If you’re searching for delicious food and stunning scenery, these cycle trails are the perfect way to make your way around Northern Ireland. Ready for a culinary adventure?
Towpath from Belfast to Lisburn, County Antrim – 11 miles linear route
Get ready to set off into foodie heaven. Starting from Belfast city centre, you can grab a Belfast bike outside St George’s Market, guided by the smells of fresh food on any weekend morning. A must-try here is the famous Belfast bap, or maybe something a little more adventurous from one of the many stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, cheese and pastries.
As you continue up the river for about 2.5 miles, you can get your coffee fix at bike-friendly café 5A Lockview Road in Stranmillis or continue through Lagan Meadows and enjoy a teabreak at the Lock Keeper’s Inn near Shaw’s Bridge.
From here, it’s about 6 miles of picturesque cycling along the River Lagan to the end of the towpath. Here, you can stop off and enjoy Hilden Brewery and Tap Room Restaurant, where you can be sure to find refreshing craft beer or a delicious meal.
Accommodation nearby: Radisson Blu Belfast Hotel
Faughan Valley Cycle Way, County Londonderry
Experience both the bustling culture of Derry and its beautiful rural surroundings. Starting in the city, this route follows a traffic-free National Cycle Network along the River Foyle. As you continue on quiet country roads, you’ll pass the Shoal observation point before coming back into the city. Here, you can enjoy a pint in Peadar O’Donnell’s Bar, famous for its live traditional music, or try a refreshing craft beer from the Walled City Brewery. This Brewhouse in Ebrington Square also has a restaurant serving delicious beer-braised pulled pork and potato boxty.
If you’re looking for some fine dining, head to the banks of the River Foyle, where you’ll find Browns Bond Hill. Sample the six-course tasting menu here, renowned for Head Chef Ian Orr’s dedication to fresh seasonal produce sourced locally.
Accommodation nearby: Shipquay Hotel
Newcastle & Lough Island Reavy, County Down – 25 miles circular route
If you’re on the fitter side and looking for a bit more of a challenge, this route is right for you. It’s most certainly worth it though, because you’ll get to enjoy the spectacular Mourne Mountain scenery.
You’ll begin in the pretty seaside town of Newcastle, where you can fuel up in Froth Coffee Co, and enjoy a delicious breakfast, to give you an all-important energy kick for the strenuous climbs ahead! The nearby Cookie Jar also serves some delicious wheaten bread.
Once you’re on the road you’ll pass by Tollymore Forest Park before cycling the Trassey Road, a main route through the high Mournes. Here, you can enjoy some picturesque views of Slieve Croob and Lough Island Reavy Resevoir. Passing Castlewellan Forest Park, the tough climb will all be worth it as you’ll be able to soak of the beautiful views of the Mourne Mountains, Dundrum Bay and Newcastle.
When you arrive back in Newcastle, enjoy dinner in the Percy French. While you’re there, be sure to try artisan beer from Mourne Mountains Brewery, produced using fresh water from the Spelga Dam. You’ll definitely have earned it.
Accommodation nearby: Burrendale Hotel, Country Club and Spa
Whiterock and Mahee Island, County Down – 27 miles circular route
Fine views and tasty treats await! Setting out from Comber town centre, (accessible from Belfast via the Comber Greenway if you want to add some more mileage) you can visit Comber Market (first Thursday of every month) selling everything from fadge (another word for potato bread) to fudge. Or, why not enjoy a fresh scone from the Georgian House?
From here, head to Castle Espie Wetland Centre and onto Mahee Island, making sure to stop off at the stunning Nendrum Monastic site. After this, head to Whiterock, enjoying the beautiful views along the way.
Stop in to Daft Eddy’s for a cuppa or some fresh fish. As you head back inland, you can enjoy the green fields as you pass the hamlet of Kilmood.
Finally, a quick detour means you can visit the thatched cottage Old Post Office Tearooms and The Poacher’s Pocket, near Lisbane, before returning to the outward route, and back to Comber.
Ballycastle Loop, County Antrim – 35 miles circular route
This route connects Ballycastle with the Giant’s Causeway, along the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route.
Indulge in something hearty at Ursa Minor, independent Artisan Bakehouse in Ballycastle, where they use traditional techniques to hand-mould loaves or enjoy some North Coast Smokehouse fish at Thyme and Co Café. Beginning at the Marine Hotel travel on the Causeway Coastal Route, passing by Kinbane Castle and continuing on to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Ballintoy.
Beyond this, you’ll cycle past Whitepark Bay, Portbradden and the ruins of Dunseverick Castle until you reach the Giant’s Causeway. Before returning to Ballycastle, you can take a tour of the famous Old Bushmills Distillery and sample some whiskey.
Once you return to Ballycastle, you can enjoy some well-earned fish and chips from Mortons. Ballycastle Food Market also boasts some delicious artisan food. For a true taste of the area, make sure to visit Broughgammon Farm for a cookery and butchery course, and pick yourself up some souvenirs from their farm shop.
Accommodation nearby: Strand Cottage
And that brings us to the end of the road…
Whatever delicacies you’re into, you can be sure to find something to enjoy in Northern Ireland, combined with stunning scenic cycle routes!
Know a place that absolutely has to be on this list? Share your favourite foodie cycle spots with us online using #DiscoverNI
St George’s Market one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and is one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. It has been voted for numerous local and national awards for its fresh, local produce and great atmosphere.
Hilden Brewery is Ireland's Oldest Independent Brewery. We have been running for over 40 years and in the last seven have added a second brew house, a bottling line and a canning line.
Superbly located with a scenic view, in the historic Gasworks district beside the tranquil banks of the river Lagan. The Gasworks Hotel is within walking distance to the heart of Belfast city centre.
Peadar O'Donnell's is famous for its live traditional music nightly, friendly atmosphere, grocer pub decor and flag collection.
The Walled City Brewery craft uniquely local, premium quality, fabulously flavoursome food and beer in their multi-award winning brewhouse, restaurant and new taproom. If you truly want a flavour of the North-West, it is a must-visit!
Browns Bonds Hill stands as a culinary beacon in the North West, celebrated for its innovative menus and numerous accolades. Renowned for its contemporary cuisine and impeccable service, the restaurant exudes an atmosphere of sophistication without pretension. Led by Chef Patron Ian Orr and his team, the menus at Browns Bonds Hill showcase the best of local and seasonal produce, promising diners an unforgettable taste of the region.
One of Derry’s coolest boutique hotels is located on Derry’s famous Shipquay Street. Overlooking the Old City Walls and Derry’s famous Guildhall, Shipquay Boutique Hotel is a luxurious and intimate boutique hotel.
Cosy coffee shop serving fab coffee, delicious breakfasts, lunches and tasty treats.
Family bakery, nestled in Newcastle at the foot of the mountains of Mourne. Started in 1965, run by the Herron family and famous for Wheaten Bread, soda bread, cakes and home pastries, sandwiches and soup. With 2 Coffee Lounges in Newcastle.
Covering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne mountains, Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle. It's open to the public all year.
Castlewellan Forest Park boasts a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27 km of mountain bike trails, nature play perfect for the kids, an on-site multi-activity centre, hedge maze and equestrian centre, making it a must-visit for all ages.
For that more informal style of meal or drink why not visit The Percy French restaurant resting at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, in the grounds of the Slieve Donard. At The Percy French you are greeted with a smile and log burning fires.
The Vine at the Burrendale has a reputation for serving delicious food with the best of local produce in an intimate environment. Cottage Kitchen is a restaurant for all the family, offering a menu suitable for all in a relaxed environment.
There are over 24 regular traders selling artisan food and plants. The range includes breads, cheeses, vegetables, fruit, cakes, tarts, eggs, olives, jams, chutneys, fish, dry cured bacon, sausages, flowers, chocolate, sauces, and oils.
The Award Winning 1790 Georgian building, lovingly restored with antique fireplaces, cornicing wooden floors and many more period details.
Here you'll find the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Northern Ireland, as well as a gallery, café, woodland walks, sensory garden, events and activities, free parking, and a picnic area.
Nendrum is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and also has links to St Patrick in later sources. The monastery consists of 3 round dry stone walled enclosures, one within the other.
Renowned for its fresh food and wonderful hospitality, Daft Eddy's offers fresh seafood and a host of other local produce.
Opened in 2004 The Old Post Office Tea Rooms are situated on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough in the village of Lisbane, County Down, between Comber and Downpatrick. This grade B listed thatched building dates back to the 1840s.
Originally established in the 1800’s as an old coaching inn, The Poacher’s Pocket is situated in the heart of picturesque County Down.
Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.
Ursa Minor aims to stand amongst the best bakers on the island. Using high quality ingredients, sourced locally and only when in season, to create unique bakes that stand out in flavour and appearance.
Ideally located between the Glens of Antrim and the Causeway Coast, the Marine Hotel lies only 2 minutes from the beach and 2 minutes from the ferry terminal to Rathlin Island. The hotel has all conveniences including free WiFi throughout.
Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along the Causeway Coastal Route. The area surrounding it offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort.
Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland, cared for by the National Trust, a registered conservation charity founded to protect beautiful and special places for ever, for everyone.
Ballintoy Harbour can be discovered in the picturesque village of Ballintoy. Known as a ‘raised beach’, it is located alongside the B15 Coast Road, 17 miles north-east of Coleraine and five miles west of Ballycastle.
The spectacular beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast. In this secluded location, even on a busy day there is a refuge for quiet relaxation.
Dunseverick Castle is situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the small village of Dunseverick and the Giant's Causeway.
Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.
In 1608, in Bushmills, a legend was born. In that year, King James I granted a very particular licence to this small village, just a few miles inland from Ireland’s rugged north coast. The licence gave Bushmills the right to distil whiskey. Today, Bushmills is home to the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world.
Morton's offer fresh fish and shellfish caught in local waters. Produce includes lobster, crab, scallops, salmon, cod, haddock, plaice, whiting, sole, prawns and smoked fish. Other species are available upon advanced request.
The Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market is a fantastic showcase of local food, culture, heritage and traditions, a perfect destination for anyone searching for an authentic experience.
Broughgammon is an award winning, forward thinking family farm, artisan butchery, shop and cafe. Practicing Regenerative Farming, specialising in Cabrito (kid-goat meat), Free Range Rose Veal and Seasonal Wild Game and homegrown veg.
Strand Cottage is a modern well furnished 3 bedroomed semi-detached dwelling in a quiet cul-de-sac, beside river and one minute from shops, beach, golf, marina and ferries to Rathlin, Sanda, Islay and 14 miles to Giant's Causeway.
