Public travel plan

An 8-Day Motorcycle Loop Through Ireland’s Scenic South

This is a motorcycle-led route, not a general sightseeing itinerary: the described loop runs from Fishguard to Rosslare, through Wicklow and Dunlavin, onward via Cashel, Bantry and Killarney, then east through Dungarvan…

8 daysUpdated 18 highlights
Travel inspiration for An 8-Day Motorcycle Loop Through Ireland’s Scenic South

Source videos

Travel inspiration behind this plan

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

This is a motorcycle-led route, not a general sightseeing itinerary: the described loop runs from Fishguard to Rosslare, through Wicklow and Dunlavin, onward via Cashel, Bantry and Killarney, then east through Dungarvan to Rosslare. The riders experienced both mixed weather and unusual heat, so plan for changing conditions. Check accommodation details carefully: the Fox’s parking was on-street rather than the secure parking the riders expected, and the room was hot and noisy during their stay. The Fishguard–Rosslare crossing was described as a relaxed 3½-hour ferry trip and a good first ferry experience with a motorcycle.

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Days 1–2: Fishguard, Rosslare & the Wicklow ride to Dunlavin

Take the Fishguard–Rosslare ferry, then overnight near the port before riding north. The described first full day passes Castlebridge and Wexford, crosses the Wicklow Mountains via the Sally Gap and Blessington, and ends in Dunlavin. The route account mentions a stop for a leg stretch and camera-battery check, but does not identify its location.

  1. Fishguard Ferry TerminalFishguard Ferry Terminal, Fishguard, Wales

    The riders chose this crossing to avoid the Dublin route and described the 3½-hour trip as calm and approachable for a first motorcycle ferry crossing.

  2. Rosslare EuroportRosslare Europort, Rosslare Harbour, Ireland

    This is the Irish arrival port on the recommended Fishguard crossing; the riders arrived after a smooth 3½-hour sailing.

  3. Ferryport House B&BFerryport House B&B, Rosslare Harbour, Ireland

    A very short ride from the port brought the riders to this overnight stop. The description identifies it as a place they had stayed several times.

  4. The DockThe Dock, Rosslare Harbour, Ireland

    The riders celebrated their arrival with a meal and Guinness at The Dock. They particularly praised the generous portions and food.

  5. WexfordWexford, Ireland

    The route passes Wexford, which the riders describe as having golden beaches and Viking and Norman history. They continue onward rather than stopping there.

  6. District Boy CafeDistrict Boy Cafe, Castlebridge, Ireland

    The District Boy Cafe in Castlebridge was the chosen breakfast stop. The riders liked the flat white and breakfast before setting off for the mountains.

  7. Wicklow Mountains National ParkWicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland

    The ride enters this upland national park south of Dublin. The riders highlight its scale and the scenic roads through the area.

  8. Military RoadMilitary Road, Wicklow Mountains, Ireland

    The riders single out this historic 19th-century route as a highlight of the Wicklow ride. They describe it as a particularly rewarding ride in good weather.

  9. Sally GapSally Gap, Wicklow Mountains, Ireland

    This famous mountain crossroads sits at about 1,640 feet and connects routes toward Dublin, Glendalough, Blessington and Roundwood. The riders call the approach one of Ireland’s most scenic rides.

  10. BlessingtonBlessington, County Wicklow, Ireland

    The route heads west from Sally Gap toward Blessington. The riders pass through the town on the way to Dunlavin.

  11. The FoxThe Fox, Dunlavin, Ireland

    The Fox is a traditional pub in the center of Dunlavin and the riders’ first-night destination. Their account flags important booking checks: parking was on-street rather than secure on-site parking, and the room was hot during unusually warm weather. They also found the Saturday-night pub party and bright fire-alarm light disruptive to sleep.

  12. Pump House BarPump House Bar, Dunlavin, Ireland

    There is no restaurant at The Fox, so the riders went to the Pump House for dinner. They mention deep-fried squid and lasagna, with a choice of food and wine.

Day 3: Ride southwest to Cashel

Cashel is the next named overnight or route stage after Dunlavin. The source gives no specific stop, attraction or accommodation in Cashel, so keep this leg focused on the stated destination rather than adding unverified detours.

  1. CashelCashel, County Tipperary, Ireland

    The route summary identifies Cashel as the next southwestbound stage after Dunlavin; no particular attraction or lodging is specified.

Day 4: Continue west to Bantry

Bantry is the next western stage named in the route. The riders say this is where they have the opportunity to ride two notable passes, but do not name the passes; confirm the route before setting out rather than guessing which roads they mean.

  1. BantryBantry, County Cork, Ireland

    The route summary places Bantry on the west-coast leg and identifies it as the base before the two unnamed passes and onward ride to Killarney.

Day 5: Ride onward to Killarney

Killarney is the stated destination after the two unnamed passes. The source does not identify the passes or specific Killarney activities, so verify the intended riding route with the full route details before departure.

  1. KillarneyKillarney, County Kerry, Ireland

    The route summary names Killarney as the destination after the passes from the Bantry stage.

Day 6: Head east to Dungarvan

The route turns back east from Killarney for a one-night stop in Dungarvan. No specific lodging or attractions are identified for this stop.

  1. DungarvanDungarvan, County Waterford, Ireland

    Dungarvan is identified as the one-night eastbound stop on the return leg.

Day 7: Return to Rosslare

The route returns to Rosslare before the crossing back to Wales. The source does not specify a final-night hotel or additional stops here.

  1. RosslareRosslare, County Wexford, Ireland

    Rosslare is the final Irish stop named in the route summary before the return ferry.

Day 8: Wales overnight and Fishguard departure

The riders describe an overnight stay at the Ancient Britain Pub in Wales, followed by a roughly two-hour ride to catch the ferry at Fishguard. The source does not give a town-level location for the pub, so confirm its exact map pin before routing there.

  1. Fishguard Ferry TerminalFishguard Ferry Terminal, Fishguard, Wales

    The return plan uses Fishguard for the ferry port, with a Wales overnight beforehand to leave a short ride to the sailing. The transcript identifies the overnight pub by name but does not establish its town or exact location.