A Bike, 1,700 Miles And 47 Days… One Golfer’s Epic Journey Around The Island Of Ireland

Having completed this trip, I’m still somewhat baffled as to what on earth I was thinking… maybe it was the prospect of receiving my pension or perhaps it was reading, over 20 years ago, the hilarious account of Tony Hawks finding his way round Ireland with a fridge for company. Whatever the reason, the concept was to cycle the island of Ireland unsupported, dragging, not white goods, but a loaded golf trolley over 1,700 miles and up the equivalent of two and a half Everests, while playing a dozen of the most challenging courses from the extraordinary roster that the island has to offer.

This venture was an attempt to combine three personal passions: long-distance cycling, links golf and hanging out with interesting people in pubs. I was expecting challenging conditions, my share of dark moments, more than my share of dark pints and the opportunity to test the legendary Irish hospitality to the full. I also realised it was a great chance to raise cash for Maggie’s (a cancer care charity opening a new centre in my area) and to demonstrate that you don’t need to drive to your local course, encouraging players and clubs to become more bike-friendly. Most golf clubs have lockers and the vast majority of journeys from home to course are short, yet bike storage facilities still seem virtually non-existent.

In some ways, the planning was easy. Just land in Dublin, turn south and keep the coast on my left shoulder – simplicity itself! In other ways, it was a logistical nightmare. Lining up the golf courses had to be done in advance as these popular clubs are fully booked and I was asking them to waive fees and provide local club members to host me. I had committed to be at 12 places around Ireland at specific dates and times, so there was no wiggle room for potential disasters… of which there were many. I felt fortunate to have sourced a customised road-worthy pull-along golf trolley but was pretty sure the designers hadn’t had this kind of trip in mind.