The best MTB trails around Damoily

The Gosford Forest Park near Markethill offers an impressive mix of dense forests, open parks and hidden paths on around 240 hectares. As soon as you enter the park, you can feel the special atmosphere, which is enhanced by the mighty Gosford Castle - a building that appears between the trees and is reminiscent of times gone by. The paths are varied and lead you through a wide variety of landscapes. Sometimes you cycle on narrow forest paths lined with tall trees, sometimes you cross open meadows where sheep roam. On sunny days, the light falls through the leaves and bathes everything in a pleasant play of shadow and light. There are both easy family routes and challenging mountain bike routes, so there is something for everyone. The signposting remains a small challenge, however - it is easy to get lost. But discovering new corners also has its charm, and in the end every detour is worth it. There are several benches scattered around the park for breaks, and every now and then you'll come across a food truck offering welcome refreshments.

As soon as you enter the park, an impressive landscape of dense forests, open meadows and sprawling parkland unfolds - all surrounded by the imposing Gosford Castle, which fans of Game of Thrones might recognise. The ride through the park here offers a nice mix of relaxed paths and more exciting mountain bike routes, so there is something for everyone. I explored the family cycle paths and cycled through the mature trees, with the sunlight dancing through the leaves and creating a very special atmosphere. The park is spacious enough to find a quiet spot even on busy days. I particularly liked the view of the sheep grazing in the open meadows - an idyllic sight that makes you feel far away from everyday life. If you want to take a quick break, you can often find food trucks in the car park offering snacks and drinks. The only small negative point is that the paths are not always perfectly signposted, but a bit of adventure is part of it, right?

The dam is easy to cross and from there you have a great view over the lake and the rolling hills that surround it. The peaceful atmosphere is only occasionally interrupted by the gentle rippling of the water. The reservoir provides fresh drinking water to the surrounding area and the trout fishery here is controlled by the Armagh Angling Club - so it's an interesting spot for anglers. Even if you're not here to fish, the scenery is simply relaxing and it's worth stopping for a few minutes and looking around. The roads around the lake are easy to drive on but there might be a few potholes in places - nothing that would stop a real cyclist. Overall a nice stop to enjoy nature and take a quick breather before moving on.

If you need a relaxing break on your tour of the region, Basil Sheils Bar and Restaurant is a perfect place to unwind for a moment. The colorful building, surrounded by green trees and colorful flags, immediately catches the eye. A beer garden invites you to reward yourself with a cold drink and a little refreshment for the next stage. I treated myself to a break here after a long ride and enjoyed the rustic ambience. In the courtyard, also called "The Forge", there is a restaurant with rustic food - ideal if you get a little hungry. The atmosphere is relaxed and the people here are friendly, which makes you feel welcome. In addition, overnight accommodation is offered if you want to treat yourself to a little more relaxation after a long day on the bike. It could be a little tidier in some places, but that also gives the place its charming, slightly chaotic character. A cozy stop to recharge your batteries before hitting the road again.

Gosford Forest Park with XC MTB Trails, hiking gravel paths, a Deer Park, an ancient Castle, Woodlands, Ponds, Streams, Caravan/Camping Park, water taps and catering trucks

A spacious deer enclosure in which an impressive herd of red deer moves freely and majestically. With graceful movements and calm looks, the deer roam the open grassland that spreads out before them. What makes this experience even more impressive, however, is the background against which the scenes take place: a dense backdrop of mighty oak trees that seem to tell stories from times long past, and the dark green tips of the Norway spruces stretching towards the sky. The contrast of the bright grass where the deer graze with the rich, deep color of the forest creates an atmospheric panorama that remains in the memory.

Gosford Forest Park is set around the imposing Gosford Castle which you might recognise from Game of Thrones. Forest, woodlands and open parkland await with plenty of space to explore and enjoy the outdoors. There is a family cycle trail, as well as mountain bike trails and food vans are often available in the car park.

Gosford Forest Park features a deer enclosure home to a beautiful herd of Red Deer. The deer can be seen grazing on an open grassland against a backdrop of stunning oak and Norway spruce plantation.