The best cycling routes around The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale

The summit of Woodcock Hill offers great views around the area, if you look past the slightly ugly radar station.

Opened in 1867, it served as a station along the Limerick to Tralee railway line for the next 155 years. It was eventually closed to passenger trains in 1963 and laid derelict until the station house was restored in 2021 as part of the Greenway project.

The castle is amazing and there is something to discover everywhere

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.

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.

Limerick City Gallery of Art (LCGA; Irish: Gailearaí Ealaíon Chathair Luimní) is an art museum in the city of Limerick, Ireland.It is run by Limerick City Council and is located in Pery Square, in the Newtown Pery area of the city. The gallery is housed in a Romanesque Revival building which was constructed in 1906 as a Carnegie library and museum. The Limerick City Collection of Art was established in 1936; it has since taken over the Carnegie building and expanded into a purpose-built extension. The permanent collection includes 18th, 19th, and 20th century Irish artworks. The gallery also holds regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary works, and has been one of the primary venues for EVA International, the Irish biennial of contemporary art. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limerick_City_Gallery_of_Art

King John's Castle (Irish: Caisleán Luimnigh) also known as Limerick Castle is a 13th-century castle located on King's Island in Limerick, Ireland, next to the River Shannon. Although the site dates back to 922 when the Vikings lived on the Island, the castle itself was built on the orders of King John of England in 1200. Some of the external walls, towers and fortifications remain, and the site is open for visitors. The remains of a Viking settlement were uncovered during archaeological excavations at the site in 1900. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_John%27s_Castle_(Limerick)

Hook & Ladder (7 Sarsfield Street, 2024-07-31): https://hookandladder.ie/hook-and-ladder-cafes/cafe-limerick-city/