The best cycling routes around Killaspeenan

A beautiful riverside town, Belturbet is a delight to explore. Popular with boaters and golfers, the surrounding area also has some pretty walking trails too. There are several bars and restaurants for post hike refreshment.

Home to a Anglo-Norman motte and bailey castle, Turbet Island occupies a strategic position on the River Erne. Today, it's a nature reserve in the pretty riverside town of Belturbet. The river here is inhabited by several protected bird species, including the whooper swan and the Greenland white-fronted goose.

Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.

Managed by the National Trust, the Crom Estate is a large nature reserve of woodlands, lake, castle ruins and islands. It is an important habitat for pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels and butterflies. There is a coffee shop at the estate and if you fancy something different you can hire a boat to explore the lough. For more details check out the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/crom

The road passed around the edge of Doon Forest. Mostly a conifer plantation, there is also a lot of deciduous planting around the outside. The quiet road through the trees feel particularly lush in May when the leaves are at their newest and greenest.

There is a great view from the car park, but even better, park up your bike and take the short trail to the hiking viewpoint. There you can marvel at the panoramic views across County Fermanagh and County Monaghan. Take a seat in the oversized chair and enjoy. Especially lovely at sunrise and sunset.

The Crom Castle estate boathouse sits on the shore of Lough Erne below the main castle. The views out on onto the water from the boathouse are splendid, the perfect spot to pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy some relaxation.

Carnmore, or Carn Rock as it's known locally, is a scenic viewpoint on the western edge of Sliabh Beagh. The name Carnmore roughly translates to "big burial mound". In Irish mythology, Carnmore is believed to be the burial place of Bith, son of Noah. Cessair, who was a great leader of the first inhabitants of Ireland, was said to be a daughter of Bith.