Things to Do around Ballykeel
Ballykeel is a region situated within the scenic Ring of Gullion, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Characterized by its unique geological formations, including remnants of an ancient volcano, the area offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, forests, and varied terrain. This natural composition makes Ballykeel a suitable destination for several outdoor sports like mountain biking, touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and more.
Things to Do in Ballykeel
Ballykeel provides numerous routes for outdoor enthusiasts across several sports, including mountain biking, touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and jogging. More than 26,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Ballykeel, resulting in an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. For those seeking adventure on two wheels, the region offers diverse mountain biking routes, with trails catering to various skill levels, from cross-country to more challenging tracks. Nearby areas like Kilbroney Forest Park are known for their mountain biking opportunities. Cyclists can explore scenic touring and road cycling routes around Ballykeel, taking in the varied landscapes. Hikers will find a wide range of trails, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, particularly within the Ring of Gullion. To explore specific activities further, consult guides such as MTB Trails around Ballykeel, Hiking around Ballykeel, and Cycling around Ballykeel.
67
Routes
4.4
(55)
Average rating
816
People visited
4.0
(2)
25
hikers
8.01km
02:07
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(2)
50
hikers
3.54km
00:57
40m
40m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.3
(3)
30
hikers
5.82km
01:33
60m
60m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(1)
27
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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2.5
(2)
4
riders
34.4km
03:11
650m
650m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
2
riders
27.0km
02:41
600m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
1
riders
17.5km
01:45
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
63.6km
03:35
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
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35.4km
02:16
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
40.3km
02:30
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(3)
67
riders
21.5km
01:27
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
16
riders
18.7km
01:34
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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5.0
(2)
71
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
54.7km
02:25
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
39.8km
01:46
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
32.2km
01:29
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.3
(12)
62
runners
13.5km
01:27
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
33
runners
19.7km
02:04
160m
160m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
13
runners
3.79km
00:24
60m
60m
Easy run. Mostly paved surfaces.
9
runners
5.67km
00:35
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Most popular attractions in Ballykeel
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Ballykeel?
Ballykeel, located within the Ring of Gullion, offers various outdoor activities. These include mountain biking, touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and jogging. The region's diverse landscape supports routes for different skill levels.
Where is Ballykeel located?
Ballykeel is situated in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, within the Ring of Gullion. This area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It features unique geological formations from an ancient volcano.
Are there mountain biking trails in Ballykeel?
Ballykeel and its surrounding areas offer mountain biking opportunities. Kilbroney Forest Park, nearby, is known for its mountain biking trails. Northern Ireland provides diverse trails for all skill levels, from cross-country to downhill. For more information, consult the MTB Trails around Ballykeel guide.
What hiking trails are available in Ballykeel?
The Ballykeel region offers a range of hiking and walking trails suitable for various abilities. Options include easy loops in areas like Carnfunnock Country Park and Ballyboley Forest. More challenging hikes are available, such as the Black Hill loop and the Poets Trails: Ballykeel Route within the Ring of Gullion. Find more details in the Hiking around Ballykeel guide.
Are there cycling routes in Ballykeel?
Ballykeel provides scenic routes for both road cycling and touring cycling. The broader region of Northern Ireland is well-suited for bike touring, often including coastal views and mountains. The Ring of Gullion itself offers scenic routes. Explore options with the Cycling around Ballykeel and Road Cycling Routes around Ballykeel guides.
Are there family-friendly outdoor activities in Ballykeel?
Yes, areas near Ballykeel offer family-friendly options. Kilbroney Forest Park features a Narnia trail for younger visitors. Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs provide walking routes, cafes, and play areas. Tollymore Forest Park also offers themed adventure play and walks.
What are the main natural features near Ballykeel?
Ballykeel is nestled within the Ring of Gullion, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its unique geological formations. Nearby natural features include Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs, and the Mourne Mountains are a short distance away. Kilbroney Forest Park and Tollymore Forest Park also offer significant natural beauty.
How popular is Ballykeel for outdoor activities on komoot?
Ballykeel is a popular destination for outdoor activities on komoot. More than 26,000 visitors have shared their experiences in the region. Routes in Ballykeel have an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
What komoot guides are available for Ballykeel?
Komoot offers several guides for Ballykeel to help plan outdoor adventures. These include MTB Trails around Ballykeel, Cycling around Ballykeel, Easy hikes around Ballykeel, Hiking around Ballykeel, Road Cycling Routes around Ballykeel, and Running Trails around Ballykeel.
Is there an official contact number for Ballykeel tourism information?
For general tourism information related to the broader region where Ballykeel is located, the Department for Communities provides a contact number. This number is +44 28 9082 3207. For specific activity suggestions, resources like Discover Northern Ireland and WALKNI are available.
Are there beginner-friendly trails in Ballykeel?
Yes, Ballykeel and its surrounding areas offer trails suitable for beginners. For hiking, there are easy loops in places like Carnfunnock Country Park and Ballyboley Forest. Mountain biking trails also cater to various skill levels, including less challenging options. The Easy hikes around Ballykeel guide provides specific recommendations.
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