Athea road races in June

[dakk66]

Hi all,

A couple of friends are going to Ireland to watch this event and are after any info from anyone that has been before or knows the area and can give some tips on -
Best roads around for a bit of a blast
Good viewing spots and decent places for a pint or night out.

Any help greatly appreciated.

[bdarcy]

Athea roadraces have been excellent in recent years although you don't always get the "big names". I wouldn't worry about this the 750 support races at the last few meetings have been worth the trip alone.

This year will be different with the recent loss of Martin Finnegan and Robert Dunlop. That said, you are bound to have a good time - just watch out for the local accent it's wicked - I'm from Dublin and usually bring a phrase book, but eventually give and revert to sign language. Apologies to my county cousins for that one.

Abbeyfeale is the nearest big town and will have the usual "craic" in the pubs every night. I prefer to stay with the racing crowd so go where the paddock gang heads after practice and the races. Usually there's a "lock in" in the local but in case there's a Garda reading this I couldn't possibly provide a coherent name and address this year either.

By the way the Guinness in the area I think is the best in the country and some of the local barmen treat pulling a pint as a religous experience.

As for spins, you are in for a treat as you get closer to Athea with roads ranging from fast sweepers to the tight country lane variety typical of the actual track. Try to head south west towards Killarney if you have a day spare and for a bit of varity with good biking roads take the costal route to Galway on your way back.