Attractions and Places To See around Longstone - Top 10

At Loughgall Country Park you can expect a varied mix of gravel, concrete and cobbled paths that meander through quiet woodland. The trees cast long shadows on the ground, especially in autumn when the leaves glow in warm tones and crackle under your tires. The nearby lake with its still waters invites you to linger - it is often full of anglers trying their luck at coarse fishing. For a short breather, it is worth stopping at the café, which offers you the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with a cup of tea. The golf course on site provides additional variety if you want to experience a little nature away from the cycle paths. A quiet place that impresses with its variety and is ideal for a relaxed round on the bike without being too demanding.

The dam is easy to cross and from there you have a great view over the lake and the rolling hills that surround it. The peaceful atmosphere is only occasionally interrupted by the gentle rippling of the water. The reservoir provides fresh drinking water to the surrounding area and the trout fishery here is controlled by the Armagh Angling Club - so it's an interesting spot for anglers. Even if you're not here to fish, the scenery is simply relaxing and it's worth stopping for a few minutes and looking around. The roads around the lake are easy to drive on but there might be a few potholes in places - nothing that would stop a real cyclist. Overall a nice stop to enjoy nature and take a quick breather before moving on.

The Tassagh Viaduct rises above the Callan River Valley with its massive arches - a silent witness to bygone railway times. The line, which was originally part of the Castleblayney, Keady and Armagh Railway, opened in 1910 and once carried trains across the valley. Today the tracks have disappeared, but the impressive structure remains and blends beautifully into the green landscape. As I drove under the arches, I felt like I was experiencing a piece of history up close. Looking up at the imposing stone arches makes you pause for a moment and marvel. The old Beetling Mill is also nearby, a reminder of the region's industrial past. If you have a bit of time, a little detour there is worth it. The roads in the area are mostly in good condition, but there are also a few bumpy spots - nothing that will bother an experienced cyclist. Overall, a worthwhile stop that will appeal to more than just railway enthusiasts.

As you step through the magnificent gate, you will be enveloped by the timelessness of this historic place. The old walls, which shine in the sun, tell stories from times long past and invite you to discover them. The municipality has enriched this treasure trove of history with a library and a museum that attract knowledge seekers and history lovers. In the quiet rooms of the library you can leaf through old writings and be transported back to times gone by, while the museum brings the history of the place and its people to life. After a journey of discovery through history and culture, the Priorat's café beckons with its seductive scent of freshly brewed coffee. Here, in an ambience that wonderfully combines modernity and history, you can take a little time out. Choose from comfortable seating inside or settle on one of the terraces to soak up the rays while munching on delicious pastries. But the Priory has even more to offer. A dreamy little walkway winds from the building down to the river. A path lined with blooming flowers and old trees that acts as an invitation to explore this wonderful terrain in all its splendor.

This handsome looking weir stretches across the river like a silent sentinel, capturing the clear waters of the Blackwater as they glisten in the sun and bathe the surrounding area in a calming sound. Next to the weir there is a green oasis in which time seems to stand still. Lush green areas, peppered with scattered trees, invite you to linger. Picnic benches, strategically placed, offer the ideal place to watch the water play at the weir, let your thoughts wander and unwind. Here, on the banks of the Blackwater, you can escape everyday life for a moment and lose yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the park.

The priory is a beautiful building in Benburb that invites the community to visit the library, museum, or grab a coffee and a scone at the wonderful cafe (fit with lovely indoor and outdoor seating). A small footpath leads from the priory to the river where you can explore further these wonderful grounds.

Pretty looking weir stretching across the River Blackwater in the Benburb Valley Park. To the side of the weir, there is some greenery and picnic benches where you can take a seat and relax.

A pretty reservoir that supplies water to the surrounding area and has some Trout fishing