Hi there,
I'm planning a trip for next summer and was keen to know any good locations for cross-country riding on the south or west coasts of Ireland.
In 2014 we went to the Brecon beacons, basing ourselves at a hostel in Talybont and then spending whole days riding cross-country across the Beacons. We'd be looking to do something similar in Ireland.
Any suggestions welcome! Also into trail riding if there are any dedicated trail centres in that part of the world!
Charlie.
Ballyhoura, north east of Cork and south of Limerick. It's a reasonable trail centre, designed by Welsh guru Daffyd Davies.
Clonmel MTB club north of Dungarvan on the south coast have good local routes around the Comeragh, Galty & Knockmealdown hills. All are on 'old red sandstone' so drain and grip well.
There are apparently plenty other options closer to Dublin but I've no knowledge.
+1 for Ballyhoura.
Spent a weekend down there, great trails, great food and drink and get craic!
Highly recommended.
Very changeable weather so be prepared.
Derroura(near Gaalway) and Ballinastoe/Three Rock (Dublin) also
And Bike Park Ireland if you fancy a wee uplift day
Another vote for Ballyhoura, I did SSWC there a few years back and really liked it
<rant> Republic of Ireland - not southern Ireland please. </rant>
If you're going southwest Ballyhoura is a really good choice. Nice trail centre, good off trail riding too.
Best advice would be to get in contact with the local MTB club, most will be willing to take you out, or give you good pointers.
If you're around Wicklow - get to Djouce Forest, plethora of trails of all grades. All cheeky, all ace. My old team was based there (when I lived back there)
Three rock is good - two trail centre trails (metro 1 and 2), lots and lots of sneaky trails, but watch out for the moto riders, quite a few shared use trails.
It's quite possible to link Three Rock - Djouce via Wicklow Way (technically a path, but ridden by all) you can then go hostel to hostel should you choose to. Not much in the way of services. Pubs in some parts, lots of water...mostly from the sky.
South East - but close to the ferry if you land in Roslaire - search for Bree Mtb on facebook.
Greg - tbf, he wants advice on where to in cycle southern Ireland, not Southern Ireland. If you get my drift.
😉
Coupla new trails at 3 Rock now too (Ok climb up past Uncle Toms towards Kilmashogue climb top and another from there towards 3 rock). Niall and Biking.ie have a new base there with bike hire and everything too.
I'm east coast based don't really know much about that side, clubs like MBUL, MBCC, Limerick & Kilkenny would probably be able to help you though with their local knowledge.
I'm sure trails there are loads of trails on starva etc for Djouce, which is mecca for Dublin mtbers, I'd avoid Iron Bru though, enduro thing that just doesn't flow, absolute nightmare in the wet.
For Dublin/wicklow mtns ask on the madmtb/imbrc/epic forums to see if you can tag along on a regular spin.
I live in Dublin and I'm always happy to show people around the local trails. There's many, many hours worth right on our doorstep.
Thanks everyone! Plenty to consider.