Motorcycle tour Ireland

Otherwise it won't work! The idea had been in my head for years. In 2022, I finally got my act together. Planning a big tour of Ireland was simply too time-consuming for me. So I booked myself on a group tour with Edelweiss Biketravel for the first time. Now there was no turning back! I flew directly to Dublin with my son. My booked KTM Enduro 1290 Super Adventure S was already waiting for us there. The choice of motorcycles was huge. This time, however, I was in the mood for another adventure on a KTM - so I chose the Super Adventure S. My colleagues in the group came from the USA and Canada. They chose: BMW R 1250 GS, BMW F 750 GS, BMW S 1000 XR and Triumph Tiger 900.

We are currently in an exciting phase at KTM. We have just released the new KTM Enduro app online. Therefore, it was crucial for me to have a relaxing vacation without any stress. I simply wanted to enjoy the ride. The two tour guides provided a sense of security. Markus and William alternate daily. One of them takes the van with the gear and the spare KTM Enduro, while the other guide joins us on the ride. Markus, who has been with KTM since 1993, has completed approximately 2,000 tour days. Speaking with him naturally sparked our interest in more tours. He shared stories of his 38 tours to South Africa, leaving us eager for more adventures.

In my opinion, the convenience of the "Internet" was supposed to make planning motorcycle trips easier. However, more and more riders are opting for the hassle-free package offered by Edelweiss. Currently, they have a team of 60 guides and a fleet of 220 bikes. Like many others, I enjoy planning my own tours, but for certain special destinations, booking a tour is a great option. When it comes to riding in the Alps, Spain, or Italy, I prefer to rely on my own skills. However, for a place like Ireland, where the journey can be quite time-consuming, I didn't want to take any chances and chose to go with the professionals.

The adventure began with a challenging stage. When exploring Ireland, one envisions picturesque coastal routes, untamed landscapes, narrow paths, and breathtaking scenery. The journey from Dublin to Belfast provided us with a delightful introduction to the country, allowing us to admire Trim Castle, a historic landmark made famous by the film Braveheart. Despite encountering heavy traffic in the eastern urban areas, I appreciated the opportunity to include both Dublin and Belfast in our route. This enabled us to gain some insight into the unique charm of both cities.

On the second day of the KTM Enduro tour, the island presented itself quite differently. Here, the tour took us right across the British part of Northern Ireland. We started in Belfast and drove along the north coast to Letterkenny. I was particularly enchanted by the narrow roads at Torrs Head. I had already ridden this part of the route years ago (together with KOT and Vauli - watch the video here). What surprised me this time was that even in the high season in mid-August, the roads were surprisingly quiet. Of course, there were lots of people at the highlights such as the Giants Causeway. But driving on the roads was very pleasant. It's very different here to Corsica, for example, where you simply can't get anywhere in summer and can only drive in spring or fall.

This trend continued on the other sections of the tour along the west coast. Generally speaking, it has to be said: There is significantly more traffic in the east than in the west. And the tourist hotspots are a little busier at the weekend than during the week. Most of the route took us along the Wild Atlantic Way. This road runs 2,500 km from Londonderry in the north to Cork in the south and is definitely one of the big bucket list destinations for motorcyclists.

I was consistently amazed by the lack of activity along the different coastal stretches. For instance, at Slieve League, we always found ourselves alone during our breaks, taking in the sights of the rough cliffs. Conversely, certain hotspots were bustling with people. Therefore, good timing and meticulous planning were crucial. It was likely not by chance that we were able to experience numerous stunning routes in the early hours of the morning, when traffic on the roads was minimal.

KTM Enduro also combined the off-road adventure with a rider-friendly program. They not only focused on challenging terrains and scenic routes, but also selected accommodations in unique locations. This allowed riders to explore some truly captivating landscapes. The rugged trails were demanding, but the camaraderie at the end of the day in local pubs provided a great balance to the solitude of the ride. Throughout the journey, we visited various destinations including Dublin, Belfast, Ballina, Galway, Killarney, and Waterford. I was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant charm of these Irish towns and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

When it comes to Enduro motorcycles, the KTM Enduro is a standout choice for riders looking for top performance and reliability. The KTM Enduro is equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as a powerful engine and advanced suspension system, making it ideal for tackling rough off-road terrain with ease. Whether you're navigating through rocky paths or cruising through muddy trails, the KTM Enduro delivers a smooth and exhilarating ride. With its sleek design and durable construction, the KTM Enduro is a true powerhouse on two wheels. Experience the thrill of off-road riding like never before with the KTM Enduro.

Traveling around Ireland in a star shape is quite challenging. The stunning locations on the island are evenly distributed, making it necessary to embark on a round trip with frequent hotel changes and luggage transfers. Opting for a guided tour can make this journey easier compared to traveling solo. However, we appreciated spending at least 2 nights at 2 different locations. For those looking to explore Ireland in a star-shaped manner, choosing Killarney as a base is recommended. This allows for extensive exploration of the diverse southwest region. Keep in mind that by doing so, you may miss out on the serene north, where you can have some cliffs all to yourself.

We were all truly impressed by the cleanliness of the island. The locals here surely appreciate the beauty of their land. There are no grimy corners or dirty alleys to be found. All the gardens are impeccably maintained as well. As a tourist, you can't help but feel comfortable and secure here. It's truly a fantastic place. We were also pleasantly surprised by the consistently stable and pleasant temperatures. The thermometer typically stayed around 20 degrees. This makes the island a fantastic destination for summer motorcycle rides. On the other hand, the stunning beaches are more suited for photo opportunities rather than beach vacations. The Irish take great pride in their beautiful beaches and excellent water quality. However, with a water temperature of around 15 degrees, no one could convince me to take a dip in those spectacular waters.

Is Ireland a dream destination for all motorcyclists? Frankly, no! If you associate motorcycling primarily with spectacular bends and scratching footrests, you may be disappointed. Here on the island, it is above all the diverse natural experience that is so inspiring. The curves are not so harmonious and do not invite you to speed. You tend to ride at a slow pace and spend a lot of time discovering the island. Although I like to be sporty on the road, I never had the feeling that I was missing out on anything. The island simply enchanted and inspired me with all the fascinating views. Everything was just right - exactly as it was. This may also have been due to the experience of the two tour guides. For me, this premiere was a really wonderful experience and I was already browsing through the Edelweiss catalog. Japan is also said to be a great destination....

• The agreeable temperatures, even in summer
• The tidy and well-maintained overall impression of the island
• Torr Head
• Wicklow Mountains
• Ring of Kerry
• Gap of Dunloe
• The Vee
• Downpatrick Head
• Slieve League
• Charming towns like Galway, Waterford, Killarney, as well as numerous picturesque villages

I have outlined a rough itinerary of the KTM Enduro tour for you here. However, we have included additional loops that are not detailed in this summary. Please note that the Calimoto algorithm may not always follow our exact route, sometimes suggesting more winding alternatives on the KTM Enduro tour. Throughout the tour, I shared numerous photos and short videos on Instagram, some of which were geo-tagged. You can view the stories on Instagram here.

During our tour in Ireland, we were prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. To ensure our comfort and safety, I chose top-notch Goretex gear from Rukka for both myself and my son. This allowed us to stay flexible and avoid having to stop to change clothes or put on rain gear when the rain started. We removed the inner lining completely for added ventilation. Throughout the tour, we made use of the various ventilation options available. After a week of intense riding, we can confidently say that the gear performed exceptionally well. The products we used were:

• Nils: KTM Enduro-R (inkl. passender Hose)
• Sohn (12 Jahre): KTM Enduro-R (inkl. passender Hose)

The KTM Enduro is more affordable than the top model, the KTM Adventure. However, in tough conditions, both models proved to be waterproof, comfortable to wear, and provided a great feel. While both suits may feel a bit bulky and heavy during café stops, the wind and weather protection they offer is impeccable, and the quality of craftsmanship is top-notch. The pants in the KTM Enduro outfit may be a bit tricky to remove, but overall, we were highly satisfied with both sets.