The best cycling routes around Lickeen Lough

There are 14 touring cycling routes available around Lickeen Lough. These routes offer a mix of challenges, with 1 easy, 5 moderate, and 8 difficult options to explore the unique Burren landscape.

The routes around Lickeen Lough cater to various skill levels. You'll find 1 easy route for a relaxed ride, 5 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, and 8 difficult routes that often include more significant ascents and longer distances, perfect for experienced touring cyclists.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Lickeen Lough are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the difficult Noughaval Church Ruins – Poulnabrone Dolmen loop from Kilfenora Abbey and the moderate Willie Clancy Statue loop from Ennistymon are popular circular options.

Cycling around Lickeen Lough offers diverse scenery, from the tranquil lake itself to the dramatic karst landscape of the Burren, characterized by limestone pavements and unique flora. You can also encounter historic sites like ancient dolmens and stone forts, as well as coastal views. Notable routes include the Black Head Lighthouse – The Burren loop from Kilfenora Abbey which offers coastal and geological vistas, and the Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna & the Cliffs of Moher loop from Ennistymon which takes you towards the Atlantic coast.

The Burren region, including Lickeen Lough, is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling. During these months, you'll experience milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring the unique landscape and its rich biodiversity.

While many routes in the Burren can be challenging, there is at least one easy touring cycling route available around Lickeen Lough. For families, it's advisable to look for routes with minimal elevation gain and quieter roads. The broader Burren Cycleway also offers sections with generally light traffic suitable for a more relaxed pace.

Many outdoor areas in Ireland are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific route guidelines or local signage. When cycling with your dog, ensure they are well-behaved, on a leash where required, and that you carry waste bags. Be mindful of livestock in agricultural areas and respect local wildlife.

The touring cycling routes around Lickeen Lough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique 'lunar' landscape of the Burren, the quiet roads, and the opportunity to combine natural beauty with historic sites and coastal views.

Yes, the Lickeen Lough area is close to several villages and towns that offer amenities. Ennistymon, just 3 km northeast of the lough, and Kilfenora are good options for cafes, pubs, and accommodation. These towns can serve as convenient starting points or rest stops for your cycling tours.

Lickeen Lough itself is home to fish species like rudd, brown trout, and the critically endangered European eel. The surrounding Burren region is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, where Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean flora thrive side-by-side in the limestone crevices. You might also spot various bird species and other small wildlife typical of the Irish countryside.

Yes, for those who don't bring their own bikes, Kilfenora, a nearby village, hosts a cycle tour company that provides both electric and conventional bikes for exploring the Burren. This makes it convenient to access the touring cycling routes around Lickeen Lough.

Yes, some routes in the area extend towards the coast, offering dramatic views. The difficult Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna & the Cliffs of Moher loop from Ennistymon is one such route that leads through the Burren landscape and towards the iconic Cliffs of Moher.