Are ye mad? Ye’ll be killed! 

So were our Bon Voyages as we headed to the Emerald Isle with our bikes for a three-week gander… Arriving to a torrential downpour in Dublin airport, it was an absolute luxury to have Tom arrive with his trailer and shuttle us off to County Kildare to start our trip in style. Our route was a loop in the southern half of the island taking in Kilkenny, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry and Clare before heading back up to Longford. 

And yes, all those castles and pubs, traditional musical sessions and deserted beaches, huge fry-ups and cosy bed and breakfasts were there to welcome us and send us on our merry way. What’s more, we did live to tell the tale… Thumbs up for Irish drivers, who still seem to find cyclists a novelty. We have to say that they were more than respectful and encouraging to us and our little orange flags… even on July 12th!

(Ireland, July ’04)