Conor Dunne: I feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area.
I know I'm biased but I just love the roads of Southeast Ireland.
They're stunningly beautiful and at the same time, they proved an amazing training ground
back when I was racing. If you are curious to see the roads I normally ride on, maybe you want to
visit the area or you just want to see what I get up to on an everyday spin, stay tuned
because this is my presenter ride, and guess what? We're in our little spot of Ireland.
[music] I'm starting to feel the legs. Beautiful.
Watch out sheep, I'm coming. Here we are at Clonea Strand near Dungarvan, the start and endpoint of
today's loop. I'll tell you what, there's just so much history, culture and for us cyclists,
beautiful roads to show you today. I can't wait to get going but first off, check out the bike
I'm going to ride it on. This is from Orbea, I think you can tell I designed it myself.
Tribute to my favorite Irish roads and I think you can tell where I got the inspiration from. I
love it. Beautiful bike. What a cracker. We're off. Leaving the beach, I joined the
Waterford Greenway heading east. You can get here from the coast without riding on the road at all,
so if you plan on doing this section with kids or enjoy a car-free starter ride, this is a great
starting option. Now, the route I've picked out today is 126 kilometers long with 1,600 meters
of elevation. We start by heading up the Waterford Greenway and east along the coast, before heading
inland along the River Suir and looping back through the Comeragh Mountains, hitting two
climbs along the way before a final descent back through Dungarvan and finishing at the coast.
Also, it's worth noting before we get going that my route is available on Komoot. If you
want to check out where I've been today, then simply click on the link in the description
below. It's a challenging route, you don't have to do it all. You can skip off some
bits but I really would recommend trying out the Comeragh Mountains as you will soon see.
This is the Waterford Greenway, a fantastic facility here in Waterford. It's 46 kilometers
long and based on the [unintelligible 00:02:24] great southern railway. This section of that
railway is between Dungarvan and Waterford. It's car-free and a perfect surface for cyclists and
walkers alike. I love adding it into any sort of ride I'm doing. However, when I'm on my racer,
I do take the pace relatively slow and just enjoy the view, and those views are fantastic from here.
Beautiful. This is my favorite part of the Greenway, the Ballyvoyle Tunnel. A quarter mile
long, it was built in 1878. You can just imagine trundling through here on a train in times of old.
The ferns and moss on the approaching embankment really give it a tropical feel and I just
love riding through here. It's such a unique experience.
Morning, how's it going? Everyone loves it right along here. It's a great addition to the Greenway,
really something different. It's still really quite dark as well so
you have to watch yourself when you're moving through it. Take care and caution, and also watch
out for the fairies. There's plenty of fairy houses along here too. Yes, just a heads up.
[music] I'm 15
kilometers in and now I'm leaving the fairy doors and and the Waterford
Greenway behind. I'm heading towards my next stop, the Copper Coast Road.
[music] Here we go, the Copper Coast Road, and this
is probably one of my favorite parts of this ride. I'm probably going to say that a lot actually
today, but this is an epic part of the ride. I always stop here no matter what ride I'm doing,
no matter what training, no matter how serious I am, this is just an awesome part of the ride. Now,
this part of the road is called the Copper Coast Road, and it's named after the vast copper mines
which were found here in the 19th century. These days, however, it's a UNESCO Geopark,
an absolutely beautiful place to ride your bike. There's plenty of [unintelligible 00:04:30] climbs
that you really have to grapple with to get up from beach to beach, and also you're rewarded
with these fantastic views out over the coastline. I'll tell you what, I'm relishing riding it today.
I used to ride here a lot when I was racing. I think I used to try and factor into pretty much
every ride I did at one point. I just love having the coast on my shoulder to look out to.
I'll tell you what, the little stingers of climbs on this road really are good for the form. You
don't really need a parameter to tell you that. I'd be suffering off them no matter what. I'd know
if I was on a good day if I can get up to them while sitting in the saddle. Without the saddle
groveling, it's a different story. With views like that, it doesn't really matter, does it?
Another thing I like to do as well actually, there's plenty of fishermen who sell mackerel
on this road. I used to come here and buy mackerel and bring it home for a barbecue. Good little tip.
Just look out for the little signs on the roadside and you'll see them. Great, great mackerel.
If you ride this section in total between Waterford and Dungarvan, it's probably around
50 kilometers, 40 to 50 kilometers. Now, we're not doing all of it, we're doing about half of that
and I'm going to turn off just after Annestown and begin to head inland towards Fenor Bog.
[music] One last thing before we leave
the coast road. If you are riding on this route, you may encounter a sport called road bowling
which takes place actually on this stretch of road sometimes. Now road bowling is basically who can
throw a 28 ounce iron ball down a long stretch of road in the least amount of throws possible. It's
a fantastic sport. It's great to see it happening in the flesh. I was hoping it would be here today
but it's not. Just to highlight how quiet these roads actually are when you're riding along, this
is a bank holiday Monday. Look at it. Nothing. That's the best part of the route if I'm honest.
There's no cars. It's brilliant. You can be riding for a couple of hours and you'll see no one.
Now I'm heading inland. I've left the coast road. This is a great little [unintelligible
00:06:44] I really love this little section. Now I'm going through Fenor Bog which is
a small acidic fen [unintelligible 00:06:50] area and this ride I'm on passes this beautiful little
lake called Ballyscanlon Lake and I think it's got one of the best views actually on the whole
ride. You'll see in a second, you'll see the lake and the mountains in the background where
I'll be heading later in the ride.
Got to climb up to it first. [music]
Beautiful countryside, isn't it? Ballyscanlon Lake. You can see Fenor Bog just in the
background there, Comeragh Mountains as well on the horizon. No wonder I like training so
much around here. [music]
Right, I'm back on the Greenway, I've rejoined it in the opposite direction so I'm heading away
from Waterford here and this bit is equally as beautiful. We have the River Suir just on your
right-hand shoulder. You have the old train line as well just right next to the bike path.
It's pretty stunning, isn't it? The river's quite large here so it's great to have that
as a backdrop. I'm heading towards Kilmeaden now, a lovely little cafe in a train carriage.
[music] Time to pull this train into the station.
As you can see, the train still goes every now and again, mostly on special days. I
should have got a lift from them, shouldn't I?
All right, leaving Kilmeaden now and I'm heading towards Portlaw and the Clonagam Round Tower.
All right, got to head down now.
[music] First,
I tell you have to get up this thing. Now it's a relatively unknown climb leaving Portlaw and I
think even a few locals might be scratching their heads as to where this is but I'll tell you what,
it's an absolute brutal climb. Maybe one of the hardest in the area. Reminds me quite a lot of the
[unintelligible 00:09:09] Definitely hurting my legs as well. Right, see you at the top.
I might be walking a little section but I promise you it's worth it to see the tower.
There's the tower.
That's it, Clonagam Round Tower, a bit of history on the loop, built in 1785. Nice little stop off
and nice against the woods as well but plenty more of the ride to go so we better crack on. Come on.
I'm down from the tower. I'll tell you one thing, I'm going to crack on a bit and get my head down
because well, I've been rambling on a bit, haven't I? I need to get back onto schedule
and get to the Comeragh Mountains. Now this is going to be a real serious part
of this ride. We're heading first to Mahon Falls and the Magic Road, which I'll explain
more behind the naming of the Magic Road in a second. It's curious, isn't it? For now,
a bit of speed needed. Into those mountains we go. [chuckles]
Just for fun. [chuckles] [music]
I'm on the lower slopes of Mahon Falls now, and this is the first climb on the loop that goes into
the Comeragh Mountains, and I'll tell you what, it's a challenge of a climb. It doesn't matter
of your ability or your riding level, you'll feel this one in the legs. It's 4.8 kilometers long,
with an average gradient of 6.6%, and there's a nasty, nasty sting at the top, which I'll show
you once we get there, but, woo, I've got to get there first. It's not easy this climb, now.
There's also something rather curious I'm going to show you halfway up, so stay tuned for that.
I'm starting to feel the legs. Two main climbs to go as well, but
we'll make it. We'll make it, won't we, Orbea? Irish Orbea.
I'm just on the lower slopes of Mahon Falls and I'm taking a bit of a breather because the main
reason I want to show you this climb, it's got something a little bit special on this stretch
of road. We call this bit the Magic Road. There's a bit of magic that sometimes happens here which
I'm going to explain to you. Local legend has it, that on this stretch of road, fairies live just
off in the undergrowth there. They have a little fairy house, I'm not sure if you can see it.
Just up here, fairy tree. I think that's where they live. I better not insult them too much.
Now, what you want to look out for, just on the lower slope. After the cattle grid
as you're riding up, there's two stones and a bit of paraphernalia at the side of the road
towards the fairy tree. Now, on this stretch of road, it's said that the fairies want to usher you
off their land because they don't want you here for too long. Because the road's uphill,
they'll come down and give you a helping hand up the hill and off their land.
I thought I'd come here and give it a go on my bike and see if it works. See if a fairy wants
to get rid of me. Let's give a go, shall we? I'm trying to find the fairy house. I'm taking
a detour. It's a bit eerie, isn't it? That's where the fairies live. The fairies should
push me up the road. It's uphill, but I should roll forward, let's see. [chuckles]
Come on, fairies. Give me a lift, come on, I want to go up.
Up the road. One more try and see if they give me a helping hand.
[chuckles] Thanks. Apart from the fairies, this climb is stunningly beautiful.
As you can see, I'm on the really steep bit at the top of Mahon Falls here. Nearly at
the top. You can see the Mahon Falls just over my shoulder there in the background, and this is just
an absolutely stunning view from this climb. One of the highlights of the ride, for sure,
and once we get over the top, we'll be cresting the climb, we'll be descending down towards
the Celtic Sea. More beautiful views of the Comeragh's and a bit welcome respite to the legs.
Nearly there. [music]
Right. Now, we're onto the descent of Mahon Falls, and, I'll tell you what,
this is the fastest descent in the whole area. You've got to be really careful on this one.
Use the brakes, mind the sheep, and take it with a lot of caution because
once you lose control here, you're not getting it back, and, on that note, I better get down.
Watch out, sheep. I need a bit of rejuvenation, I'll tell you, I'm starting to feel it.
Seven hours riding time. It'll probably take you a bit less time when you don't have to film every
little corner. Woohoo.
Watch out, sheep, I'm coming. I'm coming. A little bit of a shower, but it hasn't
dampened the spirits. It's what makes the vegetation so green, after all. This is Ireland.
Now, from Mahon Falls, I've headed south and I'm now going to cross
the Comeragh Mountains via the [unintelligible 00:15:15] pass, which,
in my opinion, gives the best panoramic view of the region. It's really a spectacular climb,
and it feels a little bit like a slice of the Alps here in our little corner of Ireland.
[music] [unintelligible 00:15:43] pass.
Now the Comeragh Mountains are a glaciated mountain range in south-east Ireland,
with the highest peak being Kilclooney Mountain at 800 meters altitude. One of my favorite stories
regarding these mountains is about a guy called Jim Fitzgerald, who was known as Lackendarra Jim.
Now, returning from World War I, Jim was said to be suffering from extreme shell shock like many
other men who returned from that horrendous war. Now, he sought isolation in these mountains living
in a cave, not too far from here. He was very rarely seen and was known as a hermit. He'd
go into town every couple of weeks for essential supplies, but would quickly leave again, returning
to his peaceful isolation, and when I'm riding through here, I often hope that Jim found that
peace and isolation that he was looking for after what can only be described as the hellish
brutality of World War I. [music]
We've got trouble.
Descending the [unintelligible 00:16:46] pass, the road twists and turns. There are various
smaller back roads down towards my next stop in Dungarvan. I'm still finding some of them,
if I'm honest. Small hairpin roads, grass in the middle, not a soul around, and steep as anything.
This is my preferred back road route down for the time being, anyway.
Right, I've made it to the final stop on my loop. The harbor town of Dungarvan. Now, this
is the start of the Waterford Greenway, and it is also the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat.
There's plenty of amazing places to get some food around here, and also a nice coffee if you so
wish. I also happen to know the best fish and chip shop in the whole entire world. It's just over
my shoulder there. It's rather tempting at the moment, but, well, the tide isn't going to take
me home now. I've still got a few kilometers to go, and I better get cracking. I'm going to go
back via the Waterford Greenway, of course, and a fast little push and then we're back by the sea.
We're obviously by the sea now, but you know what I mean,
it's the harbor, we need to get back to the beach. I could take the boat, couldn't I?
I've delayed the ride. I've bought fish and chips. I got hungry talking about them.
Whoa, and that's it. Back to where we started at Clonea Strand. The weather's been kind to me
today. It's been an absolutely fantastic day, and an honor to share my local training roads with you
all. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you do have any questions about the loop or about the area,
please whack them in the comments section below, and I'll do my best to get back to you all,
but I'll tell you what, right now, I'm absolutely starving. I'm off to find some food.
It's been nice to reminisce on some of those old roads. It's been a
great old ride. Thanks for steering me around, Orbea. Let's go and find some food, shall we?
Thanks, everyone. See you soon. [00:18:48] [END OF AUDIO]