The best road cycling routes around Mount Darby
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riders
12
rides
Road cycling routes around Mount Darby are characterized by varied terrain, offering a mix of gentle and moderately challenging ascents. The region features a network of roads that traverse rural landscapes and provide opportunities for extended rides. Cyclists can expect to encounter rolling hills and open stretches, suitable for different skill levels.
Best road cycling routes around Mount Darby
- The most popular road cycling route is Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones, a 26.3 miles (42.3 km) trail thatβ¦
Last updated: June 29, 2026
2
riders
42.3km
01:45
290m
300m
This easy 26.3-mile road cycling loop from Clones offers scenic countryside views, passing Annies Lough and historic villages.
8
riders
53.8km
02:17
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6
riders
37.8km
01:35
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
50.7km
02:18
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3
riders
40.0km
01:42
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Mount Darby
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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The road passed around the edge of Doon Forest. Mostly a conifer plantation, there is also a lot of deciduous planting around the outside. The quiet road through the trees feel particularly lush in May when the leaves are at their newest and greenest.
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The round tower in Clones was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although it would once have stood at 75 feet (23 m), the top part is now missing. Nonetheless, it is still a prominent feature on Clones' skyline. There would once have been four storeys, including a bell storey. St Tierney's graveyard, which surrounds the tower, is also an interesting place to explore with many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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In this cemetery are some very beautiful Celtic crosses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling around Mount Darby?
Road cycling routes around Mount Darby are characterized by varied terrain, featuring a mix of gentle and moderately challenging ascents. You'll encounter rolling hills and open stretches, providing a diverse experience suitable for different skill levels. The area offers quiet lanes and open countryside, perfect for extended rides.
Are there many road cycling routes available in the Mount Darby area?
Yes, there are over 10 road cycling routes available around Mount Darby. These routes offer a range of distances and elevations, catering to various preferences from easy loops to more moderate challenges.
What are some popular road cycling routes for a steady ride?
For a steady ride with moderate elevation gain, the Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones is a popular choice, covering 26.3 miles (42.3 km). Another local favorite is the Clones Round Tower β Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones, a 23.5-mile (37.8 km) trail through rural areas.
Are there longer road cycling routes for more experienced cyclists?
Absolutely. For a longer distance with varied scenery and a more significant ascent, consider the Lough Narye β Lough Barry loop from Cloghagaddy. This moderate 33.5-mile (53.8 km) path features a total ascent of 1,182 feet (360 m). Another moderate option is the Clones Round Tower β Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Lisnaskea, which is 50.7 km long with 477m of elevation gain.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I see along the road cycling routes?
While cycling around Mount Darby, you can explore various points of interest. Notable landmarks include the historic Clones 'Wee' Abbey and the impressive Clones Round Tower. For scenic views, you might pass by natural features like Carnmore Lough and Lough Corry, offering picturesque lakeside scenery.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly road cycling routes?
Yes, several routes are suitable for beginners or those looking for an easier ride. The Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones and the Clones Round Tower β Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones are both rated as easy. Another accessible option is the Celtic Crosses Cemetery loop from Lisnaskea, which is also an easy route.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Mount Darby?
The region's high-elevation woods and dense pine forests, along with blooming mountain laurels in late June and early July, suggest that late spring through early autumn offers the most pleasant conditions for road cycling. During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant.
Can I find circular road cycling routes around Mount Darby?
Yes, many of the routes in the Mount Darby area are designed as loops, allowing for circular rides. Examples include the Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones and the Lough Narye β Lough Barry loop from Cloghagaddy, providing convenient starting and ending points.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while cycling?
The Mount Darby area is rich in wildlife due to its diverse ecosystems. Cyclists might spot white-tailed deer, and the broader landscape is home to larger animals like black bears, fishers, and bobcats. It's also an excellent area for birdwatching, with various migratory birds present.
Are there any specific natural features worth looking out for?
Beyond the general forest scenery, keep an eye out for the vibrant blooms of mountain laurel during late June and early July, which add beautiful whites and pinks to the trailside. On the northwest side of the property, there's also a significant beaver dam and a 3-acre beaver pond complex, which is an interesting natural feature to observe.
How long do road cycling routes typically take around Mount Darby?
The duration of road cycling routes varies depending on the distance and your pace. For example, the Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones typically takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, while the longer Lough Narye β Lough Barry loop from Cloghagaddy might take around 2 hours 15 minutes or more.
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