Lough Ree

Wiggles87

I plan to do a 70-100 km cycle next weekend around lough ree. Does anyone know if there are there any roads that are good to view the lake from without going down any dead ends. Thanks

silver campaign

Cant say I know of any to be honest. The area I know around south Longford, from Glasson to Tang, Newtowncashel, Lanesboro, Roscommon town has roads set in 1-2 miles from the lake. These roads then have lots of cul del sac type lanes running of them going down to the lake.

ustazjoseph

on the west west side lanesboro , Portrunny , Gaily. Lecarrrow to Athlone the road is about 5 miles to the lake usually with boreens , bog roads and cul de sacs as access routes to the water. It would be a nice cycle but youll need a lot of detours if you want to visit the lake a lot.

Wiggles87

Thanks for the replies. I only want to see glimpses of the lake every so often or at times. Just so I know I am actually cycling around a lake. If I couldnt see the lake at all then I may change my plan to cycling somewhere else. I live in Dublin and only ever do 100km max so I don't get to cycle beyond Wicklow, Louth, Kildare or Westmeath. So I figure I would do an hour drive to somewhere and do a 100km loop. If anyone knows any really nice scenic routes that they enjoy, please let me know. Thanks again

Roadtoad

I did it Summer 2009. Few lake views, but it always surprises me that the main view is of my handlebars and about 5m of tar! At least you will have no rain, no wind, no hills and no foliage next w/end. The most spectacular view that I remember was near the 'inner lake' at the SE side. Near Ballykeeran, methinks.

Wiggles87

Nice one Roadtoad. Couple of views is enough for me. I can look forward to em sure. You're right as well, most of the time its road and dripping sweat that I'm seeing in front of me. But then when you look up and catch a view, it really makes it worthwhile that you're cycling in a beautiful place. I could never cycle in a gym or anything like it.

decdon

Nice view if you turn left (on way to Athlone ) at Lecarrow Coffey's pub and get back on the main rd. again at Carnagh. there's a couple of little climbs and the road surface is fairly good. You could also stop off for a look at rindoon castle. you could take the bike on the track along the shore then a short walk to the castle itself. bit of a history lesson thrown in for ya ...!!

silver campaign

I'd recommend Lough Allen over Lough Ree.

The Road around lough ree from Athlone to Ballymahon isn't very cycle friendly. Its a busy route with trucks travelling from the North to Galway and the South. There is no hard shoulder and only a few spots to view the lake from, although they are nice views. The Local cycling clubs tend to stay away from that road.

You could get a train to Carrick-on-Shannon, cycle onto Leitrim Village, Drumshambo and do a lap of Lough Allen. I know it's a popular route up there. The roads are a bit better with hard shoulders in places, and less traffic. There is plenty of views of the lake and it's pretty scenic, with mountains on both sides of the Lake. Glangevlin on the Leitrim side and Arigna on the Roscommon side. If you do a search in Map my ride, it should show up the route.

Roadtoad

Roadtoad wrote: »

... but it always surprises me that the main view is of my handlebars and about 5m of tar!.........

Not really into quoting myself, but I was giving it socks on the n7 Thur evening when I hit a lump of discarded rubber. Head over heals, broke up the derailleur and lost the back wheel. The usual elbow, wrist, hip, clothing and pride damage. First spill off that bike in 13000 km, but it just seems a bit ironic.

Nice driver (a) didn't toast me and (b) brought me into Naas. Mrs Roadtoad provided the Dettol and TLC. I'll live.

So enjoy your trip, head and eyes up!