Ballinastoe
Overview
07.02.25 This site is open, but access through the site is heavily restricted due to recent storm damage. Please bear with us as we work to clear and repair storm damage and follow any safety signage on site.
Welcome to the Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trails. This is a network of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads that are designated for use by mountain bikes on a waymarked circular route. There are three routes to choose from, one of which is blue grade, the other two are more challenging red and black grade options. The trails take riders through beautiful forest and open land with fantastic views over Lough Tay and the Irish Sea. Forest road climbs lead you into tight twisty singletrack with lots of fast descents, ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits, guaranteed to leave you smiling! The trails are waymarked in one direction, please follow the arrows.
The route uses multiple sections of forest roads and crosses many walking trails. You should expect to encounter vehicles and other forest users at any time. In general, the trail is exposed on the upper slopes and can be very windy in poor weather. Please make sure your mountain bike is in good working order and that you have an appropriate level of fitness and skill level to undertake these trails. All riders should be appropriately dressed and wear a helmet at all times. Please ride with consideration for other forest users and control your speed.
Things to do
Blue Route
This blue grade trail is graded moderate, with numerous difficult sections along the route. The trails vary from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Sometimes steep and narrow, with variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail is for proficient cyclists only.
Information
Route: Ballinastoe Blue
Trails: Easy Rider, Cool Runnings, Double Trouble, House Bound, Flat Liner, Home Run.
Distance: 5km with 100 meters climbing
Time: 1 to 2 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Trail Waymarking: Blue circle
Red Route
This red grade route is difficult throughout with numerous severe sections along the route. The trails vary from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Frequently steep and narrow, with variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail is not for novice mountain bike riders.
Information
Route: Ballinastoe Red
Trails: Zipper, Pump & Grind, Fancy, Pig Dog, Little One, Expressway, Suas, Double Trouble, Dark Loam, Holts.
Distance: 30km with 750 meters climbing
Time: 2 to 4 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult to severe
Trail Waymarking: Red circle
Black Route
This black grade route is severe throughout. The trails vary rapidly from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Prolonged steep and narrow sections are common, with drop offs and variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail should not be undertaken unless you are a highly experienced and highly competent mountain bike rider.
Information
Route: Ballinastoe Black
Trails: Junkers, Ravens, Peaty, Glitch, Steps.
Distance: 16km with 500 meters climbing
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Severe throughout
Trail Waymarking: Black circle
Visitors Facilities on site
Bike Hire
Picnic Site