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Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Newtownabbey

Ballyhowne

The best road cycling routes around Ballyhowne

4.8

(31)

2,273

riders

202

rides

Road cycling routes around Ballyhowne traverse a landscape characterized by coastal stretches, rolling hills, and scenic countryside. The region features varied elevation changes, with routes often including significant climbs and descents. Road cyclists can expect to encounter a mix of open roads and more sheltered sections, offering diverse riding experiences. The terrain provides opportunities for both endurance rides and shorter, more accessible loops.

Best road cycling routes around Ballyhowne

  • The most popular road cycling route is Carmoney Hill – The…

Last updated: May 29, 2026

4.5

(4)

54

riders

#1.

Carrickfergus Castle – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Mossley West

82.6km

03:31

570m

570m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

Bumble-Bee
March 25, 2026, The Dirty Onion (Belfast's Oldest Building)

The restaurant is less interesting, but a visit to the pub is a must when in Belfast.

1

0

Puffin
November 17, 2025, Carrickfergus Castle

Impressive, massive fortress in an ideal waterfront location.

Translated by Google

4

0

Avoid this road unless you have a light racing bike and are called Tadej Pogacar. Gradient gets up to 17%. Great view though!

0

0

An old-fashioned marina in a fishing village. An idyllic place to stop during the long walk on this stretch of the CCR.

Translated by Google

2

0

The Dirty Onion is divided into a pub with a beer garden on the ground floor and a restaurant specializing in chicken on the first floor.

Translated by Google

3

0

The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building. Dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded liquor warehouse from 1921. It was known then as 'STACK N' - a nod to its location on the north side of Waring Street - and still bears a giant red-painted 'N' on its brick facade. The distinctive external timber structure is another original feature which, after careful restoration, frames the pub's beer garden at the front of the complex, with a new contemporary courtyard extending to Hill Street. Inside, low ceilings supported by exposed timber beams and original brick walls throughout are a nod to the past. In addition, the building's heritage is further highlighted by a sensitive partnership with Jameson Irish Whiskey - a tribute to the tens of thousands of Jameson barrels and cases that passed through the building, which was operated by Edward Dillon Bonders (now a subsidiary of Irish Distillers and Dillon Bass) until 1991. Live Music The Dirty Onion is a modern take on a traditional Irish pub. The novel partnership with multi-award-winning cultural centre An Droichead ensures a varied music programme seven nights a week. From open workshops in singing and various traditional instruments to sessions with traditional musicians of the highest quality, there is something for participants and spectators every night at The Dirty Onion.(Source:https://visitbelfast.com/partners/dirty-onion-yardbird/)

Translated by Google

4

0

Carrickfergus Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Belfast Lough. Built in the 12th century, it stands as a historic icon, showcasing impressive architecture and giving you a glimpse into Ireland's past.

2

0

For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Irish landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. Nestled on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Unlike many other castles of this era, Carrickfergus Castle sits in excellent condition. In fact, despite being besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, and playing an important military role until 1928, it's one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland, and the only preserved castle of its age open to the public.

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available in Ballyhowne?

Ballyhowne offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 200 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult.

Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Ballyhowne?

Yes, Ballyhowne has 37 easy road cycling routes, perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes typically feature less challenging terrain and shorter distances.

What are some challenging road cycling routes in Ballyhowne for experienced riders?

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Ballyhowne offers 17 difficult routes. An example is the Waterfoot Beach – View of Torr Head loop from Mossley West, which covers over 160 km with significant elevation gain, offering demanding climbs and descents.

What is the typical length and duration of road cycling routes in Ballyhowne?

Routes in Ballyhowne vary significantly. Moderate routes like the Locked Gate and Kissing Gate – Carmoney Hill loop from Mossley West are around 50 km and take about 2.5 hours. Longer, more challenging routes can extend over 160 km and require 7-8 hours to complete.

Are there road cycling routes in Ballyhowne that include scenic viewpoints or coastal views?

Many routes in Ballyhowne offer stunning scenery, including coastal paths and elevated viewpoints. The Browns Bay Beach – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Mossley West provides beautiful coastal views along Browns Bay Beach. You can also find natural monuments like Cave Hill and Napoleon's Nose nearby, which offer panoramic vistas.

Are there any road cycling routes in Ballyhowne with cafe or ice cream stops?

Yes, several popular routes incorporate stops at local establishments. Both the Carmoney Hill – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Mossley West and the Browns Bay Beach – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Mossley West include a potential stop at The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour, perfect for a mid-ride treat.

What are the best starting points for road cycling in Ballyhowne?

Many popular road cycling routes in the Ballyhowne area, including some of the most highly-rated, frequently start from Mossley West. This location serves as a convenient hub for exploring the diverse terrain.

What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Ballyhowne?

Road cycling around Ballyhowne is characterized by a mix of coastal stretches, rolling hills, and scenic countryside. You'll encounter varied elevation changes, from significant climbs over hills like Carmoney Hill to more sheltered sections, offering a diverse riding experience.

What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Ballyhowne?

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Ballyhowne, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, including coastal paths and challenging hills, and the scenic beauty of the Antrim Coast.

What is the best time of year for road cycling in Ballyhowne?

The best time for road cycling in Ballyhowne is generally from late spring through early autumn (May to September) when the weather is milder and more predictable. This period offers better conditions for enjoying the coastal views and hilly terrain.

Are there any notable landmarks or attractions near the road cycling routes in Ballyhowne?

Yes, the region around Ballyhowne is rich in attractions. Cyclists can explore historical sites like Titanic Belfast or admire man-made monuments such as the Albert Memorial Clock. Natural features like Cave Hill also offer great views.

Are the road cycling routes in Ballyhowne typically loops or point-to-point?

Most of the road cycling routes in Ballyhowne, including popular options like the Carmoney Hill – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop and the Locked Gate and Kissing Gate – Carmoney Hill loop, are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Most popular routes around Ballyhowne

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