Check out some images and videos I took in Gort on February 1st, which is St Brigid’s Day in Ireland. Some of the images were also taken by photographers on the day, Nadine Reichel and Andreas Riemenschneider.
It was the first time that a procession took place in Gort , organized by the newly formed Gort Arts Group , Gort River Walk and fabulous music by Sonic Strings.
it was an amazing event I thoroughly enjoyed and I already look forward to next year’s event!
Welcome to my blog about working, living & Travelling in Ireland!
Looking for inspiration for a beautiful walk in nature in South Galway/North Clare? Check out my below instructions for Bunakippaun Woodland Attyslany 5 km looped walk. The walk is right on the Galway/Clare border, you can say you were in both counties in the one day!
Click here to check out other Walk/Cycles I have mapped in the South Galway/North Clare region.
Looking for Gort Cycle Trails ? Check out my new website or join the GortCycleTrails FB Group.
This is one of the 9 project sites of Coilte, where Coilte is restoring Priority Woodland Habitats in Ireland, this is site number 2. Last year I visited site number 7, CastleTaylor Woods , you can check out that walk here. Both sites fall under the heading of Woodland with Limestone and yew. More info on the Coilte Website here.
Looking at the information board, it shows there are two looped walks that aren’t connected, however when we walked it, we didn’t see where the first loop ended and the second loop started, so we did one big loop ( and also got a little bit lost 🙂 on the way back.
What does the Bunakippaun WoodlandAttyslany looped walk look like?
( I forgot to switch off the tracker so it shows as 8 km )
Distance : Approximately 5 km
Things to bring: Bring Snacks/Drinks so you can take a break when you get tired. There aren’t any benches, so bringing a small blanket will make it more comfortable to sit. Don’t forget to charge your phone before you head off, and tell someone where you are going if you are going on your own. Or better, bring a friend to enjoy this walk with!
Footwear: I would recommend wearing hiking boots or sturdy shoes as the surface can be rough in places
Where to park at Bunakippaun Attyslany Woodland
There are two places you can park a the Bunakippaun Attyslany Woodland.
You can park at the Tubber Tiger GAA Grounds , as the entrance to the Bunaukippaun Woodland Attyslany is on a narrow road with no parking. It’s a short walk from the Tubber Tiger GAA Grounds to the entrance of the Bunakippaun Attyslany Woodland.
Check out this map from Gort to Tubber GAA. I prefer to drive via Tubber village as the road is not as busy as the other roads. Interesting bit of information, Tubber village is right on the border of Co. Clare and Co. Galway, some people live in Co. Galway, others live in Co.Clare!
Alternatively you can park on the opposite side of the looped walk, where there is plenty of parking. See Drive from Gort ( Via Kilmacduagh – be mindful for cyclists, the roads is narrow )
As it happens the parking is right on the border of Co. Clare and Co. Galway ( see picture), The Burren Mountains behind me! There is apparently also a holy well ( I only saw this on the map as I was putting the blog article together)
The area there ( and most of the surface of the walk in the forest) has recently been resurfaced, making it very suitable to walk it with a pram/buggy or even cycle it)
The terrain at the Attyslany Woodland Walk
We started from the Tubber side where the surface is walkable and relatively smooth, including some stones and tree trunks.
At some point there is very steep downhill part, and until then I would have said you could walk it with a buggy ( with a bit of muscle power and determination). It’s pretty steep so don’t think it’s a good idea. ( picture of myself where there is sudden drop, the picture doesn’t do it justice). I was struggling on the way back, as it’s a steep hill!) Looking on Strava it’s a 6 meter drop!
A much better idea is to start your trip from the other side (Kilmacduagh Side), where the path/parking was recently resurfaced, allowing for easy navigation of the loop. You will just need to keep on the path, rather than heading for the Tubber entrance.
Hopefully they will add some signage as we got a little bit lost and ended walking the same road again ( for a while until our penny dropped that we had seen it before). It just meant we had some extra time to enjoy the tea in our flask and some very yummie donuts 🙂
I loved this walk, it’s very peaceful and quiet, another great example of forest bathing, and lot’s of bird sounds, rural views, and depending on the time of the year, you’ll see flowers typical in the Burren, check out the fauna & Flora in the Burren.
It’s a great way to unplug, enjoy nature, and recharge those batteries!
If you liked reading this, why not share it with a friend, and let me know if you walked this!
Katleen
Hi all,
Back in 2019 I cycled Gort’s Mini-Greenway with a friend so I thought that would be an ideal loop cycling the #GortMiniGreenway for #BikeWeek2021 . It’s a 9.2 km loop starting from the Gort Railway Station, via Glenbrack ( which I renamed the #GortMiniGreenway) into Coole Park and then return over the motorway bridge onto the main road, back into Gort.
If you like cycling for fun ( and love eating cake), join my Facebook Group Gort Cycle Trails
Using EventBrite to set up an event for #BikeWeek2021
I messaged a few people with the registration link, put it onto Twitter and very quickly I had 26 reservations. Towards the end, there were a few cancellations that were very quickly snapped up by others that were interested to join the Cycle. The one headache/concern I had was insurance for such an event. I recently joined Cyclist.ie which put me in contact with many more rural cycling initiatives, and the added perk of insurance… so that part was covered. Definitely recommend using EventBrite so you know who has committed to coming.
RSA & Galway Sports Partnership goodies and Drink Bottles
Thanks to the very efficient team at both RSA and Galway Sports Partnership they turned around my order super fast and I received a number of drawstring bags, high viz backpack covers, safety straps, facemasks. All ready for cycling the #GortMiniGreenway !
I separately ordered Drink Bottles via Printon Galway. I highly recommend them as they got my order printed in time!
I’d love to see pictures in my Facebook Group of people using the #GortCyCleTrails bottles – please post them in the group!
Additionally, I also got Wheely Lights for the kids! Did anyone succeed to actually install them? (Click on the image to order)
Hot Drinks and Bailey’s Chocolate Cake at Coole Park TeaRooms
Part of the funding I received from Galway Sports partnership for cycling the #GortMiniGreenway was for the participants to get treated to hot drinks and cake from the Coole Park Tea Rooms… I pre-ordered for almost 40 people so there was no congestion — it all worked out perfectly. Big thank you to the Coole Park Tea Rooms for having it all perfectly organized and ready .
#RailAndBike
I decided I wanted to invite people to come to Gort by rail and pay for their Return Trip. I had added this as part of the funding, and 5 people came from Galway and 5 people came from Ennis! Check out the video I took as the Ennis Group arrived at the Gort Railway Station.
As I was booking the tickets, I realized there were very limited spaces available to book Rail Tickets with bikes. Turns out that there is a maximum of 2 bikes that can be booked in on the train that comes from Limerick or Galway. Luckily they were all let on, but it does make me wonder if more people would use the train to get into Galway/Gort and bring a bike, if they can’t actually book their bike online, they may not choose that way to travel.
Safety First
Setting up an event requires you to ensure the participants are as safe as they can be, so I did a short safety talk, recorded by Lilya, who has been promoted to the chief photographer for Gort Cycle Trails.
Check out the safety talk here before we headed off cycling the #GortMiniGreenway
Thanks to my husband who drove the front car, and Karen O’Neill for driving the back car. Couldn’t have done it without your help!
I am currently taking a Cycle Right course by Cycling Ireland to become a Qualified Safe Cycle Instructor and it’s thanks to this course I was able to talk about some basics, such as when and how to break, what to look for etc. There is more to cycling than meets the eye.
Garda Help
Setting up an event also requires you to do a risk analysis, so I cycled the route again to remind myself where there are risks, and there are quite a few. I contacted the Local Garda Station who were extremely helpful and provided us with our very own escort from the Gort Railway Station to just past the Roundabout.
Once we left Coole Park on our return journey, I rang the Garda to stop traffic so we could safely cross the main road back into Gort. Looking back this really made the cycle very enjoyable, the look of surprise on people’s faces as they saw a sea of people cycle on the streets of Gort was priceless.
I had a dream
I think it was when we were campaigning for #RedRoute5 I had this vision /dream of seeing a sea of people cycle in Gort. I hadn’t really given it much thought until I looked back on our way to the roundabout and saw…. A sea of people..
Also looking back as we were cycling the #GortMiniGreenway, I saw a sea of people cycling and smiling
Call me sensitive, but I cried….. A dream came through when I least expected it.
Videos taking during the Event.
One of my favourite clips is this one where Amelia – 5 years old, heads up the whole group and we are just turning into the #GortMiniGreenway — the weather was on our side at that point:)
Here is a longer clip I created from the footage I took on my phone.
Thanks also to Joe( Amelia’s dad) for taking this footage on his rear-facing camera whilst cycling the #GortMiniGreenway
Go Pro Footage from Gort to Coole Park cycling the #GortMiniGreenway
What’s next?
Well, I have been talking about the Woodford to Flagmount cycle quite a bit now, it’s 25 km one way, but it is not the easiest of cycles( read = hills). If you are interested to join this cycle, just fill in this form (if you haven’t already ) and I’ll be in touch when we will do this one ( very likely next year)
Another cycle on my radar is the newly opened Limerick Greenway. It’s 45 kms but it’s flat – so that’s the one I’d like to cycle first.. As it’s a Greenway, there is no need for Garda etc, making it quite a bit easier to organize it. All you need to bring is a bike ( or rent one) and bring good humour. I haven’t planned it yet. Register if you are interested to join this one – I do hope to get this done before the end of the year, the sooner the better… just need a semi-dry day for it:)
Come say hello in the FaceBook Group or contact me here.
Thanks all for coming & Thanks for sharing!
Katleen
#GortCycleTrails #SafeCycleTrails #BurrenLowlands
Hi all,
Making plans to go for a cycle this May Bank Holiday? Let me give you 5 loops you can cycle/walk in the Burren Lowlands. Support my fundraiser for #CycleAgainstSuicide #ShareTheLoadOnTheRoad I am also planning a community cycle from Woodford to Flagmount – if you are interested in this, sign up here to get updates. Join the Gort Cycle Trails Facebook group here.
Mary’s Walk Peterswell – 5 Kms — Peterswell is approximately 10 Kms from Gort and has a number of walking loops and cycle trails( OK, the higher up you go, the more muscle power you need) I mapped Mary’s walk a while back! Mary’s Walk does have a few hills, so if you are cycling, I recommend you do the cycle clockwise ( I walk some of it where the hills are too taxing), but very doable… Beautiful country views on very quiet roads. Instructions here.
Gort’s Mini -Greenway – 5 kms ( one way)— This is a hidden treasure that very few people know about – a very safe way to cycle or walk into Coole Park from Gort! Walk or cycle into Coole Park and reward yourself with your favourite tea/coffee, delicious sandwiches and cake at Coole Park Tea-Rooms ( I’ll have one of their rocky roads any day – tell them I sent you) Instructions here.
Sean Bingham Mausoleum Adrahan – 10 km — Also this is a little treasure I’d recommend you check out… It’s a gentle cycle, starting from Labane ( or you can start from Ardrahan). Bring a picnic to eat at the picnic table and enjoy the views. Instructions here. If you are looking for a longer cycle, check out the Adrahan Drumharsna Castle and Old Mile Stones Bikeride here.
Skehanagh -ThoorBallylee – Gort River Walk – Kiltartan Gregory Museum Loop – 20 Km This is a very nice cycle/walk on (mostly very quiet scenic roads) from Thoor Ballylee into Gort via the Gort River Walk. It would make a great day out, take your time, enjoy a picnic at the Gort River Walk, at Thoor Ballylee or at Kiltartan Gregory Museum. Instructions here.
Join my Facebook Group Gort Cycling Trails and let me know if you cycled or walked any of the trails, what you thought about them, and if there are other cycle trails that should be mapped in the #burrenlowlands
For a full list of #SafeCycleTrails and maps I have mapped so far, click here. I have done a lot of cycling in the last few weeks, and will be adding a number of new loops shortly!
I am currently raising funds for #CycleAgainstSuicide to raise 500 Euros to train someone in the community to become a buddy. The Community buddy programme trains and equips participants with the practical, hands-on skills and knowledge they need to deliver support to those in mental health distress in their local communities. Donations can be made via Idonate , Facebook and Instagram or simply click on the below image !
Have a great May Bank Holiday
Katleen
With another lockdown confirmed late in December, I decided on January 1st to do #100DaysofCycling and #100DaysOfWalking to stay active! I am at #Day31 today, and walked part of the #GortRiverWalk – It was bitterly cold! So far I haven’t missed a day! Join the Gort Cycle Trails Group on FB, Twitter or Instagram to see my daily posts!
Visit to #GortRiverWalk on #Day31 of staying active
Shortly after starting, I Joined the Galway Sports Partnership Initiative to #KeepWell and #StayActive and exercise 100 km in 6 weeks. I am heading up the Gort/Peterswell Group with about 30 of us, and we stay in touch via Whatsapp. I really wish we could meet as there are still so many places I’d like to explore with people that know their neighbourhood. I made this video at the start!
There are some very active members who have clocked up over 300 km in 3 weeks!! It’s on days like this if someone posts a picture that motivates you to get out.. Once you are out, you glad you did .. just getting out of that warm bed/house can be challenging.. You can still join here – there are a few taster sessions coming up for Tai Chi, Yoga, Mindfulness, healthy eating. I had not bought into the “Exercise-via-Zoom” in previous lockdowns, so I was rather pleased taking part in taster sessions of Yoga and Tai Chi. Yes, I would recommend it and think of taking up Tai Chi.
About 2 years ago, I wrote an article about a newly discovered route I called the Gort’s Mini-Greenway, connecting Gort Town to Coole Park via a safe Cycle /Walking route. Since that Cycle, I have done a lot more exploring, and have started to document a number of cycle Trails and loops and set up a Facebook Group called Gort Cycle trails – come and say hello.
On the 25th of January, the 5 proposed routes for the Greenway from Galway to Athlone were announced, below is a map of the Red Route 5 Cycle.
A few of us got together and set up a Facebook Group called Red Route Cycle Way to create awareness with the local population, community groups and request feedback via the on-line form. You can also set up a call with the project office for a virtual call, and ask any questions you may have.
Check out this video by Councillor PJ Murphy who has done trojan work with the Kilchreest/CastleDaly Community Develop who brought the proposal to the Project team! Thanks for sharing this fantastic video!
David Murray wrote a very interesting, in-depth article about what a Greenway is and what it can mean to a local, rural economy, check out the article here. I particularly love this image!
Route Map Interactive Map On-Line Submissions Red Route Cycleway Facebook Group Want to get involved? Email burrenlowlands@gmail.com
#RedRouteCycleWay
Let’s bring the Greenway to South Galway to connect the whole region and visitors will be awed by what the region has to offer!
Katleen
Hi all,
Back in March I wrote a very similar post just as we started Lockdown. We are now “almost” halfway our 6 weeks of “Level 5” restrictions, and I thought it was time to update the list of local businesses offering (local) Delivery and Take Away in the #BurrenLowlands. I have also added Kilcolgan and Clarinbridge as they are bordering with the Burren Lowlands 🙂
As we are now fast approaching Christmas I have also added a list of companies selling gifts you can buy locally via their online stores. Compiling the list made me realize that there are a few new businesses that have started since the first lockdown, so those deserve an extra special shout out! Sadly other businesses did not reopen, hopefully, they will reopen once conditions improve
You have probably done some shopping and are preparing to go shopping again soon (if you are lucky enough to have transport). If you prefer to have your shopping/food/gifts delivered, I have made a handy list to help you plan your shopping. Please share it with someone who may not have access to social media and that are looking for information.
Many businesses in South Galway and North Clare are offering take-away/collection or home delivery services, please always check when you are placing your order, as things can change. Below info is accurate as of the 27th of November.
Want to get added or know a business? Click on the contact button I will add you to the below list.
Following are some of the Local Facebook pages I recommend you follow: Burren Lowlands ; South Galway Vision ;South Galway Floods What’s on in Gort Group , Gort River Walk , Kinvara Alive and of course Workinglivingtravellinginireland and a new group I recently set up called Gort Cycle Trails
Thanks for sharing on your Social Media Channels!
In no particular order, check out below list of businesses in the Burren Lowlands offering Gifts, Gift Vouchers and much more!
The BurrenLowlands are in the process of creating an App for the Region of the Burren Lowlands, contact Laura@burrenlowlands.org to find out more how to get added!
Happy clicking:) and sharing!
Katleen
Looking for a Christmas gift for someone, or just want to treat yourself? What fragrance to choose from the Burren Perfumery ? Oh the choices .. 7 fragrances to choose from in the range from The Burren Perfumery….
Which one is your favourite Burren Perfumery fragrance?
But how to pick one when you don’t know how they smell?
I browsed the Burren Perfumery website and found exactly what I was looking for , a tester kit of all their perfumes called the Fragrances Discovery pack!
At 30 Euros, you are getting a wonderful box with 7 vials of The Burren Perfumery fragrances, each 5 ml, for you to try and smell nice and then make up your mind which one is your favourite! Very prompt dispatch meant my order arrived next day, and I could start trying each fragrance.
After having tried them all, my favourite Burren Perfumery fragrance is the Man of Aran I loved it! Although you may think this is a perfume for men, it is a fragrance for men and women. A modern fresh sea cologne with a citrus top note and woody base notes of the mosses, lichens and barks of the Burren. So I placed a second order, just in time for father’s day, which is celebrated in Ireland on the 3rd Sunday in June. I still have my tester, and love the way my husband smells every day 😎
Best to check on their website or why not subscribe to their newsletter at the bottom of their page and get 10% off your first order. You can also join their affiliate program where you and your friend can earn 5 Euros on their order. I have joined their affiliate program, so if you click on any of the links, follow the instructions and get 5 Euro off. I’ll also get 5 Euros so I can invest in my next purchase – I am looking at their creams and soaps at the moment.. Can’t wait to try them:)
I wrote an article with local businesses offering local pick-up or delivery in the #burrenlowlands ! I am about to update the article with more businesses, if you would like to get included ( or know of a business that should be on this list), please contact me here.
Have a great day,
Katleen
Welcome to my blog! Today’s blog post is a very long blog post about the Adrahan Milestones, Drumharsna Castle Looped Cycle Trail. If you are looking for a 17 Kms beautiful heritage looped country cycle around Ardrahan where you will come across Old Irish Mile Stones, visit Drumharsna Castle, keep reading!
Join my Facebook Group Gort Cycling Trails and let me know if you cycled this trail, what you thought about it, and if there are other cycle trails that should be mapped in the #burrenlowlands
Back in September when it was #Bikeweek in Ireland, the Ardrahan Heritage Group organized an event called the Ardrahan Milestones Bike Ride. Go check out their Facebook page here and give it a like! I have added out basic facts, a detailed route description of the Ardrahan Milestones, Drumharsna Castle looped Cycle Trail and you’ll see a visual of the route. ( and my usual tips when heading for a cycle)
Image of Old Irish Mile Stone, Drumharsna Castle and people cycling
As always, please make sure you are visible, by wearing a yellow vest and switch on your bike lights (even in broad daylight) and wear a helmet. I know, in a perfect world neither should be needed. Until there are better bike infrastructures, I err on being careful and do whatever I can to be seen. Let someone know where you are heading, charge your mobile, bring a snack and something to drink. You can stock up on essentials in the petrol station at Labane. ( I would strongly recommend you invest in a flask to prepare tea or coffee and some kind of Bike panniers, you can thank me later!). Don’t forget to apply suntan lotion and wear sunglasses.. ( end of mummy talk):)
Set off from Labane Hall aka as Loughnane Quinn Memorial Hall ( more about that building here), into the direction of Galway.
If you recognize yourself, please comment at the very bottom of the blog:)
This road used to be the main road connecting Galway to Gort. It is now a secondary road, the R 458. It also used to be a super busy road. Since the completion of the Motorway, it is now a very quiet road, perfect for cycling. There are markings on the ground for an (attempt) at a cycle path just past the petrol Station for a short while when the cycle path merges into the hard shoulder and then re-emerges a little later.
If you are interested to cycle the Sean Bingham Mausoleum cycle loop, take a right at the cemetery. Route Description here. The cycle from Labane to Ardrahan is easy, with a slight climb as you approach Ardrahan.
I am told they are going to fix the signs:) you know who you are:)
For the Adrahan Milestones and Drumharsna Looped Cycle trail, cycle through Ardrahan and call into Irish Fiber Crafters on your left if they are open.
You can also take a left in Ardrahan into the Kinvara direction, however, you‘ll then miss a few of the Milestones and 2 bridges( maybe that’s not so bad:) ) Take a right in the village if you would like to cycle the Mausoleum cycle.
As you exit the village of Adrahan, you will see the Protestant church on your left, built in 1809.
Check out the history of Ardrahan here. . On the right, remains of the Ardrahan castle – dating back to the 13th century. …
Next, you’ll cross the railway line, the Ardrahan Railway Station in the background (read this article with reference to the Ardrahan Railway station here). There is a good hard shoulder you can cycle on. All the land on the left is protected land and is one of the many special areas of conservation in this area.
After a few kilometers, you will see the first bridge that crosses the Motorway. The Motorway was opened in 2010, check out this article I wrote then. Prior to the Motorway, South Galway had very few bridges. When constructions started for the Motorway, a number of bridges were built. At the time the construction company made a number of videos of rock breaking the bedrock with dynamite, I found it quite fascinating how the bedrock crumbles. Check it out here. It’s worth to have a little stop on top of the bridge to enjoy the view, a view you usually don’t really get to appreciate if you are in the car on your commute into Galway.
Cycling down the bridge, you’ll pass Kiltiernan NS and you are now getting closer to Kilcolgan. As you are cycling down the bridge take the first road on the left.
It was only when we were doing the trial cycle I cycled on this road! A new discovery! This road is the original “old Galway” road, check out this flyer created by the Ardahan Heritage Group.This is a busy road, and caution is recommended , especially if you are cycling in group. Traffic signs to go slow would do well here, it’s a bit of a race track at the moment.
It is on this road you’ll find a number of Old Irish Milestones. Michael Helly from the Ardahan Heritage Group recorded this video about some of the history of the Old Irish Milestones. There is still a lot we don’t know 🙂
It’s a straight,narrow road, and before you know you are climbing the second bridge over the motorway. When we cycled there were horses at both ends of the bridge , it was a joy to see them gallop! Also here the view on the top of the bridge is worth stopping for. The downward cycle is great and before you know you are in Owen bristy, meaning ….Broken Road.
We were very fortunate to have a few local archaeologists on the cycle, who were involved in the archaeological excavations that took place in and around this area when the motorway was being built. I’ll have to write another article on what was found during those digs and what it all means! More to follow:)
You’ll see an area of water on the left-hand side, which used to be a watering hole. This is what Michael Helly has to say about the watering holes.
Continue your cycle and keep your eyes on the landscape to the left. You’ll see a bit of mound, which actually is one of the best-preserved Ringforts. Another Article to follow with Drone footage. Cycle to the top, and you’ll see these signs.
Ardrahan Heritage Group is never idle, and is always keeping Adrahan tidy, including this flowerbed. Did I tell you they have a Facebook page? Take a right, and get ready for bridge number 3 🙂 at the bottom of the bridge, take a left. If you go straight ahead, you are heading to Kinvara.
It’s now a short cycle to Drumsharsna Castle which is located on a slip road on the right.
The plaque on the wall mentions that the castle was damaged in 1920’s, not really revealing what happened . All I can say ..This castle has a very dark past, especially what happened in the 1920s. A Beagh Historian wrote an in-depth article about it here, to help you understand what happened and why Labane has a Loughnane- Quin Memorial hall. Best to take a break here, and enjoy that snack and if you invested in a thermos, that tea/coffee will never taste so nice!!
Cycling back to where you came from, take a right and enjoy a beautiful country cycle, overlooking fields on both sides. 
Open Country Road and fields in Ardrahan
Also here you’ll come across a milestone on the left.
The Adrahan Heritage Group has started to identify the remaining milestones in the hope to preserve them for the next generation. You’ll cycle cross roads, an old waterpump on the right.
Turn left to go back to Labane, turn right into the direction of Kinvara.
Keep going straight and after a while you will come to a junction called Crann Mór, meaning “big tree” in Irish . Story goes that some people remember there was a tree trunk in the middle of the road. I can only but imagine the traffic chaos this would have caused! It’s a super busy junction, so please be careful! If you go straight it will bring you to Kiltartan Cross, right takes you to Kinvara with Lydacan castle on the way to the right. On the junction, on your left, you’ll see the ruins of a house, and in front of the wall, the best-preserved milestone we have come across so far.
The Milestone has been moved over the years, and it’s the only milestone that is fully exposed, as all the other milestones only show a fraction of their true length, as a good part is underground.
Turn back and take the first road to the right for a gentle flat country road cycle:) until you have another bridge to cross:) Once you are over the last bridge, it’s a short cycle to the bottom of the road, that brings you back to the main road. On your right, you’ll see the Coolfin Turlough. 
Take a left to go back to Labane where you started, and call into the petrol station for a much-needed snack/drink/rest
Well done for completing this cycle. If you like to discover other trails in the Burrenlowlands, search for Gort Cycle Trails.
Join my Facebook Group Gort Cycling Trails and let me know if you cycled this trail, what you thought, and if there are other cycle trails that should be mapped in the #burrenlowlands
Yours in cycling
Katleen
Itching to get onto your bike? Let me show you a looped cycle trail I recently discovered from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk( under development)
Join my Facebook Group Gort Cycling Trails and let me know if you cycled this trail, what you thought about it, and if there are other cycle trails that should be mapped in the #burrenlowlands
The total distance of this cycle is just under 20 km. If you are only cycling from Thoor Ballylee to Gort, it’s 4 km. I would allow up to half a day to really take your time! Have a picnic at Thoor Ballylee, have a rest at the River Walk, Walk around Gort( and visit Kiltartan Gregory Museum when it reopens.)Things to bring: snacks, breakfast or lunch, water, charged mobile and don’t forget to apply suntan lotion and wear high viz jackets. Switch on your bike lights if the weather is not so nice. If you are cycling on your own, let someone know where you are heading.
To learn more about Thoor Ballylee and the link with the Irish poet Yeats and the dramatist Lady Gregory, click on this link. *****Please note – Thoor Ballylee is currently closed due to COVID-19 Check their Website/Facebook page for the latest updates!****
I should probably say re-discovered as this trail is an age-old trail that people used to travel on by foot and bike from Gort to Ballyanneene, Rinerush, and possible also Peterswell, where I live.
I recommend you start from Thoor Ballylee (or anywhere on the Skehanagh side) to have the least amount of hills. If on the other side you are looking for a heart-pumping exercise, do the cycle anti-clockwise:) You’ll definitely sleep well 🙂
Check out this Google Map showing you the looped cycle.
The first video brings you from Skehanagh to Thoor Ballylee. There is one hill to climb before you get to the top of the Road- I had to get off the bike as I was also holding my camera( note to self – must find a way to mount my phone). What goes up, has to come down, so you’ll see in the latter part the downhill cycle to Thoor Ballylee – bliss:)
Once you have arrived at the castle, lock up your bike(s) in the cark park and go for a stroll to the watermill to the right.
There are big plans to restore the watermill. Why not take a seat in the picnic area in front of Thoor Ballylee and enjoy breakfast or lunch on the picnic tables or the grass. It’s quite magical.
Next video and pictures show most of the journey from Thoor Ballylee to the end of the road.
The cycle trail from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk is very straightforward. Leaving Thoor Ballylee to your right, cycle all the way till you come to a crossroads where you take a left.
At some point you’ll see a fork to the right. If you look very closely, there is an existing cycle trail called “Finding Yeats”. This cycle trail was mapped by the Burrenlowlands from Gort, sponsored by Sullivans Hotel on the square in Gort. I’ll have to write another blog article about that cycle.
Cycle for approximately 1 km and you’ll see a yellow bungalow to your left ( It’s a downhill road so you are picking up some speed). Across from that yellow bungalow you’ll see a narrow road/boreen to your right. If you are a local , this is the top of the Pound Road. This road ultimately brings you to the back of Gort.
Once you take a right, it’s a straight road that brings you to a railway bridge.
Once you cross the railway bridge, it’s a downhill cycle, and the road surface changes to a loose stone surface.
You’ll see a ruin of a farmhouse to your right, and as the road takes a slight bend to the left you will have arrived at the top of Gort River Walk.
As you cycle down there is a gate, sometimes it’s open, sometimes it’s closed. If it’s closed, make sure when you open it to get through, you close it off.
If you look to your right, you may be lucky to see a swan family. When I was there, there was a swan family there with cygnets.
If you look a little bit further down to your right, you’ll see the remains of a bridge. DO NOT ATTEMPT to go there or cross the bridge as it is not safe. The Gort River Walk has big plans to replace this bridge with a new bridge, follow their Facebook page to find out more.
Lavallysheen Children’s burial ground
Look to your left, and you will see the Lavallysheen Children’s burial ground. To learn more about the Burial ground, check out this article in Guaire Magazine ( page 64. Since the article was published a group of volunteers have done an amazing job to restore and tidy up the burial ground. It has also enabled relatives to honour and pay tribute to their deceased family members. It’s a truly a sacred place.
Continue your journey, leaving the Lavallysheen burial ground to your left, the river to your right. The road surface is a bit bumpy but ok to cycle. It’s only towards the end of the cycle, there are bigger/rougher stones, and it may be better to dismount for a short while. You will now have a beautiful view of the River to your right. ( There are way more and better images, I’ll write another post dedicated to the Gort River Walk)
As I mentioned earlier, there is currently a project in progress by local volunteers to establish a Gort River Walk, find out more about the history here. The Pound Road, once a dumping ground and no go area, has been transformed into a beautiful walking area to be enjoyed by all. Follow Gort River Walk on Facebook and their recent fundraiser – please support if you can.
You’ll now see barriers, you can go around a little place to the right.
Continuing on to your right, you will see the remains of Flowervale House – home of the once mill owners. This article tells you all about the history of the house and the (tragic) story of how the mill was flattened to the ground. It is also the back of Aldi in Gort and the start of the Gort River Walk.( There are in effect 2 entries, one via the Pound Road and one via the back of Aldi.)
As you continue your journey, you will see the Gort Railway Station to your left and as you continue you will arrive in the town of Gort. Check out a blogpost I wrote about the Gort Railway Station last year, when it was 150 years since it first opened.
This may be the end of your trip . Pop into Centra for ice cream or continue on the loop and take a right at the roundabout to head back OR you can take a left and go onto Gort’s mini -Greenway into Coole Park I documented a while back.
If you are heading back, it’s an easy ride, passing entry into Coole Park. Further down is a nice downhill cycle at Kiltartan. You’ll see a red brick building onto your left, which is the Kiltartan Gregory Museum. It’s currently closed , due to COVID-19. Keep an eye on their Facebook Page to find out when they re-open.
Next you will pass the railway crossing at Kiltartan, and as you cycle you’ll see a sign for Quinn’s hardware store being 5 kms from that point.
Across from the sign, you’ll see a farmhouse, with a remembrance stone to Eileen Quinn, who was murdered there on the 1st of November 1920. I strongly recommend you listen to this recently produced documentary about the life of Eileen Quinn and what happened there on the 1st of November. Humbling is an understatement
It’s been downhill for most of the way, so it’s time for a bit of climb across from Tannian’s forge. There is a bit of bend in the road, and I always cross the road before the hill, as visibility is limited once you are on the climb.
Once you have caught your breath, you’ll see Cummins kitchens to your right and signs for Thoor Ballylee. Take a right, enjoy the downhill cycle or take a left and do an extra loop via Shehanagh.
The road bends to the right, and this is where I started the cycle.
The road to your left brings you into Skehanagh, where there are few other cycles you can do, I’ll have to write another blog post about the Skehanagh cycle trails.
As it is summertime, the floods we had earlier in the year, have receded. Learn more about the South Galway floods here.
Hope you enjoyed this (long) article- look forward to hear if it has inspired you enough to do the Cycle from Thoor Ballylee to the Gort River Walk!
Join my Facebook Group Gort Cycling Trails and let me know if you cycled this trail, what you thought, and if there are other cycle trails that should be mapped in the #burrenlowlands
