The best cycling routes around Ballydawley

The Maghery Footbridge on the edge of Lough Neagh offers a small moment of peace in the midst of the expansive landscape. As you cross the bridge, your gaze glides over the gentle waters of the largest lake in the British Isles. In good weather, the clouds are impressively reflected on the surface of the water, making the scene look almost like a painting. Even when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a special atmosphere that invites you to linger rather than to quickly pass by. The paths around the bridge are mostly flat, but you should be prepared for occasional sections with unpaved surfaces. This could be a bit slippery, especially in wet weather, but this is not a problem. The connection to the National Cycle Network, Route 94, also offers you many other opportunities to explore the area. A little tip: Maghery itself does not have much to offer apart from the bridge, but a short detour to the nearby Oxford Island nature reserve is definitely worth it. This means you can easily combine a visit to the bridge with a larger circular tour.

Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.

The church ruins date from the early 16th century but include stones from a much earlier pre 11th century church. After a new church was built, this one fell into disrepair, but the graveyard remains in use.

An important historic site, Tullyhogue Fort is where the O'Neills were crowned the Chiefs of Ulster. It is now planted with trees and you can enjoy views across the countryside of County Tyrone.

Built in 1802, Killymoon Castle was built to replace a 17th century castle which was destroyed by fire in 1801. James Nash was the designer, who also designed Buckingham Palace in London. Tours are available but must be pre-booked, as is afternoon tea in the castle tea rooms. See the website for more details https://killymooncastle.com/

Near the banks of Lough Neagh stands Ardboe High Cross. Take a close look at the carvings on the cross which represent both the Old and New Testament. A monastery was founded here in the 6th century by St Colman and legend has it that it was created by the milk of a magic cow. Ardboe means hill of the cow, so who knows!

A little waterside detour will take you to visit The Battery, a marina on Lough Neagh. You can grab at drink at the Battery Bar or take a seat on one of the many picnic benches and breathe in the peace and calm.

There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.