4.8
(36)
2,254
riders
48
rides
Road cycling around Ballyhenry offers diverse terrain, from coastal roads with scenic views to routes through varied landscapes. The region features a combination of mostly well-paved surfaces, with some segments presenting more challenging conditions. Elevation gains vary, providing options for different fitness levels, including routes that traverse hills and offer views of Strangford Lough.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.5
(4)
54
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
30
riders
79.7km
03:40
780m
780m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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5.0
(2)
23
riders
51.2km
02:39
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
35
riders
164km
07:52
1,780m
1,780m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
31
riders
135km
06:23
1,630m
1,630m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Ballyhenry
The restaurant is less interesting, but a visit to the pub is a must when in Belfast.
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Impressive, massive fortress in an ideal waterfront location.
4
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Avoid this road unless you have a light racing bike and are called Tadej Pogacar. Gradient gets up to 17%. Great view though!
0
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An old-fashioned marina in a fishing village. An idyllic place to stop during the long walk on this stretch of the CCR.
2
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The Dirty Onion is divided into a pub with a beer garden on the ground floor and a restaurant specializing in chicken on the first floor.
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The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building. Dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded liquor warehouse from 1921. It was known then as 'STACK N' - a nod to its location on the north side of Waring Street - and still bears a giant red-painted 'N' on its brick facade. The distinctive external timber structure is another original feature which, after careful restoration, frames the pub's beer garden at the front of the complex, with a new contemporary courtyard extending to Hill Street. Inside, low ceilings supported by exposed timber beams and original brick walls throughout are a nod to the past. In addition, the building's heritage is further highlighted by a sensitive partnership with Jameson Irish Whiskey - a tribute to the tens of thousands of Jameson barrels and cases that passed through the building, which was operated by Edward Dillon Bonders (now a subsidiary of Irish Distillers and Dillon Bass) until 1991. Live Music The Dirty Onion is a modern take on a traditional Irish pub. The novel partnership with multi-award-winning cultural centre An Droichead ensures a varied music programme seven nights a week. From open workshops in singing and various traditional instruments to sessions with traditional musicians of the highest quality, there is something for participants and spectators every night at The Dirty Onion.(Source:https://visitbelfast.com/partners/dirty-onion-yardbird/)
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Carrickfergus Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Belfast Lough. Built in the 12th century, it stands as a historic icon, showcasing impressive architecture and giving you a glimpse into Ireland's past.
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Browns Bay Beach is a popular sandy, safe beach at the northern tip of Islandmagee, nestling between Skenaghan Point and Barrs Point in a horse shoe shaped bay. It is 600m long with rocks and loose boulders around the edge. Access is via a set of steps at one end and a gentle ramp at the other. The view across the horizon is beautiful showing five headlands all the way up the Antrim coast. This beach is popular for swimming. A sizeable car park is on the other side of the road. There is a wide grassy area that is suitable for wheelchairs. There are also public toilets onsite and at Ballylumford Harbour. Skenaghan point, on the east of the bay, is a National Trust property and features a short walking route past the “rocking stone”. Looking to the north one gets a clear view of the “Maidens rocks” far out in the North Channel, and their two lighthouses, only one of which is now in operation.
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There are over 50 road cycling routes around Ballyhenry, offering diverse terrain for various skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.7 stars.
Yes, Ballyhenry offers 7 easy road cycling routes. While many routes feature mostly well-paved surfaces, some segments may present more challenging conditions. These easier options provide a good starting point to explore the region's scenic beauty.
Road cycling around Ballyhenry is characterized by a mix of coastal roads with stunning views, routes through varied landscapes, and challenging hills. You'll find mostly well-paved surfaces, but some segments may offer more demanding conditions. Elevation gains vary, providing options for different fitness levels, including routes that traverse hills and offer views of Strangford Lough.
Yes, many of the routes around Ballyhenry are designed as loops. For instance, the Locked Gate and Kissing Gate – Carmoney Hill loop from Mossley West is a popular 50.1 km circular trail that takes you through Carmoney Hill.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy views of Cave Hill, Napoleon's Nose, and the expansive Strangford Lough. Coastal routes often provide picturesque views, such as those found on the Browns Bay Beach – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Mossley West, which offers views of Browns Bay Beach and the Antrim coast.
Absolutely. Ballyhenry offers 10 difficult road cycling routes for experienced riders. For a significant challenge, consider the Waterfoot Beach – View of Torr Head loop from Mossley West, a hard 163 km route with over 1,900m of elevation gain, or the Larne Town Centre – View of the Antrim Coast loop from Mossley West, covering 135 km with over 1,600m of elevation.
The area around Ballyhenry is home to several historical attractions. You can find sites like Castle Ward and Audley's Castle, known for their role as filming locations for 'Game of Thrones,' near Strangford Lough. Additionally, the 200-acre Country Park on the shores of Strangford Lough houses the Strangford Stone, the tallest megalith in Ireland.
The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Ballyhenry, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from stunning coastal roads to challenging hills, and the beautiful views of Strangford Lough and the Antrim Coast.
Yes, several routes offer views of or pass by beautiful beaches. The Browns Bay Beach – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Mossley West provides views of Browns Bay Beach, a sandy and safe beach on Islandmagee. Waterfoot Beach, known for its great views towards Scotland, is also featured on some routes.
Beyond the cycling routes, the region boasts several natural monuments and viewpoints. These include Cave Hill, Napoleon's Nose, and the Belfast Window on Wildlife (WOW), offering diverse natural sights.
Many routes in the Ballyhenry area are defined by coastal roads and lough views. Ballyhenry Island, a small tidal island on the eastern shore of Strangford Lough, is part of this scenic landscape. Routes often provide glimpses of the lough, which is recognized as an area of outstanding natural beauty.


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