The best road cycling routes around Lough Carra
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Road cycling routes around Lough Carra traverse a landscape characterized by a shallow, spring-fed marl lake with clear, turquoise waters and an irregular shoreline. The surrounding area features diverse habitats including limestone pavements, grasslands, fens, marshes, and woodlands. Cyclists can experience varied terrain, from mostly well-paved surfaces to routes offering views of the distant Partry Mountains. This region provides an enriching environment for road cycling, with a network of secondary roads suitable for different abilities.
Best road cycling routes around Lough Carra
- The most popular road cycling route is Saleen Lough – Turloughaganny loop from Ballintober, a 30.0 miles (48.3 km) trail that takes 2 hours 2 minutes to complete. This moderate route requires good fitness to navigate its elevation changes.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Ballinrobe to Shrule Castle and Ballisnahyny Castle loop, an easy 28.0 miles (45.1 km) path. This route is suitable for any fitness level, featuring mostly well-paved surfaces and passing by historical sites.
- Local road cyclists also love the Westport Town Centre – Lally's Mountain loop from Ballintober, a 35.3 miles (56.7 km) trail leading through varied landscapes with views of distant mountains, often completed in about 2 hours 41 minutes.
- Road cycling around Lough Carra is defined by its unique marl lake, limestone pavements, woodlands, and views of the Partry Mountains. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy rides to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Lough Carra are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from a few reviews. More than 300 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Lough Carra's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
4
riders
49.8km
02:06
230m
230m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4
riders
45.1km
01:46
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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12
riders
56.7km
02:42
560m
560m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
52.8km
02:09
260m
260m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
29.0km
01:09
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Lough Carra
Tips from the Community
Surrounded by unspoiled nature, this elegant and lively town, the capital of the Earl of Mayo, offers a beautiful contrast to its surroundings. The Georgian architecture is reminiscent of British rule; the construction (1780) was overseen by the greatest landowners in the region, the Brownes, who became Marquesses of Sligo. The town stretches along the Carrowbeg River. The central point is the Octagon. a square around a Doric column on which appears a statue of St. Patrick. From there, James Street descends to the shady banks of the river, framed by South Mall and North Mall.
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Killawalla, or Killavally, is a pleasant village in County Mayo. It's said that St. Patrick passed through this way on his journey to the great Croagh Patrick and hiker's completing the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail will also be following in his footsteps here. The village has a church (St. Patrick's) and a pub: MacEvilly's.
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The bunch of trees seen clearly from the road in the elevated position are where a ringfort used to be. Such ringforts were typically constructed during the Iron Age early Christianity period, and were usually single-family houses.
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A great place to start exploration of this area. Clogher Heritage Complex includes the Heritage Cottage, Cottage Garden, Working Forge, Holy Well and Drum Graveyard (inclusive of graves dating from 440AD!).
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Built in 1216, Ballintubber Abbey is over 800 years old and has been restored over time since the 1960s. It's rich in history and it's possible to enjoy a tour of the Abbey and its grounds. If you do go inside, the stained glass windows are particularly beautiful.
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This fine castle sits right in the middle of the village of Schrule and commands the bridge over the Black River on the Mayo Border. It was owned by the Chief of the MacWilliam Burke lochtair family who relieved it from an attack by the Lord President of Connacht, and the Earl of Clanricarde in 1570. The walls are nearly 9 feet thick at the damaged base giving it an impressively strong foundation and a strong resistance to incoming attack!
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Keep a look out for the remains of a C13 hall house, which uniquely has original vaulting over its upper storey.
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Old fishing town with typical Irish charm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Lough Carra?
There are over 50 road cycling routes available around Lough Carra, offering a wide range of options for different abilities and preferences. You can find routes varying in distance and elevation to suit your cycling style.
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling around Lough Carra?
Road cycling around Lough Carra offers a diverse landscape. You'll encounter mostly well-paved surfaces, but the routes traverse areas characterized by limestone pavements, grasslands, fens, marshes, and woodlands. Many routes also provide picturesque views of the distant Partry Mountains.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families around Lough Carra?
Yes, Lough Carra offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Ballinrobe to Shrule Castle and Ballisnahyny Castle loop is an easy 45.1 km route with minimal elevation, featuring mostly well-paved surfaces. Another great option is the Roadbike loop from Ballintober, which is 29.3 km with only 120m of elevation.
What are some challenging road cycling routes in the Lough Carra area?
For cyclists seeking a more challenging experience, routes with greater elevation gains are available. The Westport Town Centre – Lally's Mountain loop from Ballintober is a notable option, covering 56.7 km with a significant 559m of elevation, requiring good fitness.
What natural features can I see while cycling around Lough Carra?
Lough Carra is known for its unique natural beauty. You'll cycle alongside the stunning marl lake with its clear, turquoise waters. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, featuring limestone pavements, orchid-rich grasslands, fens, marshes, reed swamps, and woodlands. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife and over 400 species of plants.
Are there any historical landmarks or attractions along the road cycling routes?
Yes, the region around Lough Carra is rich in history. You can explore sites like the ruined Moore Hall on the lake's eastern shore, which is also an important roosting site for Lesser Horseshoe Bats. Other historical sites in the vicinity include Burriscarra Abbey and Castle Carra, offering glimpses into the region's past.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Lough Carra?
The road cycling routes around Lough Carra are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the unique natural beauty of the marl lake, the varied landscapes, and the network of secondary roads that cater to different abilities, providing an enriching experience.
Are there any circular road cycling routes around Lough Carra?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Lough Carra are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Saleen Lough – Turloughaganny loop from Ballintober, a moderate 48.3 km ride that offers a comprehensive tour of the area.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling around Lough Carra?
The best time for road cycling around Lough Carra is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months. During these periods, the weather is typically milder and drier, making for more pleasant riding conditions. The diverse flora is also particularly vibrant in spring and summer.
Are there options for longer road cycling tours from Lough Carra?
Absolutely. For those looking for longer rides, routes like the Westport Town Centre loop from Ballintober offer a substantial 53.0 km journey with moderate elevation, allowing for extended exploration of the region's scenic countryside.
What makes Lough Carra a unique destination for road cycling?
Lough Carra stands out due to its unique natural features, particularly being one of Europe's finest examples of a marl lake habitat. The strikingly clear, turquoise waters, combined with the diverse surrounding landscapes of limestone pavements, orchid-rich grasslands, and woodlands, create a truly distinctive and picturesque backdrop for road cycling.
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