4.1
(26)
2,363
riders
87
rides
Road cycling routes around The Municipal District of Callan — Thomastown traverse a landscape characterized by serene river valleys, rolling hills, and quiet country roads. The region features the scenic River Nore and River Barrow, providing picturesque backdrops for many routes. Cyclists encounter varied terrain, from relatively flat riverside paths to more demanding inclines, including areas around Brandon Hill. This diverse geography offers a range of road cycling experiences.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
5
riders
40.4km
01:39
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
125km
06:16
1,620m
1,620m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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48
riders
107km
05:09
1,380m
1,380m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
33
riders
112km
04:52
810m
810m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
23
riders
64.8km
03:02
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
54.8km
02:14
270m
270m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
78.8km
03:19
570m
570m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
14
riders
70.5km
03:11
550m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
15
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
13
riders
52.3km
02:07
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around The Municipal District of Callan — Thomastown
South Leinster Way – It's a long way to Tipperary
Follow the water - Along Ireland's rivers and lakes
Ireland's blue rivers and lakes – walks along the water
Discover Ireland's past – historical walks on the Emerald Isle
Between waves and peaks — to the best views in Ireland
Hiking around The Municipal District of Callan — Thomastown
Running Trails around The Municipal District of Callan — Thomastown
Cycling around The Municipal District of Callan — Thomastown
An eight-meter-high sculpture featuring a 17th-century tall ship atop a twisted steel form and a base of corten steel chain links. The work depicts Waterford's maritime history, emigration, and the three rivers that form the city. A striking, symbolic landmark on the river.
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National clock museum with an exceptional collection of Irish clocks, watches and scientific instruments from the 17th to the 20th century. Elegantly presented in a historic building in the Viking Triangle and a surprisingly strong, quiet stop in the heart of Waterford.
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The first step in the discovery of the city in chronological order, this tower was erected in 1013 by the Vikings. Later transformed by the Normans, it is three stories high and has successively served as an observation post, watchtower, fortress, mint, and prison. It houses archaeological collections related to the Viking heritage through objects discovered during excavations in the area, such as coins, utensils, and jewelry, including a magnificent diamond brooch from the 12th century.
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The charming Arthurstown is a historic hamlet developed in the 19th century by Lord Templemore as a port for coal imports. The centrepiece is the picturesque King’s Bay, where colourful houses lie in an arc around the bay. Directly next to the 19th-century pier, you will find a quiet pebble beach with a beautiful panoramic view across the estuary of the 'Three Sisters' towards County Waterford.
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The picturesque hamlet of Arthurstown offers a beach with a small fishing harbor, access to a lovely coastal path, and a highly recommended pub. The beach is huge and free.
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New Ross, a charming town on the River Barrow, exudes history and character. Located in County Wexford, it offers a captivating blend of maritime heritage, cultural significance, and natural beauty. With its medieval roots, New Ross was once a bustling trading center, and that rich history is still palpable in its streets and buildings today. One of the most striking attractions is the impressive Dunbrody Famine Ship, a lifelike replica of a 19th-century emigration vessel. The ship tells the poignant story of thousands of Irish who left their homeland during the Great Famine in search of a better life in America. This emigration history is further enhanced by its connection to the Kennedy family: the ancestors of President John F. Kennedy came from the region, and the Kennedy Homestead Museum brings their story to life. The town itself is brimming with local charm, with cozy pubs, live music, and markets where you can experience Irish hospitality in all its glory. New Ross is not a tourist hotspot in the classic sense, but that is precisely what makes it so attractive: authentic, accessible and steeped in stories.
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Straddling Counties Tipperary and Waterford, Carrick-on-Suir is a charming and historic town. Its most notable landmark is the impressive Ormond Castle, built in 1854. The town is the traditional end point of the South Leinster Way and the start point of the East Munster Way. It offers lovely riverside and woodland walking in its surroundings.
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There are over 90 road cycling routes in The Municipal District of Callan — Thomastown, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a diverse range of options, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance rides.
Yes, the district offers 28 easy road cycling routes, many of which feature gentle elevation changes through the local countryside. These routes are ideal for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. For example, the Callan to Kells loop is an easy 25.1-mile trail.
For those seeking a challenge, there are 10 difficult road cycling routes in the district. Areas around Brandon Hill offer more demanding inclines and scenic vistas. A particularly challenging option is the Inistioge to Mount Slievebawn loop via Graiguenamanagh, which includes river valleys and significant climbs over its 77.6 miles.
Many routes offer picturesque scenery, traversing serene river valleys like the Nore and Barrow, and rolling hills. The Fiddown – Waterford loop from Thomastown provides varied terrain with views of the surrounding area. The region's quiet country roads and laneways ensure an immersive experience through beautiful landscapes.
Yes, the majority of road cycling routes in The Municipal District of Callan — Thomastown are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This includes popular options like the Kilkenny Castle – Dominican Black Abbey, Kilkenny loop from Callan Urban.
Route lengths vary significantly, from shorter easy loops around 25 miles (e.g., Callan to Kells loop taking about 1 hour 40 minutes) to longer, more challenging rides exceeding 70 miles, which can take 6 hours or more to complete. There are 52 moderate routes, offering a good balance of distance and challenge.
The district is rich in history. You can cycle past significant sites such as Jerpoint Abbey, a medieval Cistercian monastery, or the ruins of Tinnahinch Castle along the River Barrow. The Ballytiglea Bridge – Gowran Castle loop from Thomastown offers a chance to explore historical surroundings.
Absolutely. The region features the scenic River Nore and River Barrow, providing beautiful backdrops. You can also find routes that offer views of Brandon Hill Summit, County Kilkenny's highest mountain. The Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum also offers a tranquil setting for outdoor enjoyment near some routes.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 7 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from flat riverside paths to challenging inclines, and the network of quiet country roads that provide an immersive experience through picturesque landscapes.
Yes, many routes connect charming towns and villages where you can find amenities. For instance, the Carrick-on-Suir – Callan loop from Danesfort passes through areas where you can find places to stop. Towns like Inistioge and Graiguenamanagh, often featured in routes, offer opportunities for refreshments.
The Municipal District of Callan — Thomastown is enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer milder weather and lush scenery, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Always check local weather forecasts, as conditions can vary.
Many routes in the district combine both. For example, the Callan – Kilkenny loop from Callan allows you to experience both the natural beauty of the countryside and the historical significance of towns like Kilkenny. The region's rich history and scenic river valleys naturally blend on many rides.


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