Cycling & Mountain Biking

To really feel at one with the spirit of Northern Ireland, just get on your bike. Cyclists young and old love coming here. With our forests and parks, your kids have safe trails as far as their little legs will take them. For more experienced mountain bikers, you have one of the most exciting biking destinations in Europe. And if you’re a foodie, take your love of the outdoors and food to exciting heights on some inspiring culinary tours. Grab your helmet and fearless spirit… you’re in for a thrilling ride! 

Five epic mountain bike trails 

With over 140 km of purpose-built trails across Northern Ireland, it’s high time you tackled one of these five epic mountain bike experiences.  

Rock it out at Davagh Forest 

Located well off the beaten track in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains, this pocket rocket of a trail will win your heart – and give it a few jolts. This high-octane singletrack trail also throws in some hair-raising rock features, like the iconic Eagle Rock and Boundary Rock for proficient bikers looking for a red trail rush. Younger or less experienced riders can spin their wheels on Davagh’s green and blue trails.  

Take a shot at #KodakCorner Rostrevor 

At Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails on Carlingford Lough, you’ll find some of the most exhilarating mountain biking in the land. Whether you use Northern Ireland’s only uplift service or rely on pedal power, your rewards are the same stunning coastal views and mind-blowing singletrack descents. If downhill’s your game, both purpose-built trails knock it out of the park. A selfie at #KodakCorner on the 27km red trail is a must. 

Epic Mourne views at Castlewellan 

Picture yourself riding with the incredible Mourne Mountains as your backdrop. That’s what you get at Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails. More easygoing than Rostrevor, Castlewellan has trails for all abilities, so you can bring your entire gang along. Enjoy family-friendly green and blue trails or take on the challenging red trail yourself, packed full of technical features - including two optional black descents.  

The team at Life Adventure Centre pull out all the stops to make sure your mountain biking experience in the Mournes is a memorable one.  From providing top of the range mountain bikes and e-bikes (plus safety gear) to  guided and self-guided experiences, not to mention the stunning scenery and landscapes, this is a must-do for thrill seekers when you're visiting the majestic Mournes and is suitable for both beginners and seasoned mountain bikers.

Catch some air on Ireland’s only official dirt jump park 

Make Barnett Demesne Mountain Bike Trails & Jumps Park the perfect addition to your Belfast city break. You’ll find it in South Belfast and boasts Northern Ireland's only jumps park. This is more suited if you’re a rider aspiring to elite level technical ability…definitely not for the faint-hearted. If you’re not quite yet at that level, take on the family-friendly green and blue trails, or red trail for an adrenalin rush.  

Impressive speed through a stately estate 

You’ll find the unique Blessingbourne Trails in the grounds of this stonking 550-acre country estate in the Clogher Valley. It’s a cracking mix of wide-flowing blue trails and more technical red trails. The snaking singletrack trail has lots of features including jumps, table-tops, berms, rock-gardens and drops - as well as chicken-runs for your kids.  

Five cycle routes for little legs 

There’s nothing quite like a family day out on the bikes. So, pack a picnic and hit the saddle to enjoy these fantastic traffic-free cycle routes perfect for your little ones. 

Davagh Forest Mountain Bike Trails, County Tyrone – 1.5 to 4.5 miles 

Located about 6 miles from Cookstown, bike trails through untouched rolling hills and sweeping forests offer you gentle mountain biking for families. Start off on the gentle green bike trail, then take on the faster blue one once you have a bit more confidence. You also have playpark, picnic benches and pump track…everything for a fun day out. 

Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails, County Down – 2.5 to 5 miles  

You could easily spend a whole day in Castlewellan Forest Park. Your kids will love the freedom of the green bike trail around the lake while the blue trail gives you all a bit more off-road fun. Yours will love perfecting their skills on the pump track, too.  Toilets, café and picnic tables are next to the ‘Animal Wood’ Play area right beside one of the world's largest hedge mazes.  

Lagan & Lough Cycle Way County Antrim: Stranmillis to Shaw’s Bridge – 3 miles (one way)  

This part of the Lagan Towpath is a great route for your kids. Start at Stranmillis (you’ll find car parking at Cutters Bar Restaurant) then follow the flat path along the Lagan towards Shaw’s Bridge. Stop for a nature break at the Lock Keeper’s Inn where you can snack or picnic outside. Pass through Clement Wilson Park which has plenty of space for running around. At Shaw’s Bridge a playpark awaits and often an ice-cream van too.  

Castle Ward Shore Trail, County Down – 1.2 miles (one way) 

You’ll love this place for family days out as there’s loads to do inside its walled demesne. The shore trail is one of four, with a flat path that’s perfect for your kids to cycle beside spectacular Strangford Lough. Relax afterwards in the Stableyard Tearoom while your kids enjoy the mini tractors and animal dress-up in the farmyard barn.   

Castle Archdale Family Cycling Trail, County Fermanagh – 6 miles 

This is a great introduction for all ages and abilities. Start from the marina in Castle Archdale Country Park, then follow the arrows through the secluded forest. The Old Castle is roughly halfway and a unique spot to grab yourself a quick breather. The return leg hugs the shore of Lower Lough Erne where you get panoramic views across to Davy’s Island and White Island. There’s a café and playpark in the courtyard. In summer you can take boat trips to White Island to see the world-famous carved figures.   

Five tasty cycle routes for foodies 

With amazing scenery combined with delicious food, these cycle trails will take you on a culinary tour of some of the best local produce in Northern Ireland. Paniers at the ready… 

Towpath from Belfast to Lisburn, County Antrim - 11 miles linear route 

The Lagan and Lough Cycle Way is a mostly flat, off-road route along which you are guaranteed to be in foodie heaven. Start from the city centre on a Belfast bike outside St George’s Market where you’ll be guided by the aromas of fresh produce on weekend mornings. A traditional Belfast Bap is a must - or try something more exotic from the many fresh fruit & veg, fish, cheese, bread and pastries stalls. Cycle about 2.5 miles upriver for your barista fix at 5A café on Lockview Road in Stranmillis. Or continue through Lagan Meadows for a brew at the Lock Keeper’s Inn near Shaw’s Bridge. From here, it’s about 6 miles of picturesque cycling along the Lagan to the end of the towpath at Hilden Brewery and Tap Room Restaurant where a refreshing craft beer or a delicious meal awaits. 

Whiterock and Mahee Island, County Down – 27 miles circular route 

This trail on Whiterock and Mahee Island is a 27-mile route on public roads with climbs along the western edge of Strangford Lough and Drumlin country. You will be rewarded with some of the finest views and tasty treats along the way. Set out from Comber town centre (from Belfast via the Comber Greenway if you want to add more mileage) and visit Comber Market for everything from fudge to fadge (another name for potato bread) - or enjoy a freshly-baked scone from the Georgian House. From here follow signs to Castle Espie Wetland Centre and onto Mahee Island, stopping off at the beautiful Nendrum Monastic site. The coastal views from here into Whiterock are simply stunning. Cycle back around Whiterock to Daft Eddy's for a cuppa al fresco or some freshly caught fish. Then head inland through the hamlet of Kilmood to the Old Post Office Tearooms or The Poacher’s Pocket in nearby Lisbane where a quick detour is a must. Then, head back to Comber. 

Newcastle & Lough Island Reavy, County Down – 25 miles circular route 

You’ll have to be fit for this one as the Newcastle & Lough Island Reavy route has some strenuous climbs. But it will be worth it when you see the spectacular Mourne scenery. Start in the seaside town of Newcastle, fuel up in Café Creme and pocket some Abernethy Butter Fudge to help you up the hills. The nearby Cookie Jar also serves delicious wheaten bread. Once on the road, you’ll pass Tollymore Forest Park before cycling the Trassey Road in the high Mournes with views of Slieve Croob and Lough Island Reavy Reservoir. Head past Castlewellan Forest Park and pump those legs uphill where spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains, Dundrum Bay and Newcastle await. Back in Newcastle, spruce up for dinner in Vanilla or Percy French. While here, try a Mourne Mountains Brewery artisan beer produced using fresh water from the Spelga Dam in the heart of the mountains. You’ll have earned it. 

Ballycastle Loop, County Antrim – 35 miles circular route 

This links the coastal town of Ballycastle to the Giant's Causeway using the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, returning via Bushmills and the country roads of North Antrim. Carb load at Ursa Minor artisan bakehouse in Ballycastle, or try some North Coast smokehouse fish at Thyme and Co Café. Start opposite the Marine Hotel, travel west along the Coastal Route through Kinbane Castle and continue to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Ballintoy. Leave here and pass the sweeping sands of Whitepark Bay, quaint hamlet of Portbradden and Dunseverick Castle ruins until you reach Giant's Causeway before returning to Ballycastle via Bushmills - and a tour of the famous whiskey distillery. Back at Ballycastle, take a well-earned harbour seat for some of the best fish and chips in the area from Mortons. Or shop for local artisan food at the Ballycastle Food Market when it’s on. For a real taste of the area, visit Broughgammon Farm for something tasty from their farm shop. 

Faughan Valley Cycle Way, County Londonderry – 22 miles 

Experience the best of both worlds – the bustling cultural city of Derry-Londonderry and its stunning rural surroundings on the Faughan Valley Cycle Way. Start from the city and follow the traffic-free National Cycle Network along the River Foyle where you will pass the Third Bridge sculpture. Continue on quiet country roads past Shoal Observation Point before returning to the city. Once back, enjoy a pint in Paedar ODonnells Bar - famous for its live traditional music. Or try a refreshing craft beer from the unique     

Walled City Brewery brewhouse in Ebrington Square whose restaurant serves scrummy beer-braised pulled pork and Irish potato boxty. For fine dining, head to Browns Bonds Hill on the banks of the Foyle, renowned for their dedication to fresh seasonal produce and support of local suppliers. Your best bet is to sample the six-course tasting menu. 

That’s everyone tuckered out, fed and watered…. 

This land of stunning scenery, spirit-lifting pursuits and gastronomic delights is only a bike ride away. C’mon, pump those legs and get here!