The best traffic-free bike rides around Lough Conn

The Black Pig Monument in Enniscrone is a striking tribute to one of the most fascinating legends of the Irish west coast. This four-meter-long, three-tonne sculpture, crafted by local artist Cillian Rogers, brings to life the tale of a mythical black boar said to have been possessed by an evil spirit. According to folklore, the beast first terrorised Donegal before crossing the sea and coming ashore at Enniscrone. After a ferocious chase, the magical sow was eventually slain in the nearby Muckdubh (Irish for "Black Pig Field"). Legend has it that the pig was so poisonous that anyone who touched her died instantly, forcing the villagers to bury her on the spot under a huge mound of clay and stones, which can still be seen in the landscape today. Nowadays, the monument is a beloved landmark along the coast road, not only honouring the region's rich mythology but also serving as the centrepiece of the annual Black Pig Festival.

Historic gateway to the Belleek estate, close to the forest entrance and the river. The stone arch marks the beginning of the driveway to Belleek Castle and forms a recognizable point on the edge of Ballina.

Large, quiet forest along the Moy with wide, sheltered paths and beautiful light between pines and old oaks. You ride through it smoothly without traffic. Along the way, you pass quiet landmarks like Belleek Castle and the old ice house. Perfect as a green corridor around Ballina.

This viewpoint on the bank of the Moy offers a perfect view of the Crete Boom, a unique 1917 shipwreck built entirely from concrete. The ship was built during World War I due to a shortage of steel and has been here since 1937 as a breakwater in the mud. While you rest on the bank, at low tide you can see the impressive texture of the concrete and the iron skeleton.

The cycle path through Belleek Woods takes you through a lush, historic forest along the banks of the River Moy. As you cycle beneath the dense tree canopy, you'll pass unique sights such as the Crete Boom (a concrete ship), an old ice house, and a mysterious 19th-century famine wall. This paved forest path is part of the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway and offers a safe, natural passage towards the historic abbeys further on. Keep an eye out for the rare red squirrels that thrive here.

Moyne Abbey is a beautiful example of a late medieval Franciscan friary, founded in 1460. The ruin has remained astonishingly intact, featuring a slender central tower, atmospheric cloisters, and Gothic windows overlooking the sea. In 1590, the friary was plundered and burned by the English governor of Connacht, but the stone walls endured. Today, the site offers a serene tranquility and a unique glimpse into 15th-century monastic life, surrounded by green fields and the gentle waters of the estuary.

This quiet little harbour is a small seaside resort that has still been preserved from tourism. The French General Humbert, who landed there with his troops to help with the rebellion against the English, had a lot to do with the undisciplined Irish troops, who only spoke Gaelic! The village has preserved a beautiful round tower (12th century) 25 metres high, which served as a refuge during an attack.

The Killala Round Tower is an impressive 12th-century landmark that towers over the village at 25.5 meters high. This limestone tower originally served as a bell tower and place of refuge for the nearby monastic settlement. A notable detail is the doorway, located more than 3 meters high as a defense against raiders. Despite a severe lightning strike in the 19th century, the tower stands in full glory again after a thorough restoration, right next to St. Patrick's Cathedral.