Way: Loop Head Cycleway
Trailheads: The cycleway starts and ends in Kilkee.
Services: Kilkee and Carrigaholt.
Distance: 65kms
Time: Approximately 1 - 1.5 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Traffic: Traffic generally very light
Terrain: Generally flat coastline route with a few short, but no major climbs.
To Suit: Suitable for people of medium levels of fitness.
Minimum Gear: Helmet, bike, mobile phone, fluid, snacks, waterproofs and a rucksack.
This is a two-day tour along the fascinating Loop Head peninsula coastline. It is best to follow this Cycleway by keeping the river Shannon and the Atlantic coastline to your left. The hedge-lined minor country roads will take you through the agricultural heartland of the Loop Head peninsula and there are breathtaking views of the river Shannon along the way. The friendliness and atmosphere encountered when travelling along this part of the countryside can be a special experience.
Follow cycleway along the N67 from Kilkee towards Kilrush. After 2.5kms, turn right at Lisdeen Church and you are on your way. Cycling west you will pass the tiny rural villages of Querrin and Doonaha before reaching Carrigaholt, a quiet little harbour village set on the edge of the Shannon. From Carrigaholt the route continues west along the coastline to Kilbaha. The secrets of the village can be found in the small sheltered harbour and along the coastline walk that stretches to the Loop Head Peninsula and north towards Ross, a distance of some 14km. Ask the locals about the Turret, the Pool, Horse Island and the Hanging Garden. The local church houses the Little Ark, a relic of the Penal Laws. From here the route continues west towards Loop Head. The lighthouse, situated on the tip of the peninsula, is visible from miles around. The cliffs along the foreshore provide a grandstand for wave-watching, particularly during high westerly winds, when they can be spectacular.
After leaving Loop Head the road veers north towards the Bridges of Ross. At the car park, follow the footpath and you will find a number of natural bridges hewn out of the rock by the high seas, also, a variety of bird life. Cross is the next village on the route and a good provisioning stop. Shortly after leaving Cross turn left off the R478 to skirt along the Atlantic coastline to Kilkee. The journey back to Kilkee is perhaps the most rewarding, with panoramic views of the coastline, Bishops Island and Kilkee Bay.
Loop Head Cycleway Downloadable Map
Shannon Region Cycleways Downloadable Map
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903
