Ireland 2025 – Day 8: Carrick-on-Shannon to Home

🏍️ Day 8 – The Long Ride Home: Sunshine, Sea Air & One Worn-Out Tyre

Date: May 9th 2025

After a late-ish night enjoying the warmth of Irish hospitality and my final few pints of Guinness 🍻, Day 8 began with a leisurely start. There was no rush today—just 105 miles to the ferry, and the road ahead promised one last relaxing ride across the Irish countryside.

The sun peeked through soft clouds as I packed the tent away for the final time. My faithful steed stood ready, though by now I was definitely suspicious about that pesky rear tyre. 🤨

Setting off, I took my time, cruising through peaceful backroads and soaking up every last drop of Ireland’s charm. The ride was smooth and scenic—no motorways, just flowing tarmac and rolling green hills waving me goodbye. 🌿🏞️

I reached the port with time to spare and checked in for the Irish Ferries Swift service. True to its name, it was all go from there—lined up, ushered onboard, and sipping an overpriced coffee ☕ before I even had time to blink. I paired that with a cheeky blueberry muffin while gazing out over the Irish Sea, taking it all in one last time.

Landing in Anglesey, I still had a little fuel in the tank (metaphorically and literally), so I made a detour around the peninsula for one final scenic blast before the long return to Cambridgeshire. Tired but content, I made my way home, head buzzing with memories of epic roads, epic views, and epic laughs.

💥 Postscript:
Remember that loss of tyre pressure from Day 3? Turns out the rear tyre was on it’s way out, by the time i got home it was worn right down to the cords 😳. No wonder it couldn’t hold pressure! A well-earned retirement for that bit of rubber after carrying me across a country.

🚨 What’s Next?…. First new rubber 🤨

Just because Ireland’s done doesn’t mean the adventure ends!

🧭 Coming up:

• A long weekend in South Wales
• Then 4 days at the ABR Festival 🎪
• Followed by… 17 days exploring Norway, with fjords, tunnels, mountains, and magic on the horizon 🇳🇴

👉 Be sure to like, follow, and subscribe for updates from the next adventure. The road ahead is calling!