The best road cycling routes around Ballygroobany

Accommodation is not plentiful along the route.

chance to see statue of Newry born , first manager of Celtic F.C.

Here you will be treated to a magnificent view of the cathedral. The imposing tower of Saint Patrick and Saint Colman rises majestically above the city, dominating the skyline with its neo-Gothic architecture. This cathedral, completed in 1829, is unique as it was the first Catholic cathedral built in Ireland after the relaxation of the penal laws. From this point, you can see the beautiful texture of the local granite from the Mourne Mountains, from which the church is built.

The Crack Bridge, also known as Fearon’s Bridge, is one of the most characteristic stone arch bridges over the Newry Canal. This historic structure is located on a beautiful, secluded section of the towpath between Poyntzpass and Jerrettspass. This robust, semi-circular arch bridge from the 18th century is built from locally quarried stone and forms an iconic image along the Newry Canal Towpath. The bridge was originally built to give local farmers and their livestock access to the farmlands on both sides of the canal without hindering navigation.

Small linear village on the border of Armagh and Down, where the road and the old Newry Canal cross in a narrow passage (the pass). The canal runs tightly here between low hedges and open farmland, with short bridges and straight stretches of towpath. The village itself is compact: one main street, 19th-century facades, railway line and a quiet, rural atmosphere.

quick service with plenty of space

Quiet canal section south of Poyntzpass, where the towpath runs tightly along the narrow water. The bank is lightly overgrown with low trees and hedges, giving the stretch an intimate, green impression. The water is mostly still, forming a straight line through the open agricultural landscape. An even, traffic-free segment ideal for quiet miles on the towpath.

The Newry Canal Towpath is a 32-kilometer-long, almost entirely traffic-free green corridor connecting the towns of Portadown and Newry. It follows the towpath of the oldest canal in the British Isles, opened in 1742 to transport coal from County Tyrone to the sea. The Newry Canal Towpath offers an unparalleled cycling experience through the tranquil heart of County Armagh and County Down. This historic route, part of the National Cycle Network Route 9, takes you along a flat and largely asphalted path past fourteen monumental locks and characteristic lock-keeper's cottages. As you follow the waterway, you'll traverse a varied landscape of dense forests and open meadows, passing through welcoming villages like Scarva and Poyntzpass along the way. The path is a haven for wildlife; keep an eye out for kingfishers, swans, and otters that inhabit the reed beds. Whether you cycle the full 32 kilometers or explore just a section, the combination of industrial history and natural beauty makes this one of the absolute gems of Irish cycling routes.