Bike Tours in Northern Ireland: the Best and the Rest

Northern Ireland rewards cyclists of every kind. In a relatively compact area, you can ride Atlantic coast roads, traffic-free greenways, rolling loughside routes and purpose-built mountain-bike trails. This guide looks at the breadth of bike tours available across the region and highlights what each one does best, whether you want scenic road riding, a family-friendly day out, or a more technical off-road adventure.

The Best Bike Routes Across Northern Ireland

Causeway Coast: Ballycastle to Portstewart

• This is Northern Ireland’s classic coastal road ride and one of the most visually dramatic tours in the region. Recent tourism guidance continues to recommend it for its Atlantic scenery and major landmarks, including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Whitepark Bay and a chain of characterful villages. At about 50 km one way, it is a memorable choice for riders who enjoy rolling terrain, sea views and destination stops as much as the cycling itself.

Greenways
Lagan Towpath / Lagan and Lough Cycle Way

• A mostly traffic-free route linking Lisburn, Belfast and Jordanstown, with waterside views, urban sections and long flat stretches that work well for families, leisure riders and visitors who want an easy-going day on the bike. It shows a different side of Northern Ireland cycling: less dramatic than the north coast, but highly practical and enjoyable.

Comber Greenway

• One of Northern Ireland’s best-loved traffic-free routes and a standout urban-to-rural ride. It as a largely flat 7-mile trail from east Belfast to Comber on National Cycle Network Route 99, with a smooth surface and safe crossings that make it popular with commuters, leisure riders and families alike. It is especially useful for visitors who want a greenway experience close to Belfast without needing to tackle major hills or traffic.

Carlingford Lough Greenway and Newry Canal Towpath

• This is not just a scenic cross-border greenway in its own right; it also opens the door to one of the longest continuous traffic-light cycling experiences in the region. The route is approximately 20 km route from Newry to Carlingford, following former railway and canal alignments with views of the Mourne Mountains, the Cooley Peninsula and the lough itself. From Newry, riders can continue north on the Newry Canal Towpath, a flat 20-mile route on National Cycle Network Route 9 running to Portadown along the restored towpath of the former Newry Canal. Taken together, the two routes create a much bigger greenway-style tour, linking loughside scenery with canal heritage, small villages and long traffic-free or mostly traffic-free stretches. It is one of the best options in Northern Ireland for anyone who wants a substantial day ride without committing to a fully road-based tour.

Causeway Coast Cycle Route (National Cycle Network Route 93)

• For riders who prefer a clearly signposted route, Route 93 offers a structured way to experience the north coast. According to current route guidance, it runs for about 23 miles from the Giant’s Causeway toward Castlerock via Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, combining traffic-free sections with linking road stretches. It is ideal for cyclists who want famous scenery with a route that is easier to navigate than a fully self-planned touring day.

Mourne Loop

• The Mourne Loop represents Northern Ireland’s more demanding road-touring side. Cycling UK describes it as a 45-mile circuit with coastal roads, notable climbing and huge mountain views in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It suits riders who want a stronger physical challenge and a greater sense of journey, showing that bike touring in Northern Ireland is not limited to flat paths and short scenic spins.

Specialist and Off-Road Tours

• City Bike Tours
  • In Belfast, you can explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture on a guided bike tour. Highlights include the Titanic Quarter, the Cathedral Quarter with its street art and pubs, and the peaceful Botanic Gardens. The city’s bike-share scheme makes it easy to hop on a bike and start exploring.
  • In Derry/Londonderry, a bike tour along the historic city walls offers a unique perspective of the city. The route includes key sights such as the Bogside murals, the Peace Bridge, and the Guildhall. Both cities provide a blend of urban exploration and historical insight, perfect for cyclists looking to delve into Northern Ireland’s cultural hubs.
• Mountain-bike centres such as Davagh, Rostrevor, Castlewellan and Banagher show how strong Northern Ireland’s off-road scene has become. Official tourism guidance highlights more than 140 km of purpose-built mountain-bike trails across the region, with options ranging from family-friendly loops to technical descents.
• Rostrevor is one of the flagship mountain-bike destinations, known for coastal views, climbing and more advanced trail riding, while Davagh has developed a reputation for purpose-built flow trails and strong visitor facilities.
• Castlewellan and other trail centres broaden the appeal further by offering graded options that make off-road riding more approachable for newer riders and families, not just specialists.

Tips for Cycling in Northern Ireland

• Prepare for variable weather. Even in summer, wind and showers can change a ride quickly, especially on exposed coastal roads.
• Check your bike before setting out. Official safety guidance recommends making sure your bike is well maintained and that lights, brakes and tyres are in good order.
• Wear high-visibility or reflective clothing when conditions are dull, and use white front and red rear lights after dark.
• Ride defensively on busy roads. Look behind before turning or stopping, signal clearly, and take extra care near junctions and larger vehicles.
• Use cycle routes and greenways where available, but remember some famous routes include unavoidable on-road sections.
• Plan for surfaces. Northern Ireland offers everything from paved greenways to compacted towpaths and hilly coastal roads, so choose tyres and gearing accordingly.
• Start early on popular routes in summer to avoid heavier traffic and to give yourself time for scenic stops.
• Bring layers, a waterproof, water, and basic repair kit items such as a spare tube, pump and multitool.

♢♢♢

Northern Ireland's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. From the dramatic cliffs of the Causeway Coast to the tranquil shores of Lough Neagh or the Lagan routes for an easy greenway day, each route offers a unique perspective on this beautiful region. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride through picturesque villages, a challenging climb in the Mourne Mountains, or an urban exploration in Belfast or Derry, Northern Ireland's bike tours provide something for everyone. So, gear up, hop on your bike, and discover the wonders of Northern Ireland on two wheels.

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From the Editor:

16 Great Bike Tours in Northern Ireland for you to choose from

The bike tours listed below are not ranked in order but the results are heavily weighted towards tours or operators that I can vouch for and can be confident of having a successful (if not amazing!) trip where you are looked after at least as well as the listing implies.
You can also use the filters to reduce the list (e.g. by guided tours, family tours, easy tours or many more).

Read about one of my cycling experiences in Northern Ireland.

• Wheels and Walls: A Bike Tour of Belfast’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks

Another source of good independent opinions is reviews from fellow cycle tourists. Why not share your opinion when you get home?