If you decide to tackle the Loop Head Cycleway, you’ll pedal for 65km. But as you whizz or potter along on your bike, it will seem as though this magical route has taken you millions of miles away from the stresses of day-to-day life.
Although you could easily do this route in a day, we recommend taking two so you can fully explore the breathtaking views of the river Shannon, dazzling cliffs, amazing geological formations and incredible wildlife. In fact, the peninsula is almost completely surrounded by Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Habitat Areas, ranging from Poulnasherry Bay to the Kilkee Reefs and Mutton Island.
If it tickles your fancy, you could even stop off along the way and go dolphin watching in Carrigaholt. Or take a break at Kilbaha where the locals can show you the Turret, a castellated structure built so Victorian ladies could enjoy the view. And be sure and pop into the local church to see the Little Ark, a relic of Penal times. Back in the 1850s local landlords wouldn’t allow a church to be built on their property and the local priest got around this by constructing a small box on wheels for celebrating mass.
The impressive Loop Head Lighthouse is also worth a gander. While you can’t visit it, you could rent it out and stay there! But if you can’t afford that, the grandstand wave-watching views from the nearby cliffs are free and bird watchers will be wowed by the masses of breeding guillemots and razorbills! Read more...