The best road cycling routes around Claranagh

We had an amazing day thanks to Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours. Our bikes were well maintained and service was exceptional. We were advised by proprietor James to take the Cooley Tour through this app as the weather was spectacular and it was such good advice. Also recommended a stop off at Lumpers Bar and added a drink voucher for good measure. I can’t recommend these guys enough. The service and standard of care was truly amazing. Do yourself a favour and drop in here and do some cycling - or buy your own bike!!

gravel paths and a tarmac road up the middle, also has public toilets

The setting is done with great attention to detail, and it almost feels like a quick picnic in the mountains when you sit down at the rustic tables and look into the distance. The patterned cups and saucers give the place a cozy touch and make the whole thing that little bit more special. The view of the surrounding hills and the relaxed atmosphere invite you to take a short break - perfect for resting your legs and just taking a breather. The coffee house is not only friendly to cyclists, but even offers bike rental for the Ring of Gullion. Handy if you need an extra boost for the next stage! The surroundings are green and spacious, a nice mix of Irish idyll and relaxed hospitality. The owners seem to take the attention to detail seriously, which is reflected in the little things like the decorative elements and the cozy atmosphere.

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.

Here, a bull sits, seemingly rising from the ground, sleeping contentedly. The stone is said to be connected to the legend of St. Patrick, who was once teased by his pet bull while building his church. Whether or not this was true, the story lends an air of mysticism to the place. The surroundings are quiet, and there is a small bench where you can rest while you reflect on the legends and myths that surround this place. The art installation is not necessarily a major highlight, but it adds an interesting touch to the landscape and gives your tour a small, unexpected detail. The road here is easy to ride, with only a few small inclines, so if you have time for a quick stop, this is a nice place to take a break and prepare for the next leg.

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.

The Craigmore Viaduct is an impressive structure, with its 18 arches spanning the Camlough River Valley, dominating the landscape of south Armagh. As I cycled along the gently curving roads, the viaduct suddenly appeared on the horizon - a massive but elegant sight. The tall stone arches seem to effortlessly support the train traffic that runs between Dublin and Belfast. I stopped for a moment to take a closer look at the structure. It is fascinating to know that this structure has been standing here since 1852, designed by Irish engineer John Benjamin Macneill. The highest arch rises 126 feet, and standing under it you can really appreciate the scale and importance of this structure to the region. The surroundings are just perfect for putting your bike down and taking some time to look at the view. Perhaps a small lookout point with information about the history of the viaduct would be a nice addition, but even without it it is a worthwhile stop along the way. We continue, but the image of the arches remains in our minds.

Camlough Lake is picturesquely nestled between the rolling hills of Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion. Cycling along the narrow roads on the shore, you immediately feel the tranquility that emanates from the long stretch of water. The lake stretches for more than two kilometers and seems like a narrow, silent crack in the landscape - a peaceful place to take a short break or let your gaze wander over the water. I decided to take a little detour and cycled a little closer to the shore on a path. The water was almost still and reflected the range of hills that rise in the background. It may be a paradise for fishermen, but cyclists also enjoy the special atmosphere. The roads around the lake are not very busy and you can cycle in a relaxed manner without having to constantly pay attention to the traffic. One small criticism: some of the access roads are not well signposted, but if you look around a bit, you'll surely find a good place to get to the shore and enjoy the scenery.