0

Kiltoom - Drum Panel 1

Welcome to the Green Heartlands Cycle Route - a fully marked cycling tour which takes you through the splendour of the south Roscommon countryside Situated in the heart of Ireland south Roscommon is a scenic paradise serviced by a network of quiet country roads ideally suited to cycling The low level of traffic in this unspoilt rural environment offers the cyclist a pleasant and peaceful holiday experience far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life

The terrain of the local landscape throughout the 135 mile (217km) circuit is generally flat with occasional stretches of gently sloping hills which take the cyclist through a varied countryside of farmland bog forest wetlands rivers and lakes The touring cyclist can experience the beauty of Lough Ree and sense the magnificence of the River Shannon - the longest river in Ireland The circuit divided into a series of daily routes will take you through a host of small rural villages and within close proximity of the larger provincial towns of Roscommon Athlone and Ballinasloe

Along each route cyclists can access a range of leisure facilities and amenities many suited to special interest visitors These include walking routes monastic sites archeological monuments heritage centres and museums craft workshops wildlife and conservation areas indoor and outdoor swimming a holistic treatment centre as well as boating fishing golf horse riding and bowling

Famous for its hospitality the Irish Heartland offers the visitor an opportunity to experience the warmth and friendliness of the people Choose your accommodation from a range that includes family operated Bed and Breakfast Country Farmhouse Hotel Caravan or Camping Park Whatever your preference you can be assured of the highest qua ~ ity of service and standard of facilities An ever-increasing number of food outlets in the locality can cater for a variety of tastes and restaurants pubs or coffee shops offering lunch snacks or dinner menu are within easy access of each route In the evenings you can relax and enjoy traditional forms of entertainment such as a music session accompanied by a glass of Irish Stout Look out for local village festivals which often feature the finest in traditional music and dance Alternativel y you may explore the nite clu cinema or theatre entertainment in the larger towns

A comprehensive guide to local amenities facilities services and entertainment in the area is available from the Central Reservations Office and local Tourist Offices Check the local press for upmiddotto-date entertainment

BOOKINGS TOURIST INFORMA nON Ireland Wsl Tourism Central Reservations Office Athlone Tourist Office Aras Fallte Galway Visitor Centre The Castl Athlone (+353) 91 563081 Athleague (+353) 902 94630 Email infoirelandwestie

(0 Roscommon Athlone amp Districl Tourism BICYCLE HIRE

Tel (+353) 903 6)602 ChUrch Sireet Athlone Buckleys CyclesFax (1353) 901 63014 (+353) 902 73966 Email lenchindigole Garden Vale Athlone

Roscommon Tourist Office (+353) 902 78989 The Square Rosmmmon (+353) 90 3 26342 Abbey Street

Roscommon KelieiS Travel (1353) 90) 27318 Main Street Ballinasloe (+353) 90 1+213 1

Map Symbols

CYCLE ROUTE MINOR ROADS

NATIONAL ROAD RAILWAY

CD BUSY ROAD ~ PICNIC AREA

0 UNEVEN ROAD SERVICE ~ CARAVAN amp CAMPING

Ibull TOURIST INFORMATION VIEWING POINT ~

t CHURCH FISHING

ECCLESIASTICAL SITE ROUND TOWER

EQUESTRIAN BOGLANDt shy

GOLF COURSE WOODED AREA

VISITOR CENTRE ARCHEOLOGICAL Sm

It WALkiNG ROUTE FORTIFIED BUILDING

Supported under the Leader II Programme 1995-1999 Maps based on he Ordnance Survey whh permission of OSI copy 1999 MidmiddotSouth Roscommon Rural Development (ompany

This route the shortest on the circuit provides the ideal starting or finishing

itinerary to your cycling holiday You may choose to visit some of the interesting sites or visitor facillities along the route or alternatively opt for an early finish and explore the town of Athlone - the largest commercial centre in the Midlands

Close to the starting point at Kiltoom but off the route 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 Following along the route from Kiltoom you will exit off the main thoroughfare to quieter country roads until you 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 The village Pattern is a festival which takes place on the last Sunday of July and visitors may partake in the local festivities As you progress along the route travelling through typical Irish farmland you can enjoy the tranquillity of the rural countrySide and the fresh country air 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 ibogland 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 a visit to the Castle a swim or ten-pin bowling Alternatively you may return later in the evening to sample the local cuisine and night time entertainment

1bull

car 1(1

LDll9h (5~ool~

(ork ip 8al lybay ~

t i

) t

Bealnamullia Curraghaleen

(u llglass

TO ATHLONE

8ayloug h

0 CYCLE ROUTE SECONDARY ROADS

t 1NATIONAL ROAD RAILWAY

Cranberry Hill

Newtown Kilcash I

r

CYCLE ROUTE SECONDARY ROADS

RAILWAY

Dr um [0 Ballinasloe Panel 2

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 BampBs 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

Length of Route 28 Miles Scale 175000

( an k hynaghtan

Cornafulla

t

J Moore South

Coolu mbE r

FaUy

Currilghgowcr

Old Town

t

Oonmacooise an ancient monastic settlement 0 [he eastem bank or the river Simmon

~ Cornaveagh

TO SHANNONBRIDGE

( Ioonaghbrack Bi rchgrovt

( 8AlllNASlOE

r ~

CYCLE ROUTE

NATIONAL ROAD

9Alli NASLOE

I

SECONDARY ROADS

RAILWAY

Ballina s loe to Four Roads Panel 3

The attractions along todays

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 shy

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 BampBs in Ballinasloe and near Four Roads

Length of Route 23 Miles Scale 175000

Taghboy ~

Correal

bullI

Culleenirwin

t Commeen

t Cam

bull

NATIONAL ROAD

FOllr Roads to Roscommon Panel 4 Roscommon to Kiltoom PanelS

TOdaYs cycle route converges at various points with the

I 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

In this locality the village of Athleague has a number of attractions worth a visit including the Visitor Centre Old Mill and Castle Ruins It is also well serviced with shops and pubs serving traditional Irish food 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

Ballinnfoi

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 1700S 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

NATIONAL ROAD bullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbull RAilWAY

Lnasdlagh serine

~r- I t n

Carnekbeg Crossroads

I

SECONDARY ROADS

The varied landscape of todays cycle 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 amp 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 Johns 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

Length of Route 30 Miles Scale 1100000 o

II

ROSCOMMO~~ fA bull

Mote Park Demesne

Knockcrogh~ I Y Jgt Ih hOl11e of rlIY plpt 111 kl f1g

in he IJSI Jnd YO ~I CJ n vlsll the Oay Iipe U l1l re 10 pi k up sO lne u l1 u~ual nlemencos or your trip

Curraghnaveen

J

II 11

)

bull I

l-oberdan

Rahara ( Newmount~ in

Lysterfield -

tbull Curraghboy

t Brideswell

CYCLE ROUTE SeCONDARY ROADS

NATIONAL ROAD RAILWAY

The Link Road Panel 6 pll~laJl JO ll

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

Length of Route 8 Miles Scale 168000

Culla w innia

Lack en Crossroads

Thh leerIon is 1i1 ShOlfCll1

ell) I I) (fil i I of l h~ Grv n HCJrl llllds Cvcl~ ROlli

Coolag arry Newtown

Currag oy

GUIDE FOR SAFE CYCLING

bull The left hand side of the road is the cycling and driving lane in Ireland Always stop and think before moving on to the road

bull Irish roads are not serviced with designated cycling lanes As a general rule of thumb it is safer on prim ary roads where there is a clearly marked hard shoulder to cycle on the left side of the y low lines Where there is no designated hard shoulder keep well in to the leftmiddothand side of the road and always cycle in sin gle fi le

bull Observe traffic signs never weave in and out of slow moving traffic and dont cycle on footpaths Always signal your intention of turning in adequate time and look behind before sign alling

bull Be visible at all times Wear light coloured clothing and in overcast weather during dusk and at night always wear reflective strips

bull To reduce the risks of serious head injury never cycle without a helmet Carry a personal first aid kit for treating minor accidents

bull Ensure that the bicycle you are using is suitably adjusted for your height and th at both feet can reach the ground comfortably Never have luggage hanging from the handlebars of your bicycle and ensure that pannier bags and personal belongings are tightly secured in a safe manner

bull Ca rry a cycle rep air kit and when undertaking roadside repairs find a safe spot well away from the danger of passing traffic Never leave your bicycle in a place where it is likely to cause an obstruction or endanger pedestrians drivers or other cyclists

Mid-Sourh Ro~cornmolt Rural Dcv(loPIIltIIC ComplIlY Jlld Ihe Green HcmlJllds Cycle Route Commillet have tJken tvery CJ rt [0 ensure choat [h~ informal ion in this Guide i 1((Urlle HowCtI~ th E- Cotnpany Commiuf or any of their Jgrms asml1le II ~JX)nsibUhy or liabiliLY for errors or omissions which nllY occurThe- illClusioll 01 J service or fJdlilY 111 (his GuJde l1Otc not ronsll(U(e ltIll endorsement or ~lITtenddr ion of the qUJlity or fhnes for purposes of rhe- service or radlhles Ol~ tiolled in rids Guide Neithtroo they nuke my rlprBcnratioll that any Il1dividulls hwe the llecessJry skill to render- my of the stfke mentioned IlOfj lhat they will render them whh due skill cue Jlllf diligence TIle CoIllpIlV 1 ml its tgents assume no respomi[bmryor llil bility for lIlY lossor dllll1ge wlm~Er howS(lEover uising from lC of (he GrEt1l HClrtl1ndS Cycle Route

A IlUlber of lhe iihlS of interest I11 lllltonOO in Ihis Guide lollY ))tuJ[eurot i (III priVJre property nd their indusloll mlY nor be iluerpreted 31 ~n Il1yirntlon [0 fIller our iuch pl1)p(ln y Pennissial ro euront er mllst be Klughl from (he owner in II such I IIStnf~

HOW TO USE THIS MAP - GUIDE

bull The Green Heartlands Cycle Route is a continuous 13s-mile (217km) circuit with a dividing link road which separates the circuit into two shorter loops The circuit is defined by six daily routes thus giving the cyclist the option of one-day to six-day cycling tours

bull The circuit can be cycled from any starting point and may proceed in either direction The entire circuit has been sign-posted with bi-directional marker posts with larger Anger-post signs at main road junctions

bull The map is divided into six route panels each showing the distance in miles Each panel gives a suggested starting and finishing point convenient to accommodation food and services outlets

bull The text accompanying each panel gives a brief description of the landscape and points of interest along the way

bull Sections with poor road surfaces or busy main roads have been highlighted and cyclists are advised to take extra care at these points

bull The map panels have been orientated with the route running the length of each panel with north clearly indicated in the top right hand corner Scales may differ from panel to pane l

bull Key items of interest are marked using symbols A range of detailed special interest guides is available as a companion to this map

bull Look out for the Green Heartlands marker posts

FOllr Roads to Roscommon Panel 4 Roscommon to Kiltoom PanelS

TOdaYs cycle route converges at various points with the

I 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

In this locality the village of Athleague has a number of attractions worth a visit including the Visitor Centre Old Mill and Castle Ruins It is also well serviced with shops and pubs serving traditional Irish food 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

Ballinnfoi

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 1700S 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

NATIONAL ROAD bullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbullbull RAilWAY

Lnasdlagh serine

~r- I t n

Carnekbeg Crossroads

I

SECONDARY ROADS

The varied landscape of todays cycle 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 amp 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 Johns 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

Length of Route 30 Miles Scale 1100000 o

II

ROSCOMMO~~ fA bull

Mote Park Demesne

Knockcrogh~ I Y Jgt Ih hOl11e of rlIY plpt 111 kl f1g

in he IJSI Jnd YO ~I CJ n vlsll the Oay Iipe U l1l re 10 pi k up sO lne u l1 u~ual nlemencos or your trip

Curraghnaveen

J

II 11

)

bull I

l-oberdan

Rahara ( Newmount~ in

Lysterfield -

tbull Curraghboy

t Brideswell

CYCLE ROUTE SeCONDARY ROADS

NATIONAL ROAD RAILWAY

The Link Road Panel 6 pll~laJl JO ll

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

Length of Route 8 Miles Scale 168000

Culla w innia

Lack en Crossroads

Thh leerIon is 1i1 ShOlfCll1

ell) I I) (fil i I of l h~ Grv n HCJrl llllds Cvcl~ ROlli

Coolag arry Newtown

Currag oy

GUIDE FOR SAFE CYCLING

bull The left hand side of the road is the cycling and driving lane in Ireland Always stop and think before moving on to the road

bull Irish roads are not serviced with designated cycling lanes As a general rule of thumb it is safer on prim ary roads where there is a clearly marked hard shoulder to cycle on the left side of the y low lines Where there is no designated hard shoulder keep well in to the leftmiddothand side of the road and always cycle in sin gle fi le

bull Observe traffic signs never weave in and out of slow moving traffic and dont cycle on footpaths Always signal your intention of turning in adequate time and look behind before sign alling

bull Be visible at all times Wear light coloured clothing and in overcast weather during dusk and at night always wear reflective strips

bull To reduce the risks of serious head injury never cycle without a helmet Carry a personal first aid kit for treating minor accidents

bull Ensure that the bicycle you are using is suitably adjusted for your height and th at both feet can reach the ground comfortably Never have luggage hanging from the handlebars of your bicycle and ensure that pannier bags and personal belongings are tightly secured in a safe manner

bull Ca rry a cycle rep air kit and when undertaking roadside repairs find a safe spot well away from the danger of passing traffic Never leave your bicycle in a place where it is likely to cause an obstruction or endanger pedestrians drivers or other cyclists

Mid-Sourh Ro~cornmolt Rural Dcv(loPIIltIIC ComplIlY Jlld Ihe Green HcmlJllds Cycle Route Commillet have tJken tvery CJ rt [0 ensure choat [h~ informal ion in this Guide i 1((Urlle HowCtI~ th E- Cotnpany Commiuf or any of their Jgrms asml1le II ~JX)nsibUhy or liabiliLY for errors or omissions which nllY occurThe- illClusioll 01 J service or fJdlilY 111 (his GuJde l1Otc not ronsll(U(e ltIll endorsement or ~lITtenddr ion of the qUJlity or fhnes for purposes of rhe- service or radlhles Ol~ tiolled in rids Guide Neithtroo they nuke my rlprBcnratioll that any Il1dividulls hwe the llecessJry skill to render- my of the stfke mentioned IlOfj lhat they will render them whh due skill cue Jlllf diligence TIle CoIllpIlV 1 ml its tgents assume no respomi[bmryor llil bility for lIlY lossor dllll1ge wlm~Er howS(lEover uising from lC of (he GrEt1l HClrtl1ndS Cycle Route

A IlUlber of lhe iihlS of interest I11 lllltonOO in Ihis Guide lollY ))tuJ[eurot i (III priVJre property nd their indusloll mlY nor be iluerpreted 31 ~n Il1yirntlon [0 fIller our iuch pl1)p(ln y Pennissial ro euront er mllst be Klughl from (he owner in II such I IIStnf~

HOW TO USE THIS MAP - GUIDE

bull The Green Heartlands Cycle Route is a continuous 13s-mile (217km) circuit with a dividing link road which separates the circuit into two shorter loops The circuit is defined by six daily routes thus giving the cyclist the option of one-day to six-day cycling tours

bull The circuit can be cycled from any starting point and may proceed in either direction The entire circuit has been sign-posted with bi-directional marker posts with larger Anger-post signs at main road junctions

bull The map is divided into six route panels each showing the distance in miles Each panel gives a suggested starting and finishing point convenient to accommodation food and services outlets

bull The text accompanying each panel gives a brief description of the landscape and points of interest along the way

bull Sections with poor road surfaces or busy main roads have been highlighted and cyclists are advised to take extra care at these points

bull The map panels have been orientated with the route running the length of each panel with north clearly indicated in the top right hand corner Scales may differ from panel to pane l

bull Key items of interest are marked using symbols A range of detailed special interest guides is available as a companion to this map

bull Look out for the Green Heartlands marker posts

The Link Road Panel 6 pll~laJl JO ll

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

Length of Route 8 Miles Scale 168000

Culla w innia

Lack en Crossroads

Thh leerIon is 1i1 ShOlfCll1

ell) I I) (fil i I of l h~ Grv n HCJrl llllds Cvcl~ ROlli

Coolag arry Newtown

Currag oy

GUIDE FOR SAFE CYCLING

bull The left hand side of the road is the cycling and driving lane in Ireland Always stop and think before moving on to the road

bull Irish roads are not serviced with designated cycling lanes As a general rule of thumb it is safer on prim ary roads where there is a clearly marked hard shoulder to cycle on the left side of the y low lines Where there is no designated hard shoulder keep well in to the leftmiddothand side of the road and always cycle in sin gle fi le

bull Observe traffic signs never weave in and out of slow moving traffic and dont cycle on footpaths Always signal your intention of turning in adequate time and look behind before sign alling

bull Be visible at all times Wear light coloured clothing and in overcast weather during dusk and at night always wear reflective strips

bull To reduce the risks of serious head injury never cycle without a helmet Carry a personal first aid kit for treating minor accidents

bull Ensure that the bicycle you are using is suitably adjusted for your height and th at both feet can reach the ground comfortably Never have luggage hanging from the handlebars of your bicycle and ensure that pannier bags and personal belongings are tightly secured in a safe manner

bull Ca rry a cycle rep air kit and when undertaking roadside repairs find a safe spot well away from the danger of passing traffic Never leave your bicycle in a place where it is likely to cause an obstruction or endanger pedestrians drivers or other cyclists

Mid-Sourh Ro~cornmolt Rural Dcv(loPIIltIIC ComplIlY Jlld Ihe Green HcmlJllds Cycle Route Commillet have tJken tvery CJ rt [0 ensure choat [h~ informal ion in this Guide i 1((Urlle HowCtI~ th E- Cotnpany Commiuf or any of their Jgrms asml1le II ~JX)nsibUhy or liabiliLY for errors or omissions which nllY occurThe- illClusioll 01 J service or fJdlilY 111 (his GuJde l1Otc not ronsll(U(e ltIll endorsement or ~lITtenddr ion of the qUJlity or fhnes for purposes of rhe- service or radlhles Ol~ tiolled in rids Guide Neithtroo they nuke my rlprBcnratioll that any Il1dividulls hwe the llecessJry skill to render- my of the stfke mentioned IlOfj lhat they will render them whh due skill cue Jlllf diligence TIle CoIllpIlV 1 ml its tgents assume no respomi[bmryor llil bility for lIlY lossor dllll1ge wlm~Er howS(lEover uising from lC of (he GrEt1l HClrtl1ndS Cycle Route

A IlUlber of lhe iihlS of interest I11 lllltonOO in Ihis Guide lollY ))tuJ[eurot i (III priVJre property nd their indusloll mlY nor be iluerpreted 31 ~n Il1yirntlon [0 fIller our iuch pl1)p(ln y Pennissial ro euront er mllst be Klughl from (he owner in II such I IIStnf~

HOW TO USE THIS MAP - GUIDE

bull The Green Heartlands Cycle Route is a continuous 13s-mile (217km) circuit with a dividing link road which separates the circuit into two shorter loops The circuit is defined by six daily routes thus giving the cyclist the option of one-day to six-day cycling tours

bull The circuit can be cycled from any starting point and may proceed in either direction The entire circuit has been sign-posted with bi-directional marker posts with larger Anger-post signs at main road junctions

bull The map is divided into six route panels each showing the distance in miles Each panel gives a suggested starting and finishing point convenient to accommodation food and services outlets

bull The text accompanying each panel gives a brief description of the landscape and points of interest along the way

bull Sections with poor road surfaces or busy main roads have been highlighted and cyclists are advised to take extra care at these points

bull The map panels have been orientated with the route running the length of each panel with north clearly indicated in the top right hand corner Scales may differ from panel to pane l

bull Key items of interest are marked using symbols A range of detailed special interest guides is available as a companion to this map

bull Look out for the Green Heartlands marker posts