Northwest Trail © Alison Crummy Irelands Content Pool
Ballyshannon Hub Loop 2 @ https://failtecdn.azureedge.net
Ballyshannon is part of the long distance North West Cycle Trail which goes through the counties of Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim & Sligo. This 326km route travels through a wide variety of scenic landscapes along quiet country roads & through rural towns & villages with traffic free sections in urban areas.
The below shorter looped cycle routes will take you on a tour of the spectacular coastal scenery of Ballyshannon and Bundoran in County Donegal. The iconic Ben Bulben Mountain frames the scene to the south. There are miles of cliffs and sandy beaches to explore including a beach to cycle on at Rossnowlagh. Cyclists will also experience the less well known haunts of the region, cycling inland to wooded hills and scenic lakes.
Route 2: 36km approx. 2½ hours
Route 2 is a trip south to Bundoran with its surfing and seaside amusements. A climb out of the town leads to a ridge of high ground where cyclists are rewarded with fine views to Lough Melvin and beyond. Riding on through small hills and forests they will barely notice crossing the border into Northern Ireland, until they arrive at the quaint town of Belleek, home to the famous pottery. Stop for well earned refreshments (the euro is as welcome as sterling) before an easy and mostly downhill return to Ballyshannon along the picturesque Erne waterway.