For passionate MTB enthusiasts who want to get the adrenaline pumping here are 5 very different Bike Trail heads, each offering something special and unique.
Our chosen mountain bike trails are set amidst stunning natural landscapes, catering to a variety of outdoor pursuits. So, if mountain biking is not the primary interest of your motorhome companions, the picturesque environs provide ample opportunities for hiking and other recreational activities. For those eager to dive into the excitement, check out these tantalising and thrilling mountain bike trails.
Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trail
A steep mountain bike trail with a daring 27km red trail and a hair raising 19km black trail on the shores of Carlingford Lough, Rostrevor is believed by many to be the top spot for mountain biking in Ireland. The trails are completely free of charge and open 24 hours a day. Bikers are rewarded with incredible coastal views and exhilarating single track descents. For full details checkout the Mountain bikes Northern Ireland Website. With two purpose-built downhill trails to negotiate, it's true to say… Rostrevor is a mountain bikers’ haven! Carlingford Lough is an ideal stopover for motorhome owners, Kilbroney forest park is nearby if you fancy a forest walk with adjacent waterfall. Rostrevor is also home to Cloughmore stone, a huge megalithic stone Kodak Corner which has magnificent views over Carlifngford Bay. The Cooley peninsula and Carlingford town are also nearby and certainly worth a ramble. One thing is for sure, you won’t be short of things to see and do. Check out the following Google map with directions to Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trail Car Park.
Coolaney MTB Trails, Sligo
Definitely one for the radar as this MTB track is still in development. You get to enjoy exceptional scenery while you negotiate a network of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads on waymarked circular routes of between 3km and 22km in length. Because this is the first phase of an extensive trail system being built in the Ox Mountains, near Coolaney, it may not be for the hardcore mountain biker just yet, but does have red trails which takes riders through forest and heathland with incredible views northwards over Ballisodare and Sligo Bays and up to Slieve League in Donegal. Continue on to open up views across Co. Sligo, the Dartry Mountains and ‘Yeats Country’. Forest-road-climbs lead you into tight twisty singletrack with loads of fast descents, ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits to keep you challenged. With some of the best beaches in Ireland, it’s clear that Surfer’s Paradise Sligo has more to offer the outdoor enthusiast, so why not extend your stay in your campervan and take in what Sligo has to offer by hiking up Queen Maeve's trail, climbing the iconic Ben Bulben, exploring the intriguing caves of Keash or go biking at Gleniffs horseshoe drive. Check out google map directions to the Coolaney MTB trailhead.
Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails, Limerick
The largest Bike Trail Network in Ireland is located in Ballyhoura mountains with 98km of trails including forest road climbs, tight twisty singletracks with lots of ups and downs, a board walk, tight turns and technical rocky sections. Trails range from the moderate 6km Greenwood loop to the demanding Castlepook loop, over 50km in length! The loops between are Mountrussell 17km loop, Garrane 35km loop and Streamhill 41km loop. The trailhead is located 2 kms south of Ardpatrick village in Co. Limerick off the R512 road, see google maps link to the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Head. Whether you prefer fast and flowing with jumps and technical challenges or you consider yourself a bit of a novice, there are plenty of tracks to suit every level. One of the great things about Ballyhoura is the range of outdoor activities including: forest walks, mountain walks, fishing, horse riding, clay shooting and even paragliding, kayaking and orienteering. So if you wish to stay on in your camper and take in more of Ireland's great outdoors, your campervan provides the perfect base.
Glencullen Adventure Park - The Gap Mountain Bike Trail, Dublin
There are trails of all colours, distances and levels of difficulty at the Gap Glen Cullen Adventure Park is a purpose-built mountain bike park equipped with over 20 downhill MTB trails, a skills area, a pedal up track and scenic walking trail. There is also a Pro Line Trail for the elite, professional only riders who are at the very top of their game with considerable experience of riding highly challenging terrain with large jumps and drops. The Park was designed and built by the Back on Track team who are behind Bike park Wales, and offer a series of challenging trails from blue, red, black and the ultimate black+ which is also known as the widow maker. If you like to change things up, you can opt to combine trails and mix a bit of blue with red and black at intersections to integrate fast flowing descents with jumps and tight berms. See google maps for directions to the Glencullen Adventure Park.
Ballinastoe Bike Trail, Wicklow
A funky 16Km single track trail system, designed by one of the world leaders in the sport, constructed to give a challenging and rewarding experience. The trail takes the rider through some beautiful forest with views east over Calare Common and the Sugarloaf with the sea beyond. At the top of the trail, Lough Tay and the mountains beyond give views worth the effort of the climb. The trail accesses many types of terrain from open heather moor land on the top through thicket spruce and Scot’s Pine on the lower section. As you would expect in the Wicklow mountains, the trail is quite exposed on the upper slopes and can be very windy in poor weather. So aim for more temperate weather if you want to get the most from your experience. Don't forget to bring your wind and rain proof gear at all times as Irish weather conditions can change very quickly. On this trail, you can expect plenty of ups and downs, tight twists and technical rock sections. See google map directions to Ballinastoe Bike Trail Head. If you haven’t overly exerted yourself, it's back to your campervan's four wheels where you can freshen up and take on Apre MTB activities such as lunch or a pint at the infamous Johnny Fox’s pub, a trek in the Wicklow mountains, a trip to Glendalough, tour around Blessington lakes or visit the ever popular Powerscourt house and waterfalls.
A campervan or van conversion is a no brainer for the MTB enthusiast! Whether you opt to take your bikes in the rear garage section of your campervan or mount externally on a bike rack, there is no shortage of storage for all the extra gear and equipment. If you don't already have an external shower, it's definitely worth getting one fitted. After you hose down the gear, it's time for a hot shower, a bite of lunch and you will be refreshed and ready for the next stage of your adventure.
If you are interested in becoming a campervan owner or purchasing a motorhome, come see the range at our showrooms in Shannonside Business Park, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary V94VY98. Anchor Point Motorhomes is your Burstner, Weinsberg and Westfalia Motorhome Ireland dealer, we pride ourselves on delivering a 5-star service to all our customers.
Call us on 353 (0)61 379903 or pop in to see us. A warm welcome awaits!
