The best cycling routes around Clare
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riders
5
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Touring cycling around Clare offers diverse landscapes, from the distinctive karst limestone of The Burren to dramatic coastal cliffs. The region is characterized by rolling hills, quiet rural roads, and extensive coastal routes along the Wild Atlantic Way. These features provide varied terrain for cyclists, including both challenging ascents and scenic, flatter sections.
Best touring cycling routes around Clare
- The most popular touring cycling route is Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, an easy 17.4 miles (28.1 km) trail that takes…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
1
riders
28.1km
01:43
140m
140m
Cycle the easy 17.4-mile Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, enjoying Lough Neagh views and the ancient Ardboe High Cross.
20.8km
01:15
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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53.9km
04:03
560m
560m
This difficult 33.5-mile touring cycling loop from Cookstown offers challenging climbs and stunning Sperrins scenery, including ancient ston
72.0km
04:22
540m
530m
This difficult 44.7-mile touring bicycle loop from Cookstown offers 1756 feet of elevation gain around Lough Neagh, taking about 4 hours 22
4
riders
45.2km
02:43
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Clare
Tips from the Community
The Maghery Footbridge on the edge of Lough Neagh offers a small moment of peace in the midst of the expansive landscape. As you cross the bridge, your gaze glides over the gentle waters of the largest lake in the British Isles. In good weather, the clouds are impressively reflected on the surface of the water, making the scene look almost like a painting. Even when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a special atmosphere that invites you to linger rather than to quickly pass by. The paths around the bridge are mostly flat, but you should be prepared for occasional sections with unpaved surfaces. This could be a bit slippery, especially in wet weather, but this is not a problem. The connection to the National Cycle Network, Route 94, also offers you many other opportunities to explore the area. A little tip: Maghery itself does not have much to offer apart from the bridge, but a short detour to the nearby Oxford Island nature reserve is definitely worth it. This means you can easily combine a visit to the bridge with a larger circular tour.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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The church ruins date from the early 16th century but include stones from a much earlier pre 11th century church. After a new church was built, this one fell into disrepair, but the graveyard remains in use.
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An important historic site, Tullyhogue Fort is where the O'Neills were crowned the Chiefs of Ulster. It is now planted with trees and you can enjoy views across the countryside of County Tyrone.
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Built in 1802, Killymoon Castle was built to replace a 17th century castle which was destroyed by fire in 1801. James Nash was the designer, who also designed Buckingham Palace in London. Tours are available but must be pre-booked, as is afternoon tea in the castle tea rooms. See the website for more details https://killymooncastle.com/
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Near the banks of Lough Neagh stands Ardboe High Cross. Take a close look at the carvings on the cross which represent both the Old and New Testament. A monastery was founded here in the 6th century by St Colman and legend has it that it was created by the milk of a magic cow. Ardboe means hill of the cow, so who knows!
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A little waterside detour will take you to visit The Battery, a marina on Lough Neagh. You can grab at drink at the Battery Bar or take a seat on one of the many picnic benches and breathe in the peace and calm.
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in this guide for Clare?
This guide features 5 touring cycling routes around Clare, offering a variety of experiences. You'll find options ranging from easy loops to more challenging rides through diverse landscapes.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Clare?
Yes, Clare offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop is an easy 28.1 km ride with scenic views, and the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort is another easy 20.8 km path exploring historical sites.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling in Clare?
Clare's touring cycling routes showcase incredibly diverse landscapes. You can expect to ride through the unique karst limestone terrain of The Burren, with its lunar-like appearance and rich flora, or along the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way. The region also features rolling hills, tranquil rural roads, and stunning estuary views along the Shannon Estuary Way.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Clare?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Clare are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. This guide includes circular routes like the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop and the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort. The wider region also features a 150km looped scenic trail through the Burren National Park.
What historical sites or natural landmarks can I explore along the touring cycling routes?
Clare's touring cycling routes offer opportunities to discover fascinating historical sites and natural landmarks. Along your rides, you might encounter places like Drum Manor House Ruins, the ancient Tullyhogue Fort, or the serene Derryloran Old Church Ruins and Cemetery. The region is also home to the iconic Cliffs of Moher and the unique Burren landscape.
What is the difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Clare?
Clare offers a range of difficulty levels for touring cyclists. This guide features 2 easy routes, 1 moderate route, and 2 difficult routes. You can find everything from gentle, flat paths suitable for a relaxed ride to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains, such as The Sperrins loop from Cookstown.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes in County Clare?
Yes, County Clare is part of the renowned Wild Atlantic Way, which includes the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route. This long-distance route spans over 270 km within Clare, broken into four sections, primarily utilizing quiet rural roads. For more information on the EuroVelo route, you can visit visitclare.ie.
What are some popular areas for touring cycling in Clare?
Popular areas for touring cycling in Clare include The Burren, known for its unique karst landscape and coastal views, and the Loop Head Peninsula, offering rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. The Doolin Cycle Hub also provides several distinct routes with wonderful countryside and coastal panoramas, while Lahinch offers routes blending rugged coastline and charming villages.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Clare?
The best time for touring cycling in Clare is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This period allows you to fully appreciate the coastal scenery and unique landscapes like The Burren. However, routes are accessible year-round, with appropriate gear.
Can I find places to eat or drink along the touring cycling routes in Clare?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Clare pass through picturesque villages and towns such as Ballyvaughan, Kinvara, Doolin, Ennis, and Lisdoonvarna. These locations offer numerous stop-off points for refreshments, including cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can experience local culture and cuisine.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy about cycling in Clare?
Touring cyclists often praise Clare for its dramatic coastal cliffs, unique karst limestone landscapes, and quiet rural roads. The variety of terrain, from easy loops to challenging routes with significant elevation, is also highly appreciated, allowing cyclists of all abilities to find suitable adventures.
Are there any touring cycling routes that offer views of the Atlantic Ocean?
Absolutely. Many of Clare's touring cycling routes offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Wild Atlantic Way and routes around the Cliffs of Moher and the Loop Head Peninsula provide breathtaking coastal vistas, allowing you to experience the grandeur of Ireland's western coastline.
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