Cycling has always been a favourite way to get out and about to explore our beautiful region and with so many activity centres available to hire a bike for the day, you don’t even need to have your own wheels! Have a look at the cycling routes we have laid out for you and get on your bike!
Newry to Slieve Gullion Courtyard
Starting in the city of Newry, there are many points of interest on this cycle trail such as the elegant 18th century thatched cottage, Derrymore House, a National Trust treasure steeped in history. Cycle further to the quaint village of Cam Lough, named after the lake, Cam Lough. South of the village you will enjoy the spectacular views of Camlough Mountain which is part of the Ring of Gullion geological formation. Contact Ring of Gullion Cycles in Newry for everything you need to make your trip. Contact – ringofgullioncycles
Newry to Slieve Gullion Courtyard - Newry - Visit Mourne Mountains
The Rostrevor Route
The beautiful village of Rostrevor is your starting point for this route and leads you to the shady paths and fine forest of Kilbroney. While you are here, follow the trail up to see the Cloughmore Stone, a huge granite boulder supposedly thrown there by legendary giant, Finn McCool when he was fighting with one of his rivals. The viewpoint nearby will give you amazing views of Carlingford Lough below. Contact East Coast Adventure Centre Contact – East Coast Adventure or Stewart Cycles 02841773565, both based in nearby Warrenpoint for bike hire and accessories.
Rostrevor Cycle Route - OutmoreNI
The Poet’s Trail
The Ring of Gullion is famed for its strong association with poets and poetry. The poets’ remains can be found in Creggan Church and graveyard in Slieve Gullion which is known as the poet’s graveyard. You can follow the folklore and life and times of the Poets and Scholars of the area as you cycle.
Layout 1 (visitmournemountains.co.uk)
The Head Road Route
This route starts in the Lower Square of Kilkeel, a busy coastal fishing town but you will soon be travelling out of the town through narrow roads with their symmetrical stone walls and impressive high-rising Mourne Mountains all around. Take a well earned break at Silent Valley Reservoir where you will find a café if you fancy some refreshments en route. Further inland, have a look at the quaint little cottages at Hanna’s Close, one of the last remaining medieval-style settlements in Ireland. Call into J P Quinn Cycles, 9 Bridge Street, Kilkeel for all your cycling needs.
Head Road Route • Bike Riding » outdooractive.com
Legananny Route
This cycle route starts out in the townland of Finnis near Dromara. Enjoy the superb views of Slieve Croob as you ride along the narrow country roads close to Seeconnell Residential Home. You can stop off in the picturesque market town of Castlewellan at one of the many cafes or take a ride up the avenue of Castlewellan Forest Park to have a lakeside rest before you continue your journey. Legananny Dolmen is definitely a great point of interest on this trail and dates back to the Neolithic period making the monument approximately 5,000 years old! Hire your bikes from Life Adventure Centre, Castlewellan Life Adventure Centre - Castlewellan - Visit Mourne Mountains
Legananny Cycle Route - OutmoreNI
Strangford Lough Cycle Trail
A varied cycle route which passes by many attractions such as Delamont Country Park, Inch Abbey, Exploris in Portaferry and the wildlife rich wetlands of Castle Espie. You can be sure of fantastic views of both the Mourne Mountains and Strangford Lough as you go.
Strangford Lough Cycle Trail - Sustrans.org.uk
Castle Ward Trails
For a family friendly day out, Castle Ward Trails is your go to! There are 4 trails to choose from, 3 of which are very easy and 1 for those with a little more experience. Within the National Trust’s picturesque demesne of Castle Ward, you can be sure of a safe environment for your youngest cyclists and the most beautiful scenery as you venture along the Strangford Lough shoreline. Hire your bikes from Clearsky Adventure Centre which is actually based on the Castle Ward Estate. Mountain Bike Hire - Clearsky Adventure Centre - Mountain Bike NI
Mountain Bike Northern Ireland - Mountain Bike Trails Ireland (mountainbikeni.com)
Please be mindful of your safety and the safety of others at all times. Do not ride on pavements and remember to ride on the left side of the road in Northern Ireland. It is not compulsory to wear a helmet in Northern Ireland however, your risk of head injury will be greatly reduced if you do wear one. Happy cycling!
Follow Fionn's Giant Adventure (previously known as the Giant's Lair) at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Follow the trail, there's so much to explore. Seek out fairies, spells, music and more. Help is at hand as you'll have fairies and warriors to help you follow the trail.
East Coast Adventure Centre - Newry & Mourne Mountain area. Water sports, Cycling, Hiking, School Activities - Family Fun - Glamping - a perfect location outside Rostrevor Village and 5 mins from Warrenpoint
The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast. The famous Mourne Wall was constructed to enclose the reservoir's catchment area.
Located on Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park has one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.
Epic adventures are on offer all year round at Life Adventure Centre. Their extensive range of activities include mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, wet bouldering, rock climbing, sit on top kayaking, coasteering, electric biking and open canoeing - something for everyone!
Experience the Mournes by bike on road, track and trail with the guided and self-guided bike and electric bike tours or do it yourself with bike and electric bike hire. Explore the majestic mountains, dramatic coasts, stunning landscapes, enchanting forests, award winning mountain bike trails and endless year-round cycle adventures.
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont Country Park a place to enjoy that 'away from it all feeling'. It is home of the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200-acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day out for all the family you will find plenty to entertain you in Delamont Country Park.
Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.
Newcastle and Castlewellan Bike Hire We have a wide range of bikes available for hire. Mountain bikes, electric e-bikes, tandem bicycles, kids bicycles. You name it, we should have it. Free delivery and shuttle bus service.
