Best road types for cycling

I am planning a cycle trip Mizen Head to Malin Head for next May over 8/9 days for 5 of us on road bikes (supported) and would like to know more about the busy-ness of roads. I am using road maps, Plotaroute, and Google at the moment and suspect N routes best avoided (A in NI) but what are the R roads like in terms of surface, traffic, width and so on.  Thinking of meandering a bit to the west but not following the coast necessarily.  Any guidance appreciated.
Ali

Hi Alison,

The Mizen Head to Malin Head cycle route is a very popular cycle route for cyclists in the Republic of Ireland.

National roads, N roads, are our 100km speed single or dual carriageway roads that are well maintained and usually have a hard shoulder lane if you feel like getting off the main part of the road.

The regional, R roads are single carriageway, no pavement 80km roads and make up the majority of the roads you will come across as you travel around. They are also well maintained and perfect for cycling along.

One of our approved tour operators, IrelandWays, has a self-guided tour option wish may be a useful place to help with your planning.

There is also a community post on Walking, Hiking, Cycling tours that you may also wish to take a look at.

Also, Irish Trails have a wonderful website that allows you to look up on-road cycle trails that you may be interested in during your off the main route visits.

I hope this gives you lots of inspiration, and I'm sure your fellow members and some industry partners will be able to add to this list!

If you need any more help, just let me know!

Martin

Very helpful . Thank you

Hi Alison, 

It's a great idea to explore the island by bicycle! If there is anything else you need, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

We'd also love to hear more about your plans for your trip, so keep us posted on your adventures. :) 

Warm regards, 

Melin

Hi Alison,

We hope that you came during the dry days.
How did you find the cycle?

Hiya

We had a great time and only 5 short showers in the whole trip.  Only once did we get anything of a soaking and we dried in the sun that came after.
Everything worked pretty well and we just created our own routes pretty much from maps at home looking at terrain, distance, climbs etc.  After a couple of days we sussed out roads in the main though the classification is highly variable as some L roads were wider and better surfaced than some R roads; and one R road turned out to be literally a track between two fields though it did link the roads we needed!   I used Map-o-Meter to plan the route than created a ride on Strava to follow.
Locals seemed pretty unaware of small road options - and also not a strong cafe culture as especially further north we were regarded as mad when we asked where the best coffee places were.  Mind you we are coffee-holics!
All B&Bs were fine apart from the first in Glengarriff which was a bit dirty and dark but its pot luck.  There were some terrific places and lovely people universally really.  We had booked these all ahead.

We will be back but next time probably base in one place and explore locally.

Thank you
Ali

Hello again, Alison! 

Thank you so much for sharing your bicycle adventures on the island with us. :) I'm so happy to see that the showers were rare and short, and that you enjoyed your time here. 

Your tips and experiences are super helpful for other people planning a trip by bicycle, especially your knowledge about the different types of roads and trails. 

I hope we get to welcome you back in the future, and we are always here for more tips. (Like for example where to find the best coffee. :))

Is there anything you wouldn't want to miss during a possible next trip?

Hi

No - no vital information needed.  Sometimes its rather nice to happen on things as you go and just read up on local leaflets and decide. 
If the weather had been really rough and we had had no van for backup, easy access to public transport - with bikes! would be useful I guess.

Ali

We hear you, The rules around bikes on buses can be quite restrictive, especially if there is a group of you. It is understandable though as it keeps them accessible for everyone else using the bus. 

There are a few cycling groups scattered around the island that offer a pick-up service but they do require you register with them prior to heading out. 

Regardless, It sounds like you had a great time, and the account of your adventures was a joy to read. 
Thanks for keeping us in the loop
Gordee