The northern part of the Irish island has been separated from the rest with a (more or less hard) border for decades. Northern Ireland, part of the UK, is a blind spot for many when it comes to cycling. It does not have the recognisability of the Yorkshire Dales, it doesn't bite as well as The Peak District or does not have the ruggedness of Scotland. Not to mention the lack of alpine cols, but then again, what do you want on an island far from there. Still, it is definitely worth taking the plunge (if you are in the area) and exploring Northern Ireland further. We went in search of scenic routes and then arrived at a round trip around the Mourne Mountains. Not unkind, even if we say so ourselves! Cycling in Northern Ireland may be on your wish list.
Point to note
Northern Ireland is just a small country (or country state) with an area of 14,130 square kilometres. A good bit smaller than the Netherlands (with over 40,000 square kilometres, not a big player either). In this northern tip of Ireland (if it can be called that), you'll find a beautiful rugged landscape with a mountain range in the south-east corner that just outstrips the hill format. The Mourne Mountains are much sung about in (Northern) Irish folk songs, and rightly so. It is beautiful
The main summit that defines the skyline is Slieve Donard. Northern Ireland's highest mountain is 852 metres high, making Slieve stand head and shoulders above it. The surrounding peaks are best known to locals as 'The Mournes', although in real life they also bear names like Slieve Muck, Slieve Binnion and Slieve Bernagh.
Mourne-ing Round
To get the most out of this area, it is best to start in the town of Newcastle, on the Irish Sea. From here, you have two choices: head inland, or follow a stretch of the beautiful coastal route towards Kilkeel. We choose option two. This route winds out of the city and then slowly goes up into the mountains. From then on, you actually have the mountains continuously on your right while you will climb few mountains in the first part. IN total, this route is 73 kilometres and you can get ready for a slightly longer climb with a fine percentage and a calf bite.
All in all, you mostly have beautiful views and if you drive the first part of the route (southwards) you should especially look back now and then, towards Newcastle. You will see Dundrum Bay, St John's Point Lighthouse and the Slieve Donard Hotel with its red bricks, among others. Gorgeous though.
Further south
You pass Bloody Bridge on the way towards Annalong and Kilkeel (what wonderful names). In these parts, such names are no mean feat. In this case, it goes back to an incident in 1641 where prisoners were to be exchanged between two fighting parties. When the exchange was to take place, it turned out that one of the parties had already killed the prisoners. In retaliation, the other side's surviving prisoners of war were killed at Bloody Bridge. Painful history. Now there is mostly a beautiful view of Slieve Donard across the country.
From Kilkeel you head towards Greencastle and there you drive through green meadows. Here you see something typical, namely stone walls that seem to have been cut rather flat. Not entirely strange, as this part was an airbase belonging to the Americans during World War II. It was demolished after the war, but the cut stone walls are still a silent witness of that time. As are many farms that served as military buildings.
Ready to climb
After you reach the town of Rostrevor, the better climbing starts. Rostrevor is a perfect place to stop for a coffee and enjoy the view. This place is one of the most expensive pieces of land in Northern Ireland. In itself, we can understand why.
From here, you'll go up tight and pack a nice 320 altimeters in 7.6 kilometres. Note. There is a 1.5-kilometre section, just below the summit, where the gradients are around 10%. That really takes some biting. You drive along Rostrevor Road here, and on your right all the time you see the forest of Rostrevor. The view with the Mournes is really stunning.
Once at the top, it's tight downhill towards the base of the Spelga climb, one of the most famous climbs in the area. Here you get a couple of brilliant S-curves at the start. Then you get some more fire with a 1.5-kilometre stretch of 9%! If the legs are bad, you'll feel it here. The views remain stunning.
From the top, it's downhill at breakneck speed, back to Newcastle where you can settle down at one of the many pavement cafes for a good lunch, a good pint or a coke. We're sold. Northern Ireland may be on the list!
Find out more
On the website of the Northern Ireland Tourism Office you'll find lots of useful information about cycling in Northern Ireland. Great routes can be found on our Komoot page, including the one above around the Mournes.
