The best road cycling routes around Drumagullion

There are over 100 road cycling routes around Drumagullion listed on komoot, offering a wide variety of options for cyclists. These routes range from moderate to challenging, with a few easier options available.

Routes in the Drumagullion area vary significantly. You can find leisurely rides under two hours with up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain, moderate rides up to five hours with around 3,000 feet of elevation, and challenging routes exceeding five hours with over 3,000 feet of climbing. For example, the Armagh, Emyvale and Aughnaloy loop from Coalisland is 57.5 miles (92.6 km) with over 1,895 feet (577 meters) of elevation gain.

While many routes in the Ring of Gullion feature significant elevation, the region does offer some more accessible options. The Carlingford Lough Greenway provides a 20km traffic-free path between Newry City and Carlingford, which is ideal for families and offers stunning views. Within the Ring of Gullion itself, look for routes described as 'leisurely' or with minimal elevation gain, though specific family-friendly road cycling routes are less common than general cycling paths.

Road cycling around Drumagullion offers breathtaking scenery. You'll encounter volcanic landscapes, serene lakes like Camlough Lake and Glassdrummond Lake, and dense woodlands. Slieve Gullion, an extinct volcano, provides panoramic views across the Ring of Gullion, the Mourne Mountains, and the Cooley Peninsula. Many routes offer picturesque backdrops for your ride.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You might cycle past impressive structures like the Craigmore Viaduct, Killevy Churches Ruins, Roche Castle, or Moyry Castle. Ancient monuments such as the Passage Tomb on Slieve Gullion summit and the mysterious 'Druids Circle' also add to the cultural experience. The Mullach Ban Folk Museum and Hearty's Folk Cottage offer insights into local heritage.

The Ring of Gullion is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling, with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can also be excellent, though it may be busier. Always check local weather patterns before heading out, as conditions can change.

Specific parking information for individual trailheads can vary. However, popular starting points for routes, especially those near towns or attractions like Slieve Gullion Forest Park, often have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the details for your chosen route on komoot or local tourism websites for precise parking locations.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Drumagullion are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Kingstown and Pomeroy loop from Coalisland is a moderate 34.5-mile (55.6 km) circular path, offering varied scenery through the countryside.

Accessing specific road cycling trailheads directly by public transport can be challenging in rural areas like the Ring of Gullion. However, the National Cycle Network Route 9 provides direct access to Slieve Gullion from Newry, which is a larger town with more public transport links. From Newry, you can connect to the wider cycling network.

While some routes pass through or near villages and towns where cafes, pubs, and accommodation can be found, many segments of road cycling in the Ring of Gullion are rural. It's recommended to plan your route and carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer rides. Slieve Gullion Forest Park, a major attraction, does offer amenities.

The difficulty varies significantly. The region offers a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging routes. The majority of routes on komoot are rated as 'moderate', indicating they require a good level of fitness and may include significant elevation gains. There are also 'difficult' routes for very fit cyclists, and a smaller number of 'easy' routes suitable for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed ride.

Generally, no specific permits are required for road cycling on public roads within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, if you plan to cycle within specific private estates or organized events, it's always best to check with the event organizers or landowners. For general road cycling, you can enjoy the network of country roads freely.

For those seeking longer rides, routes like the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh – Omagh Town Centre loop from Dungannon cover approximately 56.0 miles (90.1 km). Another option is the Parkanaur House – Clogher Workhouse loop from Coalisland, which is around 91.8 km (57 miles) and features over 740 meters of elevation gain.