Less BOATING and more BIKING is on our program for the months to come and today‘s bike ride took me to Dún Laoghaire, where we plan to keep The Lady for the upcoming winter. We decided to stay north as there is much more to explore in this part of the world.
The heavy clouds are the leftover from hurricane Ernesto, who semi-circled the North Atlantic the last few days before finally dying off west of Ireland.
The sun shall be back tomorrow.
Fair winds…
The Poolbeg Yachting & Boating Club (PYBC) is closest to the city center and same time in the middle of the commercial port in Dublin. Same time it is next to the turning basin for the large vessels, which offers some spectacular views. Strong nerves required day & night. Getting used to it.
Fair winds…
I have passed this UNESCO biosphere reserve before on my way to Howth and decided leaving it for a separate trip later-on. It turned out today being a popular gem within Dublin Bay.
The history of this man-made island dates back 200+ years ago (only!), when the ongoing silting problem of the Dublin harbour and its River Liffey needed attention. After finally both Bull Walls (South and North) had been built, the channel into Dublin got deeper and the island bigger and bigger, by shifting currents! Smart.
Fair winds…
It is well know that Mike Sinyard, the founder of Specialized has only one obsession for many decades, which is bikes. You could easily feel this spirit in the perfectionism presented in the subsidiary here at Specialized Ireland with a clear distinction to a normal retailer just representing the brand.
The amalgamation of old and new is not only visible in the building and its internal fit out but also by displaying some of the first bikes build next to its latest voluted successors, more than 40 years in between (e.g. Stumpjumper).
I took the opportunity for a test ride on a Turbo Creo 2 Expert, which is a road E-bike, latest technology. After a few meters, I already felt very comfortable with the handling of the bike but postponed any potential purchase. My Roubaix is all I need for the moment and I can store on the boat.
It was a long ride to just see a bike shop but very much worth it. Getting there takes you for some miles along the Grand Canal Way, which connects Dublin with the River of Shannon.
So much more to explore…
Fair winds…
The Intercity Train down south to Rosslare Europort is short and full of backpackers. Fortunately I got a seat, even more fortunate, I also got a ticket for the bike. There are only two per train, period. Nice rack inside the train!
After only 12km from Rathdrum, an early stop at Glendalough Cafe was mandatory. Home made Coffee Cake and a milked Americano was my choice at this famous bikers‘ spot.
A nice ride took me back into Dublin.
Fair winds…
Today’s train took me south of Dublin into the county of Wicklow, also known as Garden of Ireland.
It lived up to its name, no doubt! I have taken the bike on footpaths before accepting to carry it part of the track but Cliff Manor and Bray Head became a jungle at some point in time.
Wicklow and its Mountains National Park remains on my target list.
Tomorrow is a rest day!
Fair winds…
My two objectives for the day were 50km spinning on flat terrain and get the bike on the train. Skerries, a small seaside village north of Dublin became the starting point of the bike ride.
With an electronic barcode ticket on the phone for me and the bike, we got on the Commuter train in Dublin Pearse, which is also the starting point of this particular line. Even before we crossed the River Liffey in Dublin we clocked two minutes delay, which is perfectly illustrated on the live-map.
A quick but intense rain shower allowed us for a welcome coffee & cake in Skerries before hitting the tarmac back into Dublin.
There is no reason not to enjoy future Rail & Bike Trips in Ireland. Good system, where the bike travels for free on all trains!
Fair winds…
Yesterday was arrival day but today is my really first day in Ireland. Recovery was high on the agenda yesterday as these nights at sea without sleep are paying its tribute. Back energized!
TS Maybe, my neighbour, was about to leave at 7am this morning and called for a short maneuver to release her from the pontoon, destination: IOM 🇮🇲
The weather invited for a bike ride and I discovered the peninsula of Howth. Not only posh, also offering hikes, beach & relaxed seaside ambience. 👍
Fair winds…
After 18 nights in Douglas Marina I decided to move on as weather windows – suitable for me – are rare in this part of the world. This island and its people are simply fantastic and offer much more than just the TT Motorcycle Race they are well known for. 536km B(H)iking gave me a little insight.
Sailing into the night under a wistful sunset, the waxing crescent moon was only two nights off from the first quarter but pointed the lady’s bow distinctively into the right direction for a short while before disappearing and leaving it to the stars to take over and keep the movie going on and on….
Upon arrival into Dublin Bay, wistful turned into mysterious and I was not sure where this welcome will end up! Keeping close contact with Dublin Vessel VTS on VHF Radio Ch12, gave me sufficient confidence to proceed until Poolbeg Boat & Yacht Club, passing through alternating fog waves.
As the harbour does not have many visitor berths, we have now rafted up against TS Maybe, a Tall Ship build in 1929 with an interesting history and crew.
Time for me to digest and call it a day being back in lovely Ireland 🇮🇪.
Fair winds…