Hi all,
Thinking of taking a long weekend trip to Northern Ireland next month, and was wondering if anybody can recommend biker freindly B&B's or pubs in/near Larne and Portrush.
We can always find somewhere there, but personal recommendations are always best.
Sorry about posting twice, changed text a bit, pressed post, and it seems to have sent both. . . . . trying to delete one now, but my brain aint working!
Slidy,
A few years ago I was planning a trip round Ireland with some mates (it all fell through, but that's another story) and I got in touch with Quay Vipers MCC in Antrim (www.quayvipersmcc.com)
They gave me some good advise on places to visit etc so it might be worth giving them a go.
Also check out www.hartside.com as that's (normally) a good site for touring/visiting other countries as it incoprorates www.bike-stay.net which allows a search for bike friendly accomodation for any specific country.
I also got in touch with MAG in NI, but I'm still waiting for the reply!!!
Enjoy your trip though, and don't drink too much Guiness. I did when I was in Belfast a couple of years back and drank far too much (it was okay, work was paying)
Oooh nice idea for bike-friendly links there Blue - worthy of a thread of their own methinks
I'm afraid I stay with family whenever I'm over, so no idea what the B&Bs are like Slidy. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time though and a warm welcome wherever you stay.
Some great riding roads around too
Note to myself:: Never been to ireland MUST go ... I love rivrdance....the corrs and Enya.....
Have a wicked time Slidy !! Mines a pint of the Black nectar.....
Thanks blue, bike-stay is really handy, and after checking out Quay Viper site, we might be there for one of their rallys. Buying a tent to leave with them would be cheaper that b&b!
Wannabe - We were looking at spending Saturday on the Antrim coast road round to Portrush, with giants causeway, carrick-a-rede etc. Do you know it?
And RR, not to difficult a request that one, consider a pint of black stuff supped as soon as we stop for the night!
Oh yes, yes indeed I have even promised myself that if/when I ever get myself onto 2 wheels, the Antrim Coast road is a MUST for my first road trip
I love it. Love it love it love it. The Giants Causeway is a fantastic sight to see - trek around from the main area a bit for some great caves - the same with carrick-a-rede... & remember, if you start swinging the rope bridge while someone else is on it, expect the treatment to be returned... Unlike my numpty ex who thought it was hilarious to have me practically hanging from the bridge, yet burst out crying when I stomped on the bridge to give him a taste of his own medicine! That area's also good for a little clambering around for caves & whatnot. I'd take a decent pair of hiking boots if I were you, rather than struggle around in bike boots.
The climb back up from the Giants Causeway is deceptive... if it's a hot day and you're lugging around your biking gear, take advantage of the little bus service! Personally I like it best when the weather's wet, windy and wild, (fewer visitors and fantastic waves!) but it's great to sit on the rocks in the afternoon sun too.
Go a little further along the coast from for a visit to *my* Castle (Dunluce) and don't forget there's always Bushmill's Distillery around there which is good for a visit.
The ice cream is superb too! There were a lot of Italian families settle in Northern Ireland, and they brought their ice cream recipes with them. Good people!
Bring your appetite if you fancy an Ulster fry for breakfast (and you must! At least once!) and if the B&B tell you they don't do an evening meal, but tea will be on offer, be very sure they mean just tea, cos most of 'em believe that tea's way too wet to serve on its own and you'll end up with a pile of sandwiches, pancakes & cakes etc to go with it
be very sure they mean just tea, cos most of 'em believe that tea's way too wet to serve on its own and you'll end up with a pile of sandwiches, pancakes & cakes etc to go with it
Aye, ain't that just the Irish way Lou. We stopped off to visit my Aunt in Ireland who is sadly slowly fighting a losing battle with secondary bone cancer and is rather frail now but she still insisted on making the tea and bringing out the biscuits and apologising profusely for not having more to offer us.
Can't help on B&B's in the North but if it's anything like the South, they'll be 10 a penny and all very friendly and welcoming, leathers/textiles/waterproofs or not.
Aw bless her Roachy... sounds about right! Does she have plenty of family around her, or nearby? Mind you, if she's anything like half my family, that doesn't actually help all that much, as she'll be running around after them, instead of letting them look after her!
Thanks folks . . . Wannabe's Bushmill's Distellery has got my attention! . . and Roachy, from what I've heard about Ireland, your aunt is a wonderful example of hospitality! I wish her all the best.
Heres looking forward to a good trip with all the craic they can offer!
Well worth a visit Slidy - as well as finishing off with a wee dram, it's a really interesting tour and the guides actually know their stuff Although you will of course, get the occasional story thrown in for the craic.
Ooops... missed your next post there Slidy - oh yes please - lots of pics!
When I bought my first car, my first proper trip was up the Antrim Coast Road... OK, so I happened to buy my first car from my Uncle in Belfast, so I was in the right place to start with, but I figured it'd be a good way to mark getting my first bike too
(My first wee drive in it was around the streets of Belfast, complete with streamers, ribbons and tinsel - it was Xmas Day and my folks had "wrapped it up" for me after telling me not to hassle my Uncle about the car as he'd not finished working on it... great fun waving at all the kids out on their brand new push bikes from my "brand new to me" morris minor)
The Antrim coast road is one of the best roads I have ridden. Was over last week unfortunately in the car and the sun was out normally rains every time Im over with the bike.
Between Cushendun and Cushendall the road goes inland and if going north you will be climbing in a wooded area there are a couple of very sharp bends to watch out for specially if truck or tractor coming the other way
If you like beaches Port Stewart strand or castlerock on the other side of the river Bann.
And if your into road racing the greatest road racers bar is in Ballymoney Its not posh just a proper bar but you may just see a couple of TT bikes hanging from the ceiling
Have fun
Slidy
As everyone says you will love it ! BB`s are 10 a penny and the people are spot on. I would head across to Donegal personally as i`ve never had a better trip than over there.I have even seen the landlord lock the pub door when he went home (next cottage}for his supper.When i asked him why he simply replied "The ba****ds might leave if i dont".That is honestly a true story ! The coast is also brilliant.Wherever you end up,have a great trip ! Not cheap though !
![Northern Ireland BB's - Forums [Biker Match]](/images/backgrounds/strips/8mobileLQ.jpg)
![Northern Ireland BB's - Forums [Biker Match]](/images/backgrounds/strips/8desktopLQ.jpg)
