The best traffic-free bike rides around Tuam

Very steady climb up to broad views and rolling descent

Cloosh Forest, nestled in the heart of County Galway features a variety of trails that wind through its diverse landscape of woodlands and lakes with views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby Atlantic coastline.

Nice little campsite. Located On The Border Of Counties Mayo and Galway in Ireland's Lake District https://www.congcamping.com/

Ashford Castle, a stunning medieval castle on the shores of Lough Corrib near the town of Cong in County Mayo, is one of Ireland's most magnificent and historic buildings. Originally built in the 13th century by a noble Anglo-Norman family, the castle has a long and fascinating history spanning several centuries. In the 19th century, Ashford Castle was purchased and both restored and expanded by Benjamin Guinness, a member of the famous brewing family. His son, Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun, was responsible for creating the extensive gardens and forests, which are now decorated with exotic plants from all over the world. Since 1939, the castle has served as one of Ireland's most exclusive 5-star hotels, attracting guests from all over the world, including numerous celebrities and royalty. Visiting Ashford Castle is not only a trip back in time, but also an opportunity to experience the luxurious amenities and exceptional service of one of the world's leading hotels. The magnificent gardens and picturesque lake provide ample opportunities for walking and exploring in some of Ireland's most beautiful scenery. Access to the grounds of Ashford Castle is normally reserved for hotel guests, but there are routes to allow viewing, such as the footbridge at Monk's Fishing House behind the abbey, which offers free entry. However, visitors should inform themselves in advance about the current access conditions and possible restrictions.

Take some time out for cycling the scenic forest. It epitomises much of rural Irish life with a landscape that is rugged and tranquil. The network of time-honoured walking routes is about as far as you can get from the pressures of modern living. The views of the rural Irish countryside here are simply beautiful.

A small well - located between the Gods Of The Neale and the Temple Monument - https://www.mayo.ie/getattachment/378ef6e7-29c7-4ca0-ad7c-f5039953e472/The-Neal-Heritage-Loop-Walk.pdf?lang=en-IE

The Pyramid of The Neale is an architectural folly built in the form of a step pyramid around 1760. Listed on the Record of Protected Structures for County Mayo, it is a 30-foot structure rising from a series of steps from the base nearly 40 feet in width. John Kilmaine of Alcester, England provides the following information on the structure: "It is said that the pyramid is constructed on an old tumulus. The building of the pyramid is attributed to Sir John Browne the 7th Baronet and 1st Baron of Kilmaine, in memory of his brother, Sir George Browne. The structure, which at one time was crowned by a lead figure of Apollo, was designed by the Earl of Charlemont for his brother in law, Sir John Browne, The Neale". There are a few varying stories of the building of the Pyramid. One such story is that Lord Kilmaine was anxious to find a way of relieving the extreme poverty of his tenants in the post famine years, so he employed several men to pick up the stones around the estate. He had those stones piled up and built into a pyramid. This provided the poor people with a little additional income. In the later years a wind-vane adorned the top of the pyramid, so the landlord could indulge in his passion for meteorology and the recording of weather systems over a period of 30 years. The Office of Public Works refurbished the Pyramid in 1990. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neale,_County_Mayo - https://www.mayo.ie/getattachment/378ef6e7-29c7-4ca0-ad7c-f5039953e472/The-Neal-Heritage-Loop-Walk.pdf?lang=en-IE

Gods Of The Neale About 200 yards east of The Neale village, inside the old demesne wall and close to the ruins of Lord Kilmaine's house, is a stone monument that is known as The Gods of The Neale. A collection of stone slabs with carvings of three mythical figures, a griffin, a unicorn and an angel is enshrined in a stone structure. The inscription refers to the sculptured figures as Deithe Feile, Diana Ffeale, and The Gods of The Neale, from which The Neale gets its name. Among other mythological characters mentioned in the inscription is Loo Lave Adda (Lú Lamhfhada) whose hand is reputed to be buried under a nearby "Long Stone". - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neale,_County_Mayo - https://www.mayo.ie/getattachment/378ef6e7-29c7-4ca0-ad7c-f5039953e472/The-Neal-Heritage-Loop-Walk.pdf?lang=en-IE