Bike
MTB
Greg Callaghan’s guide to the best MTB trails in Ireland
Itching to get away with friends in 2025? Allow the mountain bike enduro star to suggest the finest two-wheeled weekend breaks in the country.
"Bike trails are popping up all across Ireland at the moment. Nearly every corner of the country now has an official mountain bike trail centre — it’s crazy to think back 10 years when it wasn’t something really on the radar, and now it’s almost becoming a mainstream sport."
Greg Callaghan would know. As one of the most gifted Irish MTB stars of his generation, and a fixture at the UCI MTB Enduro World Cup (recently finding the podium on the last race day of the 2024 season), he credits much of his international success to the trails where he first learned his craft, and where, for large parts of the year, he continues to train and reach new levels.
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Greg also knows the benefits of getting away and riding with some mates, too. So, to help you kick off 2025 in the right way, he's racked his brains and thought of the best MTB destinations in the land. Along with a few bonus picks from Red Bull thrown in for good measure, here's his go-to list.
01
Ticknock
Where: Dublin Mountains
Greg Callaghan riding the GAP at sunrise
© Ross Bell
Why?
"Close to home in more ways than one, Ticknock is my local spot and where I’ve ridden my whole life. It'll always be special for me. Over the last decade it’s developed massively, going from a few unofficial trails on the hillsides south of Dublin to a whole network of official trails. The beauty of this place is that it’s so close to the city, so if you are there for a weekend then you’ve got the benefit of going off to see the sights of the bike, too.
"Riders will get a real mix of challenges here. The proper trails can be quite mellow, flowy, high speed, whereas the natural stuff is more raw, muddy, rocky, so you can really develop a lot of different skills on the one hill.
Greg Callaghan regularly rides the GAP for his training
© Ross Bell
"The main loop is fun for anyone, whether it's me turning up on my racing bike or a first-time rider renting a bike from the guys at Biking.ie. Beginners can take it as slow or fast as they like. Once you’re rolling along, it’s manageable, and if you do pick up a bit of speed there are some fun jumps."
What else is on offer?
"It’s easy to make a day of it up there. There’s a really cool hangout called The Trails café to keep you fuelled. Once you’ve finished biking there’s the Blue Light pub in the foothills of the mountains, a really nice spot with outdoor seating and views overlooking the city.
The views overlooking Dublin and beyond cannot be beaten
© Ross Bell
"Here’s a tip: get up at sunrise-time to beat the crowds at Ticknock, as it gets pretty busy in summer. What's more, because you’re looking out to the east, you’ll get the sunrise over the Irish Sea as you ride."
02
The Gap
Where: Glencullen Adventure Park, Dublin Mountains
Mind the GAP
© Ramsey Cardy
Why?
"If you are doing a weekend of it in Dublin, one day riding Ticknock and then another riding The Gap, which can be found on the other side of the same mountain, is a great way to do it.
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"A former golf course turned into a mountain bike park, the popular thing about this course is that they provide an uplift service, so you can throw your bike on a trailer in the back of a van, hop in said van and save yourself some lung capacity as you get a lift to the top of the hill. They’ve got a lot of maintained, professionally built trails so you’ve everything from big jump lines, really technical tracks to total beginner trails; it really caters to everyone up there.
Greg riding in Glencullen Adventure Park
© Ramsey Cardy
"Every trail is different, with stuff there to suit every level of rider. With the whole range from Blue trails to Black, it’s a really great place for progression."
What else is on offer?
"There’s a great pub up there called Johnnie Fox’s, which is not only around 200 years old but apparently Ireland’s highest pub as well. Granted, there are several pubs which claim to be Ireland’s highest pub, but trust me, it’s really good. They do live music and good food, making it a great place to toast a day on the trails.
Greg and friends unwinding at 200-year-old pub Johnnie Fox's
© Ross Bell
"As well as good hiking trails in the area, any thrillseekers among your group may want to plot a course for Zipit. It's a zipline in Tibradden Wood where you can climb among the trees and fly across them at ridiculous speeds."
03
Rostrevor
Experience the sweeping majesty of Rostrevor
© Red Bull
Where: County Down, Northern Ireland
Why?
"Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails are located in a stunning part of the world. The course itself has a great setup, and like the GAP they run uplift as well. You'll find a wide variety of trail, from full-on downhill tracks that elite riders will train on, to a nice official loop which is fun but gentle enough for beginners.
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The hill overlooks a large swathe of scenery, with an incredible 360 view of all out to sea and then across to Carlingford Lough. On a good day, Kodak Corner is one of the best MTB spots in the country.
Greg Callaghan sliding through the dirt
© Duncan Philpott
"It’s definitely rockier terrain here compared to what I train on in Dublin. Some of the trails are tucked away in beautiful forest while some of the trails are out in the open, hugging mountains and serious vistas. I've spent years visiting here to race. The downhill tracks are some of the best around. My best best experience here was Red Bull Foxhunt [above in 2018], when I got to be the fox — an experience that pretty much nobody gets. It was one of the most fun races I've ever had, and everyone involved came away with loads of stories of their own."
What else is on offer?
"If you’re staying for a weekend and want to go that bit extra, there is a nearby camping site complete with glamping pods. Book with East Coast Adventure and you can also try paddleboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, wet river bouldering, archery and even jet-skiing around the area.
"On the other side of the lough there is an incredible spot for food called Wildwood Café, offering gourmet food in a laidback setting, with some really good vegan options too."
04
Ballyhoura
Ballyhoura has almost 100k of incredible mountain bike trails
© Ballyhoura Fáilte
Where: Ardpatrick, Co. Limerick, and Co. Cork.
Why?
"Ballyhoura Trail Centre, Ireland’s first trail centre now boasting almost 100k of trails, is another place you can make a real weekend of it.
"With such a massive network of trails there's plenty to explore, from tight, technical track to big ups and downs. You'll soon realise why major events have been held here.
Uncover a woodland wonderland Ballyhoura Fáilte
© Ballyhoura Fáilte
"Whereas the likes of Rostrevor or Ticknock feel in touch with a city, around here it feels like you’re completely at one with nature — it’s such a vast area. You really get to explore the local hillsides which is really cool."
In 2024, Ballyhoura was treated to a big revamp which included an entirely new stage. The aim, say the good folk at Trailriders.ie, is to "balance modern technical features with the area's traditional riding experience".
What else is on offer?
"Should the weather be looking favourable you'd be wise to tack on a trip to Ballyhass Lakes Adventure Centre, which run all types of water sports. It's here you'll also find Ireland’s largest cable wakeboarding park, positioned in a quarry and a great place to learn the ropes.
There is never a bad time to go wakeboarding
© Ballyhass Wake Park
"There’s a camper park about 10-15 minutes away from the trails, although if you’re looking for a B&B there even a few mountain lodges in the area and loads of great finds elsewhere.
"There’s nothing better than going somewhere fresh, seeing fresh trails, fresh scenery, having a good day on the bike, racing your mates, and at the end of the day sitting down to some food having a bit of craic, telling stories of the day, and enjoying the holiday aspect."
05
Coolaney
Where: Sligo
Why?
"Coolaney's MTB Trails only opened [in 2020]. It was a place I’d happily load up the van and spend a weekend in anyway, even before the bike trails opened up officially here. Now there are some proper networks it just makes me more eager to have a getaway with friends here.
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"As with any of these official trail centres it employs a kind of a gravel surface. This makes it good for all weather, so you’re not going to turn up and get buried in a muddy bog if it’s a wet weekend."
What else is on offer?
"Being so close to Strandhill, one of the country’s best surfing spots, you could go biking in the morning and then hit the waves later in the afternoon. What better way to finish a day?
Strandhill Surfer Sligo.jpg
© Ireland's Content Pool
"In Strandhill you’ll also find really good food and Mammy Johnston’s ice cream, which is the best ice cream in Ireland. It’s along the Wild Atlantic Way, so it’s pretty easy to make a good weekend out of a visit."
Now for a few extras...
"There are so many trail centres in Ireland now, which is pretty sick" says Ronan Dunne, the new star of MTB Downhill who is still catching his breath following a breakout season on the UCI tour (he finished fourth overall). "Rent a bike, have a bit of craic, see how you get on. The level is pretty insane." Yep, trail builders are increasingly finding new ways to help you send it in the most picturesque places. The only question is where to go, so in addition to the picks above, here are a few other trails to check out, starting with one of Ronan's haunts...
There are so many trail centres in Ireland now, which is pretty sick.
06
Slieve Bloom
The Slieve Blooms
© Lucas A C/Flickr/CC
Where: Laois
Why?
When Ronan's not mixing it with the elite in UCI World Cup DH competition, or helping his parents out on their farm in Wicklow, he enjoys exploring MTB destinations across the country. Chief among them: Slieve Bloom, where 80km of trails (soon to be 100km) take riders into the heart of this ancient mountain range via three routes that all start and finish from Kinnitty village. Keep it relatively chilled with a moderate' Blue option, or go with the flow on two 'difficult to severe' Red routes, like River Run: aptly named, there are tonnes of flowy sections across that overlap with sections, totalling 12km of fearsome single-track and 220m of elevation.
What else is on offer?
Plenty. Have a jaunt around Kinnitty Castle, get a drink in one of the nearby villages or simply go for a big old hike. Oh, and if you fancy seeing a giant pyramid dating back to the 19th century that was once used as a tomb to bury a wealthy family in the area, you can find access through the grounds of St. Finian’s Church.
07
Davagh
Davagh Forest Trails
© Mountain Bike NI
Where: County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Why?
Located within the Sperrin mountains, Davagh is a firm fixture for major Enduro events and boasts a good mix of terrain and features (climbing switchback, technical insides, rock rolls, drops offs, rock causeway, log rides) without a large amount of climbing. Red, Blue and Green loops, covering a total distance of over 25km, will give you plenty of riding time, while you can also find a nice pump track to enjoy for those looking to build up pace in a different way.
What else is on offer?
Davagh Forest has plenty of glamping pods available to book – each with its own kitchenette, shower room and specially constructed viewing window which make it ideal for stargazing. Indeed, if that's your bag, there's also an official Dark Sky Park and Observatory in the forest as well.
08
Portumna
Where: County Galway
Why?
Under the impression your brakes won't be tested much on the 'Portumna Forest Park - Bonaveen Cycling Trail', a 10km loop catering to all types of riders? Think again. Sure, there aren't any steep slabs or gnarly berms that'll leave you dizzy, and yes it's a moderate route, but there's still enough swerving, single-track to entertain depending how much you put your foot down.
It cuts across much of the western side of the park and offers views of Lough Derg. Head northwards from the Forest Car Park and before you know it you'll be begging to go around again.
What else is on offer?
Over at the park's official website visitors can find a range of nature-based things to do, including birdwatching from a special bird hide, orienteering and e-bike rental.
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Another aspect that makes Portumna such an irresistible weekend break for MTB fans is that the trail is barely five minutes away from the centre of town, meaning you don't have to waste all your pedal power reaching the place. Local attractions include The Irish Workhouse Centre, a heritage museum, and Portumna Castle, a grand 17th century building with stunning gardens.
09
Castlewellan
Castlewellan
© Mountain Bike NI
Where: County Down, Northern Ireland
Why?
With rugged hillsides, one of the most beautiful lakes in Northern Ireland, and a Victorian castle smack bang in the middle of it all, you've already won before you've so much as saddled up at Castlewellan MTB trails. Built with real craft, it can feel as if every slab and mound has been built with only your optimum performance in mind as you explore the 19km+ on offer. At risk of sounding cliche, with a nice mix of routes there is something for everyone here, making it great for a day with mates or a slow and gentle ride with the family.
What else is on offer?
Given its proximity to Lake Castewellan, there are plenty of aquatic pursuits on offer, including SUP, canoeing and kayaking. And, along with the MTB packages, you can even find discounts with family-specific bookings here.
If you're looking for more things to do in Dublin in 2025, check out Greg Callaghan and David O'Caoimh's ultimate action-packed adventure at The Gap and in Dublin Bay...
