The best road cycling routes around Ballywillin

The vast coastline stretches out endlessly before you, and the panorama with the majestic Mourne Hills in the background creates a scene that is hard to put into words. The gentle waves touching the sand and the silence of the surroundings make you feel the vastness and freedom of this place.

This historic 12th century building is a typical example of an Anglo-Norman motte with a kidney-shaped bailey. The 7.6m high mound, which once housed a wooden tower, was later replaced by a stone tower house, the ruins of which can still be seen today. Access is via Clough's main road; there is a small car park, but it is not always well signposted. Access is usually permitted. The surrounding countryside, with views of the Mourne Mountains, offers a tranquil atmosphere that invites you to linger.

The ancient stone arches are perfectly reflected in the calm water, creating an image of timeless elegance. Cycling along here almost feels like a journey back in time - as if you are capturing a moment in another time.

This historic 10th century tower stands in idyllic countryside and offers a fascinating insight into Ireland's early Christian history. Access is via narrow country lanes; there is a small car park but it is not always well signposted. The tower is on private farmland but access is usually permitted.

In September 2024 opening hours Wed-Sat 10-4

The ruined round tower marks the site of an early church founded by the 6th-century St Domongart (Donard), after whom the highest peak in the Mourne Mountains is named. The tower stood to its full height until the early 18th century, when it fell in a great storm, It is built of local granite boulders and shale. Small scale excavation in 1965 showed evidence of Early Christian activity near the tower. In the oval graveyard east of the parish church is the ruin of the medieval parish church, probably 13th century in date.

Wonderful ornate, twelve arched bridge that seems out of place in this rural setting. The surrounding fields often flood during periods of heavy rain, necessitating a longer bridge than normally appears necessary. Hence the 'Twelve Arches'. The bridge was built sometime after 1836.

The motte and bailey dates to c.1200 and is an excellent example of an Anglo-Norman earthwork castle. The taller mound, the motte, was built of earth to provide a look-out position and the central defence. Excavations at the top of the motte during the 1950s uncovered a wooden palisade which originally extended around the summit. When you climb the motte you realise what an important position the castle is in, over looking the routes east to Downpatrick, south to Dundrum and north to Belfast Lough. The views from the top of the motte west to Slieve Croob are particularly fine.