Clopook Timogue and Dysart Enos (Ratheniska)
I put these three locations together because I normally cycle through all three by turning right off the N80 towards Clopook townland after I've come down the Windy Gap from Stradbally heading towards the N78.
The turn isn't signposted but it's a right turn about 150 metres on from the signposted turn for Ballintubbert but there's many other routes to take to visit these picturesque locations in Laois. They are completely off the beaten track.
The route through Clopook is ideal for touring by bike or a quiet spin. There are very few cars to be seen and the scenery is fantastic. Considering these roads are off the beaten track they are in great shape and a pleasure to cycle.
Travelling the route as a loop you'll encounter Clopook, a small Laois townland. Located here are the remains of a Medieval Church and graveyard. Inside the Church ruins there is a small stone alter so I presume it is still used occasionally for outdoor mass.
Looming large behind the Church is the Dun of Clopook, the site of an early Hill Fort, possibly Bronze Age. It's located on private land however it makes a nice backdrop to the Church.
Shortly after leaving Clopook heading straight on towards Timogue there is what I presume to be an old Lime Kiln on the right perched on a little outcrop.
Further along is the townland of Timogue which has a small Church, Saint Mogue's Church of Ireland which was built in 1736 and renovated in 1970. The Church looks very austere but the surroundings are idyllic. There's also what looks like a nice example of a Lime Kiln here opposite the Church beside an old building which has several floors but is long since abandoned.
Leaving Timogue I head straight on and straight through the crossroads until finally I meet a T junction and with a left turn followed by a quick right turn I'm on the road to Ratheniska.
About 300 metres past Holy Cross Church in Ratheniska there is a tiny white sign for Dysart Enos graveyard (a right turn if like me coming from Holy Cross). It's very easy to miss but if you've gone 500 metres without turning you'll know you went past so just wheel around.
There's a gently sloping hill up to Dysart Enos and the surrounding hilltops covered in tree's and gorse remind me of a secluded hidden Glade.
The Church at Dysart Enos comes into view on top of the hill immediately after the turn. It is believed a Church was first founded here in the 8th Century by Saint Aongus (Aengus). There was possibly a Round Tower on the site at one time but nothing of it remains there now.
The present Church at Dysart Enos dates from 1750. The site has connections to Cloneagh near Mountrath where there was once a Monastery and now stands a Church ruin.
Saint Aongus was a Culdee, a type of austere Hermit.
To visit Dysart Enos you'll have to leave your bike and walk through one of the fields that surround it but it's well worth the 100 meters or so of walking to see this beautiful enclosed Church. It is walled and elevated above the surrounding fields. Really beautiful.
Local groups have played a big role in keeping, preserving and maintaining this site.
Leaving Dysart Enos and heading straight on (L6772) you begin to descend the hill while the Rock of Dunamase looms into view towering over the surrounding area.
Enjoy the cycle.
If you're just visiting the Rock of Dunamase then Dysart Enos is very close, it's just across the main road and a minute or so up the L6772 which is signed.
I use a dedicated Cycling GPS if I don't know an area well but a phone app (or map) will pin all these locations if you're in doubt.