ttmueller/Roadtrip
1
0
Fork 0
Code Issues Pull Requests Packages Projects Releases Wiki Activity

Initial roadtrip wiki: Walldorf → IoM → Wild Atlantic Way

Browse Source 
Route: Germany → Hoek van Holland ferry → England → Isle of Man → Ireland (Wild Atlantic Way cycling).
Includes location files, AI context, contributing guide, and README with ferry/logistics table.
This commit is contained in:
Till Mueller
2026-08-03 11:51:37 +02:00
commit aab3c26b4f
12 changed files with 674 additions and 0 deletions
Download Patch File Download Diff File Expand all files Collapse all files
.ai-context.md
+80
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
# AI Context — Roadtrip Wiki
## Purpose
This is a personal travel planning wiki for a road/cycling trip. It lives on GitHub and is designed to be extended by any AI assistant.
## Trip Overview
- **Start:** Walldorf, Germany (near Heidelberg)
- **End:** Ireland (cycling the Wild Atlantic Way)
- **Departure:** Tuesday, August 4th, 2026
- **Mode:** Car (Germany → England), ferry crossings, cycling (Ireland)
## Route Summary
1. Walldorf, Germany → Hoek van Holland (Netherlands) by car
2. Hoek van Holland → Harwich, England by ferry (Stena Line overnight)
3. Harwich → Heysham or Liverpool by car (with stops)
4. Heysham or Liverpool → Isle of Man by ferry (Steam Packet Company)
5. Isle of Man → Dublin or Belfast by ferry
6. Ireland: cycle the Wild Atlantic Way (north or south)
## Wiki Structure
```
/
├── README.md # Trip overview and navigation
├── .ai-context.md # This file — AI instructions and trip context
├── CONTRIBUTING.md # How to add locations and recommendations
├── locations/
│ ├── 00-walldorf.md
│ ├── 01-route-germany-netherlands.md
│ ├── 02-hoek-van-holland.md
│ ├── 03-harwich-england.md
│ ├── 04-route-england-ferry.md
│ ├── 05-isle-of-man.md
│ ├── 06-belfast.md
│ ├── 07-dublin.md
│ └── 08-wild-atlantic-way.md
└── assets/
└── (maps, images)
```
## Location File Format
Each location file follows this template:
```markdown
# Location Name
> **Type:** City / Region / Route
> **Recommended stay:** X days
> **Best for:** [driving | cycling | walking | sightseeing]
## Why Visit
Brief pitch for why this stop is worth it.
## Must-See
- Bullet list of top sights with short descriptions
## Itinerary
### Day 1
...
## Practical Info
- **Parking / bike storage:**
- **Ferry / transport links:**
- **Best season:**
- **Tips:**
## Links
- [Official tourism site](url)
- [OpenStreetMap](url)
```
## AI Instructions
When extending this wiki:
1. Follow the location file format above
2. Number new files to maintain route order
3. Focus on actionable, opinionated recommendations over exhaustive lists
4. Cycling-specific info is a priority for Ireland sections
5. Include practical ferry/transport logistics
6. Keep the README.md navigation table updated when adding files
7. Prefer official or well-known sources for links
8. Wild Atlantic Way direction: the trip goes roughly **north to south** starting near Belfast/Dublin
.gitignore
+1
View File
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
.DS_Store
CONTRIBUTING.md
+32
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
# Contributing to the Roadtrip Wiki
## Adding a New Location
1. Create a new file in `locations/` — use the next available number prefix and a short kebab-case name
2. Use the template from `.ai-context.md`
3. Update the navigation table in `README.md`
## Editing Recommendations
- Keep recommendations opinionated and concise — "go here, skip that"
- Add a `<!-- updated: YYYY-MM-DD -->` comment at the top of any section you update
- Flag outdated info with `> **Note:** This may be outdated — verify before visiting`
## File Naming
```
NN-location-name.md
```
Where `NN` is a two-digit number preserving route order.
## Formatting
- Use `>` blockquotes for quick-reference metadata at the top of each file
- Use `##` for main sections, `###` for sub-sections (days, subsections)
- Practical info (prices, hours, transport) goes in a `## Practical Info` section
- Keep the main `## Must-See` list to 5–7 items max — this is curated, not exhaustive
## AI Assistants
See `.ai-context.md` for full context on the trip, the route, and conventions.
README.md
+75
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
# Roadtrip Wiki — Summer 2026
A living travel planning wiki for a road and cycling trip from Germany to the west coast of Ireland. Built to be extended by humans and AI alike.
**Departure:** Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 from Walldorf, Germany
---
## The Route
```
Walldorf, Germany
↓ drive ~530km
Hoek van Holland, Netherlands
↓ Stena Line overnight ferry
Harwich, England
↓ drive north with stops
Liverpool / Heysham
↓ Steam Packet Company ferry
Isle of Man 🏝️
↓ ferry to Belfast or Dublin
Ireland
↓ cycle the Wild Atlantic Way 🚴
Kerry / Cork
```
---
## Location Files
| # | Location | Type | Days |
|---|----------|------|------|
| [00](locations/00-walldorf.md) | Walldorf, Germany | Starting point | 0–1 |
| [01](locations/01-route-germany-netherlands.md) | Walldorf → Hoek van Holland | Drive + stops | 1 |
| [02](locations/02-hoek-van-holland.md) | Hoek van Holland | Ferry departure | pass-through |
| [03](locations/03-england-harwich-to-ferry.md) | England: Harwich → Liverpool | Drive + stops | 1–3 |
| [04](locations/04-isle-of-man.md) | Isle of Man | Island destination | 2–4 |
| [05](locations/05-belfast.md) | Belfast | City + ferry arrival | 1–2 |
| [06](locations/06-dublin.md) | Dublin | City + ferry arrival | 1–2 |
| [07](locations/07-wild-atlantic-way.md) | Wild Atlantic Way | Cycling route | 2–6 weeks |
> **Belfast or Dublin?** Both work as Ireland entry points. Belfast → start WAW from the north (Donegal). Dublin → start from the south (Kerry) or drive north first.
---
## Key Ferries
| Route | Operator | Duration |
|-------|----------|----------|
| Hoek van Holland → Harwich | [Stena Line](https://www.stenaline.co.uk) | ~6.5h overnight |
| Heysham → Isle of Man | [Steam Packet](https://www.steam-packet.com) | ~3.5h |
| Liverpool → Isle of Man | [Steam Packet](https://www.steam-packet.com) | ~2.5h |
| Isle of Man → Belfast | [Steam Packet / Stena](https://www.steam-packet.com) | ~2.75h |
| Isle of Man → Dublin | [Steam Packet](https://www.steam-packet.com) | ~2.75h (seasonal) |
**Book all ferries in advance** — August is peak season.
---
## Trip Stats (estimate)
- **Total distance:** ~3,500+ km (driving + cycling)
- **Driving:** ~1,500 km (Germany to IoM ferry port)
- **Cycling:** ~500–2,000+ km depending on WAW section chosen
- **Ferries:** 3–4 crossings
- **Countries:** Germany, Netherlands, England, Isle of Man (Crown dependency), Ireland (Republic + Northern Ireland)
- **Currencies:** EUR (Germany/Netherlands/Republic of Ireland), GBP (England/Isle of Man/Northern Ireland)
---
## For AI Assistants
See [.ai-context.md](.ai-context.md) for full trip context, file format conventions, and instructions for extending this wiki.
See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for contribution guidelines.
locations/00-walldorf.md
+28
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
# Walldorf, Germany
> **Type:** Starting point / Base
> **Recommended stay:** 0–1 days (home base)
> **Best for:** Day trips before departure
## Why Visit
Walldorf itself is a quiet SAP company town, but it sits in one of Germany's most rewarding day-trip zones — the Neckar Valley, Heidelberg, and the northern Black Forest are all within 30 minutes.
## Must-See Nearby
- **Heidelberg** (20 min) — Heidelberg Castle ruins above the old town, the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk) along the hillside, the Alte Brücke over the Neckar. Easily half a day.
- **Schwetzingen Palace** (15 min) — Baroque palace and enormous garden with a fake mosque. Underrated.
- **Mannheim** (25 min) — Grid-plan baroque city, strong arts scene, Luisenpark.
- **Speyer** (30 min) — Romanesque cathedral (UNESCO), oldest surviving synagogue ruins in Germany, the Technik Museum with a Space Shuttle on the roof.
- **Neckargemünd / Neckar Valley** — Drive or cycle east along the Neckar for half-timbered villages and river views.
## Itinerary (Day Before Departure)
### Evening / Last Night
Pack the car. Walk Walldorf's Marktplatz. Dinner in Heidelberg's Altstadt if time allows.
## Practical Info
- **Ferry departure context:** Drive north to Hoek van Holland is ~5–6 hours; plan for an early start on Aug 4th or drive the evening before
- **Route north:** A67/A5 north through Frankfurt, then A3 toward Cologne or straight up A5/A45 to the Netherlands
- **Fuel:** Fill up in Germany — significantly cheaper than Netherlands/UK
## Links
- [Heidelberg Tourism](https://www.heidelberg-marketing.de/en/)
- [Speyer Tourism](https://www.speyer.de/en/)
locations/01-route-germany-netherlands.md
+39
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
# Route: Walldorf → Hoek van Holland
> **Type:** Drive
> **Distance:** ~530 km
> **Drive time:** ~5–6 hours (without stops)
> **Best for:** Driving with 1–2 stops
## Route Overview
Walldorf → A5 north → Cologne (optional stop) → A57/A3 → Dutch border → Utrecht → The Hague → Hoek van Holland
Alternatively via Cologne → Düsseldorf → Arnhem for a slightly different angle through the Netherlands.
## Recommended Stops
### Cologne (Köln) — 3h from Walldorf
The cathedral alone is worth a stop. Pull off, park near the Domplatte, and spend an hour.
- **Kölner Dom** — Gothic cathedral, one of the world's largest. Free entry, towers cost ~€6. The view from the top is worth it if you have time.
- **Hohenzollernbrücke** — Love-lock bridge right next to the Dom, good photo with the cathedral spire.
- **Altstadt** — 15-minute walk, old town with brewhouses serving Kölsch in small cylindrical glasses.
### Utrecht — 1.5h from Cologne
A smaller, quieter Amsterdam with canals at street level rather than road level. Very walkable.
- **Domtoren** — 112m church tower, tallest in the Netherlands. Views across the flat lowlands.
- **Oudegracht** — The canal with wharf-level cellars now turned into cafés and restaurants.
- **Cycle infrastructure** — World-class cycling city; if you need to test any gear, this is the place.
### Delft — 30 min before Hoek van Holland
Optional quick stop if you're not pressed for time.
- **Markt** — Beautiful central square with the Nieuwe Kerk and City Hall facing each other
- **Vermeer connection** — Girl with a Pearl Earring was painted here; small Vermeer museum
## Practical Info
- **Total drive:** Leave Walldorf by 7am to reach Hoek van Holland comfortably before an evening/overnight ferry
- **Dutch motorways:** Toll-free; watch for 100 km/h speed limits (strictly enforced by cameras)
- **Fuel:** Fill up before crossing into Netherlands — German prices are lower
- **Parking in Utrecht:** P+R lots on the outskirts are cheap; old town is cyclist-priority
## Ferry Connection
See `02-hoek-van-holland.md` for ferry details.
locations/02-hoek-van-holland.md
+38
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
# Hoek van Holland → Harwich Ferry
> **Type:** Ferry crossing + departure port
> **Recommended stay:** Pass-through (arrive, board, sleep)
> **Best for:** Overnight ferry crossing
## Why It Matters
Hoek van Holland is the departure point for the Stena Line overnight crossing to Harwich, England. It's a functional port town — not a destination itself — but the ferry crossing is one of the classic North Sea routes and a comfortable way to wake up in England.
## The Ferry: Stena Line Hook of Holland–Harwich
- **Operator:** Stena Line
- **Route:** Hoek van Holland → Harwich (Parkeston Quay)
- **Duration:** ~6.5 hours overnight
- **Typical departure:** ~22:00 (check your booking)
- **Arrival:** ~08:30 local time (UK is UTC+1 in August, same as Netherlands)
- **Cabins:** Book a cabin — the seats-only option is uncomfortable for a night crossing
- **Amenities:** Restaurant, bar, duty-free, cinema
### Booking
- Book at [stenaline.co.uk](https://www.stenaline.co.uk) or [stenaline.nl](https://www.stenaline.nl)
- Bring the car: drive-on/drive-off
- Arrive at port **at least 45–60 min before departure**
## Hoek van Holland Town
If you arrive early, the town has a beach and promenade worth a walk. The North Sea beach (Strandweg) is a good place to stretch before boarding.
## Practical Info
- **Port address:** Stationsweg 10, 3151 HN Hoek van Holland
- **Parking:** Leave your car in the hold — no onshore parking needed
- **Currency:** Bring GBP for UK arrival; cards widely accepted on ferry
- **Phone/data:** Netherlands is EU roaming; UK is not (check your plan before the crossing)
## On Arrival: Harwich
See `03-harwich-england.md` for what to do after docking.
## Links
- [Stena Line Hook–Harwich](https://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/hook-of-holland-harwich)
locations/03-england-harwich-to-ferry.md
+60
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
# Harwich & Onward: England
> **Type:** Arrival port + starting point in England
> **Recommended stay:** Pass-through or 0.5 days
> **Best for:** Orientation, first morning in England
## Arrival at Harwich
You dock at Harwich International Port (Parkeston Quay). The ferry arrives around 08:30. Immigration for non-EU passengers; UK citizens/residents use e-gates. Drive off the ferry and you're immediately in Suffolk.
## Decision Point: Which Way to the Isle of Man Ferry?
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company runs ferries from two ports:
- **Heysham** (near Lancaster, Lancashire) — more frequent, ~3.5h from Harwich
- **Liverpool** — seasonal/less frequent but a better city to stop in
**Recommendation:** Head to Liverpool via the most scenic possible route through England. ~5–6h drive, but worth stopping.
---
## Recommended Stops: Harwich → Liverpool
### Cambridge — 1.5h from Harwich
One of the world's great university cities. Worth at minimum a 2–3h stop.
- **The Backs** — the famous view of King's, Clare, and other colleges from the riverside meadows
- **King's College Chapel** — Gothic masterpiece; free to walk past, entry fee to go inside
- **Punt on the Cam** — hire a punt and pole down the river; quintessentially Cambridge
- **Market Square** — Central, lively, good street food
### Peak District — 3h from Cambridge
National Park with moorland, dales, and stone villages. Good for a night if you want to slow down.
- **Chatsworth House** — Enormous stately home with immaculate gardens (Downton Abbey vibes)
- **Dovedale** — Limestone gorge with stepping stones across the River Dove; easy 2h walk
- **Bakewell** — Town famous for the Bakewell tart; good base for walks
### York — 2h from Harwich, or a detour
If you go via the A1 north, York is unmissable.
- **York Minster** — One of Europe's greatest Gothic cathedrals; the stained glass is extraordinary
- **The Shambles** — Medieval street with overhanging houses; now touristy but still beautiful
- **City walls** — Walk the full circuit of Roman/medieval walls around the old city (2h)
- **JORVIK Viking Centre** — Good if you're interested in the Viking history of the city
### Lake District — 1.5h from Heysham/Liverpool
If time allows: a night here before the Isle of Man ferry is spectacular.
- **Windermere / Ambleside** — Most accessible entry point
- **Scafell Pike** — England's highest peak (978m); 4–5h hike
- **Langdale Valley** — Dramatic fells without the Windermere crowds
- **Grasmere** — Wordsworth's village; lovely and small
---
## Practical Info
- **Driving in UK:** Left side of the road. Roundabouts give way to traffic already on them. Speed cameras everywhere on A-roads.
- **Fuel:** Fill up before heading into national parks where stations are sparse
- **Mobile data:** UK is outside EU — check your provider for roaming charges
## Links
- [Visit Cambridge](https://www.visitcambridge.org)
- [Peak District NP](https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk)
- [Visit York](https://www.visityork.org)
- [Lake District NP](https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk)
locations/04-isle-of-man.md
+88
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
# Isle of Man
> **Type:** Island destination
> **Recommended stay:** 2–4 days
> **Best for:** Coastal roads, castles, TT culture, Celtic heritage
## Why Visit
The Isle of Man is one of Britain's most underrated destinations. Self-governing Crown dependency with its own parliament (the world's oldest continuous parliament), no National Speed Limit on certain roads (the TT races run on public roads), dramatic coastal scenery, Celtic crosses, and a pace of life several decades behind London. It rewards slow travel.
## Getting There
**Steam Packet Company** operates ferries from:
- **Heysham** (near Lancaster) → Douglas, Isle of Man: ~3.5 hours, multiple sailings daily
- **Liverpool** → Douglas: ~2.5 hours, seasonal (summer peak)
- **Belfast** → Douglas: seasonal
**Port:** Douglas, the capital, is on the east coast.
### Booking
- [iomsteampacket.com](https://www.steam-packet.com)
- Book in advance in August — TT aftermath and summer crowds
---
## Must-See
### Douglas
The capital and arrival point. Victorian seafront promenade (the Loch Promenade) with guesthouses and the iconic horse-drawn trams.
- **Manx Museum** — The best single introduction to the island: history, Vikings, Celtic, TT, natural history. Free.
- **Villa Marina Gardens** — Seafront park
- **TT Grandstand** — Walk the start/finish straight on Glencrutchery Road; feel the history
### Castletown (south)
The old capital of the island, worth a half-day.
- **Castle Rushen** — One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Built by Norse kings. Entry fee, absolutely worth it.
- **Nautical Museum** — Small but good; housed in an 18th-century boathouse
### Port Erin & Port St Mary (southwest)
Twin villages on the southwest coast with sandy beaches and calm harbours. Good for a lunch stop.
- **Cregneash Folk Village** — Living history museum of a traditional Manx village; you can walk around thatched croft houses
### Peel (west coast)
Most atmospheric town on the island. A working fishing harbour with a ruined cathedral and castle on a tidal island.
- **Peel Castle** — Ruined Viking/Norse fortress on St Patrick's Isle, connected by a causeway. Free to walk around, entry fee for the castle itself.
- **House of Manannan** — Award-winning museum covering Viking and Celtic Manx heritage. Very good.
- **Kippers** — Peel is famous for Manx kippers (smoked herring). Buy some from Moore's Kippers.
### Laxey (east coast)
- **Laxey Wheel (Lady Isabella)** — The world's largest working waterwheel. Built 1854 to pump water from the mines. Striking industrial heritage, great photos.
- **Snaefell Mountain Railway** — Electric mountain railway up to Snaefell summit (621m), the island's highest point. Views to Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales on a clear day.
### TaxT Course / Mountain Road (TT Circuit)
The famous Isle of Man TT Snaefell Mountain Course is 60km of public road. In August, the roads are open at normal (low) speed limits. You can drive the entire circuit.
- **Creg ny Baa** — Famous TT corner with a pub; great stop
- **Ramsey** — Town on the north coast, end of the mountain section
- **Ballaugh Bridge** — The famous jump; motorcycles become airborne here at 100mph+ during TT
---
## Itinerary
### Day 1 — Arrive Douglas, Castletown, south coast
Arrive by ferry, settle in Douglas. Afternoon: drive to Castletown (Castle Rushen), Port Erin, Cregneash. Evening back in Douglas.
### Day 2 — West coast & Peel
Drive the west coast to Peel. House of Manannan, castle, kippers for lunch. Afternoon: explore Peel town and harbour.
### Day 3 — Mountain Road + Laxey + Ramsey
Drive the TT Mountain Course. Stop at Laxey Wheel. Snaefell Railway if weather is clear. Ramsey for lunch. Return via coast road.
### Day 4 (optional)
Slower day: walk in the hills, beaches, Manx Electric Railway.
---
## Practical Info
- **Currency:** British Pounds (GBP). Manx Pounds are also in circulation and accepted everywhere on the island but not valid in the UK.
- **Driving:** Left side. Public roads are used for TT racing — in August, normal speed limits apply.
- **Car hire:** Available in Douglas if you come without a car (but bringing your own from Heysham is easy)
- **Accommodation:** Douglas has the most options; Peel and Ramsey have smaller B&Bs
- **Best view:** Snaefell summit on a clear day — genuinely 5 countries visible
## Onward Ferry to Ireland
See `06-belfast.md` or `07-dublin.md`. Ferry from Douglas to Belfast (Belfast car ferry) or Dublin (seasonal). The Belfast route is more scenic and sets you up well for the Wild Atlantic Way going north-to-south.
## Links
- [Visit Isle of Man](https://www.visitisleofman.com)
- [Steam Packet Company](https://www.steam-packet.com)
- [Manx National Heritage](https://www.manxnationalheritage.im)
locations/05-belfast.md
+52
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
# Belfast, Northern Ireland
> **Type:** City destination + ferry arrival
> **Recommended stay:** 1–2 days
> **Best for:** History, Titanic, murals, starting point for Wild Atlantic Way north
## Why Via Belfast
Arriving in Belfast (from Isle of Man via Steam Packet or Stena Line) puts you in Northern Ireland, which gives you the option to start the Wild Atlantic Way from its northern end — Donegal and the Inishowen Peninsula — heading south. This is the more dramatic and less touristy direction.
## Must-See
### Titanic Belfast
The world's largest Titanic visitor experience, built on the exact slipways where the ship was constructed. Even if you're not a Titanic enthusiast, the building itself (angular steel "hull" design) and the exhibition quality are exceptional.
- **Allow:** 2–3 hours
- **Book ahead:** [titanicbelfast.com](https://www.titanicbelfast.com)
### Cathedral Quarter & City Hall
Belfast's historic centre, with Victorian City Hall (free to enter), pubs, and the Cathedral Quarter's street art scene.
### Falls Road & Shankill Road Murals
The political murals in West Belfast are one of the most vivid open-air documents of the Troubles. Take a Black Cab Tour — these are typically led by people from the communities and give a balanced, personal account.
### St George's Market
Victorian covered market, open Friday–Sunday. Best on Saturday morning: food, antiques, live music.
### Titanic Quarter & SS Nomadic
The SS Nomadic is the last remaining White Star Line vessel — the tender that ferried first-class passengers to the Titanic. Moored near the museum.
## Day Trip: Causeway Coast
If you have a second day, the Causeway Coast east of Belfast is unmissable.
- **Giant's Causeway** — UNESCO World Heritage Site; 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns from volcanic activity. Can be busy in summer — arrive early.
- **Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge** — Suspension bridge to a tiny island; dramatic coastal views
- **Dunluce Castle** — Ruined clifftop castle, one of Ireland's most dramatic
- **Bushmills Distillery** — Oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world (1608)
---
## Practical Info
- **Currency:** British Pounds (GBP) — Northern Ireland is part of the UK
- **Note:** Republic of Ireland uses Euros (EUR); the border is invisible but the currency changes
- **Driving:** Left side (same as rest of UK/Isle of Man)
- **Ferry from Isle of Man:** Stena Line Liverpool–Belfast is the main route; some Steam Packet sailings seasonal. Check [stenaline.co.uk](https://www.stenaline.co.uk)
## Onward: Into Ireland
From Belfast, cross the border into the Republic (invisible since the Good Friday Agreement — no passport control). Head northwest toward Donegal to start the Wild Atlantic Way at its northern end.
See `08-wild-atlantic-way.md`.
## Links
- [Visit Belfast](https://visitbelfast.com)
- [Titanic Belfast](https://www.titanicbelfast.com)
- [Causeway Coast](https://causewaycoastandglens.com)
locations/06-dublin.md
+52
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
# Dublin, Ireland
> **Type:** City destination + ferry arrival (alternative to Belfast)
> **Recommended stay:** 1–2 days
> **Best for:** Culture, literary history, pubs; southern starting point for Wild Atlantic Way
## Why Via Dublin
If you take the Isle of Man → Dublin ferry, you arrive in the Republic's capital. From here you can drive/cycle north to start the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal (long drive, ~4h), or travel it south-to-north starting in Kerry/Cork.
**Note:** The Wild Atlantic Way is usually more dramatic cycling south-to-north (prevailing wind at your back, progressively wilder landscapes). But north-to-south is the official direction.
## Must-See
### Trinity College & Book of Kells
Ireland's oldest university (1592). The Long Room of the Old Library is one of the most beautiful rooms in the world — barrel-vaulted ceiling, 200,000 ancient books, marble busts. The Book of Kells (9th-century illuminated manuscript) is displayed here.
- **Book ahead** — it sells out; [tcd.ie/visitors](https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/)
- **Allow:** 1.5–2 hours
### Temple Bar
Dublin's cultural quarter on the south bank of the Liffey. Cobblestone streets, pubs, galleries, market on weekends. Touristy but genuinely lively. The Temple Bar pub is the famous one — it'll be packed and expensive; try Mulligan's or The Long Hall instead for a quieter pint.
### National Museum of Ireland — Archaeology
Free entry. Home to some of the finest prehistoric gold artefacts in the world and the famous Iron Age bog bodies. Worth 1–2 hours.
### Kilmainham Gaol
The prison where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. Essential to understanding modern Irish history. Guided tours only — book well ahead.
- [kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie](https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie)
### Phoenix Park
One of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital (1,750 acres). Herd of wild deer. The US Ambassador's residence and the Irish President's (Áras an Uachtaráin) are inside the park.
### Guinness Storehouse
The pilgrimage. Nine floors in a converted fermentation plant; the gravity bar at the top has panoramic city views and a complimentary pint. More enjoyable than it sounds.
- Book ahead; busy in summer.
---
## Practical Info
- **Currency:** Euro (EUR)
- **Ferry from Isle of Man:** Irish Ferries Dublin–Holyhead (but this goes to Wales first); or Stena Line Rosslare. Direct IoM–Dublin is seasonal via Steam Packet — verify availability.
- **Driving:** Left side
- **Luas tram:** Useful for getting around the city centre without parking stress
## Onward: Wild Atlantic Way
From Dublin, the most practical cycling start is to take the coast road north to Donegal (if starting north-to-south) or drive south toward Kerry/Limerick (if doing south-to-north).
The most common cycling direction for prevailing westerly winds: **south to north** (Clare → Galway → Mayo → Donegal). See `08-wild-atlantic-way.md` for the full route.
## Links
- [Visit Dublin](https://www.visitdublin.com)
- [Trinity College Visitors](https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/)
- [Kilmainham Gaol](https://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie)
locations/07-wild-atlantic-way.md
+129
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
# Wild Atlantic Way — Cycling Ireland's West Coast
> **Type:** Long-distance cycling route
> **Total length:** ~2,500 km (full route; select sections as suits)
> **Recommended:** 2–4 weeks for a meaningful section; 6+ weeks for the full coast
> **Best for:** Cycling, coastal scenery, cliffs, peninsulas, Gaeltacht culture
## What Is It
The Wild Atlantic Way is a signed coastal driving/cycling route along Ireland's entire west coast, from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. It is the world's longest defined coastal route. The west coast is the windward side of Ireland — constantly changing light, dramatic cliffs, remote peninsulas, and a chain of Irish-speaking (Gaeltacht) communities keeping old culture alive.
---
## Direction & Strategy
**Prevailing wind:** From the southwest. Cycling **south to north** (Cork → Donegal) puts the wind at your back for Atlantic-facing sections.
**Recommended start if arriving Belfast:** Drive/ferry to Donegal and cycle south. More dramatic landscapes in the north; wind becomes less critical if you plan shorter days.
**Recommended start if arriving Dublin:** Head south to Kerry and cycle north — wind-assisted, builds to the Connemara/Mayo climax.
This guide covers **north to south** (Belfast/Donegal → Cork), which is the official signposted direction.
---
## Key Sections (North to South)
### 1. Donegal — 1–3 days
The wildest, most remote part of the route. Few tourists, dramatic cliffs, ancient towers.
**Must-see:**
- **Slieve League Cliffs** — Three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, a fraction of the crowds. The highest sea cliffs in Europe accessible on foot. Walk the "One Man's Pass" ridge for vertigo and views.
- **Glenveagh National Park** — Vast bog and mountain wilderness; red deer, golden eagles reintroduced. Castle on a loch.
- **Inishowen Peninsula** — Ireland's northernmost point (Malin Head). Dramatic and very remote.
- **Fanad Head Lighthouse** — One of Ireland's most photogenic lighthouses
- **Donegal Town** — Small but the Diamond (central square) is lively; good base
**Cycling note:** Roads are narrow, hilly, and quiet. This is the hardest section but also the most rewarding.
---
### 2. Sligo — 1–2 days
W.B. Yeats country. Gentler than Donegal, with excellent beaches.
**Must-see:**
- **Benbulben** — The flat-topped mountain that dominates the landscape; Yeats is buried in the churchyard at its foot (Drumcliff)
- **Strandhill & Enniscrone** — Atlantic surf beaches; Strandhill has good food and a seaweed bath house
- **Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery** — One of the largest and oldest megalithic cemeteries in Europe (older than Newgrange and Stonehenge)
- **Sligo town** — Good food scene, lively for its size
---
### 3. Mayo — 2–3 days
One of the spiritual and scenic highlights of the route.
**Must-see:**
- **Croagh Patrick** — Ireland's holiest mountain; pilgrims climb it barefoot on the last Sunday of July. The cone-shaped summit above Clew Bay is one of Ireland's iconic views.
- **Achill Island** — Ireland's largest island, connected by a bridge. Keem Bay (a pristine blue beach in a cliffside amphitheatre) and the deserted village on the slopes of Slievemore are both extraordinary. Excellent cycling.
- **Westport** — Best small town in Ireland, regularly voted so. Planned Georgian town on the Carrowbeg River. Good pubs, great food, base for Achill and Croagh Patrick.
- **Céide Fields** — The world's most extensive Stone Age monument: 5,000-year-old field systems, houses, and tombs preserved under the bog
---
### 4. Connemara — 2–3 days
The most haunting landscape in Ireland. Bogland, quartzite mountains, flooded inlets, wild ponies.
**Must-see:**
- **Connemara National Park** — Twelve Bens mountain range; bog walks, guided hill walks. Visitor centre at Letterfrack.
- **Sky Road (Clifden)** — Circular coastal road from Clifden with elevated views over the Atlantic and offshore islands. One of Ireland's best cycling roads.
- **Kylemore Abbey** — Gothic castle-turned-Benedictine monastery on a lake; stunning setting
- **Inishbofin Island** — Ferry from Cleggan; quiet island with beaches and good walking
- **Clifden** — The "capital" of Connemara; good base for the area
**Cycling note:** The N59 through Connemara is manageable but busy in summer. Inland bog roads are magical and quiet.
---
### 5. Galway — 1–2 days
Ireland's most vibrant city outside Dublin. University town, Gaeltacht gateway, live music every night.
**Must-see:**
- **Latin Quarter** — Medieval streets; Tigh Neachtain pub is the traditional music epicentre
- **Aran Islands** — Ferry from Rossaveal or Doolin. Inis Mór is the largest: ancient stone forts (Dún Aonghasa teeters on a 100m cliff edge), limestone "moonscape," cycling on quiet roads. Stay overnight for the full effect.
- **Salthill Promenade** — Walk the prom, kick the wall at the end (local tradition)
- **Spanish Arch** — Medieval arch on the river; small stone market area
---
### 6. Clare — 1–2 days
The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
**Must-see:**
- **Cliffs of Moher** — 8km of sea cliffs up to 214m. Ireland's most visited natural attraction. Go early morning or late evening to avoid the worst crowds. The walk south from the visitor centre to Hag's Head is excellent.
- **The Burren** — A unique limestone karst landscape covering 250km². Arctic, Mediterranean, and alpine flowers grow side by side. Walk the Green Road above Ballyvaughan or any of the looped trails.
- **Doolin** — The spiritual home of traditional Irish music. Three pubs (McGann's, Gus O'Connor's, McDermott's) with sessions every night. Small village, big reputation.
- **Poulnabrone Dolmen** — Portal tomb on the Burren; 5,500 years old
---
### 7. Kerry — 2–3 days
The iconic postcard Ireland: ring roads, peninsulas, dramatic mountains.
**Must-see:**
- **Dingle Peninsula** — More intimate than the Ring of Kerry, less touristy, arguably more beautiful. The Slea Head Drive (25km loop from Dingle town) passes beehive huts (clochán), ruined forts, the Blasket Islands viewpoint, and Connor Pass. Dingle town has great seafood and traditional music.
- **Ring of Kerry** — The classic 180km circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula: Killarney National Park, Kenmare, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Portmagee (Skelligs gateway). Busy with tourist coaches in summer — cycle it or drive counterclockwise to avoid the coach direction.
- **Skellig Michael** — UNESCO World Heritage Site; early Christian monastic settlement on a sea stack 12km offshore. Puffins, dramatic steps, Star Wars filming location. **Book months in advance.** Boats from Portmagee and Ballinskelligs.
- **Killarney National Park** — The lakes, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, and the Gap of Dunloe (a glacial valley; hire a jaunting car or walk)
**Cycling note:** The Dingle Peninsula is excellent for cycling. The Ring of Kerry is doable but has significant traffic in summer — a local cycle sportive (Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle) runs in July.
---
## Practical Cycling Notes
- **Bike hire:** Available in major towns (Galway, Westport, Killarney, Dingle). For a serious tour, bring your own.
- **Panniers vs backpack:** Panniers strongly recommended — the headwinds on Atlantic-exposed roads are brutal
- **Camping:** Wild camping is legal in Ireland with landowner permission; good campsites along the whole route
- **Hostels:** Abundant, especially in tourist towns; An Óige (Irish Youth Hostel Association) has properties on the route
- **Food:** You will never be more than 20km from a shop or pub. Hot food available in most pubs until early evening.
- **Weather:** August is the best month but expect rain — pack waterproofs. Atlantic squalls can arrive fast.
- **Gaeltacht areas:** Parts of Connemara, Mayo coast, and Donegal are Irish-speaking. Signs are in Irish first (with English below). People are delighted if you try even one word.
---
## Links
- [Wild Atlantic Way official](https://www.wildatlanticway.com)
- [Cycling Ireland](https://www.cyclingireland.ie)
- [Aran Islands ferries](https://www.aranislandferries.com)
- [Skellig Michael bookings](https://www.skelligexperience.com)
- [An Óige Hostels](https://anoige.ie)