The best traffic-free bike rides around Ennis Municipal District

Beautiful abbey, hardly any tourists.

A calming spot that's within easy reach of the traditional market town of Tulla. Ideal as quiet location for a picnic or for a spot of fishing.

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.

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.

This stone desert is interrupted by lush green fields, while the striking geological formations of Doonmore Hill dominate the scene in the background. There is something magical about the stark beauty of this region, and as I rode my road bike along the gently rising roads, I could hardly take my eyes off the varied shapes and colours. The dry stone walls that can be seen everywhere here tell of the long history of agriculture in this area and reinforce the feeling of being in an almost surreal environment.

Dromore Wood Nature Reserve offers a delightful mix of wild nature and cultural history that will captivate you as a cyclist. The well-maintained paths lead you deep into the forest, past ancient oak trees and along tranquil lakes. With every pedal stroke, the landscape seems to change - sometimes a view opens up of the peaceful water, sometimes the ruins of Dromore Castle peek out mysteriously between the trees. The old castle has a tangible atmosphere of times gone by, and it is interesting how nature is slowly reclaiming it. The paths here are not particularly demanding, but a bit of gravel and the occasional climbs do demand attention. In summer you will be accompanied by a concert of birdsong, while in autumn the colorful leaves rustle under your tires. The visitor center offers additional information about the wildlife and history of the reserve. The place is a great destination for families in particular, but you can also really switch off here as a solo cyclist.

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.