The best road cycling routes in Cratloe Woods

Beautiful abbey, hardly any tourists.

If you're looking for a route that's a challenge for the legs as well as the senses, you'll love this section of the Shannon Estuary Way between Labasheeda and Ballynacally. It's known as one of the most scenic stretches in the area, and rightly so. This route offers fantastic views of the wide Shannon Estuary time and time again. The gentle ups and downs of the road take you past flowering fields, narrow country roads and along the water - ideal for clearing your head for a few moments. Despite the beauty of the route, keep a close eye on traffic as cars also use this route. You can stop for a short break and just enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings before tackling the next stretch. There's a magical atmosphere over the estuary, especially in the early hours of the morning when the first rays of sun hit the water. It's worth bringing plenty of water with you as the route is long and there aren't many opportunities to replenish supplies along the way. So grab your racing bike, breathe in the fresh sea air and take in the scenery – an unforgettable experience on two wheels.

After a few kilometers through the Irish countryside, it was time for a little refreshment, and the café offered exactly what I needed: a hot tea and probably the best scones in the area. Particularly practical for us road cyclists - there is a bike repair stand with tools outside. So, while you enjoy your coffee (the free refill is a nice bonus), you can quickly do small repairs on your bike. The atmosphere in the café is cozy, and the outdoor area with the pastel-colored chairs invites you to linger. It's a great place to take a quick breather and get some strength for the next stage. The location is ideal, right on a quiet road, so you can continue your ride in a relaxed manner after the break.

Quin Abbey is a fascinating destination that breathes history. You cycle through the green countryside of County Clare and suddenly the remains of the old priory church loom before you. Although the roof is long gone, the impressive structure gives a sense of past splendour. The intact cloister and preserved walls tell stories of a bygone era when Franciscan friars lived here. Built on the remains of a 13th century Norman castle, the abbey has a turbulent history. It was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1541, but some friars stayed here until the 17th century. The walls have the air of the past that makes this place special. Access to the abbey is free, but the key can be borrowed in the nearby village if you wish to enter the cloister. The detour is worth it, because just a few steps away are the ruins of St. Finghin's Church, which are also worth a visit. A historic place that offers a quiet atmosphere and at the same time inspires reflection. Quin Abbey is a highlight not only for history lovers, but also for cyclists who want to experience the beauty of the Irish hinterland away from the busy roads.

At Mooghaun Hill Fort, cyclists get their money's worth not only because of the great views, but also because history literally shines out of the ground here. The largest Bronze Age ring fort in Ireland is located in the middle of dense forests, which provide a wonderful backdrop for a little tour of discovery. You will immerse yourself in a time long gone, when life was pulsating here around 950 BC. The route takes you past old walls that once offered protection, and just a stone's throw away you will discover the weathered Tower House - a later building that somehow blends harmoniously into the landscape. The combination of nature and culture can be particularly enjoyed here, even if the path can be bumpy at times. A tip: leave your bike behind and explore the complex on foot - the many details of the walls and information boards about earlier life are worth it. If you fancy a little adventure, we recommend visiting the site of a large gold treasure that was once discovered near the fort. Today, the treasure can be seen in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, but the atmosphere of the place still gives a glimpse of its splendor.

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Mooghaun Hill Fort is believed to be the largest in Ireland. It dates back to c.950BC and a huge hoard of prehistoric gold was discovered around 1km to the north which can be seen on display in the National Museum of Ireland Dublin. The Castle or Tower House, is positioned to the north west of the hillfort and both can be visited within these woodlands.

Quin Abbey (Irish: Mainistir Chuinche[1]), in Quin, County Clare, Ireland, was built between 1402 and 1433 by Sioda Cam MacNamara, for Fathers Purcell and Mooney, friars of the Franciscan order. Although mostly roofless, the structure of the abbey is relatively well preserved. There is an intact cloister, and many other surviving architectural features make the friary of significant historical value.[ Free to visit!