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Touring cycling routes around Cullyhanna Little are situated within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The region features a landscape of rolling hills, tranquil loughs, and drumlins, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Quiet country roads wind through pastoral countryside, connecting small settlements and offering a relaxed cycling experience. This unique geological formation offers both challenging ascents and leisurely rides.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
2
riders
20.9km
01:02
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
41.6km
02:54
600m
600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
riders
65.9km
03:56
470m
470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
78.4km
04:50
750m
750m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Cullyhanna Little
During your ride through the Seatown district, you cannot miss this imposing stone tower. The Seatown Windmill, built around 1800, was once one of the tallest windmills in Ireland with its eight floors. Although the sails have long since disappeared, the robust hull remains an impressive monument to the city's industrial past.
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gravel paths and a tarmac road up the middle, also has public toilets
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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.
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Here, a bull sits, seemingly rising from the ground, sleeping contentedly. The stone is said to be connected to the legend of St. Patrick, who was once teased by his pet bull while building his church. Whether or not this was true, the story lends an air of mysticism to the place. The surroundings are quiet, and there is a small bench where you can rest while you reflect on the legends and myths that surround this place. The art installation is not necessarily a major highlight, but it adds an interesting touch to the landscape and gives your tour a small, unexpected detail. The road here is easy to ride, with only a few small inclines, so if you have time for a quick stop, this is a nice place to take a break and prepare for the next leg.
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The Tassagh Viaduct rises above the Callan River Valley with its massive arches - a silent witness to bygone railway times. The line, which was originally part of the Castleblayney, Keady and Armagh Railway, opened in 1910 and once carried trains across the valley. Today the tracks have disappeared, but the impressive structure remains and blends beautifully into the green landscape. As I drove under the arches, I felt like I was experiencing a piece of history up close. Looking up at the imposing stone arches makes you pause for a moment and marvel. The old Beetling Mill is also nearby, a reminder of the region's industrial past. If you have a bit of time, a little detour there is worth it. The roads in the area are mostly in good condition, but there are also a few bumpy spots - nothing that will bother an experienced cyclist. Overall, a worthwhile stop that will appeal to more than just railway enthusiasts.
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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.
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The Craigmore Viaduct is an impressive structure, with its 18 arches spanning the Camlough River Valley, dominating the landscape of south Armagh. As I cycled along the gently curving roads, the viaduct suddenly appeared on the horizon - a massive but elegant sight. The tall stone arches seem to effortlessly support the train traffic that runs between Dublin and Belfast. I stopped for a moment to take a closer look at the structure. It is fascinating to know that this structure has been standing here since 1852, designed by Irish engineer John Benjamin Macneill. The highest arch rises 126 feet, and standing under it you can really appreciate the scale and importance of this structure to the region. The surroundings are just perfect for putting your bike down and taking some time to look at the view. Perhaps a small lookout point with information about the history of the viaduct would be a nice addition, but even without it it is a worthwhile stop along the way. We continue, but the image of the arches remains in our minds.
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Derrymore House has been built in the 18th century by MP Isaac Corry. It has been built in the style of a cottage and less of a manor and therefore nicely fits into the green and lush countryside. Today the building is owned by National Trust. The park around Derrymore House is open to public all year round, while the so called Treaty or Drawing room in the house itself only opens at certain times. More info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/derrymore-house
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The touring cycling routes around Cullyhanna Little are set within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering a diverse landscape. You'll encounter rolling hills, tranquil loughs, and drumlins, providing varied terrain. While predominantly paved, some segments may include unpaved sections. The area features quiet country roads winding through pastoral countryside, with options ranging from leisurely rides to more demanding ascents, especially around Slieve Gullion.
Yes, there is at least one easy touring cycling route available. For instance, the Castleblayney and Lough Muckno loop is an easy 13.0-mile (20.9 km) trail that offers pleasant views of Lough Muckno, making it a good option for those new to touring cycling or looking for a relaxed ride.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can find stunning viewpoints like Glendesha Road Country Lanes and Rolling Hills. The central peak, Slieve Gullion Summit, offers panoramic views across South Armagh and Carlingford Lough. You might also encounter serene loughs such as Calliagh Beara Lough, and the routes often pass through tranquil forest parks and past ancient geological formations.
Yes, the area is dotted with historical and cultural points of interest. Cycling routes often pass by ancient sites like the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, and the Ballykeel Dolmen. The region's connection to the Ti Chulainn Cultural and Activity Centre also enriches the touring experience with opportunities for cultural immersion.
Yes, the presence of 'Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours' in the vicinity indicates that bike rentals, including electric bikes, are available. They also offer expert advice on local routes and provide hard copy maps, which can be very helpful for planning your touring cycling adventure.
Cullyhanna Little is integrated into a wider cycling network. Direct access to Slieve Gullion, a prominent feature of the area, is available via National Cycle Network Route 9 from Newry. This route is part of a larger planned connection between Belfast and Dublin, making it accessible for long-distance touring cyclists arriving by public transport to Newry.
Yes, all the touring cycling routes highlighted in this guide are circular loops. For example, the challenging Seagahan Reservoir loop from Newtownhamilton and the longer Craigmore Viaduct – Newry Train Station loop from Silverbridge are both designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
While touring cycling is enjoyable throughout the year, the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather conditions with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. This allows for a more comfortable experience exploring the rolling hills and scenic loughs of the Ring of Gullion AONB.
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Seagahan Reservoir – View of Lough Muckno loop from Armagh offer a significant distance of 48.7 miles (78.4 km) and substantial elevation gain, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience through varied landscapes.
The unique geological formation of the Ring of Gullion AONB, where Cullyhanna Little is located, provides a dynamic and engaging cycling experience. You'll find a mix of challenging ascents and leisurely rides amidst picturesque scenery, quiet country roads, and a rich tapestry of natural features like loughs and woodlands. The area's recognition, even hosting parts of the Giro d'Italia, highlights its suitability as a premier cycling destination.


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