Eager Riders – Motorcycling in Ireland

Picture it: you’re astride a late model BMW motorcycle feeling the wind play about your face as you slice through the fragrant Irish countryside. The lush, verdant landscape opens before you, stretching on for miles in every direction. A patchwork of rolling hills, sparkling seas, and emerald pastures meets an expansive sky. A feeling of pure, unadulterated delight washes over you.

Freedom, at last! Just you, your bike and the wide, open road. 

A moment of motorcycling pause in the Sally Gap, County Wicklow

Sound like a dream? Well, as so often happens in Ireland, fantasy has a charming way of becoming reality. And, although a motorcycle tour around the Emerald Isle doesn’t immediately spring to mind as a holiday retreat, Paul Rawlins and his team at Celtic Rider are on a mission to spread the word, as guest blogger, Kirsten Fruit, was about to find out.

So, what makes Ireland such an attractive motorcycle destination? Paul doesn’t hesitate when we put the question to him:

If you enjoy good, clean air, good roads with little traffic, spectacular scenery, a soft drop of rain, great people, fine food, music, and craic then Ireland is the place for you.

Something gives us the feeling that Paul loves his country as much as he loves his hog… Paul, along with his wife Siobhan, has spent the past three years turning a passion for exploring the world on a bike into a profession. Now, he uses his time-tested expertise and experience to guide eager riders from across the globe on motorcycle tours around Ireland.

A moody looking McGillycuddy's Reeks in County Kerry.

Having a guide just makes a trip more enjoyable. A guide has experience and intimate local knowledge. There’s nothing better than the inside line from a local!

Too true, Paul, too true.

Paul barely takes a breath in answering our questions, so strong is his enthusiasm, which, we’re thinking, may very well be contagious. So contagious in fact, that we’re strongly considering some shiny new leather riding chaps ourselves (speaking of motorcycle gear, Paul and his team provide travelers with all the gear they’ll need).

Wow, just wow. Parked up alongside Donegal's Slieve League Cliffs

We’re curious though, where’s his favourite place to be viewed from between the handlebars:

“It has to be the West Coast, particularly the with its combination of spectacular scenery and traditional culture, and the route to west with its abundance of quiet country roads and tasty eateries. It’s nice to hear a bit of Irish in these places, and there’s always great food and lots of craic.

And are there any tours that stand out for special mention?

I once took some Americans to find their ancestral home. Being part of their life-changing experience and the kind letters I received in return made it hugely satisfying for me as a guide.

Genealogy, a motorcycling tour AND the Dingle Peninsula! Paul, you had us at the first rev…

Can’t get enough? Check out , touted as the “world’s fastest road race,” in early August for more motorcycle madness. Speed, along with atmosphere, location and, of course, world class riders, make it an unmissable event.