The best cycling routes around Drumlisaleen
5.0
(6)
34
riders
11
rides
Touring cycling around Drumlisaleen is characterized by its location within the Fermanagh Lakelands, offering access to a network of scenic routes. The region features serene waterways, minor country roads, and varied landscapes, including woodlands and gentle hills. Drumlisaleen itself is noted for the Drumlisaleen Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), comprising species-rich hay meadows. This area provides a gateway to exploring the broader County Fermanagh, known for its natural beauty and extensive cycling opportunities.
Best touring cycling routes around Drumlisaleen
…Last updated: June 27, 2026
5.0
(4)
10
riders
34.8km
02:13
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
35.7km
02:09
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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51.9km
03:02
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
51.7km
03:06
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
94.5km
05:45
780m
780m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Drumlisaleen
Tips from the Community
On the edge of the village of Mountcharles, this long, narrow pier juts into the bay. It is a simple but characterful place: fishing boats, tidal channels and a wide view across Donegal Bay towards the Bluestack Mountains. At low tide, the pier sits high above the sand and mudflats, at high tide it seems to almost float on the open water.
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This is a family run coffee shop, where you can enjoy fabulous views and enjoy homemade snacks. Walk around our animal pet area where you can meet pigmy goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, llamas, rabbits and lots more.
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On the banks of the River Eske stands Donegal Castle, the 15th-century stronghold of the mighty O’Donnell clan. The combination of the robust medieval tower and the later 17th-century manor house gives it a layered appearance: Gaelic-Irish at the base, with a subtle English finish on top. From the road and the bridge, you get a beautiful view of the massive walls and its position above the water, making the castle a natural landmark as you enter Donegal Town.
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The Diamond forms the central square of Donegal Town: an open, triangular space where roads, shops, and cafés converge. In the middle stands the obelisk for the Four Masters, a subtle reference to the Franciscan scholars who recorded Irish history. The square breathes a calm, local atmosphere and forms a natural landmark when cycling through the town or stopping for a short break.
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A wide Atlantic beach with hard sandbanks where you can easily cycle at low tide. Open views, calm atmosphere and ideal for a break between Ballyshannon and Donegal Bay. It is once again an Irish surf hotspot.
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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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[Google Translation may change URLs] Heritage Ireland (Donegal Castle, 2024-09-04): https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/donegal-castle/ Wikipedia (Donegal Castle (Irish: Caisleán Dhún na nGall), 2024-09-04): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donegal_Castle https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donegal_Castle Tripadvisor (Donegal Castle, 2024-09-04): https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186602-d318379-Reviews-Donegal_Castle-Donegal_Town_County_Donegal.html google (Street View, 2024-09-04): https://www.google.com/maps/@54.6549279,-8.1101163,3a,90y,272.84h,83.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sP-rzPJRTXEaVQuk0Z9UYgg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Drumlisaleen?
There are 11 touring cycling routes around Drumlisaleen, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. This includes 1 easy route, 9 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Drumlisaleen?
The terrain around Drumlisaleen, situated within the Fermanagh Lakelands, features a mix of minor country roads, serene waterways, woodlands, and gentle to moderate hills. While some routes are relatively flat, others, like the Donegal Castle – Ballyshannon Town Center loop from Ballyshannon, include more significant elevation changes, providing varied challenges.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in the Drumlisaleen area?
While specific family-friendly routes directly within Drumlisaleen are not detailed, the broader County Fermanagh region offers options like the Castle Archdale Family Cycle Trail. This gentle, mostly flat 10km loop features woodland paths and lakeside views, making it suitable for families and beginners.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see along the cycling routes?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to see tranquil waterways, scenic woodlands, and picturesque lakeside views, especially around Lough Erne and Lough Melvin. The Assaroe Lake & Rossnowlagh Beach loop from Ballyshannon offers views of both Assaroe Lake and Rossnowlagh Beach. The Lough Navar Forest Loop, though not directly listed in the routes, is known for dramatic forested vistas and viewpoints overlooking Lough Erne.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Drumlisaleen are circular. For example, the Bundoran & Lough Melvin loop from Ballyshannon and the Boa Island loop from Belleek are both designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to explore near the cycling routes?
The area around Drumlisaleen offers several points of interest. You can visit the Birthplace of Rory Gallagher, explore the serene Lough Melvin, or see the historic Castle Caldwell Ruins. The Fowley's Falls also offers a beautiful natural sight.
What is the best season for touring cycling in Drumlisaleen?
County Fermanagh, including the Drumlisaleen area, is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. These seasons offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, making for more enjoyable rides. Summer provides the warmest temperatures, while spring and autumn showcase beautiful natural colors.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Drumlisaleen?
The touring cycling routes around Drumlisaleen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 7 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil waterways, minor country roads, and scenic woodlands that define the region's cycling experience.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, there is one difficult touring cycling route available: the Donegal Castle – Ballyshannon Town Center loop from Ballyshannon. This route covers a significant distance of 96.6 km (60 miles) and includes substantial elevation gain, making it suitable for experienced cyclists.
Where can I find information about the unique natural features of Drumlisaleen?
Drumlisaleen is home to the Drumlisaleen Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), known for its biodiverse hay meadows. These meadows boast numerous plant species, including various sedges and orchids. More detailed information about this ecological site can be found on the DAERA website: daera-ni.gov.uk/protected-areas/drumlisaleen-assi.
Are there options for multi-day touring cycling in the wider Fermanagh region?
Yes, the broader County Fermanagh region is well-suited for multi-day touring. The renowned Kingfisher Cycle Trail, for instance, utilizes minor country roads through the Fermanagh Lakelands and offers both flat and gently undulating sections, ideal for extended tours or shorter loops around Lower and Upper Lough Erne.
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