A cinematic bikepacking documentary through the West of Ireland.
After retiring from professional rugby, I cycled a 700KM lap around Connacht to explore how the landscape has shaped the people of the West, and built resilience into its identity through hardship.
From the Atlantic coastlines of Mayo and Galway to remote mountain roads and relentless weather, this journey became about far more than cycling.
It became a reflection on my own time playing at Connacht Rugby, mental health, and why doing hard things is good for you.
A huge thank you the Rugby Players Ireland and Tackle Your Feelings for making this possible. TYF is a mental health campaign that helps give young people the tools to deal with dark days, and someone I leant on massively whilst playing for Connacht.
This is a film about endurance.
About Ireland.
About doing hard things.
#bikepacking #ireland #cycling
33 Comments
Amazing work, Angy lad. Such a heartfelt piece of storytelling.Looking forward to seeing more of your work 🙏🏼
Íontach❤
Who are you? ……. A man who's continued growth is a constant source of inspiration
Class act
Hi, I’m sortta planning to do the West Coast sometime. I assume doing it South to North would have a “tailwind” mostly-or am I mistaken?! Neil Marsh, Former Asst Nat Cycling coach, Wales.👍🏴👌
SMASH
We're here because we're here because we're here because we're here
Love this 🙌 to doing hard things with coffee on board!!
That was a wonderful video and insight. Well done
Great video Ciaran. Really inspirational!
If I'd known, I would have gladly followed you. When I was around your age, I went through a difficult period in my life, being unemployed for over nine months. So I decided to pick up my bike and leave Milan, my hometown, for Germany. About 700 km, crossing the Alps and camping wherever possible. It's still the best adventure of my life; I really miss reliving those feelings. I now live in Boyle and love the area and the community. When people ask me where I'm from, I always say: Boyle!
It's tempting would need electric pedal assist
That was absolute class…well done Ciaran. 👏👏👏
Brilliant video – heartfelt and introspective without any of the influencer fluff. Would love to see more adventures on two wheels! All the very best for the future.
That was class! You're a daycent auld skin.
I really enjoyed this
Well that was brilliant, fair play man!
Maith thú Ciarán!💪
Well done. This is really excellent. I wish you the best in your way forward.
This is brilliant! Well done Ciarán!
Great video.Looking forward to hearing about your round the world trip! Glad to see you wearing Lusso. Great kit and made in Manchester 🙂.
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful
I’m a man in my 40s. Unsolicited advice warning. Be Useful. My best decisions have arisen from that principle.
Fabulous piece of documentary. Loved it. Well done.
Great video Ciaran, a superb style of story telling and great mix of personal reflection and interesting g places and characters. Well done
Proud, introspective, moving. Well done Ciaran
Thanks for what is a very inspirational video – every 17year old should watch this. Keep up the great work
Community culture .. I think it is kinship . Without it communities and civilisations die..:)
Well done mate, best of luck with your journey , remember that when one door closes another door opens, God is good and I pray he holds you in the palm of his hand 🙏
Enjoyed the film. Thank you
Wonderful film. Really well put together.
That was ace! Cheers!
Excellent. Wishing you the very best.