4.8
(26)
1,846
riders
44
rides
Road cycling around Ballyearl features varied terrain, including rolling landscapes and rural roads, often with views towards the coast. The region is characterized by undulating terrain with moderate to significant elevation gains, including ascents of over 1,770 feet (540 meters) on some routes. The area's network of roads supports diverse road cycling experiences, traversing open countryside, forested areas, and tranquil reservoirs.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.5
(4)
54
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
30
riders
79.7km
03:40
780m
780m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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5.0
(2)
23
riders
51.2km
02:39
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
35
riders
164km
07:52
1,780m
1,780m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
31
riders
135km
06:23
1,630m
1,630m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Ballyearl
The restaurant is less interesting, but a visit to the pub is a must when in Belfast.
1
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Impressive, massive fortress in an ideal waterfront location.
4
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Avoid this road unless you have a light racing bike and are called Tadej Pogacar. Gradient gets up to 17%. Great view though!
0
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An old-fashioned marina in a fishing village. An idyllic place to stop during the long walk on this stretch of the CCR.
2
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The Dirty Onion is divided into a pub with a beer garden on the ground floor and a restaurant specializing in chicken on the first floor.
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The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building. Dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded liquor warehouse from 1921. It was known then as 'STACK N' - a nod to its location on the north side of Waring Street - and still bears a giant red-painted 'N' on its brick facade. The distinctive external timber structure is another original feature which, after careful restoration, frames the pub's beer garden at the front of the complex, with a new contemporary courtyard extending to Hill Street. Inside, low ceilings supported by exposed timber beams and original brick walls throughout are a nod to the past. In addition, the building's heritage is further highlighted by a sensitive partnership with Jameson Irish Whiskey - a tribute to the tens of thousands of Jameson barrels and cases that passed through the building, which was operated by Edward Dillon Bonders (now a subsidiary of Irish Distillers and Dillon Bass) until 1991. Live Music The Dirty Onion is a modern take on a traditional Irish pub. The novel partnership with multi-award-winning cultural centre An Droichead ensures a varied music programme seven nights a week. From open workshops in singing and various traditional instruments to sessions with traditional musicians of the highest quality, there is something for participants and spectators every night at The Dirty Onion.(Source:https://visitbelfast.com/partners/dirty-onion-yardbird/)
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Carrickfergus Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Belfast Lough. Built in the 12th century, it stands as a historic icon, showcasing impressive architecture and giving you a glimpse into Ireland's past.
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Browns Bay Beach is a popular sandy, safe beach at the northern tip of Islandmagee, nestling between Skenaghan Point and Barrs Point in a horse shoe shaped bay. It is 600m long with rocks and loose boulders around the edge. Access is via a set of steps at one end and a gentle ramp at the other. The view across the horizon is beautiful showing five headlands all the way up the Antrim coast. This beach is popular for swimming. A sizeable car park is on the other side of the road. There is a wide grassy area that is suitable for wheelchairs. There are also public toilets onsite and at Ballylumford Harbour. Skenaghan point, on the east of the bay, is a National Trust property and features a short walking route past the “rocking stone”. Looking to the north one gets a clear view of the “Maidens rocks” far out in the North Channel, and their two lighthouses, only one of which is now in operation.
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Road cycling around Ballyearl features varied terrain, including rolling landscapes and rural roads. You'll find routes that traverse both open countryside and paths with views towards the coast. Elevations are present, providing opportunities for climbs and descents. The region offers a diverse range of difficulties, with 42 easy routes, 149 moderate routes, and 14 difficult routes available.
Yes, Ballyearl offers a good selection of routes for beginners. There are 42 easy road cycling routes that provide a gentler introduction to the area's landscapes, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without overly strenuous climbs.
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Ballyearl has 14 difficult road cycling routes. An example is the Waterfoot Beach – View of Torr Head loop from Mossley West, which covers 163 km with significant elevation gain, offering a demanding ride through the region's more undulating terrain.
Ballyearl offers several long-distance routes for endurance cyclists. The Waterfoot Beach – View of Torr Head loop from Mossley West is a challenging 163 km ride, while the Larne Town Centre – View of the Antrim Coast loop from Mossley West spans 135 km, both offering extensive exploration of the wider region.
Many of the road cycling routes around Ballyearl are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the Locked Gate and Kissing Gate – Carmoney Hill loop from Mossley West is a 50 km circular trail that takes you through undulating terrain.
Road cycling routes around Ballyearl offer opportunities to see various natural and historical landmarks. You might pass by natural monuments like Cave Hill and Napoleon's Nose, or historical sites such as Belfast Castle and Carrickfergus Castle. Some routes also offer coastal views.
The road cycling experience in Ballyearl is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes rolling hills and rural roads, as well as the scenic coastal views found on routes like the Browns Bay Beach – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Mossley West.
While many routes involve significant distances and elevation, the 42 easy routes available in Ballyearl can be a good starting point for families with older children or those looking for a less strenuous ride. It's advisable to check individual route details for specific suitability for younger riders.
The best time for road cycling in Ballyearl is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This allows for more comfortable riding conditions and better enjoyment of the scenic landscapes.
Yes, many routes in the Ballyearl area offer scenic viewpoints, particularly those that traverse coastal sections or higher elevations. For example, the Browns Bay Beach – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Mossley West includes coastal views, and routes that pass by Belfast Window on Wildlife (WOW) or Cave Hill offer panoramic vistas.
There are over 200 road cycling routes available around Ballyearl on komoot, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.


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