CHASING LEPRECHAUNS

[2wheels]

Day 9, 28th July





The first destination today was Donegal Castle.


Again, I kept to the Rural roads and Lanes as much as possible.











Donegal Castle.

"History
The castle was built as a stronghold by Sir Hugh O'Donnell in 1474 for the O'Donnell clan who were one of the most powerful families in Ireland from the 5th to the 16th centuries and loyal subject of Queen Elizabeth I until the Nine Years War.
The O'Donnells left Ireland in 1607 to in the 'Flight of the Earls', but before they left they tried to destroy the castle to prevent it being used by the English against other Gaelic clans. Captain Basil Brooke was granted the castle and its land in 1611 and quickly restored and improved it. He made additions in a Jacobean style adding a large manor house wing in the keep, a gable, additional windows and a fortified tower. The castle stayed in the Brooke family for generations until it fell into disrepair in the 18th century after Cromwell's invasion.
In 1898 the castle was handed over to the Office of Private Works by its owner the Earl of Arran."
(Britain-Ireland-Castles.com)







Go west from here and the next land will be the Canadian east coast.



Next, to Slieve League Cliffs.
Unlike at Moher, these were visible and spectacular.
A geologist's field day here.









Good Aussie wines for sale at a petrol station.



I was to meet this guy again but from a better angle, heading to Glenveagh Castle.





The Bunbeg is the place to stay at 'The Harbour'



Safe 'off -street' parking for the bike, next to my bedroom window.
(I do care Tim!)



Original old millstone now being used as a table.





Waiting for the first of three Guinness' to settle.



Treated myself to a delicious dinner of expensive Atlantic Salmon.
Nice place, friendly people, good food, slow service, lumpy bed, terrible WiFi.


161 miles

 

[2wheels]

Day 10, 29th July







Breakfast by the harbour, then into the light drizzle heading for Glenveagh Castle.



Along the superb R251...





... and into the Glenveagh National Park.



This, as far as castles are concerned, is just a child in terms of age.











Then towards Malin Head, skirting the Atlantic.
(Northern most tip?)



Not road-kill; sheltering from the freezing winds.



Malin Head.
Why Malin Head?

"Malin Head (Irish: Cionn Mhálanna), is located on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal, Ireland and is the most northerly point of the island of Ireland." (WikiPedia)



Holiday ‘homes’ and fishermen’s quarters by the beach.



via Derry, and out on a nice escape road and many rural tracks and things began to get political!
Put away the Euros and bring out the Pounds Sterling.










Heavy, freezing drizzle for the final couple of hours until I found the excellent Whie Hill Farmhouse (with its excellent WiFi !) at Limervady, near Dunluce Castle which will be my first call tomorrow, then around the northern coast and maybe into Belfast.




177 miles

 

[bsacbob]

Impressive photo journal Ron, thank you for taking the time to compile it and taking us on your journey so far.

 

[2wheels]

Thanks Bob.
Ireland would be 'Heaven-on-a-stick' but for one missing ingredient.
SUNSHINE!

 

[2wheels]

Day 11, 30th July.




I departed the B&B at Limavady in light drizzle and was soon riding in fog.



Heading for Dunluce Castle in County Antrim along the excellent Causeway Coastal Route.









This castle was all I hoped it to be. What an incredible location.
On cue the sun appeared.





It dates back to the 1600s.

http://irishfireside.com/2011/05/05/dunluce-castle/





I called into the Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest licensed one dating back to 1608,
only to find it packed with visitors and looking very commercialized.





So I rode on to the Giant's Causeway, hoping to see the rock formations from a distance.
But once again it was all very controlled, highly commercialised and packed with visitors, so I didn't linger. 'Make hay while the sun shines.'

This is what it looks like anyway.




(not my photo!)

Spectacular views and very enjoyable riding.





"Mind the step darling."









White Park Bay.



Then further along this rugged coast to the 'Rope Bridge', again packed with buses and cars.
These bikes took my interest.



Point Kinbane.









I stopped for petrol and this lad was wielding an implement I'd never seen so I asked his Dad and the lad if I could take a photo. Hurling is massive in these parts. Would love to see a game, so I'll keep a close eye on sporting activities this coming weekend.



It seems pink is the colour of Antrim. Don't know why but I saw tractors, bikes, cars painted pink all along this Coastal Route.





Then onto the M2 and into Belfast where I was hoping to catch up with a local bike enthusiast and journalist but it just wasn't possible.

I lingered at a pub near the docks and enjoyed a celebratory 'Harp' and had a chat with the locals.
Sean told me there are parts near here where a Catholic simply would not think of walking.



9/10





So I rode out of Belfast and headed towards Portaferry and more rural scenery. I saw what appeared to be a 'tuk-tuk' buzzing down the highway.



Then, in poring rain just to remind me that I was in Ireland, it was onto the Ferry at Portaferry and over to Strangford.





I started looking for accommodation at Downpatrick and found the Denvir Hotel, which was originally a coach Inn from way back in 1642.





I cleaned up, found secure parking for Tim's bike and enjoyed a chat over a 'Bee's Endevour'.
9/10.



Guess what, 'Yes, we have WiFi but today the Internet is down!!!!'


Oh well, this can wait another day.

161 very enjoyable miles in, mostly, sunshine.


Tomorrow to Trim Castle and, maybe, the Guinness Factory in Dublin.
But I'm not a city person, so maybe not.

 

[2wheels]

Day 12, 31st July





Woke up and attempted to put the pub's co-ordinates into the Montana 650 only to find it was dead! Took battery out for a while and replaced it. Pressed 'on' button for a couple of minutes. Took it to the bike and inserted it into the cradle. Turned ignition on. Nothing. Dead. Died in the night. Weird. Was working perfectly well prior to Downpatrick and now it's dead. Grrrr.

So I went to look around the famous (sacred for many) Down Cathedral where St Patrick is said to be buried. Magnificent.















Apparently 'St Patrick' is buried under what is now the floor of the Church and this stone was laid in this position in the 1800s "to commemorate the fact that St Patrick's burial place is somewhere on this hill."



Who is 'St Patrick' and did he really rid Ireland of snakes?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patric



Then I bought a paper map!

I took the coastal road to Dundrum Castle.
This was featured in a 'Time Team' episode a couple of years ago and should be available on Youtube (but not here in Ireland).


This is a wonderful place and I had it all to myself for a couple of hours.
It dates back to 1177!
Perched on a hill with a commanding view over the coastal inlet.









There was a deep well in here (the 'Keep')













Then, really missing the Montana, towards Trim.



And into the excellent White Lodge B&B at Trim, which has strong WiFi!



The owner, a retired Garda (Police) Inspector, (Todd) suggested I use his lackable garage to store Tim's Harley.



Settled in, just avoided the hail storms, and went for a walk to one of the most wonderful places I have seen so far.


102 miles (without GPS) today.

 

[brake034]

Ron, I just love your reports, your great pictures, the background knowledge and humor you combine in these posts!
Outstandingly showing what travelling (on a bike?!) is really about!

 

[2wheels]

Thanks Marcel.
I've just been sipping a couple of reds in the sunshine with the owner, so who knows how my next report (in a few minutes) will turn out, if at all!

 

[brake034]

Vitamin C here Ron, , proost!

 

[2wheels]

31st July continued

Yesterday, as the sun was setting, I walked to the nearby Trim Castle through gorgeous parklands and amongst many local joggers, walkers and dog exercisers.

The first vision was this.







From the banks of the famous River Boyne.



And to my left the magnificent Trim Castle, recently (in terms of the castle's history) the set for Mel Gibson's 'Braveheart'. It dates back to 1173!





A walk around the Castle which, being a Castle, used to have a moat around it.













The nearest rubbish bin was all of 5 metres away! Why do people do this?



But what a lovely town is Trim; about 8000 people.







Back to the magnificent Castle.

Video Images at bottom of page​ Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1176 in an attempt to curb the expensionist policies of Richard de Clare, {Strongbow}.​ Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun c.1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.​ This magnificent site experienced a renaissance in 2000 when it opened to the public after an extensive period of excavation and restoration. Access to the keep is by guided tour only for safety reasons. Visitors also have access to the grounds of the castle where interpretation panels allow for self-guiding.​ Access for visitors with disabilities is very restricted. Please note :some of the stairs in the keep are very steep and narrow; the keep is not accessible for visitors with disabilities and there is restricted access to the grounds for visitor with disabilities.​ Trim castle is an Anglo-Norman castle, possibly the first stone castle in Ireland. It is located about 28 miles northwest of Dublin in County Meath, along the banks of the River Boyne. Trim is, in Tom McNeill's words, "the finest and largest castle in Ireland" , and it has a reputation as the king of Irish castles. Early Anglo-Norman castles were often built in prominent locations, and their purpose was to display the great wealth and dominance of their owners. Trim Castle is even mentioned in the heroic Norman poem "The Song of Dermot and the Earl." It first began as a ringwork castle, and the remains of a large trench, bracing posts, and postholes of a wooden structure are evidence of this. Historical records say that this original ringwork castle built by Hugh de Lacy in 1173 was captured and burnt down that same year by Roderic O'Connor (Ruadhri Ua Conchabair), a native Irishman threatened by its presence. Hugh de Lacy was so powerful in his time that the King of England was afraid that de Lacy would deny allegiance to him and declare himself the King of Ireland. This shows the great power and intimidation that Trim Castle was meant to display, especially over the native Irish people.​ Excavations Excavations were done here from 1971 to 1974 under the management of David Sweetman. They covered most of the area directly surrounding the keep, and the area along the northeast wall. This excavation revealed the remains of ten headless men. These were probably criminals, there as victims of King Edward's 1465 order for any thieves or future thieves to be beheaded and their heads mounted on spikes outside as a public warning. Excavations (as well as renovations) at Trim Castle were completed recently. The remains of a stone plinth, or wall, closely surrounding the keep were found, as were the remains of additional buildings, and evidence of a ditch dug around the keep. Iron arrowheads, silver coins, an iron axe, pottery from Bristol, and French wine jugs, all from the 13th century, were also found there, mainly in the ditch around the keep. Excavations also revealed a slipway and storage facilities on the east end of the Great Hall, along the edge of the River Boyne. This is most likely because Trim castle was used as a fortress along the river which, along with a few other structures that he owned, allowed de Lacy to control the port town. Along with these excavations, Tom McNeill has more recently studied the basic outline of the castle's structure, and its surrounding components. Trim Castle is now managed and cared for by Duchas, the Heritage Service of Ireland.​ TRIM TOWN & TRIM CASTLE​ One of Ireland's heritage towns, Trim is situated on the River Boyne. It once had the oldest and largest religious settlements in the country. The town is dominated by the medieval Trim Castle, which was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1173. The largest Norman castle in Europe, it is now restored and visitors can access the 75ft square keep and grounds by guided tour. Sections of the epic film Braveheart were filmed here.​ Brief history of Trim…. Soon after proclaiming Christianity in Ireland, St. Patrick built a church here on land granted to him by the son of the High King. He built it near an ancient ford that crossed the river just beyond the bridge and it was from this that Trim got its name. Surrounding the Castle are fascinating ruins which provide evidence of fervent religious activity. Stone relics abound in St. Patricks Cathedral, its church and porch revealing a number of medieval graveslabs. St. Marys Abbey is the remains of an Augustinian monastery founded in the 12th century and later a focal point for pilgrimage. The Newtown Monuments consist of a large medieval cathedral, two monasteries and small church which date from 1206. On the walls of the church one will find the late 16th century alter tomb with effigies of Sir Luke Dillon and his wife. The Friary of St. John the Baptist, is the remains of a 13th century Augustinian foundation, which was later converted to a hospital in the 18th century. The Yellow Steeple is the most prominent of the many ruins in Trim. It overlooks the town from a ridge directly opposite Trim Castle. Originally part of the 13th century St. Mary's Augustinian Abbey, the steeple dates from 1368. The black Friary of the Dominicans was founded by Geoffrey de Geneville, Lord of Meath in 1263. During the early 1700's Jonathan Swift, author of Gullivers Travels, was presented with the Vicarage of Laracor in Trim and spent some of his happiest times in the area as judged by the 'Journal To Stella' which was published after his death. The Duke of Wellington, Sir Arthur Wellesley was educated in Trim and residents erected the Wellington Column to commemorate on of their past pupils. (BeautifulMeath.com) ​

Along the River Boyne.







Love this place.
Housing prices down 50% of their actual value too!

2 miles walked.

 

[2wheels]

Seen at Trim Castle yesterday, a BMW model I'd never heard of.
For sale too at 2,500 Euro.

 

[2wheels]

At the 'White Lodge' B&B.
Meet 'Norman', my new helmet.

 

[The Bigfella]

Geez those Irish bricklayers are pretty bloody hopeless.... everything they build falls down.

 

[2wheels]

Days 13 and 14, 1st and 2nd August

Yesterday spent celebrating the sunshine, walking around Trim and sharing a red and some spuds with owner Todd and his partner Aileen.











So now that everything was dried out and I'd explored Trim, it was time to ride on to a place of significant Aussie history.
However, upon opening the door I discovered this ...



What's the point? I'm ahead of schedule anyway.
So I'm staying here another day and have been invited to share dinner with the owners tonight.
I'll borrow a 'brolly' and go walking today; and get some AA batteries and hope to get some life back into the Montana 650.

 

[2wheels]

Just back from a walk around down-town Trim, under an umbrella this time!

I love some of the names Barbers come up with for their shops.
Didn't see 'Just a Trim' though.







St Patrick's Cathedral 1891.





re 'Braveheart' movie.
Mel Gibson has been given the keys to Trim for the very positive impact the making of this 5 Academy Awards movie had on the town.



3 miles.

 

[2wheels]

More re 'Braveheart'. (filmed at Trim Castle … above).

During dinner with B&B owners Todd and Aileen last night (roast beef, onion rings, lots of spuds, stir-fry cabbage with bacon etc etc) Todd told me that 'Norman' the Helmet ….



… is actually from the set of the movie.

I asked why 'Braveheart', essentially a Scottish story, was filmed in Irish Trim.
Well, the Irish government contacted the movie executives and offered the use of 2000 Irish soldiers free of charge!
There being no need to hire 'extras', this made the film's location a 'no brainer'.
So it was filmed in Trim.

 

[2wheels]

Day 15, 3rd August





After three enjoyable days and nights in Trim today had to be 'riding day', come rain, hail or shine.
Well it was the former.

Farewells spoken and minus the Montana 650 I cruised in pouring rain along rural roads and lanes, relying on my newly purchased 8 Euro paper map. Let's see if that breaks down!

First stop was Ireland's Hollywood.







Then through the very rideable Wicklow Gap.







Then into the packed and intriguing Glendalough Monastic sites.







This is the tiny 'St Kevin's Church'.



The Cathedral.







A lunch break along the way and time to consult my trusty map.



Along the Vale of Clara.



And past ...



I sought warmth and shelter in the superb Barrowville Guest House in Carlow.
Glad I had that knee replacement operation because my room is up four flights of stairs!

Owner Dermot is a biker and has ridden in Thailand. He has a bike collection here, which we'll chat about during breakfast.

The usual early evening walk around down-town Carlow and, you guessed it, I spotted another one of these in the distance.



Now that I'm addicted to the things I had to investigate.
Carlow Castle looked grand from this angle.



But it's actually only a veneer; a fragment of a shell of the original.







This is what it probably once looked like.





A little bit of home.




114 miles today

 

[2wheels]

Day 16, 4th August (Captured Leprechaun Day)


Wanna see some nice bikes?
But first this …………….



Yep, woke up this morning to a wonderfully welcoming BLUE SKY!

Owner of the Barrowville Guest House in Carlow (Dermot) invited me to inspect his bike collection.

Doberman K9 'Fang' removed from the shed and here's what Dermot has.





























Now for some riding ; and Dermot was in the mood for a spin on the big BMW too.

(continuing)

 

[2wheels]

(continued)

Here's Barrowville Guest House.
It dates back to 1791, just a few years after Australia was colonised.



A most enjoyable ride in the sunshine to the magnificently in tact Kilkenny Castle.
But especially note the blue sky.

This Castle dates back to 1172.

http://www.exploring-castles.com/kilkenny_castle.html










The Castle grounds are immense and today being a Bank Holiday the place was well populated.



And then, at long last and nearing the end of my sojourn, in a darkened patch of the Castle grounds, look what I spotted.
Managed to capture the little bugger too.
Apparently if I ask him/her/it where the Pot of Gold is he/she/it is obliged to tell me.
But will I understand the accent?



The ride in the sunshine continues.

 

[2wheels]

I rode down to Cashel and around a bend in the road and this site greeted me.
The magnificent Cashel Castle (Rock of Cashel)



I rode around for a while looking for a good angle.







This warranted a celebratory piece of 'left-over' pizza.



"History

The town of Cashel (meaning castle or fortress) in County Tipperary is home to one of Ireland 's great historical sites - the Rock of Cashel.
Towering over the town from its perch on a 200 foot high outcrop of limestone, the Rock was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. It was visited by St, Patrick in 450 and Brian Boru was crowned King of Ireland here in the 10th century. Granted to the church in the 1100s by the O'Brien clan king, the Rock became the seat of the archbishop and it was at this time that Cormac's Chapel was built. In 1647 the Rock was ransacked by Cromwellian forces under the leadership of Lord Inchiquin.
Today the impressive stone walls enclose a round tower, the cathedral, a 12th century romanesque chapel, high crosses and other structures. The gothic cathedral dates back to the 13th century and includes a central square tower and living quarters. The steps of the tower lead to the summit roof walk. The smaller structure of Cormac's Chapel displays some typical romanesque features while the Hall of the Vicar's Choral at the entrance to the Rock is a 15th century house which has been recently restored. Here you will find a museum with guided tours and interesting exhibits, including silverware and St. Patrick's Cross". (Castles of Ireland)



Then, just around another corner, I stumbled upon this ancient Abbey, dating back to 1266.







I hadn't planned to but I've decided to stay here and found a wonderful B&B (owned by another ex-policeman) which offers nice views
of the Abbey.



Nice little bar area.



Nice little BBQ area.



From where I'm writing this (Good WiFi too!) (Postscript; not really)



Life goes better with sunshine.
(But WiFi doesn't!)

 

[2wheels]

Day 17, 5th August

Can wait due to crap WiFi and crap weather here in Rosslare.
Pity, today was such a nice ride too.
Later.

 

[2wheels]

'Later' and in Wales.

Day 17, 5th August



Another fine day for a ride, this time to here.
But why?



Because this is the home of one John 'Red' Kelly.
Here's where 'Red' was born, roamed and worked (and thieved some animals).



There's an Inn there now but is wasn't open when I called in today.







'Red's' heritage.



Here's also where, it is said, 'Red' stole 'two fat pigs' from a nearby farm and, with an accomplice, seven cows from nearby farms in 1820; a major crime at the time.



About John 'Red' Kelly.

http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Kelly-4913


And this is where 'Red' was locked up.



So 'Red' was deported to Australia and eventually sired one Ned Kelly.
Ned became part of Aussie folklore.
He eventually made his father's crimes pale into relative insignificance.

A bit about young Ned Kelly.
There's much, much more.

"Ned Kelly was an Australian bushranger, and arguably one of the best known as he was said to nobly help out the poor (this is a myth). He formed the Kelly gang with his brother Dan Kelly, Steve Hart and Joe Bryne. Kelly was particularly famous for the siege at Glenrowan when he held an entire town hostage. Following the murder of police informer Aaron Sherritt on 27 June 1880 Ned Kelly's gang expected a large number of police to travel to Glenrowan by train. They tried to get the townsfolk to help lift the rail tracks to cause a derailment, hoping to kill a large number of the expected police. Not many townsfolk were willing to assist, and people were gradually rounded up and held in the Glenrowan Inn so that they could not warn the train. After several hours, the Kelly gang allowed the more trusted hostages to go home at nightfall, as the train was running late. Local schoolteacher Thomas Curnow was one of those released, and when he heard the approaching train in the early hours of June 28, he ran quickly to warn of the danger ahead. Wearing their famous armour, the Kelly brothers held a shootout with police. Several hostages were injured in the gun battle and two later died from gunshot wounds. The other Kelly Gang members were killed, and Ned was shot twenty-eight times in the legs, which were unprotected by the armour. He survived to stand trial, and was sentenced to death by hanging, which occurred in Melbourne on 11 November 1880." (WikiAnswers)




Ned designed, made and wore this armour to protect him from his enemies (which included police).





Ned.
"Such is life", is what he allegedly spoke as he was being hanged.



After Moyglass I rode towards Cahir (pronounced without the 'h').

Just another erection along the way.






In Cahir a superb Austin 7.



Cahir city was built around the Castle, which is now in the main street.
Dates back to 1142!


"
History
The castle was built in 1142 by the Prince of Thomond, Conor O'Brien on the site of an earlier fort.
Edward III granted the castle to the James Butler in 1357 and also awarded him the title of Baron of Cahir in recognition of his loyalty.
The castle was considered 'impregnable' until a three day siege in 1599 when the castle was bombarded with heavy cannon fire and was eventually taken by the Devereux, Earl of Essex. During the Irish Confederate Wars it was surrounded by hostile forces twice more and taken by Lord Inchiquin in 1647 and then Oliver Cromwell in the conquest of Ireland. The castle layout was changed considerably and enlarged during work to repair some of the damage caused by the battles, but was then left abandoned until 1840 when the partial rebuilding of the Great Hall took place.
The castle became the property of the state after the death of Lord Cahir in 1961; it was classified as a national monument and taken into the care of the Office of Public Works." (Britain-Ireland-Castles.com)



Next, my work in Ireland now done, it was to Rosslare for the tomorrow's Ferry.

The circus is in town so I may wander along.
Haven't been to a circus since my wedding.




Nice day in the saddle.


134 miles today

 

[2wheels]

Day 18, 6th August



Some of the bikes on the Ferry.







So it's 'goodbye' to Ireland.



Wonderfully warm, proud and friendly people.
Magnificent history and scenery.
Minus one Leprechaun.
'To be sure, to be sure.'

And 'Hello' to Wales.





Fishguard Harbour, Wales.



I rode straight through to Neath, where I found a room at the very friendly Ambassador Hotel in the heart of the (noisy) city.
Wasn't long before I was rehydrating.
9/10



A Welsh Whiskey was forced upon me (never knew such stuff existed).
Nice too, then another one.
All in the name of research for this bike site mind you.



10/10



Only 96 miles today.

 

[2wheels]

Day 19, 7th August.

Quite a dramatic end to the tour, which I'll describe once we've retrieved the Harley!!!!! :RE

 

[The Bigfella]

Day 19, 7th August.

Quite a dramatic end to the tour, which I'll describe once we've retrieved the Harley!!!!! :RE

Eh wot?

 

[2wheels]

Day 19, 7th August







A terribly noisy room at Ambassador Hotel in Neath, so minimal sleep.
However, their WiFi was good and their friendliness was memorable.

So, with no GPS to guide me and relying mostly on memory, I headed towards the Midlands area of southern England.

Easily through Bristol and Bath on to Salisbury and through the picturesque rural scenery around Dorchester into Poole then Lymington.

I got directions from bike riders I spoke to at petrol stations and was reminded of the comraderie amongst the Brotherhood of Riders that many of us know about and experience.

Once I reached Lymington I was fairly sure I could find Tim's home and return his Harley to him.

It was now around 10pm. I had not spotted a B&B during the last few hours and all three petrol stations I called into did not have a map of southern England.

At last, after being rail-roaded into the busy city of Southampton, I was able to do a U-turn and head back towards Blackfield.

Aha, at a roundabout I spotted a 'Blackfield' sign. I changed down to second gear to negotiate the roundabout and that's precisely when the HD died! It just splutted to a stop half way around the (thankfully quiet) roundabout and rolled to a stop beside the curb. It refused to re-start. I even tried a bump-stop down the 5 degree slope leading into the roundabout. Nothing. Lights on, no indicators, no horn, no engine. Marooned 2.5 miles from home. No mobile 'phone. That same slope had increased to 50 degrees for the upward push.



So, as one does, I took an orange and banana from the top-box and enjoyed a late dinner at the roundabout.

Ten minutes later a chap arrives in a Nissan Micra and asks if I need help. He'd been out to the Forest Inn with his bikes mates and saw me ride past about an hour earlier. So Rob calls Tim then goes to get Tim less than 3 miles away.

Tim arrives and suggests I push the heavy Harley across the roundabout for 100 metres where he has a mate Chas. Chas just happens to be a mechanic.

So we decided to leave the bike there and, as one does, go to the nearest pub for a celebratory drink.

'Celebratory'?
Yes, the Harley had taken its rider all the way from Blackfield across Wales and around Ireland then almost back again. Almost. That deserved a celebration. Afterall, it didn't die in Country Antrim, Ireland. It had the decency to die very close to home. We have a mutual respect.

So we went to check the Harley this morning and after charging the battery it kicked back into life and I rode it the remaining 2.5 miles to it's home. Dead battery; just like that. It died at that roundabout. We suspect a stator issue.

280 miles from Neath to The Roundabout of Doom.
Total of 2,692 miles. (4,332 kms)

So that's my ride report done.
For anyone contemplating a ride in/around Ireland JUST DO IT.
And pray for sunny days.

 

[The Bigfella]

Great stuff... thanks Ron.

 

[bsacbob]

Well done Ron, you are obviously leading a charmed life

 

[Lone Rider]

Day 19, 7th August.

Quite a dramatic end to the tour, which I'll describe once we've retrieved the Harley!!!!! :RE

Jeez Ron, I feared the worst like an accident or something like that but happy to hear that it was only the Harley which played up a bit at the end of your trip in a far away country. Guess the Leprechauns couldn't play with your WiFi connections anymore so they resorted to other tricks.

 

[Ally]

Enjoyed that ride, thanks.

Ally

 

[Loop]

Another excellent adventure.

 

[KTMphil]

Another riding tale good enough to be published, well done Ron, you'll have the whole world done pretty soon.

 

[2wheels]

For those interested in HD electronics, we charged the battery near where the bike died and it re-started immediately enabling me to ride it home to Tim's place the following day.
But it's only holding around 12.8 volts, so Tim is checking other likely issues.

 

[2wheels]

I've just now found this 'Ireland from Above' episode, which gives a 'birds eye view' of many of the places I was able to visit on the HD.
Interesting perspectives. 25 minutes.

Ireland from Above - 7 of our Best Locations Revealed (HD) - YouTube