The best cycling routes around Keady
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riders
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Touring cycling around Keady offers diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to tranquil lake shores and canal paths. The region, situated in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, features varied terrains suitable for different cycling abilities. Cyclists can explore areas around Camlough Lake, the Newry Canal, and the Keady Mountain, which provide a mix of paved routes and scenic trails. The landscape is characterized by its natural beauty, including rivers and forest parks, alongside historical sites.
Best touring cycling routes around Keady
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Last updated: June 29, 2026
1
riders
19.6km
01:11
130m
130m
Cycle the easy 12.2-mile Knockninny Loop from Derrylin, enjoying scenic views of Lough Erne, the Sillees River, and lush farmlands.
52.4km
03:18
550m
550m
Cycle the difficult 32.5-mile Crom Estate & Newtownbutler loop from Lisnaskea, featuring Upper Lough Erne views and historical ruins.
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7
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
36.8km
02:08
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
21.6km
01:15
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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A pretty lough side jetty which is popular as sleeping place for motorhomes. It is a place of quiet natural beauty and is popular with locals coming to enjoy the lough.
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This cute little harbour on Upper Lough Erne also has a little beach by the road plus toilets and showers, so a great place to stop by if you are on a longer tour. St Ninnidh's Well is just inside the wood to the east of the quay, named after one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. The water from the well is said to cure problems with eyes.
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Managed by the National Trust, the Crom Estate is a large nature reserve of woodlands, lake, castle ruins and islands. It is an important habitat for pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels and butterflies. There is a coffee shop at the estate and if you fancy something different you can hire a boat to explore the lough. For more details check out the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/crom
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The road passed around the edge of Doon Forest. Mostly a conifer plantation, there is also a lot of deciduous planting around the outside. The quiet road through the trees feel particularly lush in May when the leaves are at their newest and greenest.
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There is a great view from the car park, but even better, park up your bike and take the short trail to the hiking viewpoint. There you can marvel at the panoramic views across County Fermanagh and County Monaghan. Take a seat in the oversized chair and enjoy. Especially lovely at sunrise and sunset.
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The Crom Castle estate boathouse sits on the shore of Lough Erne below the main castle. The views out on onto the water from the boathouse are splendid, the perfect spot to pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy some relaxation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Keady?
There are 7 touring cycling routes around Keady listed on komoot, offering a range of experiences from easy, flat paths to more challenging rides with significant elevation changes.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Keady?
Yes, Keady offers 2 easy touring cycling routes. A great option is the Knockninny loop from Derrylin, which is 12.2 miles (19.6 km) long with gentle gradients, making it ideal for a relaxed ride.
What are some of the more challenging touring cycling routes in the Keady area?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers 1 difficult route. The Crom Estate & Newtownbutler loop from Lisnaskea is a 32.5 miles (52.3 km) path with significant elevation changes, traversing varied rural scenery.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Keady?
Yes, many of the routes around Keady are circular. For example, the Old Crom Castle Ruins β Crom Estate Castle Ruins loop from Old Crom Castle (Ruins) is a 4.8 miles (7.7 km) trail that takes you through the historic Crom Estate and returns to your starting point.
What kind of landscapes and natural features can I expect to see while cycling around Keady?
The Keady area boasts diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, tranquil lake shores, and historic canal paths. You can expect to cycle past serene bodies of water like Camlough Lake, and explore areas within the Slieve Gullion and Ring of Gullion AONB, offering panoramic vistas. The region is also characterized by rivers like the Clea and Callan, and various forest parks.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to explore along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, the region around Keady is rich in history. You might encounter ancient forts like Roughans Fort, ruins of old mills such as Linen Vale Mill, megalithic tombs at Aughnagurgan, and the remains of St. Cadan's Church. The Keady Monument itself commemorates William Kirk, a key figure in the local linen industry.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Keady?
The best time to cycle around Keady is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder and drier, making for more pleasant cycling conditions and better visibility of the scenic landscapes.
Are there any touring cycling routes that are particularly scenic or offer great views?
Many routes offer scenic views. Cycling around Camlough Lake provides picturesque backdrops, and routes within the Slieve Gullion area can offer panoramic vistas across southern Armagh, and on clear days, even as far as Dublin Bay and Wicklow. The Newry Canal Path also offers scenic views along its towpath.
Are there any routes that follow canal paths or traffic-free sections?
Yes, the Newry Canal Path, located a short distance from Keady, offers moderate and largely traffic-free cycling along its towpath. This provides a relaxed and scenic experience, often passing by restored historic buildings.
Are there any touring cycling routes that pass by lakes?
Absolutely. The region is dotted with lakes. You can cycle around Camlough Lake, and other routes may pass by Clea Lake, Tullynawood Lake, Kavanagh's Lake, and Gentle Owens Lake, offering peaceful waterside views. For example, the Lough Barry β Rath loop from Lisnaskea takes you past Lough Barry.
What is the average distance and duration for touring cycling routes in Keady?
The touring cycling routes around Keady vary significantly in distance and duration. They range from shorter loops like the 4.8 miles (7.7 km) Old Crom Castle Ruins β Crom Estate Castle Ruins loop, which takes about 36 minutes, to longer, more challenging rides such as the 32.5 miles (52.3 km) Crom Estate & Newtownbutler loop, which can take over 3 hours.
Are there options for electric bike experiences in the Keady area?
Yes, electric bike experiences are available in the region, particularly around Slieve Gullion. These can make it easier to ascend the mountain and enjoy the panoramic vistas without as much effort, opening up more challenging routes to a wider range of cyclists.
Most popular routes around Keady
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