Summer is a great time to get on your bike and explore what Offaly has to offer. Not only does cycling have proven health benefits for both your body and mind, as well as helping the environment, but cycling can also provide a fun day out for all the family.
It’s an opportunity to discover some hidden gems and experience the beauty of the great Offaly outdoors!
Here are some routes for you to uncover:
Grand Canal Greenway
Work has been ongoing on the route, but the Offaly section of the Grand Canal comprises approximately 71km, stretching from Edenderry to Shannon Harbour, which was recently completed. The Grand Canal can be easily done in sections with bike hire available at various points across the way. But consider cycling the section from Ballycommon to Rahan, which is approximately 18km and takes about an hour (without stopping off).
You could fuel up at Ballycommon Bakehouse before setting off, and if you don’t have your own bike, you can hire one at Dick’s Bike Hire at Ballycommon House. Along with beautiful canal views, you’ll take in the fab countryside and historic features.
The Grand Canal Greenway is one for everyone’s bucket list. The Grand Canal spans 132km in length and connects Dublin with the River Shannon via Tullamore and several other towns and villages.
Or you could choose to cycle from Tullamore to Lough Boora Discovery Park, which is a distance of 23km. If you plan on cycling from Tullamore, you can hire bikes at Buckley Cycles.
Lough Boora Discovery Park
You can explore Lough Boora as part of the Grand Canal Greenway, but if you just want to visit Lough Boora Discovery Park alone, there are several cycling routes within the grounds.
For example, there’s the Sculpture Park Route, which is under 5km, so it is suitable for those with younger kids. It’s also perfect for those interested in art, as it offers 24 innovative works of art and sculptures by Irish and international sculptors which are inspired by the land.
The 9.3km Mesolithic Route caters for both walking and cycling enthusiasts, with smooth surfaces, beautiful flora and picnic spots along the way. Bike hire at Lough Boora is provided by Mid Ireland Adventures.
Check out the Lough Boora Discovery Park website for maps and more information.
Slieve Bloom Mountain Biking Trails
If you’re looking for a challenging, thrilling ride, then the 80km of mountain biking trails around the Slieve Bloom Mountains await you!
Not for the faint-hearted, the mountain biking trails take riders through forests and open land, with plenty of twists, turns and speedy descents. The trails are waymarked in one direction and there are blue routes, which are moderate, and red routes, which are more challenging, to choose from.
Experience with mountain biking is advised, particularly for the red routes, but there are easier cycles for beginners that also take in some of the beauty of the mountains. If you want to stick to flat surfaces, you could go on a relaxed cycle through the village of Kinnitty and up around the grounds of Kinnitty Castle. Or cycle from Cadamstown up to Kinnitty Forest. These routes include road cycling, so make sure to be careful on the roads.
For a more challenging road cycling experience, there’s also the 23-mile Slieve Bloom Mountain Road loop from Kinnitty. Starting from Kinnitty village, you’ll be heading on the road towards Mountrath, which takes you to the top of the mountain, where stunning views await. Arderin is also along this route, which is the highest point of the mountain at 527 metres. You’ll follow mostly well-paved surfaces, but a good fitness level is required.
The highlight of road cycling in the Slieve Blooms is The Cut. At an elevation of 430 metres, it is located on the mountain road between Mountrath and Clonaslee.
Bike hire is available through Bloom E Riders and Mid Ireland Adventure. Mid Ireland Adventure also offers mountain biking lessons and tours, if you prefer to go in a group.
Let your cycling adventure begin!