Stage 1 provides the ideal starting or finishing itinerary to your cycling holiday. Along the route there are some points of interest that you may wish to visit, marked on the map.

Off course near the starting point at Kiltoom is Hodson Bay, a beautiful lakeside amenity, which provides direct access to Lough Ree and has a range of facilities including a four star caravan and camping park, hotel, golf course, marina and picnic area. Exiting off the main thoroughfare to quieter country roads you will reach the award winning Derryglad Folk Museum with its collection of machinery and artifacts from bygone days.

Continuing on to the village of Brideswell, you might visit Tober Brid, an ancient Celtic holy well associated with purification rituals. As you progress along the route, travelling through typical Irish farmland, a panoramic view across the River Shannon to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise can be witnessed from Ardkeenan Hill. Look out for the information board describing the funeral path, which traditionally passed this way.

Continuing on towards Drum you will pass through bogland with its own unique variety of native trees and wild flora. The village of Drum is formed around an ancient monastic settlement and here too you can drink from an ancient holy well now dedicated to St. Brigid. The local heritage and genealogical centre houses an array of historical information pertaining to the area.

A half mile from the village you can visit Glendeer Pet Farm with its collection of farm and domestic animals, traditional Irish cottage, nature walk, picnic area and coffee shop. At this point you may return to base or detour into Athlone for a leisurely amble through the town. On this route there is the option to finish in and explore the town of Athlone.

The route starts at Kielty Cross which is about two miles outside Athlone town on the Ballinasloe road (N6). The beginning of your cycle takes you through bogland into Clonown village which has a picnic area beside the church. Be prepared for two miles of rough road outside Clonown village on a stretch which allows you the opportunity of cycling by the Shannon Callows, one of the few remaining Corncrake sanctuaries in Ireland. This stretch provides an ideal spot for bird watching.

As you journey along quiet country roads by the River Shannon you will take in a wonderful view of Cionmacnoise, an ancient monastic settlement situated on the east bank of the River. Progressing on, you will pass through the tiny village of Drumlosh with its cut away bog landscape, on to Nure with its monument to the ‘Caoinne Marbh’ – an ancient wake house used for mourning the dead prior to burial. The route will also take you close to the village of Shannon bridge with its Napoleonic fortifications and retreat centre on an esker, overlooking the confluence of the River Suck and the River Shannon.

There is a range of B&Bs and restaurants near your journey end or you could travel into the nearby town of Ballinasloe for some evening entertainment. Ballinasloe is world famous for its unique Horse Fair which draws thousands of people to the area every October to avail of a bargain. The town has a number of restaurants, shops and leisure amenities which you could avail of while in the area.

The attractions along this route include an ancient cemetery and a holy well in Taughmaconnell and if you are looking to be pampered you could book ahead for a visit to the Little House of Avalon – a holistic treatment centre offering a range of relaxation therapies and a coffee shop offering wholesome lunch and snacks.

This route takes you through a number of villages including Dysart and Ballyforan – noted for its thirteen arch bridge and excellent coarse angling ­ continuing on to the village of Four Roads which has a number of items of interest, including a nearby windmill from which to view the surrounding countryside. Four Roads is one of the main strongholds of county hurling – a fast moving national field sport which is played locally on summer weekends. You could finish your cycle by soaking up the local hospitality in the village pub. This section of the route is well served with B&Bs in Ballinasloe and near Four Roads.

The cycle route converges at various points with the Suck Valley Way – a Waymarked walking route along the River Suck. You might take the opportunity to put on your hiking boots, leave the bike and walk along some of the route for a change of pace.

Progressing along the route you will pass the La Tene Stone – a very rare Iron Age structure bearing symbolic Celtic markings. The route then climbs gently to afford one of the finest scenic views of the Ballinturly Turlough – turlough being the name ascribed to a disappearing lake or swallow hole. On to the picturesque village of Castlecoote you can stop off for lunch in the local hostelry or picnic on the wildlife island.

The next significant site is Donamon Castle, which is currently occupied by the Divine Word Missionaries. The Castle accommodates a training centre and a respite holiday centre for disabled people. You can access the grounds and you may even purchase some fresh organic produce.

The route then ambles through the village of Fuerty with its ancient graveyard and underground tombs and follows the forest road through Mote Park a large estate where unfortunately the fine mansion is now in ruins but you can enjoy a leisurely nature walk through the wooded forest. a natural wildlife sanctuary.

At this point you are now on the outskirts of Roscommon town where you may take time to visit the local Museum, Famine Memorial Garden, Castle or Abbey ruins. Alternatively. you may quench your thirst with a sample of local brew. Worth a view is the old ‘gaol’ which has been reconstructed to accommodate a shopping complex. This 1700’S building is notorious for its unusual practice of employing Lady Betty the only known female ‘hangman’. As the county town, Roscommon is well serviced with accommodation, restaurants, pubs, shops, banking, post office and Bureau de Change facilities. To view our map on Places to see and Things to do in Roscommon Town click here.

The varied landscape of this stage takes you through bogland, farmland and woodland. Look out for the Mass Rock at Kilteevan. Enjoy the beautiful vista of Lough Ree as seen from Portrunny Bay and move on towards Gailey Bay with its caravan, camping and pitch & putt facilities. Passing through the village of Knockcroghery you can stop off for lunch and see the traditional craft of pipe making at the Clay Pipe Centre.

As you move on to quieter roads look out for the megalithic dolmen at Scregg or ask for directions to view the very rare ‘Sheela na Gig’, a primitive fertility symbol carved in stone. Passing through the village of Lecarrow with its canal harbour and Celtic holy well, the trail takes you close to Rindoon Castle and St. John’s Wood. a significant ecology site with its native hardwoods and rare species of flora and fauna. A gentle climb by Lough Funshinagh, a special area of conservation will bring you to Ardmullen Hill, one of the best viewing points of Lough Ree. The route finishes at Kiltoom near Hodson Bay with its hotel, leisure amenities and marina.

This route divides the Green Heartlands Cycle Route into northern and southern loops each of which may be completed as a short circuit tour. The route, linking Derryglad on the east with Four Roads on the west, passes through the village of Curraghboy and close to Lough Croan wildfowl sanctuary. The partially restored windmill beyond Correal affords a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside and close by, the beautifully restored Lacken House provides accommodation and leisure facilities for visitors.

Using a bike for the first time and learning to ride has been a rite of passage for generations of Irish children. Cycling is fun and sociable and, like swimming, a life-skill that stands to children in later years.

Yet, like many activities, cycling carries an element of risk. Parents play an important role in minimising the risk by giving them proper guidance and instruction at an early age to ensure that basic safety rules are absorbed while young.

Children must be supervised by Parents at all times on the Family Friendly sections of the Green Heartlands Cycle route.

Parents please ensure children:

• That bicycles are in proper working order
• Cycle a bike matched to their height and experience
• Wear a safety helmet and hi vis vest
• Use lights in dark or dusky conditions

Don’t allow them to:

• Cycle on public roads unsupervised (if under 12)
• Wear loosely-worn scarves or other clothing that could get caught in the wheels or chain-set

For further information on cycle training please contact: Roscommon Sports Partnership at info@rosactive.org

Using a bike for the first time and learning to ride has been a rite of passage for generations of Irish children. Cycling is fun and sociable and, like swimming, a life-skill that stands to children in later years.

Yet, like many activities, cycling carries an element of risk. Parents play an important role in minimising the risk by giving them proper guidance and instruction at an early age to ensure that basic safety rules are absorbed while young.

Children must be supervised by Parents at all times on the Family Friendly sections of the Green Heartlands Cycle route.

Parents please ensure children:

• That bicycles are in proper working order
• Cycle a bike matched to their height and experience
• Wear a safety helmet and hi vis vest
• Use lights in dark or dusky conditions

Don’t allow them to:

• Cycle on public roads unsupervised (if under 12)
• Wear loosely-worn scarves or other clothing that could get caught in the wheels or chain-set

For further information on cycle training please contact: Roscommon Sports Partnership at info@rosactive.org