The best cycling routes around Castle Island

Lough Money is a quiet, almost mystical place, perfect for relaxing and taking a deep breath. The gentle waves of the lake gently hit the shore, while the reeds sway in the wind, creating a gentle rustling sound. Surrounded by rolling countryside and shady trees, you feel like you've been transported to another world. Ideal for a break on your bike ride.

The vast coastline stretches out endlessly before you, and the panorama with the majestic Mourne Hills in the background creates a scene that is hard to put into words. The gentle waves touching the sand and the silence of the surroundings make you feel the vastness and freedom of this place.

This impressive stone circle, dating from the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age, consists of over 50 upright stones enclosing a diameter of around 35 metres. Access is via a narrow hedge-lined path that takes you directly to the entrance of the circle

One of the best kept Circles I know of. The late Neolithic to earlier Bronze Age monument was excavated in 1937–1939 but its development and date are still not entirely clear. Excavation uncovered a slab feature with three compartments at the west end of the cairn, which could suggest the court tomb tradition, and a single stone cist at the east end which could point to the passage tomb tradition. Cremated remains representing at least seven individuals and some Neolithic pottery were found. Parallels for the outer stone circle with sites in Cumbria have been suggested.

The Well is an ancient site of pilgrimage with legends of Saint Patrick. The waters of the well are said to cure any ailment. Saint Patrick founded Ardtole Church which can be seen on the horizon. In the next field at low tide Saint Patrick's Road becomes visible. This was to be his route to the Isle of Man but when a red haired woman crossed his path he seen it as a bad omen and didn't make the journey.

Lough Money is the source for the River Slaney, which flows to the supposed landing spot of Saint Patrick on Strangford Lough. Lough Money’s water is remarkably clear as befits a facility that was once used as a reservoir for Downpatrick. The remains of the disused pumping station still stand on the island. Beautified by the presence of herons, just one of many bird species that comprise an abundance of bird life.

Windmill Hill is steeped in history. The remains of a windmill at the top of the hill are a reminder of a bygone era. Built in the late 1700s, the mill was used to grind wheat for the production of flour. But the picturesque site has also witnessed turbulent times and holds memories of the Battle of Ballynahinch. The battle, on June 12, was part of the 1798 Irish Rebellion fought between British forces and the United Irishmen.

The Dolmen can be found on the north east shore of Loughinisland Lake, within sight of Loughinisland Church. A slightly displaced capstone covers a rectangular chamber of which three side stones survive. An early account suggests that this was formerly inside a large circular cairn and approached through a lintelled passage, so it may be the remains of a passage tomb. It is famous as the platform from which Thomas Russell addressed a crowd of United Irishmen in 1803, after the main 1798 rising.