22
riders
5
rides
Mountain biking around Keady More offers diverse terrain within County Armagh's rural landscape. The area is characterized by rolling drumlins, small farms, and features like the River Clea and Keady Lakes. Mountain bike trails in this region often traverse varied surfaces, from paved paths to unpaved and more challenging segments. The landscape provides a mix of wooded areas, open countryside, and scenic views, making it suitable for different levels of mountain biking experience.
Last updated: October 16, 2026
8
riders
45.2km
03:00
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
63.4km
04:46
920m
920m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
59.7km
03:29
540m
540m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
63.4km
03:36
480m
480m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
38.1km
02:43
760m
760m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Taaffes Castle (2026-08-07): https://taaffescastle.com/ TRIPADVISOR (Taaffes Castle Bar, 2026-08-07): https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g315880-d2223151-Reviews-Taaffes_Castle_Bar-Carlingford_Cooley_Peninsula_County_Louth.html
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Remains of the medieval Dominican priory on the west side of Carlingford, recognisable by its high, narrow windows and the elongated ruin wing in grey stone. The site lies quietly just outside the centre, with views of the hills and the open grass around the old priory walls.
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This charming seaside town overlooks the Mourne Mountains, whose silhouette rises along the coast of Northern Ireland. Carlingford is very lively at weekends thanks to its many pubs and restaurants, which attract visitors from the north, and is famous for its oysters. The village has several historical sights, such as the small King John's Castle, with its romantic silhouette overlooking the sea, and Taaffe's Castle, a former 16th-century merchant's house located a little further from the quay.
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The Tholsel is undoubtedly one of the most unique structures in the heart of Carlingford. This medieval city gate, originally built in the 15th century, is the only remaining gate from the original town wall and served for centuries as the ceremonial and administrative entrance to the town.
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Once you leave the city of Newry behind, you cycle towards tranquility on An Bealach Glas, also known as the Carlingford Lough Greenway. This flat, smoothly asphalted path follows the banks of the canal and offers spectacular views of the river's mudflats along the way, where you can spot numerous wading birds and sometimes even a stray seal. The route is a true sensory experience: the salty sea air blows towards you while the mountains seem to get closer and closer. The absolute endpoint of this section is the historic Victoria Lock, an impressive lock complex from 1850 that marks the transition from the canal to the open waters of Carlingford Lough. It is the perfect place to get some fresh air and enjoy the maritime dynamics before continuing your journey to the coast.
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Here you will be treated to a magnificent view of the cathedral. The imposing tower of Saint Patrick and Saint Colman rises majestically above the city, dominating the skyline with its neo-Gothic architecture. This cathedral, completed in 1829, is unique as it was the first Catholic cathedral built in Ireland after the relaxation of the penal laws. From this point, you can see the beautiful texture of the local granite from the Mourne Mountains, from which the church is built.
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This is a spectacular viewpoint just to the north of Clermont Carn's true summit, which is somewhat less attractive due to its transmission site. The summit is also home to an ancient burial site. Looking north, you can see into Northern Ireland and across towards the Mourne Mountains.
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The mountain bike trails around Keady More offer a range of difficulties. You'll find options from easy, mostly paved routes suitable for a relaxed ride, to moderate and even difficult trails that involve more challenging terrain and significant elevation changes. For example, the Gosford Castle – Gosford Castle loop from Armagh is an easy route, while the Kilbroney Caravan Park – Warrenpoint Shore Road loop from Newry is considered difficult.
Yes, there are family-friendly options available. The Gosford Castle – Gosford Castle loop from Armagh is an easy, 7.2-mile (11.6 km) trail that explores the grounds of Gosford Forest Park, offering a gentle ride through woodlands suitable for families.
The Keady More area is characterized by its rural Irish landscape, featuring rolling drumlins, small farms, and scenic waterways. You'll encounter wooded areas, open countryside, and views of local lakes like Keady Lakes and Tullynawood Lake, as well as the River Clea. The region also borders the Ring of Gullion, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering diverse and picturesque scenery.
Yes, several routes pass by or are near interesting landmarks. For instance, the Gosford Castle – Gosford Castle loop from Armagh takes you through Gosford Forest Park, home to Gosford Castle. You might also encounter sections of the Newry Canal Towpath, and natural features like the Cusher River and Camlough Lake.
The mountain bike trails around Keady More are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from 2 reviews. Riders often appreciate the varied terrain, which includes a mix of wooded areas and open countryside, and the scenic views of the surrounding rural landscape.
Yes, many of the routes around Keady More are designed as loops. Examples include the easy Gosford Castle – Gosford Castle loop from Armagh, and the more challenging Carlingford – The Tholsel, Carlingford loop from Newry, which offers varied terrain and coastal sections.
The region offers enjoyable mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer allows for longer daylight hours. Be mindful that some unpaved sections might be muddier after heavy rain, especially during wetter seasons.
Absolutely. For those seeking a longer and more challenging experience, routes like the Kilbroney Caravan Park – Warrenpoint Shore Road loop from Newry cover 39.4 miles (63.4 km) with significant elevation gain, leading through the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Another option is the Fairy Glen, Rostrevor – Warrenpoint Shore Road loop from Newry, a moderate 37.1-mile (59.7 km) route.
While specific parking details for every trailhead aren't provided, many popular starting points for routes in the wider County Armagh area, such as Gosford Forest Park, typically offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. For routes starting in towns like Newry, public parking options would be available.
Keady itself is a small town with local amenities, including cafes and pubs, where you can refuel after your ride. For routes starting further afield, such as those from Newry or Carlingford, you'll find a wider selection of establishments to choose from.
While Keady More is a rural area, towns like Newry, which serve as starting points for several routes, are accessible by public transport, including train services. From these larger hubs, you might need to cycle or arrange local transport to reach specific trailheads.
Policies regarding dogs can vary by specific trail or park. Generally, dogs are welcome in many outdoor areas in County Armagh, but it's always best to check the specific rules for the trail or park you plan to visit. If dogs are permitted, they should typically be kept on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife.


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