (from Ireland) veeery much advised against it. Immediately upon driving/walking, I understood.
off course, I'm from a country in summer reach 45 degrees Celsius😅, here in Ireland is good because the engine not blow up with the hot 🔥. Welcome to the channel my friend.♥️
Ohh...yeah..😂 that guy's I plan do a special episode, but I think in Ireland have another Litlle animal more danger: Assassin's Ants, I suffer a lot in summer.
It's worth to mention the road fatalities rising lately, mostly pedestrians, 8 cyclists in 2023 and 1 this year so far.
Narrow routes with bushes and trees growing out of control reduces the visibility for drivers in the many curves and bends.
Wicklow Town to Britas Bay in spring / summer has a lot of cars. The same going to Rathdrum.
I found it very dangerous with cars never slowing down when overtaking in the small routes.
I like cycling with my son (using the kids ride shotgun seat), we do some wildcamping around Wicklow Town with the bicycle loaded for the 2 of us. I wouldn't risk it in the route with him. Maybe we do the Grand Canal or Royal Canal this summer.
I agree, with kids we need a little more precaution, last year I made from Waterford to dungarven and I love. cars free and the amazing landscape , of course, at the final of the day we catch a monumental downpour 😅, welcome to the channel.❤❤
I've taken my folding bicycle to Ireland three times and have had some good day rides, almost all in the west. I haven't tried camping there and don't know if I'd care to considering all the rain, but I'm an old guy and can use that as an excuse. Come to think of it, it was four times not three. But the first time was with a regular touring bicycle, not a folder.
When not raining and the sun come, Ireland is the paradise 🤗welcome to the channel mister♥️♥️
I bicycle toured in Irelend for about 3 weeks in 1983. Although we had a few wet days the weather was generally pretty good, which means it wasn't raining or blowing a gale and not that the sun came out. Maybe we were just lucky but overall it was great.
You have luck 😅, welcome to the channel, my friend, Ireland remember me a lot the Azores islands, like here...there when have sun is a paradise.❤❤
Our rural roads are definitely not very friendly for cyclists. Especially most of the "R" Regional roads between most country towns can be very winding and narrow with absolutely no space for a bicycle. Cars and trucks often passing dangerously close on bends or with oncoming traffic at very fast speeds.
I would not ride my bike between Carrickmacross and Dundalk in the North East in the mornings because too many car commuters will take too many dangerous overtaking risks expecially when they are rushing to work. It's crazy. It's less dangerous later in the day or even in the evenings and night but still not great,
You really do need nerves of steel to ride on narrow, very busy roads with many sharp and blind bends where there's barely enough space for two trucks to get past each other. And vehicles will mostly be travelling at the 80kph speed limit or often faster.
I do ride on these roads but not in the mornings when the adrenaline pumping red mist of the commuting imperative is filling the vision of drivers who will ignore the safety of everything else they meet on the road in their rush to get to work. Not all drivers by any means. But there is an aggressive minority who are frighteningly dangerous to cyclists on these roads.
So if I don't feel safe to commute by bike in the morning, then I end up taking my car every time instead.
Although I think that the weather is not just as bad as described. And I have never bike toured so I have no practical experience of that.
Just discovered this channel and I have subscribed, liked and commented. 👍
It's a pleasure have you here,, my friend🙏. any question you have, just ask here.❤️❤️
@@the-portuguese-guy Even though you appear to be more focused on roadie and bike packing cycling I will definitely be returning. My priorities are very much utilitarian and practical car alternative with a bike. See you around my friend. 👍
@@tconnolly9820 The main subject of this channel is the bike, and I hope I can cover everything around the bike, from commuting to BikePacking.
You always welcome mister ❤️❤️
as someone from Ireland the tips i would give to bikepackers coming here is to go to Scotland instead. very similar culture, weather and feeling, but better bike infrastructure. however people should be aware that Ireland has a temperate rainforest climate, although we cut down the forest long ago. the country roads aren't that bad, people pass you close yes but when you see a tractor you just pull onto the grass. If you expect city infrastructure on our rural roads you will be disappointed (i am unsure why any country would pay to clean cow dung off a road surrounded by cattle farms?), but if you're willing to get dirty its an enjoyable experience. and comparing my experiences to rural Belgium, Irish people are much more friendly and helpful if you get stuck, but don't expect people to have 2nd languages unless you're in Dublin.
I my friend, like a tell on video...i love, but I know to cycling here is not for everyone, welcome to the channel my friend,,♥️
Hello my friends, do you know where is Ireland on our planet ? if you had the pleasure to bikepacking here, please...put your feelings below on comments.
Many ❤❤❤ for you, no matter you live.
July's a great month for Donegal. Bring OLD TECH bikes. You bring a 12 speed, internally routed Di2 carbon machine and you'll be screwed; no spares, no expertise. Most roads between towns have no pavements and no street lighting and are often populated by young people doing 90 in cars PACKED with other young people. Sea food is fantastic anywhere on " The Wild Atlantic Way " and everyone...EVERYONE is warm, welcoming and friendly.
3 years ago we made Donegal😅, one day without rain and from Malin Head to Leterkeny we catch a monumental thunderstorm all day, I never forget that day 😅.
welcome to the channel ❤❤❤
It sounds like Ireland has many of the same issues as the UK. Bad weather is okay it's a part of life and the adventure but poor infrastructure and aggressive drivers just takes away the enjoyment. At least when I cycled through Wales we hardly met any cars on the back roads and the few we met were courteous, unfortunately that attitude did not seem to exist if we had to go on any slightly busy road. Germany, Denmark and Sweden have all been much less stressful in my opinion and Denmark and Sweden have great camping opportunities. I hope to try some trips in France, Spain and Portugal in the coming years, I hear in France and Spain drivers have a much more accommodating attitude towards cyclists (I haven't heard much either way about Portugal).
My friend in Portugal and Spain have more enforcement from authoritys and the fine for who not comply is heavy.
I know very well wales , the Portuguese Guy channel manager is from Wales😅, and I had the pleasure riding on almost all UK, and yes, the drivers simply not see you😂.
welcome to the channel my friend, enjoy❤
I wanted to bring my bike with me & bikepack in Ireland in 2018, but my mom (from Ireland) veeery much advised against it. Immediately upon driving/walking, I understood.
Welcome to the channel , take a look at playlist ''Bikepacking Ireland':
Cheers ♥️♥️♥️
Because the Decathlon store has no bikes in stock and it's rated by it's clients at 1.3 on 5. Totally lame.
If you’re from Southern Europe you need to come to Ireland in the summer to cool off😀
off course, I'm from a country in summer reach 45 degrees Celsius😅, here in Ireland is good because the engine not blow up with the hot 🔥.
Welcome to the channel my friend.♥️
You missed the midgies.
Ohh...yeah..😂 that guy's I plan do a special episode, but I think in Ireland have another Litlle animal more danger: Assassin's Ants, I suffer a lot in summer.
Yeah we missed them in Scotland as well, 4 years ago we were plagued by them I look at the midgeycast now before heading out🤣