Biking itierary idea - comment on feasibility

I don't see these places on your itinerary, but friends who cycled in Ireland for a month this summer liked the hostels in Limerick, Kilkenny, Doolin and Letterfrack. They did not like the one in Cashel because of its location and very small room. They're in their 60's.

hi karen, i would agree with the other posters who said to cycle the beara peninsula - it has some of the best scenery in ireland (well, i think so anyway) also the roads are quiet - as it's too narrow for tour buses to drive. there's a lovely buddhist retreat place between castletownbere and allihies where you could stay www.dzogchenbeara.org i've never cycled beara myself (keep meaning to) but i have been there about 8 times and i can definitely recommend it. kate

have you ever looked at www.couchsurfing.com? it's a site where you can organise to stay with local people at no cost - a cultural exchange sort of thing. it would be a good way to get to know people wherever you are going and learn about the country in a different way

I can't offer advice on your cycling plan, but I know a great B&B very close to Shannon and Bunratty. Check out Tobins Shannonside B&B (just Google) they are on R472 between Shannon and NewMarket-on-Fergus. Great place to stay on arrival, and before departure. They even have a kitchen area for use by travelers, saves biking off to get a meal in the rain :)