The best road cycling routes around Lough Cullaunyheeda

Tulla is a traditional market town in east County Clare, known for its strong musical heritage and lively Irish traditional sessions. It sits amid rolling farmland and lakes, offering a true taste of rural Clare life. Tulla lies along the East Clare Way.

After a few kilometers through the Irish countryside, it was time for a little refreshment, and the café offered exactly what I needed: a hot tea and probably the best scones in the area. Particularly practical for us road cyclists - there is a bike repair stand with tools outside. So, while you enjoy your coffee (the free refill is a nice bonus), you can quickly do small repairs on your bike. The atmosphere in the café is cozy, and the outdoor area with the pastel-colored chairs invites you to linger. It's a great place to take a quick breather and get some strength for the next stage. The location is ideal, right on a quiet road, so you can continue your ride in a relaxed manner after the break.

The gentle rustling of the reeds in the wind and the flapping of the wings of the water birds that find shelter here give the place a relaxed atmosphere. The lake not only plays an important role as a bird paradise, but also in the region's water regulation - it protects the surrounding area from flooding after heavy rain. This functional aspect gives the body of water an additional meaning that goes beyond its pure beauty. The paths around the lake are easy to drive, but it is worth letting your eyes wander - you may spot one or two rare bird species that make their home here.

The ancient 14th century monastery, founded by the O'Briens, exudes a special atmosphere that is best explored on foot. The details of the 15th and 16th century sculptures carved in limestone are impressive and give an insight into the craftsmanship of times gone by. Time seems to stand still here as you walk between the ruins and see the tower rising into the sky. The green surroundings around the monastery create a beautiful contrast to the grey stone walls and invite you to linger for a moment away from the streets before moving on to the next stage.

Quin Abbey is a fascinating destination that breathes history. You cycle through the green countryside of County Clare and suddenly the remains of the old priory church loom before you. Although the roof is long gone, the impressive structure gives a sense of past splendour. The intact cloister and preserved walls tell stories of a bygone era when Franciscan friars lived here. Built on the remains of a 13th century Norman castle, the abbey has a turbulent history. It was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1541, but some friars stayed here until the 17th century. The walls have the air of the past that makes this place special. Access to the abbey is free, but the key can be borrowed in the nearby village if you wish to enter the cloister. The detour is worth it, because just a few steps away are the ruins of St. Finghin's Church, which are also worth a visit. A historic place that offers a quiet atmosphere and at the same time inspires reflection. Quin Abbey is a highlight not only for history lovers, but also for cyclists who want to experience the beauty of the Irish hinterland away from the busy roads.

At Mooghaun Hill Fort, cyclists get their money's worth not only because of the great views, but also because history literally shines out of the ground here. The largest Bronze Age ring fort in Ireland is located in the middle of dense forests, which provide a wonderful backdrop for a little tour of discovery. You will immerse yourself in a time long gone, when life was pulsating here around 950 BC. The route takes you past old walls that once offered protection, and just a stone's throw away you will discover the weathered Tower House - a later building that somehow blends harmoniously into the landscape. The combination of nature and culture can be particularly enjoyed here, even if the path can be bumpy at times. A tip: leave your bike behind and explore the complex on foot - the many details of the walls and information boards about earlier life are worth it. If you fancy a little adventure, we recommend visiting the site of a large gold treasure that was once discovered near the fort. Today, the treasure can be seen in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, but the atmosphere of the place still gives a glimpse of its splendor.

Views of Inchicronan Lough. Freshwater lake fed by the Fergus river and its tributaries

This trail of forest tracks and bogland. On the high point around 220m you are treated to panoramic views towards the Slieve Aughty Mountains and the Burren.