The best road cycling routes around Drumard
5.0
(2)
279
riders
67
rides
Road cycling around Drumard offers diverse terrain with varying elevation, suitable for different fitness levels. The region features mostly well-paved surfaces, providing enjoyable rides through its landscape. Cyclists can expect to encounter rolling hills and agricultural lands, contributing to the scenic value of the routes. The area's topography includes both flatter sections and more challenging climbs.
Best road cycling routes around Drumard
- The most popular road cycling route is Garvagh Pyramid – Garvagh Forest Trails loop from Knockloughrim, a…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
8
riders
80.2km
03:26
610m
610m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
7
riders
85.0km
03:35
560m
560m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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7
riders
31.9km
01:21
220m
220m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
35.2km
01:29
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
80.4km
03:26
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Drumard
Tips from the Community
On the banks of Lough Neagh, near the village of Brockagh, you will find the impressive ruin of Mountjoy Castle. This castle was built between 1602 and 1605 by Lord Mountjoy and served at the time as a crucial military stronghold during the turbulent years of the Nine Years' War. Unique is the special combination of building materials: the lower floor is constructed from rough natural stone, while the upper floor consists of locally fired red brick. Although the castle has been a ruin since 1648, the central block and the characteristic arrow-shaped corner towers are still clearly recognizable in the landscape.
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In the shadow of Northern Ireland's vast skies, the mysterious Mountjoy Castle rises on a hill above Lough Neagh. This ruined castle, whose Irish name "Caisleán Mhuinseo" whispers into the wind, stands like a proud sentinel in the village of Mountjoy, County Tyrone. The castle was built in 1602 by order of Charles Blount, 1st Earl of Devonshire and 8th Baron Mountjoy. But times have not always been kind to this building: as early as 1643, a devastating fire left scars on the walls of the castle. What remained is a two-story brick building with the ground floor clad in stone. The architecture speaks of a time of defense and vigilance - a central rectangular block protected by four spear-shaped towers, crisscrossed by embrasures. The north-western tower testifies to the fragility of time - partially collapsed, while the western curtain wall has lost its presence. The entrance, once on the south side of the eastern curtain wall, seems to whisper stories of days gone by, while wide windows on the upper floor capture the eyes of visitors. Unfortunately, an extension at the back keeps some of the castle's secrets hidden, and the interior area is closed to visitors' eyes. But even in its ruined state, Mountjoy Castle embodies the soul and history of Northern Ireland. Not only is it a State Care Historic Monument in the townland of Magheralamfield in the Mid Ulster District, but it is also a silent testament to time, inviting every walker to pause for a moment and listen to the whispers of history.
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Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. St Lurach founded an important church here in the 6th century. It was plundered by Vikings in 832 and burned in 1135. Following the 12th-century ecclesiastical reforms this was the seat of a bishop from the mid 12th to the mid 13th century, then served as parish church until the new church across the road was built in the early 19th century. This long history is reflected in the much patched and altered fabric, and the big uneven graveyard.
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It's quite an unusual experience stumbling into a pyramid in the middle of an Irish forest! This pyramid was built in the 19th century as a burial chamber for Lord Garvagh and is a lovelly feature to the forest today.
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If there's a good bench out in the wild then it's always a good idea to take a rest. You never know when you'll fund another bench.
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Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in all of the Ireland and the UK. Watch out for the famous eels if you go for a swm ;)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Drumard?
There are over 70 road cycling routes around Drumard, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You can find routes ranging from easy, leisurely rides to more challenging excursions with significant elevation gains.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Drumard?
Road cycling around Drumard features diverse terrain, characterized by rolling hills and agricultural lands. The routes generally have well-paved surfaces, making them enjoyable for most riders. You'll encounter both flatter sections and more challenging climbs, providing varied scenery and a good workout.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or less experienced road cyclists?
Yes, Drumard offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. For example, the St Lurach's Church Ruins loop from Maghera is an easy 31.9 km path with moderate elevation changes, ideal for a leisurely exploration of the local countryside. Another easy option is the Moyola River loop from Moyola, which is just over 16 km.
What are some challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Experienced road cyclists will find several challenging routes around Drumard. The Garvagh Pyramid – Garvagh Forest Trails loop from Knockloughrim is a moderate 85 km trail with over 560 meters of elevation gain, requiring good fitness. Another demanding option is the Lough Neagh – Mountjoy Castle loop from Knockloughrim, which covers over 80 km and includes more than 580 meters of climbing.
What interesting places or towns can I explore while road cycling near Drumard?
While road cycling near Drumard, you can explore various towns and points of interest. Routes often pass through or near places like Armagh, Emyvale, Aughnaloy, Kingstown, Pomeroy, and Omagh. You might also encounter historical sites such as Parkanaur House and Clogher Workhouse, or natural features like Lough Neagh, adding cultural and scenic value to your rides.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes around Drumard?
The road cycling routes around Drumard are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. Over 200 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the well-paved surfaces and diverse landscapes that offer both scenic beauty and a good workout.
Are there any circular road cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Drumard are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Garvagh Pyramid – Garvagh Forest Trails loop from Knockloughrim and the Bench Under a Large Tree loop from Knockloughrim. These circular routes provide a convenient way to explore the region without needing to retrace your path.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Drumard?
While specific seasonal recommendations are not detailed, the region's diverse terrain and well-paved routes suggest that spring, summer, and early autumn would generally be the most pleasant times for road cycling in Drumard. During these seasons, you can expect more favorable weather conditions for enjoying the rolling hills and agricultural landscapes.
Are there any routes that pass by significant natural features?
Yes, some routes offer views of significant natural features. For instance, the Lough Neagh – Mountjoy Castle loop from Knockloughrim provides an opportunity to cycle near Lough Neagh, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the British Isles. The Moyola River loop from Moyola also offers scenic views along the river.
Can I find routes that are shorter in distance for a quick ride?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a shorter ride, the Moyola River loop from Moyola is an easy 16.2 km route. Another good option for a quick spin is the Bench Under a Large Tree loop from Knockloughrim, which is 35.2 km and can typically be completed in under 1.5 hours.
What is the average difficulty level of road cycling routes in Drumard?
The majority of road cycling routes in Drumard are classified as moderate, with 43 out of 71 routes falling into this category. This indicates that most rides offer a good balance of challenge and accessibility, suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness. There are also 19 easy and 9 difficult routes to choose from.
Most popular routes around Drumard
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