Bit of a Jaunt

donnicko

Hi all,

Going on a bit of trek on Friday morning. Planning to cycle From Dublin to Waterford along the Coast Rd (Bray, Greystones, Wicklow, Arklow, Gorey, Enniscorthy, New Ross, Waterford). It's my first time taking on a journey of such distance. What I'd like to know is if it's ok to cycle on N roads...mainly taking in the N11, N30 and N25. Anything I should be wary of? Or anything I should be looking to avoid along the way. I am obviously aware that its a pretty hilly route, particuarky the Wicklow - Arklow stretch...anyway, any tips much appreciated...am I completely mad?

daragh_

Coast road from Greystones, through Wicklow Town and on to Arklow via Brittas is much nicer than the N roads.

Lumen

The N11 from south of Bray is fine. I've used it on a cycle down past Wexford town a few times and had no issues.

I always mean to take the coast road but end up sucked back on the N11.

g0g

Keep in mind most (or a lot) of the N11 is now M11 so you won't/shouldn't be cycling it! Coast road is nice though!

J6-13 N
J14-23 Motorway
J24+ N

(from Wikipedia)

Lumen

g0g wrote: »

Keep in mind most (or a lot) of the N11 is now M11 so you won't/shouldn't be cycling it! Coast road is nice though!

It's quite easy to avoid the M11. Any sections of motorway have well-signposted alternate routes that are easy to follow by bike and are usually very quiet and well-surfaced.

clog

The N11 road from Coynes Cross (just north of Ashford) down as far as Camolin is now a motorway all the way, the new stretch opened last week. it is illegal to cycle on it.

The old N11 is still open and its very quiet now I think they are calling it the R772). I would though go on the coast road down as far as Arklow and then go on the old N11 Gorey-Enniscorthy.

donnicko

Thanks for the heads up on that. The cycle route suggested by Google Maps between Wicklow and Arklow did look quite messy and seemed to flirt with the M11 for most of it....Coast Road (R750) a lot more straightforward and not as hilly. Route plan changed.

loyatemu

donnicko wrote: »

Thanks for the heads up on that. The cycle route suggested by Google Maps between Wicklow and Arklow did look quite messy and seemed to flirt with the M11 for most of it....Coast Road (R750) a lot more straightforward and not as hilly. Route plan changed.

also more and better places to stop for a coffee on the coast road.

Seaswimmer

Its only about 10k longer if you go from Gorey to Wexford town on the road through Castlebridge R741 and then across South Wexford on the R733 through Wellingtonbridge to get the ferry at Ballyhack. If you have plenty of time its a much more pleasant route than Enniscorthy/New Ross/Waterford

irishrover99

clog wrote: »

The N11 road from Coynes Cross (just north of Ashford) down as far as Camolin is now a motorway all the way, the new stretch opened last week. it is illegal to cycle on it.

The old N11 is still open and its very quiet now I think they are calling it the R772). I would though go on the coast road down as far as Arklow and then go on the old N11 Gorey-Enniscorthy.

is a pity you can't cycle on it. i drove on it the other day and it has to be the smoothest road i've drove on over here. all the small rattles my car usually gives off could not be heard. great road

smacl

I've cycled Dublin to Waterford a couple of times and tend to use minor roads to avoid the traffic. Something like Rathfarnham (Sally gap or Roundwood), Laragh, Rathdrum, Aughrim, Carnew, Bunclody, Kiltealy, Adamstown, Campile, Ballyhack, Passage East (short ferry trip), Waterford. Not the best of roads, but no traffic lights between leaving Rathfarnham and entering Waterford. Lots of possible variations to the route with plenty of villages on the way.

I personally hate cycling N roads over long distances but each to their own. The coast road is ok in the Winter but a bit busy this team of year.

the dark ken night

How long would this take if you averaged say 20 kph?

donnicko

I'm thinking 9.5 to 10 hours of cycling. It's just under 180km.

the dark ken night

So presumably it's an overnighter??

donnicko

Nah. Leaving at sunrise.