Bike rides to enjoy during your holiday in Northern Ireland
Is there a better feeling that hopping on your bike and setting off on an adventure? The scenic views, the breeze whipping round you and nothing in between you and the fresh air, bike rides are a fun way to get in some fitness and just enjoy being outside.
Northern Ireland is a fantastic place to get out on your bike and there are different trails to suit everyone’s fitness and riding level. If you're staying at one of our
holiday homes, these routes are perfect for a day out.
Here’s our list of bike trails, which can be enjoyed alone or with your COVID-safe bubble.
County Tyrone - Davagh Forest Mountain Bike Trails (Between 3km and 16km)
If your idea of a fantastic bike ride is undulating hills and widespread forests, the Davagh Forest Mountain Bike Trails are well worth a visit. The great thing about these trails, apart from the scenery, is that they have terrain to suit all levels and are all different lengths. You can choose from a 3km green trail, 7.5km blue trail and 16km red trail.
County Fermanagh - Castle Archdale Family Cycling Trail (Just under 10km)
Planning a bike ride for the whole family? This trail is suitable for all ages and abilities. You kick off at Marina in Castle Archdale Country Park where you wind your way through a quiet forest enclosure before finding your way to the shore of Lower Lough Erne. You’ll know you’re halfway through your ride when you spot the Old Castle where you might want to stop for a drink and a snack as you take in the views of Davy’s Island and White Island, home to the famous carved figures.
County Down - Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails (Between 4km and 19km)
Castlewellan Forest Park has green, blue and red trails so is ideal for bikers of all ages and abilities. And these bike trails are a fantastic way to take in some beautiful Northern Ireland sights. You’ll see one of the country’s most famous lakes, an amazing Victorian Castle and lots of different cycling and walking trails, so it’s a great day out.
County Armagh - Gosford Family Cycle Trail (Just under 6.5km)
This bike trail was actually designed by Pete Laing, one of the top trail designers in the UK. You’ll find Gosford Forest Park just next to Markethill and it’s got both forest roads to enjoy and sessions of single track. This trail is ideal for those with basic off-road skills but isn’t too taxing. You’ll start by cycling through an archway at the old gatehouses before heading towards the arboretum. Then you’ll pass by Gosford Castle before finding yourself at the deer park and rare breed enclosures for wildlife spotting!
County Londonderry - Garvagh Forest Trails (Between 1.3km and 4.7km)
This cycling route is ideal for those that want a leisurely bike ride and those who are looking for a bit more adventure. This trail is big on points of interest including the Agivey River, beautiful flora and fauna and yes, an actual pyramid!
Choose from the Green Multi-use Trail (1.3km) which is circular and most ideal for families and less experienced riders. The Blue Trail (2.8km) which is a network of trails, catering for beginners and intermediate mountain bikers. Or the Red Trail (4.7km), which is better for more adventurous and experienced cyclists.
County Antrim - Lagan and Lough Cycle Way (Just over 33km)
Looking for a full day of cycling with the whole family? You’ll get that plus the perks of beautiful scenery, with the Lagan and Lough Cycle Way. This is a long route that connects Lisburn, Belfast and Jordanstown. It’s mostly traffic-free and you’ll ride along the waterside of the Lagan Towpath and Belfast Lough. You begin at Loughshore Park in Jordanstown, then cycle through the beautiful Whiteabbey Village, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Belfast Lough before continuing along North Foreshore Path to Donegal Quay. You’ll pass through several public parks including the National Trust property at Minnowburn and the historic Giant's Ring archaeological site making it one of the most scenic and pleasant bike rides you can do.
