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The Castles of County Laois


A road cycling route starting from Mountrath

Embark on a journey through County Laois and explore its magnificent castles

Map

The Castles of County Laois is a captivating road cycling route that takes you on a tour of the historic castles in the region. With a distance of 66 kilometers and an ascent of 596 meters, this route offers a moderate challenge for well-prepared amateur cyclists. Starting near Mountrath, you'll encounter highlights such as Borris-in-Ossory, known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes, Leap Castle, one of the most haunted castles in Ireland, Kinnitty Castle, a stunning medieval castle with a fascinating past, Castleconor, an ancient fort overlooking the countryside, and finally, back to Mountrath.

road
66 km
596 m
Tough
Route profile

Highlights on the route

Start: Mountrath City center
Mountrath: Escape to the peaceful countryside of Mountrath for a leisurely cycling adventure.
Mountrath is a town located in Eastern and Midland Ireland. It offers a variety of cycling opportunities for both road and gravel cyclists. The town is surrounded by scenic countryside and rolling hills, providing a picturesque backdrop for rides. While there may not be any well-known climbs or famous cycling spots nearby, Mountrath's quiet country roads and peaceful atmosphere make it a pleasant destination for cyclists. With a rank of 3, Mountrath is a decent choice for riders looking for tranquil rides in a rural setting.
Borris-in-OssoryVillage
Borris-in-Ossory is a charming village with rich cultural heritage and incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Explore its history and enjoy the tranquility of this picturesque town.
Leap CastleCastle
Leap Castle is known as one of the most haunted castles in Ireland. Dive into its dark history and hear tales of the supernatural as you venture through its ancient halls.
KinnittyVillage
Kinnitty Castle will transport you back in time with its majestic architecture and enchanting ambiance. Immerse yourself in its medieval charm and soak in the splendor of this historic landmark.
Castleconor407 mPeak
Castleconor offers a mesmerizing panorama of the surrounding countryside. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of County Laois from this elevated vantage point.
MountrathTown
Mountrath, your starting and ending point, is a lively town with a range of amenities for cyclists. Rest and rejuvenate at the end of your journey before bidding farewell to County Laois.
Finish: Mountrath City center
Mountrath: Escape to the peaceful countryside of Mountrath for a leisurely cycling adventure.

Cycling routes nearby:

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Portlaoise

Exploring the scenic routes and challenging climbs of Portlaoise on a bike.

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Abbeyleix

Immerse in the beauty of Abbeyleix's countryside and conquer the Slieve Bloom Mountains on two wheels.

Image of Mountmellick
Mountmellick

Scenic countryside roads close to the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

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Roscrea

Quiet Lanes and Stunning Mountain Views

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Portarlington

Cycle through Portarlington and explore its scenic routes.

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Castlecomer

Explore the tranquil beauty of Castlecomer on your bike.

Image of Tullamore
Tullamore

Embark on thrilling climbs and scenic rides from the cycling-friendly town of Tullamore.

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Birr

Discover the rich heritage of Birr while exploring diverse cycling routes and tackling exciting mountain climbs.

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Monasterevin

Cycle through the tranquil countryside of Monasterevin.