Belfast to Ballyshannon (Longer Route) 230 Miles

Suggested Itineries Coast to Coast

Belfast to Ballyshannon (Longer Route) 230 miles

Belfast to Ballyshannon cycle route runs from the east coast of Northern Ireland to the west coast of Ireland, it was the first fully signposted coast to coast route. It passes through the counties of Antrim, Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Donegal, with fantastic views of the Sperrin Mountains and the sandy beaches of Donegal. Based on 35 miles per day

Day One – Belfast to Moira (22 miles)

Day Two – Moira to Armagh (37 miles)

This journey will bring you along side the eastern shores of Lough Neagh, between Moira and Portadown. The first few miles from Portadown are traffic free and follow the Newry Canal towpath. Then the route brings you along quiet country roads to Armagh, once you arrive in Armagh there is lots to see like the Planetarium, the Cathedrals and St Patrick’s Trian.

Day Three – Armagh to Dungannon (27 miles)

You will follow minor country roads through the green country side of Armagh; from Tynan to Benburb the route follows the line of the old Ulster canal as well as the former railway line around Dungannon. In Dungannon why not visit some attractions like the Railway Park and the Moygashel Linen Green Mill.

Day Four – Dungannon to Cookstown (22 miles)

There are some sections which are traffic free along from Dungannon to Cookstown. Along the way just after Dungannon, the route passes through Drumcairne Forest.

Day Five – Cookstown to Gortin (26 miles)

The route will take you through quiet country roads with low traffic density, with fabulous views of the Sperrin Mountains and the Valley of the Owenkillew River; along the route you will pass Drum Manor Forest Park and the Wellbrook Beetling Mill.

Day Six – Gortin to Omagh (17 miles)

The route leaves Gortin and shortly passes through Gortin Glen forest park, along the way are many attractions like the Ulster American Folk Park and Ulster History Park.

Day Seven – Omagh to Enniskillen (33 miles)

This 33 mile journey also follows quiet country roads with a short traffic free section at Omagh. You will pass the towns of Fintona and Trillick before reaching Enniskillen. In Enniskillen why not visit the Ardhowen Theatre and Castle Coole House.

Day Eight – Enniskillen to Ballyshannon (46 miles)

When leaving Enniskillen the route passes the eighteenth century Florence Court House and the Marble Arch Caves with views over Belmore Mountains. You will pass Belcoo, Kittyclogher and Garrison before arriving to Ballyshannon. The route heads on through the northern shore of Lough Melvin and the shores of Assaroe Lake into Ballyshannon. Suggested Itineries Coast to Coast

Belfast to Ballyshannon (Longer Route) 230 miles Based on 60 miles per day

Day one - Belfast to Armagh (60 miles)

The route starts from the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, along the canal on the towpath which is traffic free until you reach Lisburn. Some attractions in Belfast are – The Ulster Museum, the Botanic Gardens and City Hall. From Lisburn you will use minor roads with low traffic density to Moira. Following this the route will bring you along side the eastern shores of Lough Neagh, between Moira and Portadown. The first few miles from Portadown are traffic free and follow the Newry Canal towpath. Then the route brings you along quiet country roads to Armagh, once you arrive in Armagh there is lots to see for example the Planetarium, the Cathedrals and St Patrick’s Trian.

Day Two - Armagh to Cookstown (50 miles)

Day Three – Cookstown to Enniskillen (75 miles)

The route will take you through quiet country roads with low traffic density, with fabulous views of the Sperrin Mountains and the Valley of the Owenkillew River; along the route from Cookstown to Gortin you will pass Drum Manor Forest Park and the Wellbrook Beetling Mill. The route leaves Gortin and shortly passes through Gortin Glen forest park, also with attractions like the Ulster American Folk Park and Ulster History Park. You will pass the towns of Fintona and Trillick before reaching Enniskillen. In Enniskillen you can visit the Ardhowen Theatre and Castle Coole House.

Day Four – Enniskillen to Ballyshannon (46 miles)

Belfast to Ballyshannon (Shorter route) 200 miles

Based on 35 miles per day

Day One – Belfast to Portadown (38 miles)

Day two – Portadown to Armagh (21 miles)

The first few miles from Portadown are traffic free and follow the Newry Canal towpath. Then the route brings you along quiet country roads to Armagh, once you arrive in Armagh there is lots to see for example the Planetarium, the Cathedrals and St Patrick’s Trian.

Day Three – Armagh to Dungannon (27 miles)

Day Four – Dungannon to Cookstown (23 miles)

There are some sections which are traffic free along from Dungannon to Cookstown. Along the way just after Dungannon, the route passes through Drumcairne Forest.

Day Five – Cookstown to Newtownstewart (35 miles)

Day Six – Newtownstewart to Pettigo (30 miles)

This is quite a remote section of the route and passes closely to Lough Derg and the countryside of the border counties of Tyrone and Donegal.

Day Seven – Pettigo to Ballyshannon (25 miles)

There are minor roads most of the way with a few stretches on the busier roads. Arriving in the most scenic countryside of Donegal at Ballyshannon which lies on the River Erne. Suggested Itineries Coast to Coast

Belfast to Ballyshannon (Shorter route) 200 miles Based on 60 miles per day

Day One – Belfast to Armagh (60 miles)

Day Two – Armagh to Cookstown (49 miles)

Day Three – Cookstown to Castlederg (48 miles)

Day Four – Castlederg to Ballyshannon (43 miles)

From Castlederg the route passes the towns of Killeter, Kesh and Pettigo before reaching Ballyshannon. The route along the Deg Valley is almost traffic free and offers fantastic views of the Donegal Mountains.