4.0
(163)
13,641
runners
395
runs
Jogging around Ballygomartin offers access to diverse natural landscapes and accessible parks, providing varied backdrops for exercise. The area features natural beauty with views overlooking Belfast and Belfast Lough, enhancing the running experience. Key features include Glencairn Park and the Ballygomartin River Walk, which provide opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
13
runners
8.69km
01:11
330m
330m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
241
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

45
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
23
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
22
runners
17.5km
02:00
350m
350m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Perhaps the most significant development of the strike occurred when Sands entered the election campaign for a seat in the Parliament for Northern Ireland's County of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. On 10 April, after 41 days of hunger strike and to the great shock of the IRA leadership, Sands won the seat by more than 30,000 votes. His election sent shockwaves throughout Ireland and within the British government. After all, Britain's criminalisation policy was based on its claims that the IRA had little public support and was a gang of renegade criminals. Despite Sands' new political status as an MP and mounting public pressure, the British government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refused to take even a step towards reconciliation. Sands' condition continued to deteriorate and he remained confined to the prison infirmary. Eventually, on 3 May, Sands fell into a coma. His family was called to visit and on Tuesday, May 5, 1981, Sands died after 66 days on hunger strike. Sands' death sparked enormous reactions around the world. Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in support of the prisoners' demands, the US government issued a statement of "deep regret", Irish unions went on strike, newspapers around the world condemned Thatcher's "glory" in allowing a parliamentary colleague to die, and riots broke out in the streets of Northern Ireland. His funeral procession was attended by more than 100,000 people. After Sands, nine more prisoners died before the hunger strike was finally ended on October 3, 1981. Shortly afterwards, all prisoners were granted reforms that largely met their demands.(Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bobby-Sands)
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Robert Gerard Sands (Irish: Roibeárd Gearóid Ó Seachnasaigh; [2] 9 March 1954 – 5 May 1981) was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who died on hunger strike while imprisoned in HM Prison Maze in Northern Ireland. Sands was involved in planning the 1976 bombing of the Balmoral Furniture Company in Dunmurry, which was followed by a gun battle with the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Sands was arrested during an escape attempt and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for possession of weapons. He was the leader of the 1981 hunger strike in which Irish republican prisoners protested against the abolition of Special Category Status. During Sands' strike he was elected to the British Parliament as a candidate of the Anti-H-Block movement. [3] [4] His death and that of nine other hunger strikers was followed by a wave of IRA recruitment and activity. International media coverage drew attention to the hunger strikers and the republican movement in general, drawing both praise and criticism. (Source: Wikipedia)
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The Garden of Remembrance (Irish: An Gairdín Cuimhneacháin) is a memorial garden in Belfast, Northern Ireland, dedicated to members of the Irish Republican Army killed during the Northern Ireland conflict, as well as civilians and deceased former prisoners. It is located on the Falls Road, which was historically a predominantly Irish Republican area during the conflict (source: Wikipedia).
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Super beautiful cave, but watch out for falling rocks
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Bobby Sands is pretty omnipresent. A very well-known and popular personality.
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Not the most beautiful area for running, but definitely steeped in history 👍
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Ballygomartin offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 400 trails available on komoot. These routes cater to various fitness levels, from easy strolls to challenging runs.
Yes, Ballygomartin has numerous options for beginners. There are over 50 easy routes, perfect for those new to running or looking for a more relaxed jog. These often feature gentler inclines and well-maintained paths.
Jogging routes in Ballygomartin offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find paths through accessible parks like Glencairn Park, river walks along the Ballygomartin River, and routes that combine urban sections with green spaces. Some trails, particularly those leading to areas like Cave Hill, will include significant elevation changes and more natural, uneven surfaces.
Many of Ballygomartin's parks and river walks are suitable for families. While specific routes aren't tagged as 'family-friendly' in the data, areas like Glencairn Park and the Ballygomartin River Walk provide accessible and pleasant environments for a family jog or stroll. For a slightly longer option, the Running loop from Corrigan Park, Naomh Eoin CLG offers a moderate path through urban and green spaces.
Many public parks and trails in the Ballygomartin area, including Glencairn Park and the Ballygomartin River Walk, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a leash and check for specific signage in individual parks or nature reserves regarding pet policies to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Absolutely. The region is known for its picturesque views. Routes that venture into areas like Cave Hill Country Park offer stunning panoramas over Belfast and Belfast Lough. For example, the Cave Hill Country Park running loop via Belfast Castle provides significant elevation gain, rewarding runners with expansive vistas. You can also find viewpoints like Cave Hill itself.
For those seeking longer runs, Ballygomartin offers several options. A notable long-distance trail is the Grave of C. S. Lewis's Parents – Baird Family Grave loop from Corrigan Park, Naomh Eoin CLG, which spans over 16 kilometers (10 miles) and takes you through local streets and park areas.
Yes, for experienced runners looking for a challenge, Ballygomartin has several difficult routes. The Cave Hill Country Park running loop via Belfast Castle is classified as difficult due to its significant elevation gain over 8.7 kilometers (5.4 miles). There are over 60 difficult routes in total for advanced joggers.
Many of the running routes in Ballygomartin are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Cave Hill Country Park running loop and the Grave of C. S. Lewis's Parents – Baird Family Grave loop, providing convenient options for your run.
While running, you might encounter various points of interest. Near some routes, you can find natural monuments like Cave Hill. In the wider Ballygomartin area, you're also close to significant city landmarks such as Belfast City Hall or the Albert Memorial Clock, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban history.
Yes, Ballygomartin is well-connected, and public transport can provide access to various running trails and parks. Specific bus routes serve the area, making it possible to reach popular starting points like Corrigan Park or areas near Cave Hill Country Park without a car.
Many of the parks and trailheads in and around Ballygomartin offer parking facilities. For instance, if you're starting a run from a location like Corrigan Park or accessing trails in Cave Hill Country Park, you'll typically find designated parking areas nearby, making it convenient for those traveling by car.
The running routes in Ballygomartin are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of nearly 4 stars from over 100 reviews. Runners frequently praise the diverse natural landscapes, the scenic views overlooking Belfast and Belfast Lough, and the variety of routes that cater to all fitness levels, from easy park jogs to challenging hill climbs.


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