I'm a cyclist, based in Cork in the south of Ireland. Until recently this country and particularly the western parts of it were ideal cycling destinations and attracted cyclists from Europe and America.However I feel it's important for prospective cycling tourists to be aware of the state of the roads here now.
In recent years Ireland has experienced a booming economy, with increased car sales and increased road building. Unfortunately legislation and particularly enforcement has not kept pace with the changes.
Most of the road network is made up of secondary or local roads, and these are the ones used by cyclists.
Off the motoways and some national roads, the secondary road network is crumbling; most roads have no markings, either in the centre or at the sides, speed limits are wildly inappropriate, univerally exceeded and unenforced.
These roads are increasingly used by speeding motorists who avoid speed checks on main roads and motorways, as there are never any checks on local roads. There is an increase in house building with associated danger, road damage, mud and rubbish. For miles around the towns and cities the verges of roads are strewn with rubbish either thrown from cars or dumped illegally; bottles, fast food wrappers, nappies, black bin liners full of rotting household waste.
We have 300,000 unlicenced drivers, by which I mean they drive unaccompanied on learning "licences". Anyone can buy any type of car, pay for insurance, and drive away from the showroom unhindered by training or enforcement of the already feeble licencing laws. Most of these drivers are young and drive fast regardless of conditions.
Regrettably, there is also an increase in aggressive driving.
Outside of Dublin city, people no longer view the bike as transport; no kids cycle anymore. Our local school was rebuilt but no bike shed was included as it woul be about as useful as an airship mast.
The statisitics will tell you that few cyclists are killed her each year, but that's mainly because no-one walks or cycles on the roads anymore, except for a few Cranks like me and my dwindling band of cycling buddies.
So be warned, if you're planning a cycling holiday here, make sure you go to the remotest parts, or plod along the hard shoulder of the national routes, but be prepared for a stressful holiday.
