The best traffic-free bike rides around Mooghaun woods

Beautiful abbey, hardly any tourists.

At the crossroads overlooking the Slieve Bearnagh range, take a moment to rest and soak in the sweeping views toward the rolling Clare uplands. It’s a perfect spot for a photo or a quiet break, especially at sunrise or late afternoon when the light catches the hills.

The Country Store is a lovely spot to stop for freshly baked goods and locally sourced coffee, especially if you visit in the morning when everything is just out of the oven. It’s a great rest stop for walkers or cyclists exploring East Clare, with bright outdoor seating perfect for a break. Beyond being a café, it also serves as a local hub offering essentials.

Tulla is a traditional market town in east County Clare, known for its strong musical heritage and lively Irish traditional sessions. It sits amid rolling farmland and lakes, offering a true taste of rural Clare life. Tulla lies along the East Clare Way.

The gentle rustling of the reeds in the wind and the flapping of the wings of the water birds that find shelter here give the place a relaxed atmosphere. The lake not only plays an important role as a bird paradise, but also in the region's water regulation - it protects the surrounding area from flooding after heavy rain. This functional aspect gives the body of water an additional meaning that goes beyond its pure beauty. The paths around the lake are easy to drive, but it is worth letting your eyes wander - you may spot one or two rare bird species that make their home here.

The ancient 14th century monastery, founded by the O'Briens, exudes a special atmosphere that is best explored on foot. The details of the 15th and 16th century sculptures carved in limestone are impressive and give an insight into the craftsmanship of times gone by. Time seems to stand still here as you walk between the ruins and see the tower rising into the sky. The green surroundings around the monastery create a beautiful contrast to the grey stone walls and invite you to linger for a moment away from the streets before moving on to the next stage.

The imposing cathedral, which celebrated its first mass in 1842, tells a story of slow construction progress and challenges that continued into the late 19th century. The grey stone walls and the high tower exude a calm that invites you to pause for a moment. In front of the entrance stands the sculpture "Healing Hands" by Shane Gilmore. The words from the book of Isaiah on the palm enhance the atmosphere of this place and create a connection between past and present.

Craggaunowen is more than just an open-air museum - it's a journey back in time. When you arrive here by bike, you'll be immediately embraced by the peaceful atmosphere of the woods. The path to the castle leads through green leafy tunnels that gently filter the sunlight. At the top of the castle you have a wonderful view of the surrounding area. The reconstructed huts in the fort give a sense of what life was like here once - simple, but closely connected to nature. It's worth exploring the castle and the grounds with its historical replicas at your leisure. The exhibitions are well done and give you an insight into the Celtic past. The stone walls and the surrounding woods have something mysterious about them - almost as if an old warrior could come around the corner at any moment. And after all that exploring? There's nothing better than relaxing with a cup of tea and a piece of cake in one of the small cafes. A relaxed place to let the impressions sink in and strengthen yourself for the next stage.