Day 7: Pedal Power to Derry

Day 7 and we set off from Strandhill Beach feeling fresh legged and ready for a good day's cycle. Alas, 4.7 miles down the road Rhys' pedal started to play up again but this time, it was stuck in a static position rather than turning round as it should. Nightmare! We took it apart and when ball bearings started dropping out of it we decided that we needed to log an emergency call with Colin Bromley who told us that it was game over! Luckily, only 10 mins down the road in Sligo, Gary's cycle shop saved the day and fitted Rhys out with a brand new set of pedals and off we went.

We had the most amazing morning cycle along the Wild Atlantic Way with stunning views of the coast on our left and towering rock formations on our right (albeit a very windy route!). We then had lunch in a charming little village called Ballyshannon where we met up with Joe and Ross before making our way onto Derry. Derry was also lovely and we explored by walking the walls of the city. Ross cooked us a delicious lasagne (tanks a million Ross!) in the evening before having an over excited Easter egg hunt!

Day 6: Knocking it up on the Coast

The cyclists set off on day 6 more than 30 minutes late; though today they had a legitamate reason as Rita (our lovely B&B host) kept us occupied at breakfast talking about how in the not too distant past, women who were pregnant out of wedlock would be sent to the laundries and their child given up for adoption (pretty heavy for 8.45am!).

As we all departed on a grey and slightly damp morning though, the cyclists (after a few wrong turns) headed up the N17 towards Knock. Meanwhile, those of a motorised persuasion headed for the more meandering route north via Ross Friary and Lough Carrib. As the morning wore on and the cyclists were making good progress north, us in the car headed to Foxford Woollen Mill, a delightful place where you could not only see a working woollen mill and see its wears in the shop, but also sit in the café where we had tea 4 two!

As lunchtime approached the two parties merged in Knock, where we had all had toasties outside a local café and vistied the world famous Roman Catholic Pilgrimage sight, the 'Knock Shrine' where over 100 years ago observers stated they saw an apperation of the Virgin Mary appear. The shrine is visited by over 1.5 milllion each year who go to pray and get sample of the holy water that flows next to the church (if anyone would like some, Joe and I can do you a good deal!).

As we left Knock the two parties headed their seperate ways, only to be reunited later in the afternoon at our evening stop in Strandhill (just west of Sligo). Here we went for a short walk along the seafront, saw the sunset (sort of - it was cloudy), and took in the sea breeze, fresh air and 2 cray guys attempting to surf.

Owing to the fact that our rooms for the night were smaller than our hire car, we spent the evening in the local pub playing cards, eating food and sampling some of the local beers before heading to bed for a well earned rest.

Day 5 - Feeding Ostriches on the Wild Atlantic Way

5 Days in and the team finally spend the day together. First stop was the visually stunning Cliffs of Moher. For those of you thinking about a visit to western ireland these are a must see attraction. Also we highly recommend a car park a couple of clicks south of the cliffs that charges 2 euro per vehicle rather than the one at the cliffs which is 6 euro per person.

After a nice 3km hike up and down the coast we headed for the grand opening of Moher Hill Open farm and Leisure Park which had mini golf, animal feeding, go karts, folk museum and a wishing chair! Much fun was had with Rhys winning the golf and Elise making a new best pal (sorry Soph) with an Ostrich. 

The day couldn't get much better but we did also see another castle, beach and eat in a lovely seaside restaurant. It was a nice welcome break from cycling but we ill be back on the bikes tomorrow so get ready to track us again.

Day 4: What a Corking Cycle on the N20!

We started the day 15 mins late again due to Bromley Faff but as we had a very achievable 60 mile day we weren't at all worried having previously smashed the last two days. No stopping to kiss Blarney stones as we had places to be. Places being 6 hours on the N20 : an action packed road full of lorries, service stations and an unfortunate ex-badger. Notable events were an 11am toilet break where we thought we were peeing over a ridge but it turned out to be someones drive (may be too much information) and a 1pm hot lunch at Charlestonville (or sum such) petrol station. Cycling ended in Limerick with the much anticipated Moof meet up. 

In the mean time Ross went to pick up the cripple Joe from Cork airport and they sullied off in the car to Ross Castle on Ross Road in Ross Town, visiting a waterfall, a Lady's view (see pic below) and a Leprachaun crossing. 

When we finally joined forces a wild evening of mules, Irish coffee and Penny's ensued:

Day 3 : Release the Irish Dancing Hounds

We got fuelled up with a hearty Irish breakfast before heading to landmark no. 1 - the Rock of Cashel (a nice castle on a large rock!). We then headed off on our merry way down some little Irish country lanes which were beautiful & had some great views, but very slow going as they were hilly and bumpy.  Memorable moments of the day were being chased by aggressive dogs keeping guard outside every farm (not sure why they paid more attention to me than Rhys!), I fell off my bike as I'm still a novice using my cleats, and Rhys found out my secret that I can't tell me right from my left. 

We then met Mr Penstone-Smith at Mitcheltown Caves and explored the huge stalagmites and stalactites before finishing off the rest of the cycling day. Ross found his favourite bumper sticker on a pimped up car saying '4 doors, more whores' and our evening saw us in Cork indulging in more yummy pub food and listing to some live music, although sadly RPS didn't crack out his Irish dance moves. Maybe tomorrow night!!

Day 2: It's a Long Hurl to Tipperary

Day 2. After a nightclub below the hotel keeping us awake until 3am, we woke bleary eyed and set off for a full day of cycling. Rhys and I cycled at record speeds of 26mph on what felt like a motorway while Ross went off to pick up supplies and had a delightful day visiting a waterfall and a castle. We had a 'lovely' experience when we had to stop for a wee at the side of the road in what can only be described as a tip, only to find 5 mins up the road were the services..arghhh!!

After our initial 50 miles we then watched a hurling (aka curling as Rhys kept calling it) match which can only be described as an aggressive mulch of hockey/football/rugby and lacrosse. Very exciting match, especially when the Irish guy behind us kept shouting 'JEEEZUS'!!

We then set off at a steady pace to our final destination, a luxury B&B with its very own castle (great choice MOOF!)

Joe had his op on his collar bone today too so we all have our fingers crossed that he'll be able to come and join us on Tuesday.

Day 1: Dublin Bike Trafficking

Day 1 in Ireland...it's been interesting! 

Firstly because we're here on a MOOF trip without the MOOF (we miss you Joe!), secondly because it's pretty disconcerting sending your bike off through a black hole at Gatwick praying that it's going to turn up in Ireland, and thirdly because on our initial 13 mile cycle from the airport to our hotel, Rhys' pedal fell off & we ended up walking the last 15 mins of the route. The adventure had certainly started!  We've also sampled our first few pints of Guinness in an Irish pub whilst watching the Irish win their 6 nations rugby match, and finished our wild night drinking tea in our hotel room (next time Ross will try not to spill his whole cup of tea over his bed and his trousers!) Looking forward to day 2!