4.7
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1,524
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Touring cycling routes around Killinure offer varied road cycling terrain with undulating hills and scenic viewpoints. The area features mostly well-paved surfaces, making it suitable for touring bikes. The landscape includes diverse natural features, providing a range of cycling loops for different fitness levels.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
2
riders
25.5km
01:31
170m
170m
Cycle the moderate 15.9-mile (25.5 km) Strangford Lough Cycle Trail: Ballygowan Loop for scenic views and charming coastal towns.
1
riders
34.6km
02:03
220m
220m
The Strangford Lough Cycle Trail offers a moderate touring bicycle experience, covering 21.5 miles (34.6 km) with an elevation gain of 733 feet (224 metres). You can expect to complete…

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33.5km
02:02
290m
290m
Embark on the Saintfield to Giant's Ring loop, a moderate touring bicycle route spanning 20.8 miles (33.5 km) with an elevation gain of 960 feet (293 metres). You can expect…
35.4km
02:16
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
40.3km
02:30
370m
370m
Cycle the moderate 25.0-mile Moneyreagh to Drumbo loop through scenic countryside, gaining 1220 feet in 2 hours and 29 minutes.
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Cycle and pedestrian bridge over the Lagan
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The bridge is named after Captain John Shaw of Oliver Cromwell's army, who built an oak bridge here in 1655. A stone bridge was built by Thomas Burgh in 1691, although this was destroyed by flooding, which led to it being replaced by the present bridge in 1709.
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The facility is of impressive size.
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The structure consists of a circular earthen ring with a diameter of 180 m and an area of 28,000 square meters, surrounded by an earthen rampart 3.5 m high. At least three of the five irregularly distributed gaps in the ring are intentional and possibly original. East of the center of the ring is a small passage grave with a westward-facing entrance.
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The truncated round tower rises from afar, its massive structure still preserved up to 10.7 metres. Originally, the tower served not only as a spiritual place, but also offered a strategic view over the valley - a real advantage for spotting any Viking raids early on. The history of the nearby monastery, which is associated with St. Mochumma, is also interesting. It is said that the site was looted in 1130 and that the remains of a church were discovered near the tower as late as the 18th century. The beam holes inside suggest that the six floors were made of wood and offered a certain level of comfort.
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As you get closer, the mystical aura of the place unfolds, with its mighty, almost circular earthen wall, which measures over 180 meters in diameter and dominates the view over the surrounding plateau. This ancient henge complex is one of the largest and best-preserved monuments of its kind in Ireland - hard to miss when you get close to Shaw's Bridge. In the center of the ring, a megalithic tomb awaits you, which tells its own story with its five supporting stones and a mighty capstone. You can literally feel the thousands of years that have passed here since ceremonies and gatherings probably took place at this place. It is impressive how the Giant's Ring has survived over time, while the wooden structures of the Ballynahatty settlements are long gone.
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The old stone bridge stretches majestically over the still water, which is perfectly reflected and creates a calm, almost magical atmosphere. The surrounding nature is inviting and offers a wonderful backdrop with green meadows and shady paths. A light wind blows through the trees and the sounds of nature accompany you with every pedal stroke.
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Killinure offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 50 different options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and more challenging rides.
The touring cycling terrain in Killinure is characterized by varied road cycling surfaces, often well-paved, making them suitable for touring bikes. You can expect undulating hills and scenic viewpoints throughout the region, providing a diverse and engaging cycling experience.
Yes, Killinure has several touring cycling routes that are great for any fitness level, including beginners. There are 23 easy routes available, offering gentle gradients and enjoyable scenery. For example, the region offers shorter loops like the 'Gill's Lough loop from The Temple' mentioned in regional research, which is suitable for an easier ride.
Killinure's touring cycling routes feature undulating hills, meaning you'll encounter gentle to moderate elevation changes. For instance, the Saintfield to Giant's Ring loop has an elevation gain of approximately 292 meters over its 33.5 km distance, providing a good workout without being overly strenuous.
Many of the touring cycling routes around Killinure are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Strangford Lough Cycle Trail: Ballygowan Loop and the Moneyreagh to Drumbo loop, which offer scenic circular journeys.
While cycling around Killinure, you can discover several natural monuments and scenic spots. Notable natural features include the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park Rose Garden and Stone Monoliths, Belfast Botanic Gardens, and the impressive Giant's Ring Megalithic Tomb.
Yes, the area around Killinure offers several historical and cultural landmarks. You might encounter sites like Shaw's Bridge, or even venture slightly further to see the Belfast City Hall and the Albert Memorial Clock, depending on your chosen route.
While specific parking details for each route vary, many cycling routes in Killinure are accessible from towns and villages where public parking facilities are typically available. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for the most convenient parking options.
Yes, Killinure offers family-friendly touring cycling routes, particularly among the 23 easy routes available. These routes often feature mostly well-paved surfaces and gentler gradients, making them suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Look for shorter loops with minimal elevation for the best family experience.
The best time to go touring cycling in Killinure is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This period offers more comfortable temperatures and less chance of rain, making for a more enjoyable ride through the scenic landscapes.
Killinure and its surrounding areas, including nearby towns and villages, offer various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. Many routes pass through or near these settlements, providing convenient stops for refreshments or overnight stays. Specific establishments would depend on your chosen route.
The touring cycling routes in Killinure are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied road cycling terrain, the undulating hills, and the scenic viewpoints that make for a rewarding experience.
For experienced riders seeking a greater challenge, Killinure offers several moderate to difficult routes. For example, the Lisnabreeny Castlereagh to Islandhill loop covers over 35 km with an elevation gain of approximately 428 meters, providing a more demanding ride through varied terrain.


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