The best cycling routes around Nenagh

A designated recreational area on the shore of Lough Derg; there are picnic benches and a nice section of easily access lake shore. Water skiing and lake cruises are available seasonally and there's a large parking area. The lake shore has a walking trail, and the area is passed when walking the Lough Derg Way long distance trail.

On my bike ride I passed this old, overgrown cottage, which stands in the shade of mighty trees. It has a very special charm - the crumbling walls and the partially collapsed roof tell of a time long gone. Nature has slowly reclaimed the building, and the dense greenery makes it seem almost like part of the surrounding landscape. The cottage is said to date from the time of the Great Famine and is a reminder of how hard life was for many people here. In a way it is a silent reminder of Ireland's history. One can only imagine what stories these walls hide.

As you pedal, the view opens up over the sparkling lake, framed by rolling hills. The deep blue of the water contrasts beautifully with the lush green of the surroundings and invites you to take a short break - perhaps to enjoy the view of the lake and the passing clouds. The route runs close to the shore so you can feel the fresh breeze from the water. The route has a pleasant mix of flat sections and gentle climbs that are a bit challenging but reward you with magnificent panoramas. Keep an eye out for the swans that often circle the shore here. They add a touch of idyll to the already picturesque view. The tour is best enjoyed in the morning hours when the light lies gently over the lake and there is little traffic.

When touring Killaloe, the charm of the town can best be captured on the banks of the canal. The route runs along the water and always offers a view over the river to Ballina and the historic Killaloe Bridge. The soothing rippling, the boats gently rocking and the lush green banks can be wonderfully enjoyed from the saddle. The town itself is full of small cafes and restaurants - an ideal place to take a break or start or end the tour. The road itself has a few bumpy spots, but the scenery easily makes up for that.

Garrykennedy Castle was built in the late 15th century on the banks of Lough Derg by the O'Kennedy and the O'Brien clans. The tower house was badly damaged by Cromwellian troops in the mid 17th century. Some stones from the rubble of the castle may have been used in the building of a new harbour in 1857. This is a gorgeous harbour with a modern marina to the east. There may not be much left of the castle but it is still a beautiful place to stop and relax, maybe even take a picnic.

The picturesque Dromineer Castle is easily seen upon entering the harbour. This castle was owned by John Cantwell in 1640. Having originally being built as a hall castle in the 13th century, it was converted to a tower-house in the 15th century. This two-storey building had a single long room at the upper level. It was later raised to four storeys and partially vaulted over the ground floor. At present the castle has a strong covering of ivy and most of the west walls have turned to ruin. Parts of the bawn wall are still visible. This gives the building an empty shell-like appearance. https://discovertheshannon.com/listings/dromineer-castl/

Nenagh Castle (Irish Castle of the Fair or Castle of the Fair of Ormond) ist ein Tower House in der Stadt Nenagh im Nordteil des Irish Countys Tipperary. https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nenagh_Castle

Castlelough is west of Nenagh and 5 km ( 3 miles) from Portroe village. There is a car park, picnic tables, water skiing, fishing and cruises on the River Shannon. Castleough also has lakeshore walking trails through the conifer and broadleaf plantation.Castlelough is situated in the north west of County Tipperary on the banks of Lough Derg. It is part of Arra forest which includes 12 forest properties namely: Castlelough, Castletown, Townlough, Newtown, Leagane, Kilparteen (scattered Properties), Corbally, Coumbeg, Coumroe, Burgesbeg, Gortlassabrien and Scragg (Adjoining Properties). The total forest area of Arra forest is 808 hectares (1,997 acres) of primarily conifer species. The principal soil types are podzols, peats and gleys in the upland areas and more mineralised soils at lower elevations near Lough Derg. Castlelough is a designated recreation area in Arra Forest. The property is located on the shores of Lough Derg and enjoys scenic views and forest trails and is regularly used by Coilltes neighbours, locals and the general public. There is a car park, picnic tables, water skiing, fishing and cruises on the River Shannon. The Lough Derg Way is an important walking route which winds through Townlough, Castletown and Castlelough. Coillte’s open forest policy permits pedestrian access only to its forests (all signage must be adhered to). https://discoverloughderg.ie/castlelough/