The best cycling routes around Lough Cutra

Flagmount is a charming lakeside village on the shores of Lough Graney, offering stunning views and a peaceful stop along the East Clare Way. It has a general store so is an ideal place to stop and admire the views whilst refuelling.

A remarkable medieval church ruin. A cross made of large stones is embedded in the front wall.

A large, completely hollow limestone castle, even the window frames are made of limestone (built in the 15th century by the O'Brians, rebuilt in the 17th century). A very impressive ruin. On private land.

Leamaneh Castle in County Clare is a historic ruin featuring a 15th-century tower house and a 17th-century mansion, with strong ties to Irish folklore. While not open to the public, visitors can admire its exterior from the roadside near Kilnaboy.

Lough Graney is a real oasis for cyclists looking for peace and nature off the beaten track. The paths around the lake are a mixture of gently undulating roads and hidden paths where cars rarely pass. With every meter of elevation on the winding roads, the view of the lake and the surrounding meadows becomes clearer, framed by the Slieve Aughty mountains to the north. The hills reflect the changing light that scurries over the waves, creating an almost mystical atmosphere - especially on slightly cloudy days. Along the way, it is noticeable that the area is sparsely populated. Locals are rarely seen, but cows and sheep are frequent companions. In some places, old stone walls and hedges line the path, underlining the rustic character of East Clare. When you reach Flagmount, it is worth taking a break. The small village has something nostalgic about it and offers idyllic access to the lake. The natural diversity around Lough Graney is also striking. In addition to forests and meadows, there are isolated megalithic structures that give an idea of the region's historical heritage. At Caher there is even a memorial stone for the poet Brian Merriman, which underlines the cultural value of the area. If you have the time and leisure, you should continue on the way there and take a few minutes to enjoy this poetic place.

As you cycle through the quiet streets near the coast, the view suddenly opens up to the atmospheric castle ruins of Muckinish West Tower House. Nestled in the wide, green landscape, with the sea in the background, this place offers the perfect opportunity for a quick stop and a photo. The old castle stands alone above the coast, and although it is now surrounded by a fence and in a dilapidated state, this is precisely what gives it a special atmosphere. The path to the ruins takes you along typical Irish stone walls that meander picturesquely through the landscape. While you admire the castle ruins from a distance, you have a fantastic view across the water to Finavarra. It is one of those places that makes you pause - the peace and the wide panorama invite you to simply take in the surroundings before continuing on two wheels.

Corkscrew Hill lives up to its name. As you tackle the switchbacks, you'll quickly feel the climb taking its toll on your legs - but the view that awaits you with every meter makes up for it. The road winds through the green hills of the Burren, and with every bend a new panorama opens up, giving you a glimpse of this unique karst landscape. Once you've reached the top, it's worth taking a moment to breathe and take in the vastness. From here you can see the Burren in all its glory - the barren, rocky landscape alternating with the lush green valleys. Corkscrew Hill combines the challenge of a demanding climb with the reward of a breathtaking view. Whether you're riding the route as part of a longer tour of the Burren or simply experiencing this iconic climb, Corkscrew Hill is a worthwhile challenge for anyone on two wheels.

Cycle up to the TV transmiter, with panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. At 400m Maghera hill is a steep 1km climb within a pine forests.