Читать книгу The Wild Atlantic Way and Western Ireland. 6 cycle tours along Ireland's west coast онлайн

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In Northern Ireland, buses also come under the Translink umbrella. Up to two cycles can be carried in the luggage bay of express services (called Goldline Express) after 9.30am, but again this is subject to space. There are no reservations.

When to go

My favourite months for cycling in Ireland are May, June and September. Experience and the statistics suggest that May and June, especially in the north, are as dry as, if not drier than, the rest of the summer, while September is a golden month in which to watch the harvest and notice the first colours of autumn in the trees.

The Irish tourist season effectively runs from Easter to the end of September, and that is the practical limit for cycle touring too. Outside these months, the weather is too cold and unreliable, the days too short, and campsites and some other types of accommodation close.

Tourist numbers peak during July and August. Travelling at peak times is not a problem – it just pays to plan ahead a little more, as accommodation can fill up.