Attractions and Places To See around Coolderry - Top 12

We had an amazing day thanks to Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours. Our bikes were well maintained and service was exceptional. We were advised by proprietor James to take the Cooley Tour through this app as the weather was spectacular and it was such good advice. Also recommended a stop off at Lumpers Bar and added a drink voucher for good measure. I can’t recommend these guys enough. The service and standard of care was truly amazing. Do yourself a favour and drop in here and do some cycling - or buy your own bike!!

The setting is done with great attention to detail, and it almost feels like a quick picnic in the mountains when you sit down at the rustic tables and look into the distance. The patterned cups and saucers give the place a cozy touch and make the whole thing that little bit more special. The view of the surrounding hills and the relaxed atmosphere invite you to take a short break - perfect for resting your legs and just taking a breather. The coffee house is not only friendly to cyclists, but even offers bike rental for the Ring of Gullion. Handy if you need an extra boost for the next stage! The surroundings are green and spacious, a nice mix of Irish idyll and relaxed hospitality. The owners seem to take the attention to detail seriously, which is reflected in the little things like the decorative elements and the cozy atmosphere.

If you're in the area, Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours is definitely worth a visit. The rental shop here has everything you need for a trip - whether you're just looking to rent a bike for a few hours or plan a longer tour through the scenic Ring of Gullion landscape. It's especially handy that they also offer repairs and spare parts if your own bike needs a little rest. I noticed that the equipment was well looked after and the staff were friendly. They took the time to give me some tips on the best routes in the area. The proximity to the main road and hiking trails is a definite plus, especially if you're travelling with children - as I was. The trailer offer for the little ones is a great option for taking the whole family along. The facility itself isn't exactly a highlight, but it does the job. Perhaps a small covered area for the bikes would be a good addition to be better prepared in inclement weather. Nevertheless, for a spontaneous bike tour or a small repair in between, this rental is just the right thing.

The Ballykeel Dolmen, also known as the "Witch's Chair", stands alone on the edge of a green river terrace and invites you to take a look back into the past. With its three supporting stones and the imposing capstone, over three metres long, the dolmen looks like a stone sculpture left behind by a long-forgotten culture. The simple but distinctive tripod shape is a testament to the archaic construction that attracted people to this place over 4000 years ago. Excavations around the dolmen have uncovered the remains of a stone mound and Neolithic pottery that tell of the rites and customs of this early community. When you stand among the stones, you feel the mystique of the place - a place that inspires the imagination then and now. Nearby you will find other megalithic structures such as the Portal Tomb of Aughadanove, which together reflect the rich archaeological heritage of the region.

To be able to see the Ballykeel dolmen, you'll need to take a small detour from Mill Road onto Ballykeel Road. Here, you can view the Ballykeel dolmen and cairn, which is dated between 4000 and 2500 BC

Due to its privileged location, this incredible Anglo-Norman castle can be seen from miles around. It is believed to have been built in the first half of the 13th century by Lady Rohesia de Verdun after her husband's death. According to legend, she promised to marry the architect who built her a castle in Roche. When this happened and the architect claimed her hand, she threw him from one of the windows, which is known as the 'murder window.'

This dolmen is a monument that has a tripod shape. At the southern end of a tumulus, its capstone is three meters long. It is dated between 4000 and 2500 BC.

On the picturesque Glendesha Road, off the well-known Carriver Road, a piece of typically Irish paradise opens up to you. You will be surrounded by rolling green hills that stretch on both sides of the road, creating a peaceful backdrop that pleases the eye and soothes the soul. This area is characterized by its characteristic Irish country roads, which wind like silver ribbons through the lush greenery. Hill after hill is lined up one after the other, each of them telling its own story, shaped by wind, weather and time. Every now and then you can discover old stone walls or peacefully grazing flocks of sheep, which complete the picture of an untouched, rural idyll. The wind carries soft songs from the woods, and if you pause you can hear the melodic chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves. The air is fresh and clear, with hints of earth and the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers. The area invites you to linger, take a deep breath and allow yourself to be captured by the natural beauty and tranquility of this landscape. Every step along Glendesha Road is a pleasure, a discovery and a celebration of the beauty of Irish nature.