The best road cycling routes around Maphoner

gravel paths and a tarmac road up the middle, also has public toilets

Roodstown Castle, a 15th century castle, looks imposing even from afar. The well-preserved tower rises on a hill and offers you a glimpse into Ireland's past on your bike ride. As you approach the tower, you can almost feel the history that lies dormant between the thick stone walls. Tower houses like this one were once residences of the Irish landed gentry and tell of a time when life was less comfortable but certainly more adventurous. The surroundings are rural and quiet - perfect for taking a break and seeing the castle up close. You won't find any signs or tourist facilities here, which gives the place a special charm. A little tip: take your time to explore the grounds, but be aware that the path to the castle can be a bit bumpy. As you walk around the tower, you'll discover the small details in the facade that give you a glimpse of what life was like here in the past.

There's something special about the atmosphere inside - the light-flooded rooms, the smell of freshly baked pastries and the lively background noise make the place a little oasis for cyclists. Perfect for getting out of the saddle for a moment and recharging your batteries with a good coffee. There's a wide range of snacks and pastries on offer and the relaxed atmosphere invites you to stay a little longer than you had originally planned. Even though it can get a little crowded at times, you can usually find a spot to look out over the hustle and bustle.

A quick stop at the coffee and snack hut next to Lumper's Bar is just the thing to recharge your batteries after a challenging stage. The small hut offers everything a cyclist's heart desires: fresh coffee, sweet waffles and hearty snacks that give you the energy you need for the next stretch. With the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the air and the cozy atmosphere, it's easy to take a quick breather and rest your legs here. The location right on the road makes it an ideal stopover, even if the traffic can be a bit noisy at times. But hey, who cares about small things with such beautiful surroundings and typical Irish hospitality? The colorful bench and the small decorations give the place a special charm that invites you to linger - even if it's just for a moment.

The Craigmore Viaduct is an impressive structure, with its 18 arches spanning the Camlough River Valley, dominating the landscape of south Armagh. As I cycled along the gently curving roads, the viaduct suddenly appeared on the horizon - a massive but elegant sight. The tall stone arches seem to effortlessly support the train traffic that runs between Dublin and Belfast. I stopped for a moment to take a closer look at the structure. It is fascinating to know that this structure has been standing here since 1852, designed by Irish engineer John Benjamin Macneill. The highest arch rises 126 feet, and standing under it you can really appreciate the scale and importance of this structure to the region. The surroundings are just perfect for putting your bike down and taking some time to look at the view. Perhaps a small lookout point with information about the history of the viaduct would be a nice addition, but even without it it is a worthwhile stop along the way. We continue, but the image of the arches remains in our minds.

The old walls of the two joined churches stand still and weathered amidst tall trees - you can almost feel the history in the air here. It is amazing that the roots of this place go back to the 6th century, when Saint Moninna founded a nunnery here. Today, the ruins from the 11th and 15th centuries still stand, and although much has fallen into disrepair, the remains give a sense of calm and past. A special detail is the large stone slab that is believed to be the tomb of Saint Moninna. It is a little hidden, but if you look for it, you will definitely find it. The old cemetery setting with the Celtic crosses and weathered gravestones adds to the mood. For me, it was a pleasant break from the ride. Here you can sit back for a few minutes, park your bikes and just soak up the atmosphere. It is one of those places that does not scream loudly for attention, but tells its stories in silence

On my way through County Armagh, I came across Moyry Castle, a ruined castle perched on a small hill overlooking the historic Moyry Pass - the so-called 'Gap of the North'. It is fascinating to think of how this strategic route was once crucial in securing control of the region. The castle's massive, weathered walls still speak of the turbulent times of the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Earl of Devonshire, Charles Blount. What struck me most was the atmosphere up here: a mixture of isolation and history. The small rectangular structure with its distinctive curves just has a different feel - not ostentatious or over-the-top, but rather functional and robust. The location offers sweeping views over the rolling hills and the Belfast-Dublin railway line that winds through the landscape. It's quiet up here, with only the gentle sound of the wind and the occasional train passing by in the distance. It's definitely worth a quick stop if you're looking for a place steeped in history that's not too crowded. The site is easily accessible and is well worth a detour from the main route. The surrounding meadows also offer a lovely spot for a little break - perfect for taking in the surroundings.

The Ballykeel Dolmen, also known as the "Witch's Chair", stands alone on the edge of a green river terrace and invites you to take a look back into the past. With its three supporting stones and the imposing capstone, over three metres long, the dolmen looks like a stone sculpture left behind by a long-forgotten culture. The simple but distinctive tripod shape is a testament to the archaic construction that attracted people to this place over 4000 years ago. Excavations around the dolmen have uncovered the remains of a stone mound and Neolithic pottery that tell of the rites and customs of this early community. When you stand among the stones, you feel the mystique of the place - a place that inspires the imagination then and now. Nearby you will find other megalithic structures such as the Portal Tomb of Aughadanove, which together reflect the rich archaeological heritage of the region.