Mountain Biking: 7 Awesome Trail Centres in Ireland

Feel like tackling some trails? We have great mountain biking opportunities in Ireland, you just have to know where to go. We’ve collected our top picks of trail centres across the country.

No matter if you’re just getting a feel for mountain biking or if you’ve been riding for years, you’ll no doubt find the perfect trail centre for you, regardless of your cycle savviness. Check out our list of the best centres in the country for some sweet adrenalin rides!

1. Ballyhoura

Ballyhoura is Ireland’s premier mountain biking destination, offering over 98 kilometres of purpose-built trails for all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Set in the stunning Ballyhoura Mountains, the trails wind through forests, hills, and valleys, featuring thrilling descents, technical singletracks, and panoramic views. Whether you’re tackling the Blue Greenwood Loop or the more challenging Castlepook Loop, there’s something for everyone. Rent top-quality bikes from Trailriders or bring your own and take advantage of the bike wash stations and repair tools at the trailhead. After your ride, refuel at Spruce & Willow Café, just minutes from the trailhead, offering fresh, local food and a cozy atmosphere.

With year-round access and a wealth of local experiences, Ballyhoura is a must-visit for mountain biking enthusiasts looking for adventure in the heart of Ireland.

More Information

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2. Ticknock

Just a stone’s throw from Dublin city centre, at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, you’ll find Ticknock Mountain Bike Trails.

Ticknock is a cracking place to get out for a speedy spin, and they have all the services at hand that you might need to avail of. Bike rental, café, repair centre, guided tours, lessons, bike wash and a shop – they’ve got it all.

A huge amount of work has gone into the Trail network on Ticknock over the past few years. There are still new trails being developed. In fact the trail network on the north side of the hill has almost doubled in the space of 2 years! The trails are perfect for all abilities with easy flowy trails up to technical, hard, gravity trails.

You can rent top-quality bikes from biking.ie as well as enjoy some really delicious food in the trails café.

If you are looking for some high-speed action with plenty of technical features, then you and Ticknock will be a perfect match!

More info: Biking.ie

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3. Slieve Blooms

Set within the rugged beauty of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and with over 50 kilometres of purpose-built trails the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail Network is a must-ride! Riders of all abilities can find their perfect route, from scenic, beginner-friendly loops to more technical, adrenaline-pumping descents. The trails meander through dense forests, scenic glades, and along mountain ridges, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

For those new to the trails, the Slieve Bloom Green Trail offers an easy introduction, while experienced riders can challenge themselves on the Red and Black Trails, with thrilling climbs and exhilarating downhill sections. After a day on the trails, stop by one of the local cafés in nearby towns like Kinnitty or Mountrath, where you can enjoy delicious local fare.

Bike hire options are available from Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Centre. The Slieve Blooms provide all the necessary amenities for a seamless and memorable mountain biking experience. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, Slieve Bloom is a hidden gem that offers adventure, nature, and a welcoming atmosphere for all mountain biking lovers.

4. Ballinastoe

The Ballinastoe Trail Centre, located just 30 minutes from Dublin in County Wicklow, offers mountain bikers a range of challenging trails with stunning views of Lough Tay and the surrounding landscape. The centre features three distinct routes: the Blue Route, a moderate 5 km trail with some difficult sections, perfect for proficient cyclists; the Red Route, a 30 km, demanding trail for experienced riders, with steep descents and technical terrain; and the Black Route, a severe 16 km trail for highly skilled riders, including steep, narrow sections and drop-offs. Each trail provides a unique mix of fast, flowing sections and technical obstacles, with surfaces ranging from rocks and roots to mud and gravel.

Ballinastoe offers bike rentals starting at €35 per half-day, allowing riders to enjoy full access to the trails until closing time. With varied difficulty levels across all three routes, from moderate to severe, the centre is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking a challenging ride or a scenic adventure, Ballinastoe’s trails deliver an unforgettable experience in the heart of Wicklow’s stunning natural beauty.

5. The GAP

Located just outside Dublin, Glencullen Adventure Park (GAP) is the ultimate destination for adrenaline junkies, offering top-quality gravity trails designed to keep you shredding down the mountain. With a focus on downhill biking, GAP’s slogan, “lift you up, so you can shred down,” reflects the park’s gravity-driven approach, where trail difficulty ramps up to provide thrilling, high-speed action. The park features 13 downhill trails, ranging from intermediate to expert, but doesn’t offer beginner-level options, making it ideal for experienced riders seeking an exhilarating experience. For a beginner-friendly mountain bike experience in Dublin, we would recommend going to the other side of the hill and visiting Biking.ie on Ticknock.

GAP also streamlines your ride experience with five vans equipped with uphill trailers to shuttle riders and bikes up the mountain, maximizing your time on the trails. After an epic descent, unwind in the park’s kitchen restaurant, serving delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients, including their signature beef burgers with house-made relish. Since its expansion in 2021, with six new trails added to the park, GAP continues to evolve, ensuring that every visit offers something fresh for mountain biking enthusiasts looking for their next challenge.

More info: The Gap

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5. Rostrevor

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails in County Down are a must-visit. With 27 km of red trails and 19 km of black trails, it’s considered one of Ireland’s top mountain biking spots. Set along Carlingford Lough, the trails offer stunning views and technical terrain. Rentals are available at East Coast Adventure for £20, with lift services Thursday through Sunday. The centre also offers bike washing and shower facilities for a post-ride refresh.

Castlewellan Forest Park, just 30 miles from Belfast, is another fantastic destination with trails for all levels, including black routes for advanced bikers. The park, open 24/7, features amazing views of the Victorian Castle and lake. Bike rentals start at £29.50 from Life Adventure Centre, and Bike Mourne offers guided tours for those looking to improve their skills. Both Rostrevor and Castlewellan are top picks for mountain biking enthusiasts.

6. Castlewellan

Castlewellan Forest Park, located in Northern Ireland, offers an exciting array of mountain biking trails for riders of all abilities. With green, blue, and red routes, plus optional black sections on the red trail, Castlewellan delivers a variety of terrain for an unforgettable ride. The 19 km red route treats riders to incredible views of the park’s lakes, the stunning Victorian Castlewellan Castle, and panoramic vistas of the Mourne Mountains. The trails wind through lush forest, with well-maintained paths and flowing singletrack sections, making it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced mountain bikers.

The Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails, are open 24 hours a day, though the car park closes at 8 pm. Bikes are available for hire from the nearby Life Adventure Centre, with rentals starting at £29.50. Whether you’re looking to explore the park or enjoy a guided ride, Bike Mourne offers a range of tuition and tours. Situated just over 30 miles from Belfast and 4 miles from Newcastle, Castlewellan is easy to access and offers a variety of accommodation options nearby. Explore more about the area and things to do at Visit Mourne’s website.