5.0
(6)
100
riders
13
rides
Touring cycling around Ballyrusley offers routes through diverse landscapes on Northern Ireland's Ards Peninsula. The region features picturesque coastal scenery, tranquil lough shores, and rolling countryside. Cyclists can explore the shores of Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea, encountering varied terrain suitable for different skill levels. The area is characterized by its natural beauty and historical points of interest.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
4
riders
29.2km
01:46
150m
150m
Embark on the Kilclief to Ardglass Harbour loop, a moderate touring cycling route that takes you along the scenic coast of Strangford & Lecale. This 18.1-mile (29.2 km) journey offers…
6
riders
15.8km
00:57
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3
riders
57.1km
03:21
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
30.3km
01:48
160m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
24
riders
36.7km
02:07
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Ballyrusley
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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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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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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Also known as Phennick Cove Marina, in Ardglass, County Down, one of three major fishing ports in Northern Ireland. Ardglass is now one of the safest small harbours on the east coast of Ireland, following improvements made in recent years.
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Ballyhornan is sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. Guns Island lies just in the bay. On the horizon it is possible to see the Isle of Man.
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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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There are 14 touring cycling routes around Ballyrusley, offering a variety of experiences. These include 7 easy routes and 7 moderate routes, ensuring options for different skill levels.
The touring cycling routes in Ballyrusley are primarily easy to moderate. You'll find 7 easy routes and 7 moderate routes, making the area accessible for a wide range of cyclists. There are no difficult routes listed in the immediate area.
Yes, Ballyrusley offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop, which is 9.8 miles (15.7 km) long and follows the coastline, providing scenic views of Strangford Lough and Quintin Castle.
While cycling around Ballyrusley, you can expect diverse and picturesque landscapes. Routes often feature tranquil lough shores, rolling countryside, and stunning coastal scenery along both Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea. On clear days, you might even catch views of the Isle of Man.
Yes, the area around Ballyrusley is rich with natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore the shores of Strangford Lough, visit the historic Castle Ward Tower (a filming location), or see Audley's Castle. The Ballyquintin Point & Nature Reserve at the southern tip of the Ards Peninsula offers breathtaking coastal scenery and panoramic views.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Ballyrusley are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop and the Portaferry to Kirkistown Castle loop, which take you through coastal and countryside areas.
The touring cycling routes around Ballyrusley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 7 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive views across the Ards Peninsula and the tranquil lough shores. Over 160 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain here.
The summer months, particularly June and July, are very popular for cycling in the Portaferry area due to favorable weather. However, the region's natural beauty, including spring flowers like bluebells in Nugent's Wood and red squirrel sightings from September to November, means cycling can be enjoyable across multiple seasons.
Yes, parking is available in the vicinity of Ballyrusley's cycling routes. For instance, Castle Ward Shore Car Park is a highlight that can serve as a starting point for some routes. Portaferry village itself also offers parking facilities.
Portaferry village, a central hub for many routes, offers amenities including cafes and pubs. As you cycle through other villages and towns on the Ards Peninsula, you will find additional options for refreshments and breaks.
Yes, some routes, particularly those that venture towards the eastern side of the Ards Peninsula, offer views of the Irish Sea. A circular route from Portaferry can connect the calm shores of Strangford Lough with the more exposed beaches of the Irish Sea, potentially offering views of the Isle of Man on a clear day.
Absolutely. Many routes are designed to pass through or near charming villages. For example, a route from Portaferry can lead you to the National Trust village of Kearney, known for its beautifully preserved whitewashed cottages. Portaferry itself is a historic and picturesque village with attractions like Portaferry Castle and Exploris Aquarium.
Yes, the region is rich in wildlife. Strangford Lough is a haven for diverse marine life, seabirds, seals, and even dolphins. In Nugent's Wood near Portaferry, you might spot red squirrels, especially between September and November.


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