Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Flintlock
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Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by Flintlock »

Not long back from five great days touring round Ireland

Saturday 28th August

Headed south down the A1 & M1 , joined the M50 that skirts round Dublin and onto the M11, then off at the R755 for Roundwood & the Wicklow Mountains. A right turn onto the R759 and it's our first stop at Lough Tay (The Guinness Lough)
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Form here its on to the Sally Gap then left onto the R115 & down to Laragh for the full Irish cooked breakfast

A great area to explore, & a great start to our trip
Last edited by Flintlock on Tue Sep 07, 2021 9:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
Flintlock
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Re: Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by Flintlock »

After breakfast its back on the bikes and on through the Curragh of Kildare - a large, pleasant open area of parkland with the R413 running through it. We continued on to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, west of Portlaoise - never been here before, but turns out to be another great area for motorbiking.

A quick coffee stop in Conaslee
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Then an un-named road from outside the village leading us up and through the hills and forest
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Worth coming back here to spend more time
Flintlock
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Re: Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by Flintlock »

After covering a couple of roads in the Slieve Bloom area, we crack on to Cashel where we had pre-booked a B&B for the night.

A quick stop at Cashel Castle - impressive to say the least - must have been a jaw dropper for those seeing it for the first time hundreds of years ago
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After booking into our accommodation it was back on the bikes and a visit to the Glen of Aherlow - another nice area

A few drinks in Cashel , followed by a lovely Indian meal and it was back to our accommodation

Tomorrow we would continue on our trip south
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Re: Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by Flintlock »

Sunday 29th August

Like the previous day - we were treated to a warm and sunny day. After our breakfast it was a short trip via the R639 for our first stop at Cahir Castle located alongside the River Suir. Another impressive castle
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One of two cannonballs found embedded in the castle wall after the removal of ivy
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Re: Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by Flintlock »

Next location was the Vee Pass - on the R668. Another Pass and area I had never heard off (thanks Barry) - great road and views
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Last edited by Flintlock on Tue Sep 07, 2021 9:43 am, edited 1 time in total.
johnnyboxer
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Re: Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by johnnyboxer »

Thanks
Looks great and good weather too
We buy things we don't need



With money we don't have



To impress people we don't even like
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Re: Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by Flintlock »

From the Vee Pass, we continued south on the R668, over the River Blackwater and past Lismore Castle (another castle worth a stop), round Cork City and on to the small village of Durrus on the west coast. Here we stopped with Barry's cousin and her husband and were treated to fresh made sandwiches and scones washed down with freshly brewed tea - very much appreciated.

Onward and into the Cork & Kerry Mountains and a great wee un-named road between Kilgarvan to Ballylickey. It is not known or named as a Pass, but it should be - a fantastic little road
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Re: Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by Flintlock »

Next up, and in the same area was The Priests Leap - once again another super road
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Flintlock
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Re: Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by Flintlock »

johnnyboxer wrote: Mon Sep 06, 2021 7:17 pm Thanks
Looks great and good weather too
Cheers Johnny - not a drop of rain for the entire trip & lovely and warm too - a first for me touring Ireland!
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Re: Ireland - Gaps, Leap and Passes

Post by Flintlock »

So, after another great day in the saddle it was time to find some accommodation - two of us had camping gear whilst the other two opted for another B&B. We all found suitable sites in and around Bantry, and would meet up in the morning .

Myself and Allan pitched our tents at Eagle Point Campsite - 1st class, a large site that allows you to find a nice quiet spot
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A nice spot for food and drink a short walk from the campsite
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