n the green heartlands cycling route - explore roscommonr363 r363 r357 r358 r446 r348 m6 r357 m6...

6
The Green Heartlands Cycling Route Go n-éirí an bóthar leat May the Road Rise to Meet You Na Croícheantair Ghlas Welcome to the Green Heartlands Cycle Route - a fully marked cycling tour which takes you through the splendour of the mid and south Roscommon countryside. Situated in the heart of Ireland, Mid and South Roscommon is a scenic paradise serviced by a network of quiet country roads ideally suited to cycling. The low level of traffic in this unspoilt rural environment offers the cyclist a pleasant and peaceful holiday experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The terrain of the local landscape throughout the 131 mile (211 km) circuit is generally flat with occasional stretches of gently sloping hills which take the cyclist through a varied countryside of farmland, bog, forest, wetlands, rivers and lakes. The touring cyclist can experience the beauty of Lough Ree and sense the magnificence of the River Shannon - the longest river in Ireland. The circuit, divided into a series of daily routes, will take you through a host of small rural villages and within close proximity of the larger provincial towns of Roscommon, Athlone and Ballinasloe. Route Overview ROSCOMMON ATHLONE Ballinasloe Four Roads Mount Talbot Athleague Clonmacnoise Cornafulla Ballygar Drum Brideswell Kiltoom Dysart Ballyforan Curraghboy Lecarrow Knockcroghery Donamon Castlecoote Bellaheeny Clonown Lough Ree Lough Ree Lough Funshinagh n o n n a h S r e v i R n o n n a h S r e v i R River Suck Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 N61 N60 N61 N63 R366 N63 R362 R362 N63 R357 N61 N61 R363 R363 R357 R358 R446 R348 R357 M6 M6 R444 1 2.5 10 kms 5 7.5 Brideswell Bellamulla Kiltoom Cushlea Lough Ree Corramore Milltown Ballynamona Ballymullavil Bernard’s Cross Roads Newtown Curryroe Kilmocolmock Cornafulla C ro s s R i v e r C r o s s R i v e r C r o s s R i v e r ATHLONE Hodson’s Bay Bally Bay Rooskagh Drum Carrickynaghtan Bog Cushlea Bog PO M Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum Holy Well PO i i i R446 M6 M6 R446 R362 N61 N61 0 1 2 3 kms Stage 1 Stage 1 Start/Finish You are Here This start point is proximate to Hudson Bay Hotel Hotel & Leisure Centre and Bay Sports. The Stage 1 section journeys initially along the N61 National Secondary route before it turns off in a westerly direction and traverses along quieter scenic country roads. The route takes in Derryglad Folk Museum (a ‘must see’)and the village of Brideswell with its famous Holy Well dedicated to Saint Brigid (adjacent to National School). The route follows typical midland undulating farming landscape. From Ardkeenan Hill one will observe a stunning panoramic view across the Shannon River to the ancient monastic site of Clonamacnoise, which has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The end of Stage 1 meanders into Drum, which is a village also built on a Monastic Settlement. The local Heritage and Genealogical Centre houses a range of interesting artefacts. Glendeer Pet Farm and Athlone are nearby. Stage 1 Kiltoom to Cornafulla Distance: 28 kms Height gain: 126 metres Terrain: Gently undulating, some minor slopes Route type: Mainly quiet country roads, some sections on busier main roads. N The Green Heartlands Cycling Route is managed by Roscommon Leader Partnership (RLP) – Telephone 090 663 0252 in collaboration with Roscommon County Council (RCC) – Telephone 090 6637100 14 21 28 kms 7 0 kms Elevation m’s 33 66 Cornafulla Kiltoom Brideswell Drum MAP INFORMATION Information Point Filling station Parking Toilets Food available ATM WC P i M Museum Seating Picnic area Recommended view point Historic Site Shop Camping Cycle parking Minor Road National Road Regional Road Forestry Woodland Green Heartlands Cycling Route River Suck Cartography and board design by Jeremy Smith - Tel: 074 9329866 - Mob: 086 867 8221 See detailed map left Stage 1 Start/Finish Stage 1 Start/Finish Stage 1 Start/Finish Distance: Height gain: Surfaces: Route type: Waymarking: Recommended bike type: 211 kms 1149 metres Mainly tarmac but some loose gravel Mainly quiet country roads, some sections busier main roads Green Arrows on a white background Bikes with thicker/wider wheels such as a hybrid or mountain bike Terrain: Generally flat, some gentle slopes ! Warning: Caution required on busier road sections!

Upload: others

Post on 28-Sep-2020

0 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: N The Green Heartlands Cycling Route - Explore RoscommonR363 R363 R357 R358 R446 R348 M6 R357 M6 R444 1 2.5 5 7.5 10 kms This stage starts at Cornafulla PO, Cornafulla meaning 'Hill

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat

May the Road Rise to Meet You

Na Croícheantair Ghlas

Welcome to the Green Heartlands Cycle Route - a fully marked cycling tour which takes you

through the splendour of the mid and south Roscommon countryside. Situated in the heart

of Ireland, Mid and South Roscommon is a scenic paradise serviced by a network of quiet

country roads ideally suited to cycling. The low level of traffic in this unspoilt rural

environment offers the cyclist a pleasant and peaceful holiday experience, far removed from

the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The terrain of the local landscape throughout the 131 mile (211 km) circuit is generally flat

with occasional stretches of gently sloping hills which take the cyclist through a varied

countryside of farmland, bog, forest, wetlands, rivers and lakes. The touring cyclist can

experience the beauty of Lough Ree and sense the magnificence of the River Shannon - the

longest river in Ireland.

The circuit, divided into a series of daily routes, will take you through a host of small rural

villages and within close proximity of the larger provincial towns of Roscommon, Athlone and

Ballinasloe.

Route Overview

ROSCOMMON

ATHLONE

Ballinasloe

Four Roads

Mount Talbot

Athleague

Clonmacnoise

Cornafulla

Ballygar

Drum

Brideswell

KiltoomDysart

Ballyforan

Curraghboy

Lecarrow

Knockcroghery

Donamon

Castlecoote

Bellaheeny

Clonown

Lough Ree

Lough Ree

LoughFunshinagh

nonnahS reviR

non

n ahS reviR

River Suck

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

N61

N60

N61

N63R36

6

N63

R362

R362

N63

R357

N61

N61

R363

R363

R357

R358

R446

R348

R357M6

M6

R444

1 2.5 10 kms5 7.5

Brideswell

Bellamulla

Kiltoom

Cushlea

Lough Ree

Corramore

Milltown

BallynamonaBallymullavil

Bernard’s CrossRoads

Newtown Curryroe

Kilmocolmock

Cornafulla

Cro

ss R iver

Cross R

iver

Cross R

ive

r

ATHLONE

Hodson’s Bay

Bally Bay

Rooskagh

Drum

Carrickynaghtan Bog

Cushlea Bog

PO

MDerryglad Folk& Heritage Museum

Holy Well

PO

i

i

i

R446

M6

M6

R446

R362

N61

N61

0 1 2 3 kms

Stage 1

Stage 1Start/Finish

You areHere

This start point is proximate to Hudson Bay Hotel Hotel & Leisure Centre and

Bay Sports. The Stage 1 section journeys initially along the N61 National

Secondary route before it turns off in a westerly direction and traverses along

quieter scenic country roads. The route takes in Derryglad Folk Museum (a

‘must see’)and the village of Brideswell with its famous Holy Well dedicated to

Saint Brigid (adjacent to National School).

The route follows typical midland undulating farming landscape. From

Ardkeenan Hill one will observe a stunning panoramic view across the

Shannon River to the ancient monastic site of Clonamacnoise, which has been

nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The end of Stage 1 meanders

into Drum, which is a village also built on a Monastic Settlement. The local

Heritage and Genealogical Centre houses a range of interesting artefacts.

Glendeer Pet Farm and Athlone are nearby.

Stage 1 Kiltoom to Cornafulla

Distance: 28 kms

Height gain: 126 metres

Terrain: Gently undulating, some minor slopes

Route type: Mainly quiet country roads, some sections on busier main roads.

N

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route is managed by Roscommon Leader Partnership (RLP) – Telephone 090 663 0252 in collaboration with Roscommon County Council (RCC) – Telephone 090 6637100

14 21 28 kms70 kmsEle

vatio

n m

’s

33

66

CornafullaKiltoom Brideswell Drum

MAP INFORMATION

Information Point

Filling station

Parking

Toilets

Food available

ATM

WC

P

i

€M Museum Seating

Picnic area

Recommended view point

Historic Site

Shop

Camping

Cycle parkingMinor Road

National Road

Regional Road

Forestry

Woodland

Green HeartlandsCycling Route

River Suck

Cartography and board design by Jeremy Smith - Tel: 074 9329866 - Mob: 086 867 8221

See detailed map left

Stage 1Start/Finish

Stage 1Start/Finish

Stage 1Start/Finish

Distance:

Height gain:

Surfaces:

Route type:

Waymarking:

Recommendedbike type:

211 kms

1149 metres

Mainly tarmac but some loose gravel

Mainly quiet country roads, some sections busier main roads

Green Arrows on a white background

Bikes with thicker/wider wheels such as a hybrid or mountain bike

Terrain: Generally flat, some gentle slopes

! Warning: Caution required on busier road sections!

Page 2: N The Green Heartlands Cycling Route - Explore RoscommonR363 R363 R357 R358 R446 R348 M6 R357 M6 R444 1 2.5 5 7.5 10 kms This stage starts at Cornafulla PO, Cornafulla meaning 'Hill

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat

May the Road Rise to Meet You

Na Croícheantair Ghlas

Route OverviewWelcome to the Green Heartlands Cycle Route - a fully marked cycling tour which takes you through

the splendour of the mid and south Roscommon countryside. Situated in the heart of Ireland, Mid

and South Roscommon is a scenic paradise serviced by a network of quiet country roads ideally

suited to cycling. The low level of traffic in this unspoilt rural environment offers the cyclist a pleasant

and peaceful holiday experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The terrain of the local landscape throughout the 131 mile (211 km) circuit is generally flat with

occasional stretches of gently sloping hills which take the cyclist through a varied countryside of

farmland, bog, forest, wetlands, rivers and lakes. The touring cyclist can experience the beauty of

Lough Ree and sense the magnificence of the River Shannon - the longest river in Ireland.

The circuit, divided into a series of daily routes, will take you through a host of small rural villages and

within close proximity of the larger provincial towns of Roscommon, Athlone and Ballinasloe.

Waymarking: Green Arrows on a white background

Distance:

Height gain:

Surfaces:

Route type:

Waymarking:

Recommendedbike type:

211 kms

1149 metres

Mainly tarmac but some loose gravel

Mainly quiet country roads, some sections busier main roads

Green Arrows on a white background

Bikes with thicker/wider wheels such as a hybrid or mountain bike

Terrain: Generally flat, some gentle slopes

MAP INFORMATION

Information Point

Filling station

Parking

Toilets

Food available

ATM

WC

P

i

€M Museum Seating

Picnic area

Recommended view point

Historic Site

Shop

Camping

Cycle parkingMinor Road

National Road

Regional Road

Forestry

Woodland

Green HeartlandsCycling Route

haS n r ne ovi nR

nonnahS r

eviR

Fin Lough

Cranberry Lough

DooLough

Drumalagagh

Cloonshask

Cappayuse

Drumlosh

Oldtown

Cloonburren

M6

M6R446R446

R446

R446

R357

R444

R444

Ballydangan

Cornafulla

Clonmacnoise

Clonfinlough

Clonown

PO

i

0 1 2 3 kms

Stage 2

Stage 2Start/Finish

Stage 2Start/Finish

This cycling route is managed by Roscommon Leader Partnership (RLP) – Telephone 090 663 0252 in collaboration with Roscommon County Council (RCC) – Telephone 090 6637100 Cartography & board design by Jeremy Smith - Tel: 074 9329866 - Mob: 086 8678221

ROSCOMMON

ATHLONE

Ballinasloe

Four Roads

Mount Talbot

Athleague

Clonmacnoise

Cornafulla

Ballygar

Drum

Brideswell

KiltoomDysart

Ballyforan

Curraghboy

Lecarrow

Knockcroghery

Donamon

Castlecoote

Bellaheeny

Clonown

Lough Ree

Lough Ree

LoughFunshinagh

nonnahS reviR

non

n ahS reviR

River Suck

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

N61

N60

N61

N63R36

6

N63

R362

R362

N63

R357

N61

N61

R363

R363

R357

R358

R446

R348

R357M6

M6

R444

1 2.5 10 kms5 7.5

This stage starts at Cornafulla PO, Cornafulla meaning 'Hill of Blood'. The

route brings you to Clonown Village, which has a picnic area beside the Church.

After Clonown you will enter The Shannon Callows, where you may listen for

the call of the Corncrake, a threatened and protected bird species. This area is

unique in Ornithology as it is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in Ireland,

where this species is recorded. The eastern most section of this stage is

proximate to Athlone whilst the western most section is proximate to

Ballinasloe. There is an abundance of eateries, lodgings and entertainment in

both vibrant towns.

Stage 2 Cornafulla to Drumalagagh

Distance:

Height gain:

Terrain:

Route type: 164 metres

45 kms Generally flat, some gentle slopes

Mainly quiet country roads, some sections on busier main roads.22.5 45 kms0 kmsE

lev

ati

on

m’s

50

100 Clonown Cappayuse

DrumalagaghCornafulla

Typical quiet road along the route

N

Stage 2Start/Finish

Stage 2Start/Finish

See detailed map below

You areHere

! Warning: Caution required on busier road sections!

Page 3: N The Green Heartlands Cycling Route - Explore RoscommonR363 R363 R357 R358 R446 R348 M6 R357 M6 R444 1 2.5 5 7.5 10 kms This stage starts at Cornafulla PO, Cornafulla meaning 'Hill

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat

May the Road Rise to Meet You

Na Croícheantair Ghlas

ROSCOMMON

ATHLONE

Ballinasloe

Four Roads

Mount Talbot

Athleague

Clonmacnoise

Cornafulla

Ballygar

Drum

Brideswell

KiltoomDysart

Ballyforan

Curraghboy

Lecarrow

Knockcroghery

Donamon

Castlecoote

Bellaheeny

Clonown

Lough Ree

Lough Ree

LoughFunshinagh

nonnahS reviR

non

n ahS reviR

River Suck

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

N61

N60

N61

N63R36

6

N63

R362

R362

N63

R357

N61

N61

R363

R363

R357

R358

R446

R348

R357M6

M6

R444

1 2.5 10 kms5 7.5

Stage 3Start/Finish

Stage 3Start/Finish

See

deta

iled

map

bel

ow le

ft

Welcome to the Green Heartlands Cycle Route - a fully marked cycling tour which takes you

through the splendour of the mid and south Roscommon countryside. Situated in the heart of

Ireland, Mid and South Roscommon is a scenic paradise serviced by a network of quiet country

roads ideally suited to cycling. The low level of traffic in this unspoilt rural environment offers the

cyclist a pleasant and peaceful holiday experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of

everyday life.

The terrain of the local landscape throughout the 131 mile (211 km) circuit is generally flat with

occasional stretches of gently sloping hills which take the cyclist through a varied countryside of

farmland, bog, forest, wetlands, rivers and lakes. The touring cyclist can experience the beauty of

Lough Ree and sense the magnificence of the River Shannon - the longest river in Ireland.

The circuit, divided into a series of daily routes, will take you through a host of small rural villages

and within close proximity of the larger provincial towns of Roscommon, Athlone and Ballinasloe.

Route Overview

R362

R362

R357

R357

R363

R363

R363

M6

M6

R446

R358

R357

R358

R348

R446

R357

R446

R358R357

R357

R363

R363

R363R362

R357

R362

M6

M6

BALLYGAR

BALLINASLOE

Curraghboy

Four Roads

Ballyforan

Dysart

Bellaneeny

Taghmaconnell

WC Pi€ PO

WC Pi€ PO

PO

PO

PO

Suck River Callows NHA

i

Lough Funshinagh

Cranberry Lough

Doo Lough

Loughmore

LoughGore

LoughNacreevaGoats

Lough

Corkip Lough

CuilleenirwanLough

CoolagarryLough

Lough Croan

River S

uck

Shiven River

kcu r SeviR

Bunowen River

River Suck

Kilmocolmock

Torpan Beg

Torpan More

Creehanmore

Feevagh

Coolfree

Sraduff

Culleen

Beaghbeg

Drumalagagh

0 1 2 3 kms

Stage 3Stage 3Start/Finish

Stage 3Start/Finish

You areHere

This stage takes you along typical midland rolling farming countryside and

meanders through some character filled typical Irish villages; namely

Taughmaconnel, Dysart, Ballyforan and Four Roads. Along the route just south

of Dysart you will enjoy the biodiversity of the Suck River Callows, which is a

designated NHA (Natural Heritage Area) Taughmaconnell is home to an

ancient cemetery and Holy Well. Ballyforan is noted for its 13 Arch Bridge

and excellent angling conditions while Four Roads is proximate to an attractive

windmill site, wherein excellent views of the countryside abound. One can

relax and soak up the friendly atmosphere in the Village Pub in Four Roads at

the end of this stage.

Stage 3 Drumalagagh to Four Roads

Distance: 38 kms

Height gain: 184 metres

Terrain: Generally flat, some gentle slopes

Route type: Mainly quiet country roads, some sections on busier main roads.

N

16 38 kms0 kmsEle

va

tio

n m

’s

50

75 Bellaneeny DysartDrumalagagh Four Roads

Minor Road

National Road

Regional Road

MAP INFORMATION

Information Point

Filling station

Parking

Toilets

Food available

ATMSeating

Picnic area

Recommended view point

Historic SiteWC

P

i

Forestry

Woodland

M Museum

Shop

Camping

Roscommon Castle

River Suck

Cartography and board design by Jeremy Smith - Tel: 074 9329866 - Mob: 086 867 8221

Distance:

Height gain:

Surfaces:

Route type:

Waymarking:

Recommendedbike type:

211 kms

1149 metres

Mainly tarmac but some loose gravel

Mainly quiet country roads, some sections busier main roads

Green Arrows on a white background

Bikes with thicker/wider wheels such as a hybrid or mountain bike

Terrain: Generally flat, some gentle slopes

! Warning: Caution required on busier road sections!

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route is managed by Roscommon Leader Partnership (RLP) – Telephone 090 663 0252 in collaboration with Roscommon County Council (RCC) – Telephone 090 6637100

Page 4: N The Green Heartlands Cycling Route - Explore RoscommonR363 R363 R357 R358 R446 R348 M6 R357 M6 R444 1 2.5 5 7.5 10 kms This stage starts at Cornafulla PO, Cornafulla meaning 'Hill

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat

May the Road Rise to Meet You

Na Croícheantair Ghlas

ROSCOMMON

ATHLONE

Ballinasloe

Four Roads

Mount Talbot

Athleague

Clonmacnoise

Cornafulla

Ballygar

Drum

Brideswell

KiltoomDysart

Ballyforan

Curraghboy

Lecarrow

Knockcroghery

Donamon

Castlecoote

Bellaheeny

Clonown

Lough Ree

Lough Ree

LoughFunshinagh

nonnahS reviR

non

n ahS reviR

River Suck

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

N61

N60

N61

N63R36

6

N63

R362

R362

N63

R357

N61

N61

R363

R363

R357

R358

R446

R348

R357M6

M6

R444

1 2.5 10 kms5 7.5

Welcome to the Green Heartlands Cycle Route - a fully marked cycling tour which takes you

through the splendour of the mid and south Roscommon countryside. Situated in the heart of

Ireland, Mid and South Roscommon is a scenic paradise serviced by a network of quiet country

roads ideally suited to cycling. The low level of traffic in this unspoilt rural environment offers the

cyclist a pleasant and peaceful holiday experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of

everyday life.

The terrain of the local landscape throughout the 131 mile (211 km) circuit is generally flat with

occasional stretches of gently sloping hills which take the cyclist through a varied countryside of

farmland, bog, forest, wetlands, rivers and lakes. The touring cyclist can experience the beauty of

Lough Ree and sense the magnificence of the River Shannon - the longest river in Ireland.

The circuit, divided into a series of daily routes, will take you through a host of small rural villages

and within close proximity of the larger provincial towns of Roscommon, Athlone and Ballinasloe.

Route Overview

R357

R357

R357

R362

R362

R362

R366

N63

N61

N61

N60

N60

R366

R366

R362

R362

R357

R357

R357

R362

N60

N61

N63

N61

N63

Ballaghdacker Lough

Linbaun Lough

Lough Nassaggart

Cloonalin River

River Suck

Riv e r S

uck

ATHLEAGUE

BALLYGAR

ROSCOMMON

Four Roads

Castlecoote

Donamon

WC Pi€ PO

WC Pi€ PO

M

Dunamon Castle

i

WC Pi€ PO

i

Family

route

Family routeStart/Finish

Family Friendly LoopThis stage includes a 'Family Friendly Loop' at Kilbegnet (see top left of

map), which comprises a short loop on a less trafficked roads.

Parents please ensure children: Use bicycles that are in proper working order Cycle a bike matched to their height and experience Wear a safety helmet and hi-vis vest Use lights in dark or dusky conditions Don't allow them to: Cycle on public roads unsupervised (if under 12) Wear loosely-worn scarves or other clothing that could get caught in the wheels or chain-set For further information on cycle training please contact: Roscommon Sports Partnership at [email protected]

!

!

Stage 40 1 2 3 kms

Stage 4Start/Finish

Stage 4Start/Finish

This stage offers an alternative activity in nature as it converges at various

points with the Suck Valley Way, which is a Way-Marked-Way Walking Route

(www.suckvalleywaywalk.ie). Athleague has a number of attractions, which are

worth a visit such as the Athleague Visitor Centre, the Old Mill and Castle ruins.

Athleague is very well serviced with shops and pubs/cafe providing 'food on the

go' and sit-down options. This stage passes the site of the La Tene Stone, a very

rare Iron Age boulder bearing symbolic Celtic inscriptions. Following on this

stage, Donamon Castle is the next significant point of interest. This Castle....is

currently occupied by the Divine Word Missionaries, ever welcoming. The

Castle also contains a training centre and 'Cuisle', a respite holiday centre for

disabled people. Wholesome food can also be purchased and enjoyed at 'Cuisle'

at standard meal times. Stage 4 continues through the village of Fuerty, which

has an ancient symmetry and underground tombs. The last leg of this stage

brings one through Mote Park, a large estate, where woodland and nature

abounds. Finally, this leg finishes in Roscommon Town, which is the County

Town and wherein all of the services can be accessed, restaurants, pubs, shops,

banking, post office and Churches. Of particular note in Roscommon Town is

Roscommon Castle, built by the Chief Governor of Ireland in 1269 and rebuilt

by Sir Nicholas Malby, Governor of Connacht in the late 16th Century, the

Abbey ruins and the Gaol are also of interest.

Stage 4 Four Roads to Roscommon

Distance: 52 kms

Height gain: 341 metres

Terrain:

Route type:

Generally flat, some gentle slopes

Mainly quiet countryroads, some sections on busier main roads.

You areHere

N

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route is managed by Roscommon Leader Partnership (RLP) – Telephone 090 663 0252 in collaboration with Roscommon County Council (RCC) – Telephone 090 6637100

26 52 kms0 kms

Ele

va

tio

n m

’s

50

100Athleague

Castlecoote Donamon RoscommonFour Roads

Minor Road

National Road

Regional Road

MAP INFORMATIONInformation Point

Filling station

Parking

Toilets

Food available

ATMSeating

Picnic area

Recommended view point

Historic SiteWC

P

i

Forestry

Woodland

M Museum

Shop

Camping

La Tene Stone

Stage 4Start/Finish

Stage 4Start/Finish

See detailed map below left

Cartography and board design by Jeremy Smith - Tel: 074 9329866 - Mob: 086 867 8221

Distance:

Height gain:

Surfaces:

Route type:

Waymarking:

Recommendedbike type:

211 kms

1149 metres

Mainly tarmac but some loose gravel

Mainly quiet country roads, some sections busier main roads

Green Arrows on a white background

Bikes with thicker/wider wheels such as a hybrid or mountain bike

Terrain: Generally flat, some gentle slopes

! Warning: Caution required on busier road sections!

Page 5: N The Green Heartlands Cycling Route - Explore RoscommonR363 R363 R357 R358 R446 R348 M6 R357 M6 R444 1 2.5 5 7.5 10 kms This stage starts at Cornafulla PO, Cornafulla meaning 'Hill

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat

May the Road Rise to Meet You

Na Croícheantair Ghlas

ROSCOMMON

ATHLONE

Ballinasloe

Four Roads

Mount Talbot

Athleague

Clonmacnoise

Cornafulla

Ballygar

Drum

Brideswell

KiltoomDysart

Ballyforan

Curraghboy

Lecarrow

Knockcroghery

Donamon

Castlecoote

Bellaheeny

Clonown

Lough Ree

Lough Ree

LoughFunshinagh

nonnahS reviR

non

n ahS reviR

River Suck

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

N61

N60

N61

N63R36

6

N63

R362

R362

N63

R357

N61

N61

R363

R363

R357

R358

R446

R348

R357M6

M6

R444

1 2.5 10 kms5 7.5

Welcome to the Green Heartlands Cycle Route - a fully marked cycling tour which takes you

through the splendour of the mid and south Roscommon countryside. Situated in the heart of

Ireland, Mid and South Roscommon is a scenic paradise serviced by a network of quiet country

roads ideally suited to cycling. The low level of traffic in this unspoilt rural environment offers

the cyclist a pleasant and peaceful holiday experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of

everyday life.

The terrain of the local landscape throughout the 131 mile (211 km) circuit is generally flat with

occasional stretches of gently sloping hills which take the cyclist through a varied countryside of

farmland, bog, forest, wetlands, rivers and lakes. The touring cyclist can experience the beauty

of Lough Ree and sense the magnificence of the River Shannon - the longest river in Ireland.

The circuit, divided into a series of daily routes, will take you through a host of small rural

villages and within close proximity of the larger provincial towns of Roscommon, Athlone and

Ballinasloe.

Route Overview

Roscommon Castle

N61

N63

N61

N60

N63

R362

R363

R363

R362

R362

N61

N61

N61

N61R363

R362

R362

R362

N61

N61

N61

N61

N61

N63N61

N60

N63

ROSCOMMON

Knockcroghery

Killteevan

Kiltoom

Lecarrow

Corramore

Ballybay

Ardmullan

Gortnasythe

Cartron

Longnamuck

Cooltona

Cloonlarge

CloontogherKileenboy

Carrowroe

LoughFunshinagh

LoughRee

LoughRee

LoughCroan

Coolagarry Lough

CuilleenirwanLough

Portrunny Bay

Galey Bay

Blackbrink Bay

POM

Rindoon Medieval Village

i

i

WC Pi€ PO

M Derryglad Folk& Heritage Museum

Family route

Family routeStart/Finish

Family Friendly LoopThis stage includes a 'Family Friendly Loop' at Cloonlarge (see top right of map), which comprises a short loop on a less trafficked roads.

Parents please ensure children: Use bicycles that are in proper working order Cycle a bike matched to their height and experience Wear a safety helmet and hi vis vest Use lights in dark or dusky conditions Don't allow them to: Cycle on public roads unsupervised (if under 12) Wear loosely-worn scarves or other clothing that could get caught in the wheels or chain-set For further information on cycle training please contact: Roscommon Sports Partnership at [email protected]

!

!

Stage 5

0 1 2 3 4 kms

Stage 5Start/Finish

Stage 5Start/Finish

This stage takes you through diverse landscapes of farmland, bogland and woodland.

Sites of particular interest along this stretch are the Mass Rock at Kilteevan, the

Butterfly Research area at Cloonlarge Loop, the vista of Lough Ree at Portrunny Bay,

Gailey Bay with its camping and caravan site and the Clay Pipe Museum at

Knockroghery. Of particular note after the picturesque village of Lecarrow with its

canal harbour and Celtic Holy Well, one will arrive at the ancient abandoned Medieval

Village of Rindoon, which is truly a heritage site to behold, with its town wall, castle,

medieval hospital, Church and Mill. There is nothing that compares to it in either

Ireland or the UK. St Johns Wood, which straddles Rindoon is also a significant ecology

site with its native hardwoods and rare species of flora and fauna. Following on a gentle

climb towards Lough Funshinagh, a SAC (Special Area of Conservation) will bring you to

Ardmullen Hill, where the panoramic views of Lough Ree are stunning. The route

finishes at Hudson Bay where one can sit back and relax in the Spa, enjoy a delightful

dining experience or engage in more activity in nature at Bay Sports Activity Centre on

the Shores of Lough Ree. It was also on a Lough Ree Island, where Queen Meave, the

Iconic Queen of Connacht, was assassinated in a revenge killing, whilst bathing in the

lake. So, watch out for her ghost in the rising mist.

Stage 5 - Roscommon to Kiltoom

Distance: 48 kms

Height gain: 339 metres

Terrain: Gently undulating although with some steeper climbs at the southern end of the section

Route type: Mainly quiet country roads, some sections on busier main roads.

N

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route is managed by Roscommon Leader Partnership (RLP) – Telephone 090 663 0252 in collaboration with Roscommon County Council (RCC) – Telephone 090 6637100

24 48 kms0 kms

Ele

va

tio

n m

’s

50

100

KilteevanLecarrow

KnockcrogheryRoscommon Kiltoom

Minor Road

National Road

Regional Road

MAP INFORMATION

Information Point

Filling station

Parking

Toilets

Food available

ATMSeating

Picnic area

Recommended view point

Historic SiteWC

P

i

Forestry

Woodland

M Museum

Shop

Camping

Cartography and board design by Jeremy Smith - Tel: 074 9329866 - Mob: 086 867 8221

See detailed map below left

Stage 5Start/Finish

Stage 5Start/Finish

You areHere

Distance:

Height gain:

Surfaces:

Route type:

Waymarking:

Recommendedbike type:

211 kms

1149 metres

Mainly tarmac but some loose gravel

Mainly quiet country roads, some sections busier main roads

Green Arrows on a white background

Bikes with thicker/wider wheels such as a hybrid or mountain bike

Terrain: Generally flat, some gentle slopes

! Warning: Caution required on busier road sections!

Page 6: N The Green Heartlands Cycling Route - Explore RoscommonR363 R363 R357 R358 R446 R348 M6 R357 M6 R444 1 2.5 5 7.5 10 kms This stage starts at Cornafulla PO, Cornafulla meaning 'Hill

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat

May the Road Rise to Meet You

Na Croícheantair Ghlas

Route OverviewWelcome to the Green Heartlands Cycle Route - a fully marked cycling tour which takes you through

the splendour of the mid and south Roscommon countryside. Situated in the heart of Ireland, Mid

and South Roscommon is a scenic paradise serviced by a network of quiet country roads ideally

suited to cycling. The low level of traffic in this unspoilt rural environment offers the cyclist a

pleasant and peaceful holiday experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The terrain of the local landscape throughout the 131 mile (211 km) circuit is generally flat with

occasional stretches of gently sloping hills which take the cyclist through a varied countryside of

farmland, bog, forest, wetlands, rivers and lakes. The touring cyclist can experience the beauty of

Lough Ree and sense the magnificence of the River Shannon - the longest river in Ireland.

The circuit, divided into a series of daily routes, will take you through a host of small rural villages

and within close proximity of the larger provincial towns of Roscommon, Athlone and Ballinasloe.

Waymarking: Green Arrows on a white background

Distance:

Height gain:

Surfaces:

Route type:

Waymarking:

Recommendedbike type:

211 kms

1149 metres

Mainly tarmac but some loose gravel

Mainly quiet country roads, some sections busier main roads

Green Arrows on a white background

Bikes with thicker/wider wheels such as a hybrid or mountain bike

Terrain: Generally flat, some gentle slopes

MAP INFORMATION

Information Point

Filling station

Parking

Toilets

Food available

ATM

WC

P

i

€M Museum Seating

Picnic area

Recommended view point

Historic Site

Shop

Camping

Cycle parkingMinor Road

National Road

Regional Road

Forestry

Woodland

Green HeartlandsCycling Route

Ballyforan

Four Roads

Curraghboy

Brideswell

Kiltoom

DysartPO

i

i

MDerryglad Folk& Heritage Museum

PO

Holy Welli

PO

LoughFunshinagh

LoughCroan

CuilleenirwanLough

CorkipLough (Seasonal)

LoughCup (Seasonal)

Cloonalin R

iver

River Suck

R362

N61

R362

R357

R357

R363

R363

R362

Inchinamona

Inchmore

Inchnaderra

Inchihiceley

Carrowntemple

CarrownurlarLisnagavragh

Ballylion

Lismoyle

Caltragh

Coolnageer

Newtown

Curraghboy

Gortnasythe

Kilcar

0 1 2 3 kms

Stage 6

Stage 6Start/Finish

You areHere

Stage 6Start/Finish

ROSCOMMON

ATHLONE

Ballinasloe

Four Roads

Mount Talbot

Athleague

Clonmacnoise

Cornafulla

Ballygar

Drum

Brideswell

KiltoomDysart

Ballyforan

Curraghboy

Lecarrow

Knockcroghery

Donamon

Castlecoote

Bellaheeny

Clonown

Lough Ree

Lough Ree

LoughFunshinagh

nonnahS reviR

non

n ahS reviR

River Suck

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

N61

N60

N61

N63R36

6

N63

R362

R362

N63

R357

N61

N61

R363

R363

R357

R358

R446

R348

R357M6

M6

R444

1 2.5 10 kms5 7.5

This stage begins in the townland of Gornasythe, which is very proximate to

the quaint village of Brideswell and is also just 150 metres from the 'must see'

Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum. The stage is an easy cycle with some

gentle slopes/hills. Lough Funshinagh Lake, a designated SAC is positioned

north of this route while Lough Croan and Cuilleenirwan Lough lies to its south.

This 'ribbon lake' feature is a unique Glaciated landscape feature, which the

discerning Geographer will enjoy. Curraghboy with its local shop, handball

alley and St.Brigids Church is a quaint rural village on this stage. Four Roads, at

the western most point of this stage, is the ideal place to relax after a pleasant

cycle and enjoy some banter in the local pub.

Stage 6 Gortnasythe to Four Roads

Distance:

Height gain:

Terrain:

Route type: 62 metres

13 kms Generally undulating, moderate climbjust after Four Roads for 1.5 kms

Mainly quiet country roads, some sections on busier main roads.

6.5 13 kms0 kms

Ele

va

tio

n m

’s

50

100 CurraghboyFour Roads GortnasytheFour Roads Gortnasythe

The Green Heartlands Cycling Route is managed by Roscommon Leader Partnership (RLP) – Telephone 090 663 0252 in collaboration with Roscommon County Council (RCC) – Telephone 090 6637100

Tortoise Shell Butterfly, common along the route

Stage 6Start/Finish

Stage 6Start/Finish

See detailed map below

! Warning: Caution required on busier road sections!

Cartography and board design by Jeremy Smith - Tel: 074 9329866 - Mob: 086 867 8221