Destination Ireland - Summer 2021 - Destination Focus
To really feel at one with the spirit of Northern Ireland , just get on your bike . Cyclists young and old love coming here . With our forests and parks , your kids have safe trails as far as their little legs will take them .
For more experienced mountain bikers , you have one of the most exciting biking destinations in Europe . And if you ’ re a foodie , take your love of the outdoors and food to exciting heights on some inspiring culinary tours . Grab your helmet and fearless spirit … you ’ re in for a thrilling ride !
Tours & Experiences
Belfast City Bike Tours Belfast City Bike Tours offers a selection of six fun , friendly bike tours as well as an extensive range of bikes for hire . The most popular , the City Bike Tour explores the historic Cathedral , Titanic and University Quarters , stopping at St . George ’ s Market and taking you to over 40 places of interest - many of which are only reachable by bike (£ 30pp – 3 hours ). Other tours include along the Lagan Towpath to the Hilden Brewery where you will receive a tutored craft beer sampling and twocourse lunch (£ 50pp- 4 hours ). Or why not hire a bike and create your own adventure from just £ 10 . http :// www . belfastcitybiketours . com /
Far & Wild Foodie Cycle Tour This tour of Derry-Londonderry takes in great culinary experiences in a 2 hour cycle ride , focusing on quality local produce and some gentle exercise in between servings . Places like The Walled City Brewery , Pykes N ’ Pommes and The Legenderry Warehouse No 1 offer samples of their freshest and locally sourced fare while taking in an historic view of St Columb ’ s Park , Ebrington , the Peace Bridge and inner city ( from £ 40pp ). Or why not try the alternative ‘ Blades in the City ’ on in-line skates or ‘ Cycle Sperrins ’? https :// farandwild . org / bike /
Mournes Trails & Ales Tour This is a half day , fully guided cycle tour on an electric bike that explores the very best of the Mourne Mountain region , its breath-taking scenery and delicious local ales . Starting off in the sublime Castlewellan Forest Park , your guide will entertain you with tales of the area ’ s rich heritage and the many myths and legends inspired by the unique landscape . You ’ ll hear the stories behind the range of local handcrafted ales and , of course get the chance to sample one or two . Cost £ 67 ( minimum numbers apply ) https :// www . bikemourne . com /
Corralea Electric Bike Hire and E BikeTours Corralea Activity Centre is a family run Activity and Holiday Centre in the Fermanagh Lakelands offering Electric Bike Hire and bespoke E-Bike Tours . Power assisted to give you a helping hand to get up and over hills and make any trip more enjoyable while you explore the untapped wilderness , discover megalithic tombs hidden in the forest and enjoy the sweeping views over the lake and its islands . From £ 25pp for 3 hour hire , https :// www . corralea . com / ebike-hire
Cycle routes for little legs
There ’ s nothing quite like a family day out on the bikes . So , pack a picnic and hit the saddle to enjoy these fantastic traffic-free cycle .
Castle Ward Shore Trail , County Down – 1.2 miles ( one way ) You ’ ll love this place for family days out as there ’ s loads to do inside its walled demesne . The shore trail is one of four , with a flat path beside Strangford Lough . Relax afterwards in the Stableyard Tearoom while your kids enjoy the mini tractors and animal dress-up in the farmyard barn .
Castle Archdale Family Cycling Trail , County Fermanagh – 6 miles Start from the marina in Castle Archdale Country Park through the secluded forest and by The Old Castle . The return leg hugs the shore of Lower Lough Erne where you get panoramic views across to Davy ’ s Island and the many islands of Lough Erne . There ’ s a café , playpark and activity centre all on site .
Gosford Family Cycle Trail , County Armagh - 4 miles Gosford Forest Park is located directly off the main Armagh to Newry route . Combining forest roads with sections of single track , the trail was designed by Pete Laing , one of the top trail designers in the UK . The trail directs you through an archway at the old gatehouses before heading towards the arboretum and Gosford Castle while the deer park and rare breed enclosures add some interest to your cycle .
Epic mountain bike trails
With over 140 km of purpose-built trails across Northern Ireland , it ’ s high time you tackled one of these five epic mountain bike experiences .
Rock it out at Davagh Forest Located well off the beaten track in the heart of Co . Tyrone , this pocket rocket of a trail will win your heart – and give it a few jolts . This high-octane singletrack trail also throws in some hair-raising rock features , like the iconic Eagle Rock and Boundary Rock for proficient bikers looking for a red trail rush . Younger or less experienced riders can spin their wheels on Davagh ’ s green and blue trails .
Take a shot at # KodakCorner Rostrevor At Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails on Carlingford Lough , you ’ ll find some of the most exhilarating mountain biking in the land . Whether you use Northern Ireland ’ s only uplift service or rely on pedal power , your rewards are the same stunning coastal views and mind-blowing singletrack descents . If downhill ’ s your game , both purpose-built trails knock it out of the park . A selfie at # KodakCorner on the 27km red trail is a must .
Epic Mourne views at Castlewellan At Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails you have the incredible Mourne Mountains as your backdrop . More easygoing than Rostrevor , Castlewellan has trails for all abilities , so you can bring your entire gang along . Enjoy family-friendly green and blue trails or take on the challenging red trail , packed full of technical features - including two optional black descents .
Impressive speed through a stately estate The Blessingbourne Trails in the grounds of a 550-acre country estate in the Clogher Valley in Co . Tyrone is a cracking mix of wide-flowing blue trails and more technical red trails . The snaking singletrack trail has lots of features including jumps , table-tops , berms , rock-gardens and drops - as well as chicken-runs for your kids .
www . discovernorthernireland . com