The best cycling routes around Lurgancullenboy

During your ride through the Seatown district, you cannot miss this imposing stone tower. The Seatown Windmill, built around 1800, was once one of the tallest windmills in Ireland with its eight floors. Although the sails have long since disappeared, the robust hull remains an impressive monument to the city's industrial past.

Saint Patrick and Saint Colman's Cathedral is the architectural jewel of Newry and one of Ireland's most impressive Neo-Gothic structures. Construction began in 1825, and upon its completion in 1829, the cathedral made history as the first Catholic cathedral to open in Ireland following the repeal of the penal laws (Catholic Emancipation). Built from local granite from the nearby Mourne Mountains, this edifice exudes a robust yet elegant power. The cathedral is world-renowned for its fabulous interior: the walls and ceiling are adorned with colourful mosaics, meticulously applied by hand by Italian master craftsmen in the early 20th century. For the cyclist, this is not only a visual highlight along the route but also a place of serene tranquility. Its detailed stained-glass windows and monumental tower make it one of the city's most photographed locations and a worthy endpoint (or starting point) for your tour along the Newry Canal Towpath.

We had an amazing day thanks to Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours. Our bikes were well maintained and service was exceptional. We were advised by proprietor James to take the Cooley Tour through this app as the weather was spectacular and it was such good advice. Also recommended a stop off at Lumpers Bar and added a drink voucher for good measure. I can’t recommend these guys enough. The service and standard of care was truly amazing. Do yourself a favour and drop in here and do some cycling - or buy your own bike!!

gravel paths and a tarmac road up the middle, also has public toilets

The setting is done with great attention to detail, and it almost feels like a quick picnic in the mountains when you sit down at the rustic tables and look into the distance. The patterned cups and saucers give the place a cozy touch and make the whole thing that little bit more special. The view of the surrounding hills and the relaxed atmosphere invite you to take a short break - perfect for resting your legs and just taking a breather. The coffee house is not only friendly to cyclists, but even offers bike rental for the Ring of Gullion. Handy if you need an extra boost for the next stage! The surroundings are green and spacious, a nice mix of Irish idyll and relaxed hospitality. The owners seem to take the attention to detail seriously, which is reflected in the little things like the decorative elements and the cozy atmosphere.

The Craigmore Viaduct is an impressive structure, with its 18 arches spanning the Camlough River Valley, dominating the landscape of south Armagh. As I cycled along the gently curving roads, the viaduct suddenly appeared on the horizon - a massive but elegant sight. The tall stone arches seem to effortlessly support the train traffic that runs between Dublin and Belfast. I stopped for a moment to take a closer look at the structure. It is fascinating to know that this structure has been standing here since 1852, designed by Irish engineer John Benjamin Macneill. The highest arch rises 126 feet, and standing under it you can really appreciate the scale and importance of this structure to the region. The surroundings are just perfect for putting your bike down and taking some time to look at the view. Perhaps a small lookout point with information about the history of the viaduct would be a nice addition, but even without it it is a worthwhile stop along the way. We continue, but the image of the arches remains in our minds.

If you're in the area, Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours is definitely worth a visit. The rental shop here has everything you need for a trip - whether you're just looking to rent a bike for a few hours or plan a longer tour through the scenic Ring of Gullion landscape. It's especially handy that they also offer repairs and spare parts if your own bike needs a little rest. I noticed that the equipment was well looked after and the staff were friendly. They took the time to give me some tips on the best routes in the area. The proximity to the main road and hiking trails is a definite plus, especially if you're travelling with children - as I was. The trailer offer for the little ones is a great option for taking the whole family along. The facility itself isn't exactly a highlight, but it does the job. Perhaps a small covered area for the bikes would be a good addition to be better prepared in inclement weather. Nevertheless, for a spontaneous bike tour or a small repair in between, this rental is just the right thing.

On my way through County Armagh, I came across Moyry Castle, a ruined castle perched on a small hill overlooking the historic Moyry Pass - the so-called 'Gap of the North'. It is fascinating to think of how this strategic route was once crucial in securing control of the region. The castle's massive, weathered walls still speak of the turbulent times of the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Earl of Devonshire, Charles Blount. What struck me most was the atmosphere up here: a mixture of isolation and history. The small rectangular structure with its distinctive curves just has a different feel - not ostentatious or over-the-top, but rather functional and robust. The location offers sweeping views over the rolling hills and the Belfast-Dublin railway line that winds through the landscape. It's quiet up here, with only the gentle sound of the wind and the occasional train passing by in the distance. It's definitely worth a quick stop if you're looking for a place steeped in history that's not too crowded. The site is easily accessible and is well worth a detour from the main route. The surrounding meadows also offer a lovely spot for a little break - perfect for taking in the surroundings.