The best road cycling routes around Gorteen
5.0
(1)
39
riders
6
rides
Road cycling around Gorteen, County Sligo, offers diverse landscapes ranging from dramatic mountain scenery to tranquil loughs and coastal views. The region is characterized by its varied terrain, including the presence of Benbulben Mountain and the Dartry Mountains, providing routes with considerable elevation gain. Cyclists can also find routes near Lough Gill and the Wild Atlantic Way, offering a mix of well-paved surfaces and more challenging paths.
Best road cycling routes around Gorteen
- The most popular road cycling route is…
Last updated: July 12, 2026
11
riders
32.5km
01:23
200m
200m
Picture yourself road cycling along the tranquil shores of Lough Melvin, where the scenery unfolds with unique landscapes and open vistas. This easy route spans 20.2 miles (32.5 km) and…
9
riders
60.0km
02:30
410m
410m
Embark on the Boa Island, Laghy and Ballyshannon from Belleek loop, a moderate racebike route spanning 37.3 miles (60.0 km). You will climb 1349 feet (411 metres) over approximately 2…
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11
riders
51.7km
02:16
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
59.5km
02:47
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
36.6km
01:47
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Gorteen
Tips from the Community
For Ballyshannon, Rory Gallagher is not just a world-famous guitarist; he is the "Born and Bred" pride of Ireland's oldest town. Although he moved to Cork at a young age, Ballyshannon claims him with heart and soul as their own son. He was born here in 1948 at the Rock Hospital, and that deep connection can be felt everywhere in the streets. In the eyes of the local community, Rory embodies the humble, hardworking spirit of Donegal. He was the man who brought the blues to the Irish soul, armed with his iconic, battered Fender Stratocaster and his signature checkered shirt. For the locals, he is the reason thousands of fans from all over the world flock to the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival every year, turning the town into the centre of rock 'n' roll for a while. Rory is not a distant legend here, but a tangible presence that lives on in the statue on The Diamond and the colourful murals that adorn the town.
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For those who want to hear the music of Rory GALLAGHER – whom the British newspaper The Times praised with "He is one of the few guitarists you can recognize within seconds, his style is so individual." –: In 1977, the native Irishman (1948 to 1995) gave a one-hour concert on the then popular German show "Rockpalast" by Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), which can be viewed on YouTube => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qkr-XlNZKM
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The Wee Bakery Coffee Shop Ballyshannon Address: Main St, Townparks, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, F94 HTW5 Lovely little cafe with friendly staff and tasty food. If you have the opportunity to stop here, do so.
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The shimmering waters of Lough Melvin attract anglers from around the world for its beauty and diverse fish. The lake is home to three unique species of trout, as well as salmon, and an endemic species of char, the Melvin charr. If you want to try your hand at fishing, you should purchase a license and consider renting a boat. The lake is 7.5 miles (12 km) long and 1.9 miles (3 km) wide and set amongst the beautiful green countryside along the border of County Leitrim and Country Fermanagh. If you are not into fishing, there's plenty of wonderful flora and fauna to enjoy too.
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Nice village green with toilets and Loch side views
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As the Glenanniff River travels down from the mountains above, it has eroded the local blue limestone to form a deep river valley. Fowley’s Falls is not a single drop waterfall; instead, it cascades in a series of drops over the exposed bedrock to form a spectacular torrent of water rushing through the steep valley towards Lough Melvin.
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Ballyshannon is said to be the oldest town in Ireland and archaeological investigations have indeed found evidence the town dates back as far as 4000 and 2500 BC. The town as it is today was formed by Royal Charter in 1613. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Ballyshannon with the option of sitting out on the water's edge. It makes a great place to start or finish a ride as well as being a cafe stop destination.
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Built in the 17th century, Castle Caldwell was part of the Ulster Plantation, a province of Ireland colonised by British settles throughout King James I era. The castle had a number of inhabitants after that and fell into ruin towards the 1800s. Although access to the castle is now forbidden due to its dangerous state of repair, the surrounding park and forest can be explored freely. Keep your eyes peeled for the ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Gorteen?
There are 6 road cycling routes around Gorteen, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes near Gorteen?
Road cycling around Gorteen offers diverse terrain, from well-paved surfaces to routes with considerable elevation gain. You'll encounter dramatic mountain scenery, including views of Benbulben Mountain and the Dartry Mountains, as well as picturesque loughs and coastal roads near the Wild Atlantic Way.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly road cycling routes in the Gorteen area?
Yes, Gorteen offers options for all abilities. An easy route suitable for beginners is the Lough Melvin loop, which is 20.2 miles (32.5 km) long and offers pleasant views of Lough Melvin and the surrounding countryside.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I can see along the cycling routes?
Many routes offer stunning natural beauty. You can enjoy views of Lough Melvin, a picturesque lake, or visit Fowley's Falls and Roogagh Waterfall. The region is also known for its dramatic mountain scenery, including Benbulben Mountain and the Dartry Mountains, and its proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way provides breathtaking coastal views.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
While Gorteen has no routes explicitly graded as 'difficult' in our current selection, several moderate routes offer significant elevation gain and distance for a good challenge. For instance, the Skreeny House – Fowley's Falls loop from Garrison covers nearly 60 km with almost 500 meters of ascent, providing a robust ride.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Gorteen?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the dramatic mountain backdrops, picturesque loughs, and varied coastal roads that define the Gorteen cycling experience. The network offers options for different ability levels, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Are there any circular road cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Gorteen are designed as loops. Examples include the Lough Melvin loop, the Boa Island, Laghy and Ballyshannon from Belleek loop, and the Skreeny House loop from Garrison, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Gorteen?
The region's diverse landscapes are enjoyable throughout much of the year. While specific weather forecasts should always be checked, spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with autumn being particularly vibrant in areas like Killykeen Forest Park. Summer provides longer daylight hours, ideal for longer rides.
Are there any routes that pass by charming villages or towns where I can take a break?
Yes, Gorteen's proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way means you can access routes that lead to charming villages and towns. Mullaghmore, a small fishing village, and Strandhill, a well-known surfing destination, are examples of places where you might find opportunities for breaks and to experience local hospitality.
Can I find routes that offer coastal views?
Absolutely. Gorteen's location near the Wild Atlantic Way means cyclists can access routes that offer breathtaking coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and the raw beauty of the Atlantic coastline. Mullaghmore Head is a notable example of a coastal area with scenic roads.
Are there any routes that explore the local forests and loughs?
Yes, the region is dotted with numerous loughs and forests, offering tranquil and scenic cycling paths. Routes like Sligo's 3 forest cycle route (which passes through Union Wood, Slish Wood, and past Dooney Rock) allow cyclists to enjoy Ballygawley lake and Lough Gill, with opportunities to spot wildlife.
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