Hope Castle – View of Lough Muckno loop from Maddan

04:04

94.1km

730m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 6, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 71.5 km for 74 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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71.1 km

Hope Castle

Highlight • Castle

With grounds overlooking Lough Muckno, Hope Castle has been abandoned since 2010 when a fire ripped through the interior. At that time it was a hotel but was originally built …

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71.8 km

Lough Muckno / Loch Mucnú is sometimes known as Blayney Castle Lake. It is linked to Lough Ross via the Clarebane River. There are lots of hiking trails in the vicinity of the lough, which is the largest in Monaghan.

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72.0 km

Black Island

Highlight • Forest

There are four different trails you can around Black Island to explore the forests and lough shore. There is a beautiful bluebell walk in the spring and views over Lough Muckno to Hope Castle.

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72.0 km

View of Hope Castle and Lough Muckno

Highlight • Viewpoint

There are four different trails you can around Black Island to explore the forests and lough shore. There is a beautiful bluebell walk in the spring and views over Lough Muckno to Hope Castle.

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72.6 km

Big Tom Statue & Grinded Coffee Stop

Highlight • Cafe

Great little coffee shop open on Sunday morning serving lovely coffee and brownies. Where else can you have your coffee with the legend that is Big Tom. facebook.com/grinded__coffee-104655724273307

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