renting a bike in Ireland?

[spinner]

I'm traveling to Ireland the end of May and was thinking of renting a bike. Has anyone done this or have suggestions? Thanks, spinner

[pmdave]

I assume you're off to Ireland, not Northern Ireland. There used to be a BMW dealer (and probably still is) just south of Dublin. I've heard rumors that he has done deals where you buy a used bike, and if you get it back clean and in one piece he tears up the bill of sale (for a modest sum)

It's also fairly practical to arrange for a bike in England, and ferry over to Dublin via the Isle of Man, or at the south from Fishguard (Wales) to Rosslare Harbor (Ireland)

You might also be able to arrange a bike swap with a fellow BMW owner in Ireland, or at least find out some local info. My Anonymous book shows three BMW riders in Ireland. (061) 364631, (055) 25312, and (???) (Dublin) 4516265.

Bike swaps work best when the two riders own the same model of BMW, both riders have about the same age and riding experience, and both are willing to make it work.

I enjoyed a trip to Ireland in 1994 on a borrowed R100RT. I really enjoyed the southwest coast, including the Dingle Peninsula, The Ring of Kerry, and Beara. But the countryside is beautiful all the way up the west coast, and there might still be more than a few B&B accomodations ideal for a traveling motorcyclist. Do take your time to explore the side roads away from the cities.

There is a reason why Ireland is bright green. Wear a very good riding suit with wet weather capabilities, and bring along some plastic freezer bags to keep your maps dry. The rain is also the reason why the secondary roads have a significant crown. And that explains why the oncoming lorries, coaches, and farm trucks straddle the centerline. Don't argue.

Get a good map, and study up. I'd suggest Michelin--say the #986 Great Britain/Ireland.

Use your credit/debit card for cash. Do some checking to be sure your bank talks to the Irish banks and cash machines, and that your bank doesn't cancel your card when it starts getting used in a foreign country. Avoid converting currency, especially English Pounds. However, in a pinch, you may be able to swap dollars with someone who plans to visit the USA.

Wish I were going...

pmdave

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Just a small detail to check on too if you go the purchase route or rental from the UK is to check coverage on your insurance policy. It is a leftover from the days of packages that go bang, and some policies will not cover you when in Northern Ireland, and some in the republic. This even applies to your credit card rental insurance in many cases too.

Safe drive and trip, it is awesome scenery and great people...and the Guiness really is different there.

[pmdave]

BTW, there is an enticing article about riding in Ireland, in the magazine "Motorcycle Classics" May/June 2006. The article, "Riding the Irish" is about the National Rally for classic bikes.

But it's got some neat pictures and descriptions of the southwest part of the country.

This is only Volume 1 Number 5, but it looks like THE magazine for vintage and classic bike enthusiasts. I found a copy at the Safeway magazine rack.

Now, if I just had the loan of a bike manufactured before December 1961...

pmdave