The best cycling routes around Thurles
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37
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Touring cycling around Thurles offers routes through County Tipperary's diverse landscape, characterized by the River Suir and the fertile Golden Vale. The region is framed by the Silvermine Mountains to the northwest and the Slieveardagh Hills to the southeast, providing varied terrain. Cyclists can explore a mix of rural roads, gentle riverside paths, and routes that incorporate historical landmarks. This area provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Thurles
- The most popular touring cycling route is Holycross loop from Thurles, an easy 16.4 miles (26.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 32 minutes to complete. This route leads cyclists to the historic Holycross Abbey.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Hore Abbey & Rock of Cashel – Rock of Cashel loop from FBD Semple Stadium, a moderate 36.3 miles (58.4 km) path. This route traverses rural roads, connecting the medieval ruins of Hore Abbey and the Rock of Cashel.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Farney Castle – Holycross Abbey loop from Templemore, a 29.7 miles (47.8 km) trail leading through the Tipperary countryside, often completed in about 2 hours 47 minutes. This route features both Farney Castle and Holycross Abbey.
- Touring cycling around Thurles is defined by its rural roads, the River Suir, and the surrounding hills like the Silvermine Mountains and Slieveardagh Hills. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging moderate routes.
- The routes in Thurles are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 9 reviews. More than 38 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Thurles's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
26.3km
01:32
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
34.5km
02:01
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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64.0km
03:46
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(1)
4
riders
59.5km
03:28
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
5
riders
72.2km
04:17
380m
380m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
2
riders
47.8km
02:47
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
36.9km
02:10
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Thurles
Tips from the Community
Imposing facility, if you arrive early, people are not constantly walking through the picture.
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Dundrum is a quiet village located approximately 14 kilometres (9 mi) northwest of Cashel at the junction of the R505 and R661 roads, featuring the notable Dundrum House Hotel and Golf Course with its distinctive avenue lined by mature lime trees. The village lies along the historic Dublin to Cork railway line, which passes through the area though the railway station closed in 1976, and today it serves as a charming base for exploring the surrounding countryside and cultural heritage of the Tipperary region.
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Opened in 1795, St. John is one of the oldest catholic churches in Irland.
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The Bishops Walk originally connected the Rock of Cashel to the Cashel Palace. Nowadays the walk has been enhanced to now include a direct link from the Rock to the town centre. This link is via the Main Street Car Park and leads also into the back of the Court House on Hogan Square where there is a wonderful new walkway developed.
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Farney Castle in County Tipperary is the only round tower in Ireland occupied as a family home. The first castle was built at Farney in 1185 and this would have been a timbered structure. The present round tower was built in 1495 by Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormond and it was part of a defensive system created by the Butlers to protect their land in Tipperary. The Butlers were in Farney Castle for 500 years, but in 1536 the castle was confiscated by King Henry VIII of England. He returned the lands again to the Butlers in 1538 when he married Anne Boleyn who was the daughter of James, 3rd Earl of Ormond. Subsequently the castle was occupied for short periods by two other English monarchs namely King James 1st from 1617 - 1625 and King George 1st from 1716 -1721. https://www.discoverireland.ie/tipperary/farney-castle
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One of Ireland's most famous and picturesque sights: a mountain with a fortified monastery ruin and another monastery ruin in the valley. A beautiful complex; solitude, however, is something else entirely.
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THE castle complex!! Admission is at 8.-€... which is worth it. However, the process at the cashier is slow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Thurles?
There are over a dozen touring cycling routes around Thurles listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. Most of these routes are considered moderate in difficulty.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling in Thurles?
Touring cycling routes in Thurles offer a diverse landscape. You'll cycle along the scenic River Suir, through the fertile Golden Vale, and with views of the Silvermine Mountains to the northwest and the Slieveardagh Hills to the southeast. Some routes may also pass by the unique Cabragh Wetlands.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there is at least one easy touring cycling route available. The Holycross loop from Thurles is an easy 26.3 km (16.4 miles) trail that takes about 1 hour 32 minutes to complete, leading to the historic Holycross Abbey. This route is a good option for those looking for a less strenuous ride.
What historical sites can I visit on a touring cycling route near Thurles?
Many touring cycling routes in Thurles incorporate significant historical sites. You can visit the beautifully restored Holycross Abbey, the prominent medieval ruins of the Rock of Cashel, or the unique Farney Castle. Other routes might pass by Brittas Castle or Loughmoe Castle, offering a rich historical experience.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available in Thurles?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Thurles are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Holycross loop from Thurles and the Thurles loop from Templemore, providing convenient options for your ride.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Thurles?
The touring cycling routes in Thurles are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 9 reviews. Cyclists often praise the blend of rural roads, scenic beauty, and the opportunity to visit historical landmarks.
Are there options for longer, more challenging touring cycling routes?
Yes, while many routes are moderate, some offer longer distances and more elevation gain. For example, the Farney Castle – Rock of Cashel loop from Templemore covers 71.8 km (44.6 miles) with over 380 meters of elevation, providing a more challenging option for experienced touring cyclists.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Thurles?
The best time for touring cycling in Thurles is generally during the warmer and drier months, typically from late spring to early autumn. This period offers more pleasant weather conditions for exploring the rural roads and historical sites.
Can I find routes that offer good viewpoints or natural landmarks?
Absolutely. While cycling, you'll often have views of the surrounding mountains like the Silvermine Mountains and Slieveardagh Hills. The Summit of Devil's Bit Mountain is a significant natural landmark in the area, and while not directly on a cycling route, its presence adds to the scenic backdrop of many rides.
Are there any routes that connect multiple historical attractions?
Yes, several routes are designed to link multiple points of interest. The Hore Abbey & Rock of Cashel – Rock of Cashel loop from FBD Semple Stadium connects the medieval ruins of Hore Abbey and the iconic Rock of Cashel. Another is the Farney Castle – Holycross Abbey loop from Templemore, which features both Farney Castle and Holycross Abbey.
What is the typical duration for touring cycling routes around Thurles?
The duration of touring cycling routes around Thurles varies depending on the distance and your pace. Shorter, easy routes like the Holycross loop from Thurles can take around 1 hour 30 minutes, while longer, moderate routes such as the Templemore loop from Roscrea might take over 3 hours 45 minutes.
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