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United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Ards

Ballyridley

The best cycling routes around Ballyridley

5.0

(7)

126

riders

15

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Touring cycling around Ballyridley offers access to the scenic Ards Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland. The region is characterized by coastal views along Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea, interspersed with tranquil woodlands and rolling farmland. This diverse landscape provides a variety of routes for touring cyclists, from flat coastal paths to gently undulating rural roads.

Best touring cycling routes around Ballyridley

  • The most popular touring cycling route is Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop, a 9.8 miles (15.8…

Last updated: June 27, 2026

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riders

#1.

Ards Peninsula half loop from Portaferry — Strangford & Lecale

57.1km

03:21

270m

270m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5

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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

Alice Baddeley
September 24, 2025, Burr Point – Easternmost Point of Ireland

Burr Point marks the most easterly point on the island of Ireland. The spot is marked by a coastal sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. You can rest up in the sheltered cove which has a well-kept toilet and changing facilities close by.

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sm milligan
November 26, 2023, Kirkistown Castle

Built in 1622 by Roland Savage. The tower has had several alterations over its past. The neo gothic style was introduced in the early 19th century.

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sm milligan
November 26, 2023, Corrog Wood

Visitors to Corrog Wood will be greeted by a curious wooden sculpture of a Dryad. The sculpture has been affectionately named the ‘Frump in the Stump’. A dryad is a tree nymph in Greek mythology. The Dryad keeps a watchful, protective eye on the new wood standing at the entrance. Continue past the Dryad on through the little kissing gate and a loop pathway will be waiting to lead you around the 14-acre wood, where a mix of approximately 12,000 native trees and 400 metres of hedging have been planted.

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Quintin Castle is one of the few inhabited Anglo-Norman castles to be found in Ulster. The Castle was built in 1184 by John de Courcy, an Anglo-Norman Knight who had conquered substantial parts of Ireland from 1176. It is located in the Ards Peninsula, east of the village of Portaferry on the shore of the Irish Sea, The location hosts an unprecedented view of the surrounding landscape.

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The Marina is a nature reserve of unparalleled beauty, it is a good starting point on which to explore the Lough.

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Portaferry ( from Port an Pheire 'landing place of the ferry' ) is a small town in County down, at the southern end of the Ards Peninsula, near the Narrows at the entrance to Strangford Lough. It hosts its own small Marina, From where the The Ferry service operates daily at 30-minute intervals (7.45 am to 10.45 pm) between the villages of Portaferry and Strangford. The Lough being one of the world's most important marine sites with over 2,000 marine species. There are fine Georgian buildings in the town square, including a Market House, now used as a community centre. Portaferry Castle, a 16th-century townhouse ruin, sits atop a slope overlooking the Harbour.

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Your as far east as it gets. chapeau ! rest up in the sheltered cove. Burr Point is the most easterly point on the mainland of the island of Ireland. The point is marked by a sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. Just offshore is the intriguingly named Burial Island. Local stories say the name comes from a Danish burial reputed to have taken place on the island. The name might also derive from the Irish for cormorant, na broighill, or from the pronunciation of “Burr Isle”. well kept and fully enclosed toilet & changing facilities.

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Lovely place to rest. There are tables arranged outside to the right of the Abbey. Grab some supplies from the shop just up the road in the village, and enjoy the atmosphere. The Abbey is open 24 / 7. Grey Abbey is one of the best examples of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster, and was the daughter house of Holm Cultram (Cumbria). It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster. The remains, in the beautiful parkland setting of the nearby grand house of Rosemount, consist of the church with cloister and surrounding buildings to the south.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available around Ballyridley?

There are 16 touring cycling routes around Ballyridley listed on komoot. These include 7 easy routes and 9 moderate routes, offering a good variety for different skill levels.

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Ballyridley?

The touring cycling routes around Ballyridley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic coastal views along Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea, as well as the tranquil woodlands and rolling farmland that characterize the Ards Peninsula.

Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners?

Yes, Ballyridley offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. One popular option is the Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop, which is 9.8 miles (15.8 km) long and takes about 57 minutes to complete, offering coastal views and historical sites.

What are some longer touring cycling routes in the area?

For those seeking longer rides, the Ards Peninsula half loop from Portaferry — Strangford & Lecale is a moderate 35.5 miles (57.1 km) path. This route showcases the diverse beauty of the Ards Peninsula, including extensive coastal scenery and rural landscapes.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Ballyridley?

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. The Portaferry to Kirkistown Castle loop — Strangford & Lecale is a 18.8 miles (30.3 km) circular trail that leads through coastal areas and past historical points. The broader Strangford Lough Cycle Trail is also an 82-mile circular route that can be joined at various points.

What historical sites or attractions can I see along the cycling routes?

The area is rich in history. You can explore sites like Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location) and Audley's Castle. The ruins of Nendrum Monastery, dating back to the 5th century, are also a notable historical point of interest along the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail. Many routes offer views of these landmarks.

Are there any family-friendly touring cycling options?

Many of the easier, flatter routes along the coast or through tranquil farmland are suitable for families. The Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop is an easy option that families might enjoy, offering manageable distances and interesting sights.

Where can I park my car when starting a cycling route?

Parking is available at various points, especially in towns like Portaferry which serve as common starting points for routes. For example, the Castle Ward Shore Car Park is a convenient option if you plan to explore routes around Castle Ward.

What is the best season for touring cycling in Ballyridley?

The Ards Peninsula offers pleasant cycling conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and summer generally provide the most favorable weather with longer daylight hours, making it ideal for enjoying the coastal views and rural landscapes. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage.

Are the cycling paths dog-friendly?

While many outdoor paths in Northern Ireland are generally dog-friendly, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife, such as around Strangford Lough. Always check local signage for specific regulations regarding dogs on trails.

Are there any challenging touring cycling routes around Ballyridley?

The routes directly around Ballyridley are categorized as easy to moderate, characterized by coastal paths and rolling farmland. While there are no routes explicitly rated as 'difficult' in this immediate area, the longer moderate routes, such as the Kirkistown Castle – View of Quintin Castle loop from Kircubbin (44.9 km), can offer a good challenge due to their distance.

What natural features can I expect to see while cycling?

You'll encounter diverse natural beauty, including the tranquil shores of Strangford Lough, a significant natural feature and haven for marine life and birds. The routes also offer exhilarating views of the Irish Sea coast, and on clear days, you might even spot the distant Mourne Mountains. Highlights like Delamont Country Park and various viewpoints provide stunning vistas.

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