4.4
(31)
1,413
riders
135
rides
Road cycling routes around Finnard traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills, forested areas, and scenic water features. The region offers a mix of challenging climbs and more gentle paths, often following river valleys or reservoir shores. Cyclists can expect varied terrain, from open country roads to routes passing through small villages and past historical sites.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
28
riders
35.0km
01:35
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
20
riders
53.1km
02:30
680m
690m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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18
riders
28.8km
01:15
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
18
riders
37.7km
01:50
560m
560m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(7)
13
riders
34.7km
01:40
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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A great little cafe set in the bike shop, with great coffee and a nice variety of sweet goodies.
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When you cycle and explore Tollymore Forest Park, you'll find a diverse mix of nature and history. The trails are well maintained and lead through dense forests, along the Shimna River and past historic structures such as the Hermitage and the iconic bridges. However, some sections are quite steep and can be slippery when wet, so caution is advised. Signage could be clearer in places, making orientation difficult. Nevertheless, the park offers a rewarding experience for cyclists who appreciate both scenic beauty and cultural highlights.
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Start of a beautiful path
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The crannóg is a man made island dating from around the Late Bronze Age period (from approx. 2000 to 500 BC). The Island was inhabited by the Magennis family in the 17th century, who had vacated a castle that is thought to have stood on the lake shore. It was also used as a hiding place for the Irish Rebellion around 1642.
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Forest paths along the Shimna river marked by many curiosities, both natural and artificial. Rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves. Elsewhere in the park the tree lover can find exotic trees such as monkey puzzle and eucalyptus, or admire the tall giant redwoods and Monterey pines. Oak wood from Tollymore was the preferred material for the interiors of the White Star liners including the 'Titanic' which was built in Belfast.
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The perfect meeting spot to start any run in this area. From this point you can head either into Rostrevor village, out towards Killowen, into Kilbroney park or head north alongside the river.
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The meeting spot for most hikes, runs, bike rides etc that start in Rostrevor.
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Finnard offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 140 routes available on komoot. This includes a diverse range of options suitable for various fitness levels.
Road cycling routes around Finnard are characterized by rolling hills, forested areas, and scenic water features. You'll encounter a mix of challenging climbs and more gentle paths, often following river valleys or reservoir shores. The terrain varies from open country roads to routes passing through small villages and past historical sites.
The road cycling routes in Finnard are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.47 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the varied scenery, from reservoir views to forested sections and shore roads, and the options available for different ability levels.
Yes, Finnard offers several road cycling routes suitable for beginners. There are 13 easy routes available, such as The Yard Café loop from Rathfriland, which is 17.9 miles (28.8 km) long and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to complete.
For experienced road cyclists, Finnard provides 15 difficult routes with significant elevation gain. A notable challenging route is the Spelga Reservoir Hill Climb – Trassey Road loop from Rathfriland, a 33.0-mile (53.1 km) path featuring substantial climbs and rewarding views.
Many of the road cycling routes in Finnard are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Examples include The Yard Café – Loughbrickland Crannóg loop from Rathfriland and Climb by Rostrevor Forest loop from Rathfriland.
Absolutely. Finnard's road cycling routes often feature beautiful natural scenery. You can enjoy reservoir views, such as on the Spelga Reservoir Hill Climb, or ride along shore roads like the Warrenpoint Shore Road – Fairy Glen loop, offering picturesque coastal vistas.
Yes, Finnard's routes can lead you past interesting landmarks. For example, you might encounter the Leitrim Lodge, known for its historical significance and as a filming location, or the impressive Craigmore Viaduct.
Many popular routes, such as those mentioned in the guide, start from Rathfriland. While specific parking details for each starting point are not provided, towns like Rathfriland typically offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local parking options before your ride.
Given the region's characteristics, spring through early autumn generally offers the most favorable conditions for road cycling in Finnard. During these months, you can expect milder temperatures and less precipitation, making for more enjoyable rides through the rolling hills and along water features.
Yes, some routes are known to pass by local amenities. For instance, the route The Yard Café – Loughbrickland Crannóg loop from Rathfriland explicitly mentions 'The Yard Café' in its name, indicating a potential stop for refreshments.
Yes, Finnard offers several routes that incorporate waterways and reservoirs. You can cycle along the Newry Canal Towpath or enjoy views of the Spelga Reservoir on dedicated routes, providing a refreshing element to your ride.
Certainly. The Warrenpoint Shore Road – Fairy Glen loop from Clanrye River is an excellent example, providing a blend of coastal views along the shore road and more inland, forested sections, offering a diverse cycling experience.


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