The best cycling routes around Carrigullian
4.9
(5)
94
riders
28
rides
Touring cycling around Carrigullian offers diverse landscapes within the broader Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Northern Ireland. The region features a unique geological landform with rugged uplands, forests, and low, craggy hills surrounding Slieve Gullion mountain. Glacial activity has shaped the terrain, creating deep valleys, rocky ridges, and boulder-strewn slopes, while the Heron & Carrigullian Loughs Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) provides extensive semi-natural habitats. Nearby Strangford Lough adds panoramic views and varied coastal…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
1
riders
15.5km
00:59
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
24.4km
01:29
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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15.4km
00:58
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
85.4km
05:15
710m
710m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
13
riders
22.4km
01:19
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Carrigullian
Tips from the Community
Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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A very beautiful castle in the forest
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day.
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This tower-house, said to have been built in 1570 by an English soldier, Captain Browne, is badly ruined but is still of considerable interest. Rectangular and fairly small in ground plan, it was entered by a door in the north-west wall which has a draw bar socket and a murder-hole. To the left of the door was a stair to the next floor. There are two ground floor rooms, the larger with a semi-circular vault built on plank centring and the smaller with a pointed vault built on paired wicker mats. The smaller room, once thought to be a secure boat bay, may be just a storeroom (compare nearby Sketrick). There were two storeys above, but the upper parts are ruined. Part of the bawn wall survives to the south-west, cut into the hill.
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Ballydorn, or 'The Dorn' as it is locally known, is a beautiful and popular mooring ground with a short-stay pontoon attached to a permanently moored lightship called The LV Petrel that is now the Down Cruising Club headquarters. The LV Petrel was commissioned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1913, and built by the Dublin Drydocks Company. This Lightship spent most of its previous working life at Blackwater Bank on the River Blackwater, Wexford. It was then sold in 1968 to Hammond Lane foundries in Dublin, before being saved to use as the cruise club HQ. The boat is registered as a national historic ship in the UK.
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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Carrigullian?
There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Carrigullian, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 90 times.
What kind of landscapes will I encounter while touring cycling in Carrigullian?
Carrigullian is situated within the broader Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering diverse landscapes. You'll find rugged uplands, forests, low craggy hills, and the dramatic Slieve Gullion mountain. Glacial activity has shaped deep valleys, rocky ridges, and boulder-strewn slopes. The area also features semi-natural habitats around Heron & Carrigullian Loughs, and panoramic views along Strangford Lough.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail: Whiterock Loop is an easy 9.6-mile (15.4 km) path with gentle gradients, exploring the scenic Whiterock area. Another option is the Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop from Whiterock, a 14.2-mile (22.9 km) easy trail.
What are some of the more challenging touring cycling routes in the area?
For those seeking a greater challenge, the region offers more demanding routes. The Whiterock to Castlewellan loop — Strangford & Lecale is a difficult 53-mile (85.4 km) route with significant elevation changes, providing a substantial touring experience.
What interesting places can I see along the cycling routes?
Many routes offer opportunities to explore historical sites and natural beauty. You can visit the ancient Nendrum Monastery Ruins, the historic Sketrick Castle, or enjoy the scenic Whiterock Harbour. Other highlights include Kilmood Church and various viewpoints offering stunning vistas of Strangford Lough.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. The Strangford Lough Cycle Trail: Whiterock Loop and the Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop from Whiterock are popular circular options.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Carrigullian?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the tranquil lough-side paths, and the unique geological features of the Ring of Gullion, which provide a scenic and engaging touring experience.
Is there public transport access to the cycling routes around Carrigullian?
While specific public transport links directly to every trailhead might be limited, the broader Ring of Gullion area is accessible. National Cycle Network Route 9 connects from Newry to Slieve Gullion, which is part of the wider network that aims to link Belfast to Dublin, offering some public transport connections to the region.
Are there places to eat or get coffee along the routes?
Yes, you can find local amenities such as cafes and pubs in the vicinity of some routes. For instance, the Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop from Whiterock specifically mentions a coffee shop, and the region has local pubs and cultural centers like the Ti Chulainn Cultural and Activity Centre in Mullaghbane.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Carrigullian?
The Ring of Gullion's landscapes are beautiful year-round. However, for touring cycling, spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with vibrant mosaics of purple heather, yellow gorse, and orange bracken. These seasons generally provide milder weather and stunning natural colors, enhancing the cycling experience.
Can I cycle near the Heron & Carrigullian Loughs Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)?
The Heron & Carrigullian Loughs ASSI is a protected area known for its diverse ecosystem and rare plant species. While the wider Ring of Gullion offers extensive cycling routes, direct cycling within the most sensitive parts of the ASSI may be restricted to protect its natural habitats. It's best to stick to designated paths and roads in the surrounding area to enjoy the natural beauty responsibly. For more information on the ASSI, you can refer to the DAERA website.
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