Advice needed for planned Cycling trip around Co Clare

Dara Robinson

So always loved cycling and in my plan to get healthy and fit again I am trying to get more active and what not. I was reading over some stuff on the Lonely Planet website and stumbled onto this:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/travel-tips-and-articles/75502

When I saw that Clare was number five on the list I started to look into it. A nice long trip had always been something I have wanted to do since I did one when I was young over the Pyrenees in Spain.

So at the moment I only have a shell of an idea. Its a 300+ km trip basically around the coast of Clare starting and ending in Limerick. I am thinking, seeing as I am not very fit, that it will take me 5 days (4 nights) but I will be aware that that might change either way depending on weather and what not.
http://tinyurl.com/5up2qnf

The areas, towns and so on that I was thinking about were:
The Shannon Estuary
Kilkee
Cliffs of Moher
Doolin
Burren Limestone area and probably the Burren National Park
Lough Derg

I am hoping to get some advice on route, location stops and areas I should go through and also cheap accommodation. I am planning to camp as much as I can but I assume that I wont be able to just set up tent any old place so I have a few camp sites noted but hoping for some advice on that also.
So far I have seen:
http://www.camping-ireland.ie/parks/clare/41-green-acres-caravan-a-camping-park.html
http://www.doolincamping.com/rates.html
http://www.lakesideireland.com/booking.htm

They are all cheap and seem to have a deal for cyclists for under a tenner which is what I was hoping for.

I used to do a lot of cycling when I was younger and have some experience so not too worried about advice on equipment, clothing, bike and so on. Its mainly the area, route and so on that I am lacking in info.

Seeing as no one I know is able to take the time off to do this with me looks like I will be alone for the trip so planning will be essential.

Any and all advice, tips and pointers are welcome

Thanks in advance

Captain Havoc

Ailwee caves, Craggy island parochial house, Corkscrew hill

a148pro

Sounds great, Clare is definitely on my list of places to spin around, have had my eye on getting the bus down to Galway and then heading out along the coast.

Can't offer any advice (apart from suggesting a 'credit card' tour - i.e., B&Bs), but it is absolutely mandatory that if you come here looking for advice you post a trip report with photos afterwards:).

Actually, maybe have a look at the bike touring thread here, lots of good info there, searched but can't find it for some reason?

lescol

I did this last Saturday http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/36665892

Memorable parts would be Loop Head, esp the northern coast going into Kilkee. The Burren, Cliffs of Moher (visited on the Sunday with the family), Fanore to Ballyvaughan to Lisdoonvarna. There was a head wind for about 150km so sightseeing wasn't a priority at the time!

Took the family into Aillwee Caves and Burren Birds of Prey Centre, we all loved the birds display. Also stopped into The West Clare Railway in Moyasta, not a huge amount there but the two guys running it gave us great entertainment.

WakeyTyke

Would agree with lescol you have to do the Loop Head peninsula!

Turn at Lisdeen Church and go through Querrin, Doonaha, Carrigaholt, stay close to the estuary and on to Kilbaha and Loop Head.

Make sure to take the R487 turn-off on the way back to Kilkee for one of the most stunning coast roads in the country.

ROK ON

Clare is fanastic in most respects.
Agree with lads on Coastal cycle around the head.
A few weeks back I cycled from Fanore to Killimer car ferry via Cliffs Kilkee Miltown Malbay Kilkee and Kilrush. One of the best cycles in the country.

Sightseeing. Caves Cliffs and Castles. Good surf at Lahinch and Fanore. Burren is beautiful in any weather.

Clare is exposed and very windy nearly always.
Downside for me is the impracticality of getting around. Bring cash. Very few ATMs and so many pubs shops eateries don't take cards.

Dara Robinson

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/37146040
Revised route after talking to some people and reading some posts. I might look into some of the recommended location again and re-revise again later

I have included some spots I am thinking of that will work as stopping points and they are all between 60km - 80km roughly. They depend of trip difficulty or what I expect it to be but I think it should be all achievable.

I am having trouble finding cheap camping sites in some of the desired locations, any ideas?

WakeyTyke

The route is missing the spectacular cliff cycle into Kilkee.

You have the correct turn-off onto the R487 but go left 200m after the 90 degree right bend (the road is shown on your map), rather than going to Moveen.

Also follow the route of the N67 instead of going on the R484 - the views from the top of Cloonmore hill are well worth it!

It's a shame you are not including the R482 through Spanish Point - beautiful stretch of road - the Etape Hibernia include this section in their route (you can take a left at Knockliscrane which will bring you on to it).

I won't comment on your north Clare route - the Burren CC lads might have a different view;)

kh723

@Dara
Not sure if you've started your planned trip, but a new campsite has opened in Querrin, which is on your route, have a look at http://www.purecamping.ie

mick121

nice clean camp site in doolin.its in the town and you can find it on camping ireland.ie.its lovely to come by the burren and cliffs of mohair then free wheel down to doolin,happy days.

Dara Robinson

Nope, I got a job so that has put things on hold until September I think. Will be doing it soon though
Thanks for all the suggestions so far, keep em commin

kh723

Dara Robinson wrote: »

Nope, I got a job so that has put things on hold until September I think. Will be doing it soon though
Thanks for all the suggestions so far, keep em commin

Congrats on the job, isn't terrible the way work interfers with play