Hi Everyone
To Celebrate the Triumph Classic Owners Club Ireland's 40th anniversary in Ireland next year, I am proposing a scenic 3-day, 2-night run through some of Ireland's most picturesque landscapes. This memorable journey will cover a maximum of 450 miles over the weekend of 18-20 September 2026, showcasing the beauty of the Republic of Ireland. The TCOC Birthday weekend will offer great driving and opportunities for socializing and relaxation.
I will build more detail into the itinerary over the next few months, but the main thing now is to get numbers of people and cars attending the event due to Hotel booking requirements. Essentially, I have a deal with the Achill Hotel on Achill sound to reserve 20 rooms for us on 18 and 19 September 2026. Its a great scenic location with good parking and access to the village on Achill sound. The cost is 195euro per person sharing to include; 2 nights B n B as well as one 3 course evening meal. The bar is perfect for those who seek a quiet chat area on one side of the bar or on the other side, those who consider themselves to be musical legends! So roll up roll up and send me your name so I can advise the hotel of numbers by early September 2025 (next month please)
Draft itinerary below for which I also have a ‘plan B’ for should the weather cause problems that weekend
Day 1 - Good Weather Route – ‘Plan A’- Approx 240miles
To: Achill Sound, County Mayo, Ireland | Distance:239.6 miles Time:5 hours 5 mins |
Distance | Directions | Total | |
Start: | The Deadman’s Inn, Old Lucan Road, Curtis Stream, Dublin, Ireland | ||
0.0 | Head east on N4 | 0.0 | Show map |
0.3 | Keep left to stay on N4 | 0.3 | Show map |
0.3 | Continue onto Chapelizod Bypass/R148 | 0.5 | Show map |
0.7 | Keep right to continue toward Chapelizod Bypass/R148 | 1.2 | Show map |
0.1 | Sharp right onto Chapelizod Bypass/R148 | 1.3 | Show map |
0.7 | Continue onto N4 | 2.0 | Show map |
4.0 | Keep right to continue on M4, follow signs for Sligo/Westport/Galway/N5/N6 Toll road – Sligo Westport Galway N5-N6 – M4 | 5.9 | Show map |
35.4 | Continue onto N6 | 69.3 | Show map |
4.9 | Continue onto M6 Toll road | 74.2 | Show map |
44.7 | Continue onto N6 | 118.9 | Show map |
|
| 120.9 | Show map |
2.0 | Turn left onto Tuam Rd/R336 Continue to follow R336 | 123.0 | Show map |
1.0 | At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Sean Mulvoy Rd/R338 Continue to follow R338 | 123.9 | Show map |
1.4 | At Browne Roundabout, take the 4th exit onto Thomas Hynes Rd/N59 | 125.4 | Show map |
0.8 | Turn left onto N59 | 126.2 | Show map |
4.7 | At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto L1309 | 130.8 | Show map |
1.2 | Arrive: Moycullen, County Galway, Ireland | 132.0 | |
Section time: 2 hours 17 mins, Total time: 2 hours 17 mins | |||
Start: | Moycullen, County Galway, Ireland | ||
0.0 | Head northwest on Clifden Rd/L1309 | 132.0 | Show map |
0.5 | At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Clifden Rd/N59 Continue to follow N59 Destination will be on the right | 132.5 | Show map |
18.7 | Arrive: Maam Cross, County Galway, Ireland | 151.2 | |
Section time: 28 mins 25 s, Total time: 2 hours 45 mins | |||
Start: | Maam Cross, County Galway, Ireland | ||
0.0 | Head west on N59 toward R336 | 151.2 | Show map |
21.3 | Arrive: Clifden, County Galway, Ireland | 172.5 | |
Section time: 29 mins 5 s, Total time: 3 hours 14 mins | |||
Start: | Clifden, County Galway, Ireland | ||
0.0 | Head north on Westport Rd/N59 toward Church Hill/Sky Rd Continue to follow N59 | 172.5 | Show map |
40.3 | Turn right onto Quay St/N59 Continue to follow N59 | 212.9 | Show map |
1.1 | At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on N59 | 214.0 | Show map |
17.4 | Continue straight onto R319 Destination will be on the left | 231.3 | Show map |
8.2 | Arrive: Achill Sound, County Mayo, Ireland | 239.6 | |
Section time: 1 hours 50 mins, Total time: 5 hours 5 mins |
The evening 3 course meal can help us celebrate the TCOC 40th Birthday with Birthday Cake and Drinks. Open to suggestions re raffle or pub quiz, etc. No doubt a few out of tune tunes will be sang into the early hours …..
Day 1 – Bad Weather Route – ‘Plan B’
Deadmans Lucan along M6 Motorway to Athlone, Take Exit to Tuam (Short Motorway) to Achill Sound – 190 Miles
Day 2 – Good Weather Route – ‘Plan A’- Achill Tour Day
Achill Island, located off the west coast of Ireland, is a stunning destination with breathtaking scenery, rugged landscapes, and plenty of places of interest to explore. Below is a suggested road route starting at Achill Sound that takes you to many of the island's highlights, including Minaun Heights, Keel Bay, Keem Beach, and other must-see spots.
Route Summary 35 Miles of a days sauntering around the Island to cover the following :
- Achill Sound
- Minaun Heights
- Dooega
- Keel Bay
- Keem Beach
- Dugort & Silver Strand
- Deserted Village
- Atlantic Drive
- Achill Sound
- Starting point: Achill Sound is the gateway to the island. Take time to enjoy the views of the narrow strait separating the island from the mainland. There's a small pier and several shops and cafes nearby.
- From Achill Sound, head west on the R319, the main road that runs through the island.
- Minaun Heights
- Directions: Shortly after leaving Achill Sound, take the turnoff for Minaun Heights. This narrow road leads uphill to a stunning viewpoint over the island.
- Why visit?: At the summit of Minaun Heights (466 meters), you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the cliffs, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Dooega
- Directions: Return to the R319 and follow the signs for Dooega, a small village on the southern coast of the island.
- Why visit?: Dooega has a beautiful and quiet cove, perfect for taking in the rugged coastal scenery. It's less touristy than other spots but equally picturesque.
- Keel Bay
- Directions: Continue west on the R319 until you reach Keel, one of Achill’s largest villages.
- Why visit?: Keel Bay is an expansive sandy beach backed by dramatic cliffs. It’s a great spot for walking, surfing, or simply soaking in the views. The nearby Trawmore Strand offers a beautiful stretch of sand that meets the Atlantic waves.
- Keem Beach
- Directions: From Keel, follow the coastal road west towards Keem Beach. The road winds along cliffs and offers stunning views along the way.
- Why visit?: Keem Beach is one of Achill’s most famous spots, often listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Nestled in a horseshoe-shaped bay, it features crystal-clear waters and golden sands surrounded by rugged cliffs.
- Dugort
- Directions: Retrace your route back through Keel and head north towards Dugort.
- Why visit?: Dugort is home to Silver Strand, another stunning beach. The area also offers views of Slievemore, Achill’s tallest mountain.
- Deserted Village
- Directions: From Dugort, head back towards Slievemore to visit the Deserted Village.
- Why visit?: This historic site consists of abandoned stone cottages at the foot of Slievemore. It’s a hauntingly beautiful area with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
- Atlantic Drive
- Directions: Head back towards Achill Sound and take the Atlantic Drive, a scenic loop around the southern coastline of the island.
- Why visit?: This road offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and small islands dotting the coastline. Stop at viewpoints and take photos of the dramatic scenery.
Day 2 – ‘Plan B’ - Bad Weather Route
Achill sound – Pub crawl …..3 Pubs !
Or ……visit Newport and Westport for lunch and pubs, cinema, etc.. For the athletic crew you can hire electric bikes across the road from the Hotel and cycle the Greenway to Newport…..good luck !
Day 3 – Good Weather – The Route home– 198 Miles (From Achill Sound To the Deadmans Inn Lucan)
- 0.0 Head east on R319
- 8.2 Continue onto N59
- 25.6 At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on N59
- 3 Westport, County Mayo, Ireland
- Section time: 40 mins
- 26.3 Head southwest on Newport Road/N59 toward N Mall
- 26.3 Turn left onto N Mall/N59
- 26.4 Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Castlebar Rd/R309
- 27.4 At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Knockranny Link Rd
- 27.6 At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto N5
- 34.1 At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Castlebar Byp/N5
- 38.4 Slight left onto the ramp to N60
- 38.6 Turn right onto N60
- Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland
- Section time: 34 mins
- 53.2 Head southeast on Convent Rd/N60
- 53.2 Keep right to continue on Convent Rd/R320
- Continue to follow R320
- 53.5 Turn right onto Main St/R331
- Continue to follow R331
- 53.7 Turn left onto Ballindine Rd
- 54.4 At the roundabout, take the 1st exit
- 54.6 At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the N17 ramp
- 54.7 Merge onto N17
- 69.1 At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto N83 heading to Tuam/Dunmore/N83/Ballyhaunis
- 69.4 At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Milltown Rd/R939 heading to Tuam
- Continue to follow R939
- 6 Tuam, Co. Galway, Ireland
- Section time: 25 mins Total time: 1 hours 40 mins
- 70.6 Head southwest on R939 toward Weir Rd
- 71.6 At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto M17 heading to M18/M6/Galway
- 86.9 Continue onto M18 (signs for Limerick/Shannon/Aerfort na Sionainne)
- 87.0 At junction 18, exit onto M6 toward Dublin
- Toll road
- 126.6 Continue onto N6
- 131.6 Continue onto M6
- Toll road
- 167.2 Merge onto M4
- Toll road
- 195.1 Continue onto N4 Destination will be on the left
Dublin
N4
- 4 The Deadman’s Inn, Old Lucan Road, Curtis Stream, Dublin, Ireland
- Section time: 1 hours 56 mins, Total time: 3 hours 37 mins
We can discuss the above at the Next Club Meeting on Sunday 31st August 2025
Cheers
Al Quinn
Replies
Yes Al - well done very comprehensive - I'm in and would welcome discussion at next meeting ( so not going to Kilkenny Show)
Bren Fitz
Looks good lets chat about it more next meet up🤠
Hi Niall - 3 Reasons
1) The big runs in previous years were all on the 3rd weekend of Sept - A lucky weekend for TCOC folk
2) Can't guarantee the weather everrrrr in Ireland!
3) Hard to tie down folks in the summer with hols etc - most people get freed up in Sept
4) Roads are quieter in tourist areas in Sept
5) Prices in Hotels are cheaper in Sept
6) Because I said so .....oooohhhh don't think that one counts
7) I was in Achill last weekend and cycled the Greenway - the Achill Hotel hotel staff were brill, the food was brill, the pints were brill, everywhere on Achill was brill ......
8) I'm trying to get to 10 here ...
9) Still trying ....
10) Ah yes the clincher.......€195pps for 2 nights and a 3 course evening meal is a hard deal to beat!
Hope that settles the date issue
Al
Great work Al, generally see Keem Beach and press yes, the most beautiful place. So, love the destination, but I'm wondering why are we planning a longish west of Ireland trip in late September? It rains 225 days a year in the west of ireland and it's miserable, if we are planning this far forward should we be considering July/August where we have a much better chance of falling into those beautiful "other" 140 days. I haven't done the research but I'll bet a very significant number of those 140 occur in those months.
That question asked, thanks for the work Al and it looks a wonderful trip🙂
I wouldn't mind having a go at that so count me in please,Cheers.
Al Thats very comprehensive and well planned out/ Achill would be a good base for sure- looking forward to the discussions at the next meeting. I'd be tempted to stay a few more days as there is lots to do/explore !
Well done Al, Sounds like a great weekend and birthday celebration for the TCOC.
I will definitely be going, Please add myself and Margaret to the list.
John White.
Sounds great Alan count myself and Chris in
I would be on for that , sounds great! Hopefully the gt will be back on road then
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