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Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Newtownabbey

Ballyearl

The best road cycling routes around Ballyearl

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.

Best road cycling routes around Ballyearl

  • The most popular road cycling route is Larne Town Centre – View of…

Last updated: May 12, 2026

4.5

(4)

54

riders

#1.

Carrickfergus Castle – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Mossley West

82.6km

03:31

570m

570m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Tips from the Community

Bumble-Bee
March 25, 2026, The Dirty Onion (Belfast's Oldest Building)

The restaurant is less interesting, but a visit to the pub is a must when in Belfast.

1

0

Puffin
November 17, 2025, Carrickfergus Castle

Impressive, massive fortress in an ideal waterfront location.

Translated by Google

4

0

Avoid this road unless you have a light racing bike and are called Tadej Pogacar. Gradient gets up to 17%. Great view though!

0

0

An old-fashioned marina in a fishing village. An idyllic place to stop during the long walk on this stretch of the CCR.

Translated by Google

2

0

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.

Translated by Google

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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/)

Translated by Google

4

0

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.

2

0

sm milligan
September 24, 2023, Browns Bay Beach

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain and difficulty can I expect from road cycling routes around Ballyearl?

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.

Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Ballyearl?

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.

Are there challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders near Ballyearl?

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.

What are some of the longer distance road cycling routes available around Ballyearl?

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.

Are there circular road cycling routes around Ballyearl?

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.

What can I see along the road cycling routes around Ballyearl?

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.

What do other road cyclists enjoy the most about road cycling in Ballyearl?

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.

Are there any family-friendly road cycling options in the Ballyearl area?

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.

When is the best time of year for road cycling in Ballyearl?

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.

Are there road cycling routes near Ballyearl that offer scenic viewpoints?

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.

How many road cycling routes are there in total around Ballyearl?

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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