New to Ireland

[Rico117]

Hey all,

I am studying in Ireland this summer, coming from the US, and was trying to get some help planning a couple days and with a school project i am doing. I am working on Travel and tourism and I was wondering if anyone had some good information on mountain biking tourism in Ireland that would be great. I have to pick a company for a case study and I would love to keep it Mountain Biking.


More about me though. I am a new rider who loves going downhill fast. I am getting my legs under me and enjoying everything. hoping to get out and ride as much as possible. I want to go downhill and Im willing to travel as much as needed. Also, what are the essentials? i want to travel light as possible but i want to know what i need.

Thanks guys.

[Morgan]

Hi Rico117, not sure what aspect of mtb tourism you're planning on covering. It's a small (but growing) area here. There are three official trail areas - Ballinastoe, Ballyhoura and Oughterard. You can read about them here:

http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie

There are a few companies offering guiding/instruction too.

Can't really help on the DH front - Tom? Michael?

[TomH]

Hi Rico,
Well if your into pure downhill you will need a few things

1)A big travel bike with 160mm travel minimum, 200mm ideally.

2)A full face helmet, and body armour, goggles would also be a good idea.

3)A car would help a lot, but is not essential.

If you want to do xc and dh, then a 160mm bike, like a GIANT Reign X would suit you very well. It could be pedalled up hills on days when you want to do xc and then it could be ridden on the dh tracks also.

For xc all you need are a helmet and gloves. For an xc bike in Ireland anything with 100mm+ of travel will do, hardtail or full-suspension.

In Ireland we have a lot of xc trails and few dh trails, we have no lifts (only at dh races). There is an active scene for both types of biking, so bring whatever you think you will enjoy the most.
I hope this helps.

[Rico117]

Thanks for all your information. This is some great info. I was hoping to find a place to rent a DH oriented bike and some people to ride with. I have some limited resources and I am going to throw my gear into my bags and do some riding. What are some tour companies you guys would recommend. Do you recommend any other travel places/destinations and other things that i can study outside of mountain biking. Thanks so much guys I would love to ride with some of you!

[TomH]

I have no idea if you can rent DH bikes anywhere.

Try here to start:Brian Conway,
www.wicklowcycles.ie
0404 32264