Your Motorcycle Tour: Know Before You Go
Everything you need to arrive prepared, confident, and ready to ride.
Your motorcycle adventure is just around the corner! Now that you’re officially a Lemonrock rider, here’s everything you need to know before arrival: what to pack, riding tips, weather advice, travel documents, and practical details to help you arrive prepared and ready to ride.
Sections We’ll Cover:
What Should I Pack for a 7-Day Ireland Motorcycle Tour?
Pack light, pack smart, and be ready for Ireland’s ever-changing weather. Waterproof riding gear, sturdy boots, gloves, layers, and a quality helmet are strongly recommended for comfort and safety on the road. Bring a few casual clothes for evenings, essential toiletries, chargers, travel documents, and any medications you may need. For tours longer than a week, we recommend packing for seven days and using local laundry services to keep luggage light and bike handling comfortable.
Helmet: Full-face or modular is recommended for wind and rain protection.
Riding Jacket & Pants: Waterproof Gore-Tex or similar textile gear is highly recommended (shorts and t-shirts are never appropriate for riding).
Gloves: Waterproof/Insulated pair for rain or cooler mornings.
Boots: Sturdy, over-the-ankle, and 100% waterproof.
Base Layers (3-4 Sets): Synthetic or Merino wool “wicking” tops and bottoms. They dry quickly and regulate temperature better than cotton.
Neck Warmer/Buff: Essential for sealing the gap between your helmet and jacket.
Earplugs: Vital for reducing wind noise and fatigue on longer riding days.
Pants: 1 pair of jeans and 1 pair of lightweight chinos or travel trousers.
Shirts: 4 pairs of t-shirts or polo shirts. 1 long-sleeve shirt for layering.
Mid-Layer: 1 lightweight fleece or wool sweater.
Underwear: 8 pairs (one extra just in case).
Socks: 8 pairs. Choose moisture-wicking or wool socks rather than 100% cotton.
Light Jacket: 1 windbreaker or compact “puffer” jacket for evening walks.
Footwear: 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
* Note for Longer Tours: If your journey exceeds 7 days, do not pack more. Follow this 7-day list and plan to use hotel laundry services or local laundrettes. Overloading side bags affects bike handling and your overall riding experience.
Travel-Sized Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and shaving supplies.
Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the Irish sun can be deceptively strong.
Lip Balm: To prevent windburn.
Personal Medications: A 10-day supply (to cover travel delays) in original packaging.
Smartphone: Loaded with your personlised Lemonrock app
Charging Cables: For all devices.
Power Bank: To ensure your phone stays charged during long navigation days.
Universal Plug Adapter: Ireland uses the Type G (three-prong UK-style) plug.
Valid Passport
Full Motorcycle License: (Check if an International Driving Permit is required for your country).
Travel Insurance Details: Including emergency contact numbers.
Physical Map: A small backup map of Ireland is always a good “low-tech” safety net.
Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes saves significant space in panniers.
Leave Room: Leave about 20% of your luggage space empty at the start for souvenirs or snacks picked up along the way.
Use Packing Cubes: These are highly recommended for keeping your pannier liners organized, especially if you need to find something quickly during a roadside stop.
Store the “Big” Bags: You can leave your large airplane suitcases at Lemonrock HQ while you are on tour.
General Rules & Road Conditions
Riding in Ireland means driving on the left and enjoying some of the world’s most scenic roads, from smooth coastal routes to narrow country backroads. Riders should be comfortable with winding roads, changing weather, and full days in the saddle, with average touring distances of around 350 km. Waterproof gear, proper motorcycle boots, gloves, and attentive riding habits are strongly recommended for safety and comfort. Keep your passport, licence, insurance details, and any medications with you, and always double-check fuel pumps. Petrol is green and diesel is black.
Drive on the Left: In both Ireland and Scotland, traffic moves on the left-hand side of the road.
Road Surfaces: Expect smooth, scenic rides on asphalt and tarmac roads. While main routes like the Wild Atlantic Way are well-surfaced, be prepared for occasional bumps or potholes on smaller backroads.
Strictly On-Road: Motorcycles are designed for public road use only; off-road riding is not permitted.
Daily Distance (Rental Only): Plan for approximately 350 km per day. Due to the winding, scenic nature of the roads, this distance typically constitutes a full day of riding with stops.
Attentiveness: Riding these routes requires full attention and is best suited for intermediate to experienced riders comfortable with narrow switchbacks and twisty roads.
Pump Colors: In Ireland and the UK, Gasoline (Petrol) is dispensed from a green handle. Diesel uses a black handle. This is the opposite of the standard used in the United States.
Payment: Fuel stations generally require you to fill your tank first and then pay inside the shop.
Group Efficiency: To minimize delays, it is recommended that riders on similar bikes pair up and alternate paying for fuel to avoid long queues at the desk.
Mandatory Gear: It is never safe to ride in shorts and a T-shirt. Full motorcycle jackets and pants are highly recommended.
Weather Preparedness: Ireland experiences frequent weather changes; expect rain and sunshine, often on the same day. Gore-Tex or similar waterproof, breathable gear is highly recommended.
Footwear & Hands: Sturdy motorcycle boots and gloves with weather and abrasion protection are essential.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs are highly recommended to reduce wind noise, which helps maintain concentration and reduces fatigue.
Slow Speed Maneuvers: When stopping, especially on tall adventure-style bikes, use the rear brake. Using the front brake while coming to a stop with both feet down is a frequent cause of “tip-overs.”
Schedule: Aim to be on the road by 9:00 am to balance riding time with evening relaxation.
Navigation: For our tours, each bike is equipped with a Sat Nav. If you miss a turn, be aware that the device may recalculate onto very narrow roads or tracks; stay diligent regarding upcoming turns.
Insurance: Your Lemonrock rental includes comprehensive motorcycle insurance; however, it does not cover personal medical expenses.
Paperwork: Keep your original driver’s license and passport with you, but also carry photocopies in case the originals are lost.
Medical: If you use prescription medication, carry a paper copy of the prescription to facilitate refills if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions from Lemonrock riders preparing for their upcoming Ireland tour. From road conditions and riding tips to luggage, weather, and what to expect each day, this section is here to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy every mile. If you don’t see your question here, our team is always happy to help.
Yes. To rent a motorcycle in Ireland or the UK with Lemonrock, you must have held a full motorcycle license for at least 2 years and be a confident, regular rider with at least 5,000 km logged over the past 24 months. Our scenic routes often include twisty mountain roads, narrow passes, and challenging switchbacks, only suitable for intermediate or experienced riders. If you’re unsure of your skill level, we can arrange for a local instructor to ride with you on your first day. And if you’re new to renting a motorcycle in Ireland, we’ll make the logistics and travel part easy.
Our HQ is conveniently located in Baldoyle, halfway between Dublin Airport and Dublin city center. We recommend spending your first night at The Grand Hotel Malahide and wrapping up your adventure with a final night in Dublin’s vibrant city center.
Dublin Airport Transfer: For tour customers booking accommodations with us, we offer a complimentary chauffeur service from Dublin Airport to Malahide, from Malahide to Lemonrock HQ, and from your last night’s hotel back to the airport. Rental customers can also use this service for €130 per one-way trip (up to 3 people). Check with your Lemonrock Account Manager for more details.
Yes, we offer EU-approved helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and rain suits at a nominal daily rate. We primarily stock HJC helmets, with some Nolan and Caberg models. If you prefer using your own gear, that’s perfectly fine too—just be sure it’s comfortable and protective for long rides.
Yes, you can ship your riding gear to us in advance. Just let us know so we can keep an eye out for your delivery. Alternatively, we offer a full range of rental gear, including helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots for a small daily fee.
Your Adventure Starts Soon
We’re excited to welcome you on the road. If you have any final questions before arrival, our team is here to help every step of the way.
Need assistance? Contact Erin at
erin@ridelemonrock.com
