Cycling
If you are lucky enough to get decent weather, cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to see Ireland, ensuring you're continually in touch with the landscape. Roads are generally empty, though very poor surfaces may well slow you down. Most airlines carry bicycles for free as long as you don't exceed your weight allowance; but be sure to check the regulations in advance (charters may be less obliging) and let them know when you book your ticket that you plan to carry a bike. Always deflate the tyres to avoid explosions in the unpressurized hold. If you don't want to cycle long distances, it's easy and relatively cheap to rent a bike in most towns in the Republic and at a limited number of places in the North (most outlets are listed in the text); you can't take a rented bike across the border. Raleigh, who operate a national rental scheme and a choice of drop-off options, are the biggest distributors (GBP8-10/?10.16-12.70 per day, GBP35-40/?44.45-50.80 per week plus around GBP50/?63.50 deposit; collection and delivery service GBP10-15/?12.70-19.05). You can call their main office at Raleigh House, Kylemore Rd, Dublin 10 (tel 01/626 1333, raleigh@iol.ie ) to find out details of their agents throughout Ireland. Local dealers (including some hostels) are often less expensive. Wherever you rent your bike, it makes sense to check the tyres and brakes immediately and demand a pump and repair kit before you set off. You should also consider the terrain: if you plan on mountain biking, make sure your machine has enough gears to cope. Cycle helmets are available for rent at some shops, but if you want to be certain of wearing one, bring your own along. In tourist spots at high season it's best to collect a bike early in the day (or book it the day before) as supplies frequently run out. If you arrive with your own bike, it's easy enough to carry it across long distances by train, less so by bus . Local tourist offices will supply information on organized cycling tours, or contact ICS . Finally, a problem you may encounter - for some reason particularly in the west - is that of farmers' dogs chasing and snarling at your wheels. Should you be fortunate enough to be heading downhill at the time, freewheeling silently past cottages and farm entrances is perhaps the only humane way of minimizing the risk of savaged wheels and ankles
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