Northern Ireland is home to three national trail centres, in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains is Davagh Forest and in the Mourne Mountains is Castlewellan and Rostrevor. With 62km of red trails between them, as well as plenty of black, blue and green options, there is a huge amount of variety for mountain bikers of all abilities. Watch our new video below to find out 'What's up the Road'!
To help you plan your trip from Ireland we’ve put together some itineraries and suggestions on where to eat, drink and stay!
Davagh Forest is renowned for its many rock features. Eagle's Rock and Boundary Rock are two of the more famous examples, but you'll be sure to encounter plenty more as you navigate this stunning forest in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains. Take a detour and push yourself to the top of the Stream Trail for a couple of heart racing loops. You'll also find all the great extras including a skills park and pump track at the trailhead, a bikewash and free car parking.
Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails
The majesty of the Mournes has to be seen to be fully appreciated, and there is nowhere better to do this than at the peak of Rostrevor's MTB trails overlooking Carlingford Lough and the towns of Rostrevor and Warrenpoint. With epic views comes epic trails, and riders have the joy of a 27km red loop which takes in every kind of feature you could want in a trail centre. Just to top things off, Rostrevor is home to Ireland's first ever purpose built DH trails, Mega Mission and On the Pulse. With a great café at the trailhead and free parking, the home to the Red Bull Foxhunt is a must on every mountain bikers list.
Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails
Statistically the most popular trail centre in Northern Ireland, Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails boast 19km of red trail, as well as two popular black options and some quality blue and green trails. Enjoy the pump track that overlakes Castlewellan Lake and it's historic Victorian castle, before exploring trails that provide bags of flow and fun.