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iGap Travel Guide
82
CARLINGFORD
A CYCLIST’S PARADISE
WITH D A VI D O ’ HAN L O N , O WN ER O F
C AR LI NG F O R D G R EENW A Y B I KE H I R E
Ireland’s Cooley Peninsula boasts some of the country’s most scenic cycling routes, taking enthusiasts through
the mountainous County Louth and even across the border to Northern Ireland. Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire is
located in the historic village of Carlingford with superb access to the Carlingford Greenway, which offers a number
of exciting routes. The specialist’s collection of e-bikes will make the hills of Slieve Foy a much more attractive
option, whilst its broad selection of road bikes will give cyclists the tools to cruise along the region’s coastal routes.
Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire’s Owner David O’Hanlon is brimming with local knowledge, and knows routes that
can test the most experienced riders or help newcomers gently ease into this adventurous past time. With vibrant
villages such as Omeath, Greenore, and Rostrevor dotted along the routes, there’s plenty of Irish hospitality to
enjoy – and the odd pint of Guinness of course. We caught up with David to get the lowdown on some of the best
routes the region has to offer.
The 50km Lough Loop takes cyclists across land and
sea on a scenic, coastal adventure. The terrain is
largely flat and those travelling by road bike will be
looking at a four-hour journey time, whilst e-bikers
typically take around three hours to complete the
loop – including some stops. David recommends
taking the road south from Carlingford towards the
port at Greenore, where a short ferry will take you to
the northern side of the Lough at Greencastle. David
says: “Once you’re off the ferry, follow the road signs
for Newry. You should see a monument to British
Army Major-General Robert Ross, who ordered the
burning of the White House in Washington.”
Take a break in the village of Rostrevor before cycling
onto Newry, where you can enjoy a slice of Americana
at Friar Tuck’s restaurant and cool-off with a milkshake
at Timoneys Ice Cream. From Newry, the last leg of
your route takes you south along the Victoria Lough
Greenway, where you will cross the border back into
Ireland. Join the main road and pass through the
village of Omeath before re-joining the Carlingford
Greenway. David adds: “The final seven kilometres
bring you back into Carlingford – and you’ll have
earned a pint of Guinness in one of its famous pubs.
Ma Bakers, McKevitts, Juniors Bar, PJ O Hare’s, and the
Carlingford Arms are all great options.”
Rostrevor
The Lough Loop
82
CARLINGFORD
A CYCLIST’S PARADISE
WITH D A VI D O ’ HAN L O N , O WN ER O F
C AR LI NG F O R D G R EENW A Y B I KE H I R E
Ireland’s Cooley Peninsula boasts some of the country’s most scenic cycling routes, taking enthusiasts through
the mountainous County Louth and even across the border to Northern Ireland. Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire is
located in the historic village of Carlingford with superb access to the Carlingford Greenway, which offers a number
of exciting routes. The specialist’s collection of e-bikes will make the hills of Slieve Foy a much more attractive
option, whilst its broad selection of road bikes will give cyclists the tools to cruise along the region’s coastal routes.
Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire’s Owner David O’Hanlon is brimming with local knowledge, and knows routes that
can test the most experienced riders or help newcomers gently ease into this adventurous past time. With vibrant
villages such as Omeath, Greenore, and Rostrevor dotted along the routes, there’s plenty of Irish hospitality to
enjoy – and the odd pint of Guinness of course. We caught up with David to get the lowdown on some of the best
routes the region has to offer.
The 50km Lough Loop takes cyclists across land and
sea on a scenic, coastal adventure. The terrain is
largely flat and those travelling by road bike will be
looking at a four-hour journey time, whilst e-bikers
typically take around three hours to complete the
loop – including some stops. David recommends
taking the road south from Carlingford towards the
port at Greenore, where a short ferry will take you to
the northern side of the Lough at Greencastle. David
says: “Once you’re off the ferry, follow the road signs
for Newry. You should see a monument to British
Army Major-General Robert Ross, who ordered the
burning of the White House in Washington.”
Take a break in the village of Rostrevor before cycling
onto Newry, where you can enjoy a slice of Americana
at Friar Tuck’s restaurant and cool-off with a milkshake
at Timoneys Ice Cream. From Newry, the last leg of
your route takes you south along the Victoria Lough
Greenway, where you will cross the border back into
Ireland. Join the main road and pass through the
village of Omeath before re-joining the Carlingford
Greenway. David adds: “The final seven kilometres
bring you back into Carlingford – and you’ll have
earned a pint of Guinness in one of its famous pubs.
Ma Bakers, McKevitts, Juniors Bar, PJ O Hare’s, and the
Carlingford Arms are all great options.”
Rostrevor
The Lough Loop
