The best road cycling routes around Roan

The Caledon Beam Engine is an exciting relic from another era that will accompany you on your tour through the Northern Ireland countryside. Nestled in the remains of an old wool mill, the beam engine tells of an era when the pounding and banging of machines shaped everyday life. Today it stands almost forgotten by the roadside and is a reminder of the region's industrial past. The ruin has its own charm - rusty gears, weathered walls and a feeling of time standing still. If you want to pause for a moment to take in the surroundings, this is an ideal place to dismount for a moment. This is not about perfectly restored monuments, but about the raw charm and stories that such places carry. Look out for the old inscriptions and the signs of decay that give the Beam Engine an almost sculptural appearance. This place is a silent witness to a time long gone and offers you a welcome change from the wide fields and winding roads of the region.

Emy Lough is a picturesque lake that makes a perfect spot to stop for a picnic or even a swim on those sunny days!

As you step through the magnificent gate, you will be enveloped by the timelessness of this historic place. The old walls, which shine in the sun, tell stories from times long past and invite you to discover them. The municipality has enriched this treasure trove of history with a library and a museum that attract knowledge seekers and history lovers. In the quiet rooms of the library you can leaf through old writings and be transported back to times gone by, while the museum brings the history of the place and its people to life. After a journey of discovery through history and culture, the Priorat's café beckons with its seductive scent of freshly brewed coffee. Here, in an ambience that wonderfully combines modernity and history, you can take a little time out. Choose from comfortable seating inside or settle on one of the terraces to soak up the rays while munching on delicious pastries. But the Priory has even more to offer. A dreamy little walkway winds from the building down to the river. A path lined with blooming flowers and old trees that acts as an invitation to explore this wonderful terrain in all its splendor.

This handsome looking weir stretches across the river like a silent sentinel, capturing the clear waters of the Blackwater as they glisten in the sun and bathe the surrounding area in a calming sound. Next to the weir there is a green oasis in which time seems to stand still. Lush green areas, peppered with scattered trees, invite you to linger. Picnic benches, strategically placed, offer the ideal place to watch the water play at the weir, let your thoughts wander and unwind. Here, on the banks of the Blackwater, you can escape everyday life for a moment and lose yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the park.

Also known as Black Lough, it's unique habitat means it is a great place for bird watching with a number of rare species being seen. You're also likely to spot people course fishing for pike and perch. There are even eels in the water.

The last housed beam engine in Ireland is a significant piece of industrial and social history. The Caldon Beam Engine has been preserved since the Woollen Mill was destroyed in 1985.

Glaslough is a cute village, full of character. It's name means ‘calm or green lake’ in Irish. You'll notice plenty of historical buildings as you pedal through and the Castle Leslie Estate is next to the village. Or even better, stop for a something to eat and drink.

The priory is a beautiful building in Benburb that invites the community to visit the library, museum, or grab a coffee and a scone at the wonderful cafe (fit with lovely indoor and outdoor seating). A small footpath leads from the priory to the river where you can explore further these wonderful grounds.