The best road cycling routes around Furnace Lough
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134
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Road cycling routes around Furnace Lough are set within a unique natural landscape in County Mayo, Ireland. The region features a large, deep lough with a mix of fresh and saltwater, surrounded by rural countryside. Cyclists encounter rolling hills, lakes, rivers, farmlands, and boglands, with routes offering views of Clew Bay and the distant Nephin Mountains. The area provides diverse terrain, including sections of the traffic-free Great Western Greenway.
Best road cycling routes around Furnace Lough
- The most popular road cycling route is Newport – Westport Town Centre loop from Newport, a 14.8 miles (23.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 3 minutes to complete. This route offers gentle gradients, suitable for various fitness levels.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Westport Town Centre – Newport loop from Newport, a moderate 39.2 miles (63.1 km) path. This route provides varied terrain and views of the surrounding natural features.
- Local road cyclists also love the Newport – Newport Stone Bridge loop from Newport, a 20.0 miles (32.1 km) trail leading through rural countryside, often completed in about 1 hour 42 minutes.
- Road cycling around Furnace Lough is defined by rural countryside, rolling hills, and views of Clew Bay and the Nephin Mountains. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more moderate challenges.
- The routes in Furnace Lough are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from 2 reviews. More than 100 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Furnace Lough's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
5.0
(1)
49
riders
23.4km
01:02
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
32.1km
01:42
340m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.0
(1)
7
riders
28.8km
01:23
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
39.1km
01:50
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
57.4km
02:33
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
(Heritage Town & Greenway Hub) This picturesque town, also known as Ballyveaghan, is the geographical heart of the Great Western Greenway and the ancestral home of Princess Grace of Monaco. Newport (pop. approx. 600) sits at the northeastern corner of Clew Bay, where the Black Oak River meets the sea, and is renowned for its rich maritime history and fishing. For cyclists on the Wild Atlantic Way, it is a crucial stop with essential amenities such as supermarkets (incl. Centra), cosy pubs, and a unique atmosphere where the rugged Nephin Beg Mountains and the bay's 365 islands converge.
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This robust 18th-century stone arch bridge forms the heart of Newport, spanning the Black Oak River. Unlike the higher railway viaduct, this bridge connects the village's main streets, offering a beautiful low perspective on the tidal flow and the colourful facades of the quay. The bridge is named after Princess Grace of Monaco, whose ancestors hailed from the nearby Drumilra valley, and it marks the transition from the sheltered river estuary to the open waters of Clew Bay.
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(Heritage Town & Greenway Hub) This picturesque town, also known as Ballyveaghan, forms the geographical heart of the Great Western Greenway and is the ancestral home of Princess Grace of Monaco. Newport (approx. 600 inhabitants) is located on the northeastern corner of Clew Bay, where the Black Oak River meets the sea, and is known for its rich maritime history and fishing. For cyclists on the Wild Atlantic Way, it is a crucial stop with essential amenities such as supermarkets (e.g. Centra), cozy pubs, and a unique atmosphere where the rugged Nephin Beg Mountains and the 365 islands of the bay converge.
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Located at the foot of the Seven Arches Viaduct in Newport, this award-winning pub is named after the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O'Malley (Granuaile). The lodge serves as an essential cycling hub along the Great Western Greenway (mile marker 11 from Westport) and is renowned for its authentic Irish cuisine featuring local seafood from Clew Bay. The interior breathes maritime history and offers a strategic resting point with secure bike storage before the route embarks on the 18 km climb and descent towards Mulranny.
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The Great Western Greenway follows the route of the railway from Westport to Achill, which reached Achill in 1895 and closed in 1937. The Greenway opened in 2011.
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Surrounded by unspoiled nature, this elegant and lively town, the capital of the Earl of Mayo, offers a beautiful contrast to its surroundings. The Georgian architecture is reminiscent of British rule; the construction (1780) was overseen by the greatest landowners in the region, the Brownes, who became Marquesses of Sligo. The town stretches along the Carrowbeg River. The central point is the Octagon. a square around a Doric column on which appears a statue of St. Patrick. From there, James Street descends to the shady banks of the river, framed by South Mall and North Mall.
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From the central bridge over the Carrowbeg River, experience the unique elegance of Westport. Looking along the tree-lined avenues of The Mall, you'll see how the 18th-century architecture and the babbling waterfalls merge into a harmonious whole. With colourful facades reflecting in the water and stately stone walls on either side, this is the perfect spot to park your bike for a moment and capture the "Venice of the West" on film.
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The Great Western Greenway follows the route of the Westport to Achill rail-way line which reached Achill in 1895 and closed in 1937. The Greenway opened in 2011.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of road cycling routes can I find around Furnace Lough?
The Furnace Lough area offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, from easy, gentle gradients suitable for all fitness levels to more moderate challenges with varied terrain. You'll find routes that provide stunning views of Clew Bay and the distant Nephin Mountains, as well as sections of the traffic-free Great Western Greenway. The landscape includes rolling hills, lakes, rivers, farmlands, and boglands.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy road cycling routes around Furnace Lough. For instance, the Newport – Westport Town Centre loop from Newport is an easy 14.8-mile (23.8 km) trail with gentle gradients. Another great option is the Newport – Great Western Greenway loop from Newport, which incorporates parts of the traffic-free Great Western Greenway, ideal for a relaxed ride.
What are the best times of year for road cycling in Furnace Lough?
The best months for road cycling in the Furnace Lough region are typically from spring through autumn, when the weather is generally milder and more predictable. During these seasons, you can enjoy the lush greenery and clearer views of the surrounding landscapes like Clew Bay and the Nephin Mountains.
Are there any circular road cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Furnace Lough are designed as loops. For example, the Newport – Newport Stone Bridge loop from Newport is a 20.0-mile (32.1 km) circular route through rural countryside. Another option is the Newport loop from Newport, which covers 38.9 miles (39.0 km) and offers varied scenery.
What landmarks or points of interest can I see while cycling around Furnace Lough?
While cycling, you can enjoy views of the unique Furnace Lough itself, known for its mix of fresh and saltwater. You'll also encounter stunning vistas of Clew Bay, the Nephin Mountains, and potentially Croagh Patrick. Historic structures like the 18th-century, seven-arched Burrishoole Bridge and the Salmon Leap Bridge, where Lough Furnace and Lough Feeagh meet, are also notable sights.
Is there parking available for cyclists near the routes?
Yes, parking for cyclists is generally available in towns like Newport, which serves as a common starting point for many routes around Furnace Lough. Specific parking areas may vary, but you'll find facilities to access the cycling network.
Can I access the road cycling routes using public transport?
Public transport options, such as bus routes, connect to towns like Newport, which are gateways to the cycling network around Furnace Lough. This allows cyclists to reach starting points for various routes without needing a car.
What is the general difficulty level of road cycling in this region?
The road cycling routes around Furnace Lough cater to a range of abilities. There are 4 easy routes and 11 moderate routes, with no difficult routes identified. This means you can find options from gentle, flat sections, particularly on the Great Western Greenway, to more undulating terrain with rolling hills that offer a moderate challenge.
Are there cafes or pubs along the road cycling routes for refreshments?
Yes, towns such as Newport and Westport, which are often part of or close to the cycling routes, offer a selection of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options where you can stop for refreshments or a meal during your ride.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes around Furnace Lough?
The road cycling routes around Furnace Lough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the stunning views of Clew Bay and the Nephin Mountains, and the peaceful rural countryside.
Are there any specific routes that offer views of Croagh Patrick?
While not every route directly passes Croagh Patrick, many cycling routes in the Furnace Lough area are designed to offer scenic connections and views of prominent landmarks, including distant views of Croagh Patrick, especially from higher vantage points or specific loops.
Can I rent a bike in the Furnace Lough area?
Bike hire facilities are available in nearby towns such as Newport, making it convenient for visitors who wish to explore the road cycling routes around Furnace Lough without bringing their own equipment.
Are there any unpaved sections on the road cycling routes?
While many routes are paved, the region's diverse terrain means some segments may include unpaved gravel sections. Cyclists should be prepared for a mixture of road surfaces, though dedicated road cycling routes primarily focus on paved roads.
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