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Castles and Countryside: A Road Cyclist's Paradise


A road cycling route starting from Portlaoise

Embark on a journey through time as you cycle past historic castles and soak in the breathtaking countryside of Portlaoise.

Map

This 55 km road cycling route takes you through some of Portlaoise's most scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks. Catch a glimpse of the magnificent Coolbanagher Castle ruins and pedal your way through the charming village of Ballyfin. With a moderate ascent of 150 meters, this route is suitable for well-trained amateurs. Epicness level: 3.

road
55 km
150 m
Chill
Route profile

Highlights on the route

Start: Portlaoise City center
Portlaoise: Exploring the scenic routes and challenging climbs of Portlaoise on a bike.
Portlaoise is a pretty town located in the Eastern and Midland region of Ireland. From a cyclist's perspective, it offers a good mix of flat routes for beginners and challenging hills for more experienced riders. The surrounding countryside is known for its scenic landscapes and quiet roads, making it an ideal destination for road and gravel cyclists. One of the famous cycling spots in the area is The Slieve Bloom Mountains, which offer stunning views and challenging climbs. With its friendly atmosphere and cycling-friendly infrastructure, Portlaoise is a great place to explore on two wheels.
BallyfinHamlet
Admire the beauty of Ballyfin, a picturesque village known for its well-preserved Georgian architecture.
Kilcavan CrossHamlet
Visit the historic Kilcavan Cross, an ancient Celtic symbol standing in serene surroundings.
ClonygowanVillage
Take in the scenic vistas surrounding the village of Clonygowan as you cycle through its idyllic streets.
Coolbanagher Castle (ruins)Castle
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Coolbanagher Castle ruins, a testament to the area's medieval past.
PortlaoiseTown
End your journey in Portlaoise, a vibrant town bursting with history, culture, and plenty of dining options.
Finish: Portlaoise City center
Portlaoise: Exploring the scenic routes and challenging climbs of Portlaoise on a bike.

Cycling routes nearby:

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Mountmellick

Scenic countryside roads close to the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

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Mountrath

Escape to the peaceful countryside of Mountrath for a leisurely cycling adventure.

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Abbeyleix

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

Image of Portarlington
Portarlington

Cycle through Portarlington and explore its scenic routes.

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Monasterevin

Cycle through the tranquil countryside of Monasterevin.

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Athy

Immersing in the beauty of Irish countryside while cycling through Athy.

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Castlecomer

Explore the tranquil beauty of Castlecomer on your bike.

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Rathangan

Relaxing cycling through the green fields of Rathangan, Ireland.

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Kildare

Varied cycling routes and famous racecourses in Eastern and Midland Ireland.