Richard Dougan, (32), who runs the Lurgaboy Adventure Centre in Markethill, which organises outdoor team-building challenges for young people and companies, is currently training for the cycling trip in June next year. He is aiming to complete the journey in 14 days.
"Some people think I'm mad but I really do enjoy doing things like this. I'm passionate about the outdoors; I've been to Alaska and I've climbed mountains all over the world, including Mount Everest, so I'm a great believer in 'the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward," said Richard.
He plans to begin his cycle tour in Markethill and travel along the Irish coast in an anti-clockwise direction, aiming towards Newry, Warrenpoint, Kilkeel then on to Donegal. He will be foregoing staying in B&Bs and hotels for the entire journey, instead fitting panniers to his bike so he can carry camping equipment.
"I'm hoping to average 120 miles per day and I've decided to start the trip in June because hopefully the weather will be good and with the lighter nights I can cycle for longer. I've also been doing some research into my challenge and I think I'm the only person who has attempted to cycle round the whole of Ireland using the coast roads," he explained.
The Markethill man decided to raise money for the Cedar Foundation, which offers support to disabled adults and children who wish to participate in community life, because Lurgaboy Adventure Centre, which he runs with his partner Arlene, works closely with the charity.
"We have a volunteer from the Cedar Foundation who works for us at the adventure centre and he is a valued member of staff. So even though it's one of the more well-known charities I thought it would it be good to raise money for the organisation because it does such great work," he explained.
Richard has established a website so people can go online and donate to his cycling challenge. "I've already received some donations and the Cedar Foundation know that I'm doing this cycling trip, so they're very pleased about it. Now it's just a matter of getting on my bike and preparing for June," he added.
If you wish to donate to Richard's all-Ireland cycling trip, please visit: www.justgiving.com/richarddougan. To find out more about the Lurgaboy Adventure Centre please visit: www.lurgaboylodge.com.