Slates and Stars and Silvermines

Cycle route through North Tipperary and South Offaly. The slatey highlands, called the Arra Mountains, from the lower east shore of Lough Derg. The route passes old slate quarries along beautiful lake shoreline rising to 120m near Portroe. The most northerly point on the route is Birr where, in 1845, the stars were studied through the biggest telescope in the world, from the gardens of Birr Castle. Roscrea and the Silvermines; which have given their name to a lovely mountain range, from the southwest part of the route. he Slates, Stars and Silvermines cycle route around Lough Derg and through the Silvermines mountains covers 148km. Slates form the lake and the steepest parts of the cycle and stars were once studied from the gardens of the en route Birr Castle. A lake drive climbs to 120m near Portroe, passing abandoned slate quarries. After this the road keeps a little back from the lake. The most northerly point on the route is Birr where the superb ground of Birr Castle may be seen. Roscrea, to the south, is a busy town with restored old houses and a castle. The route follows the lower slopes of the Silvermines and is a gentle ride.