The Ride Report: A Biker’s Journey

Leg 1: The Morning Warm-Up – Coffee and the Coast

The Kickstand Up: The morning ritual at Shepherds Rest Campsite. The sun cuts through the mist over the fields. The crunch of gravel under boots. The first, satisfying roar of the engine echoing off the hills. The cool morning air hits as you pull out onto the road, fully awake now. You point the bike south-east, the engine feeling crisp, carving through the quiet lanes of County Derry, across County Tyrone, through County Armagh, and into the welcoming stretch of County Louth.

Stop 1: Breakfast Coffee at Strandfield House, Dundalk. This isn’t just a coffee stop; it’s the first reward. A chance to shake out the shoulders, map in hand (or mind), and fuel up with a stunning view over Dundalk Bay. The air is still cool, the coffee is hot, and the real riding is about to begin.

Strandfield House:
(https://www.facebook.com/strandfield/?locale=en_GB)

The Run: A short, brisk blast along the coast to Greenore. The sea is on your right, the gentle roll of the Cooley Peninsula on your left. The road opens up, and the anticipation builds for the first true adventure of the day.

Leg 2: The First Crossing – Carlingford Lough Ferry

Experience: The Carlingford Lough Ferry from Greenore to Greencastle. A brilliant, less-travelled crossing. You roll the bike onto the small ferry, the engine ticking cool as you cross the water. The Mountains of Mourne rise dramatically ahead, while the Cooley Peninsula recedes behind. It’s a short, scenic interlude that feels wonderfully remote, a secret passage into the kingdom of the Mournes.

Ferry info:
(https://tickets.carlingfordferry.com/cyclists-foot-passengers-motorbikes)

Leg 3: The Main Event – The Kingdom of Mourne

The Ascent: From Greencastle, you turn north-west, and the roads immediately begin to coil. You’re now riding into the very heart of the Mournes.

Stop 2: Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle. This is where the ride becomes magical. The Bryansford Road is a masterpiece of flowing bends under a dense canopy of ancient trees. The air turns cool and smells of pine and damp earth. It’s technical, engaging, and pure, unadulterated joy on two wheels.

Stop 3: Castlewellan. You emerge from the forest’s embrace and sweep around the shores of Castlewellan’s lake. The road offers fast, open bends with spectacular views of the castle standing sentinel on the hillside. It’s a chance to open the throttle a little more and drink in the vast mountain scenery.

Leg 4: The Peninsula Blast – Sea Spray and Speed

The Ride: You leave the mountains behind and point the bike north up the Ards Peninsula. This is fast, open riding. The landscape flattens, the straights get longer, and you can settle into a cruise, with the Irish Sea a constant companion on your right.

Stop 4: Cloughey Bay Beach. A quick, rewarding detour. You blast down a side road to the vast, sandy beach. It’s a sensory reset—the smell of salt, the sound of waves, the wind whipping at your jacket—before swinging the bike back towards the main road, refreshed.

Leg 5: The Evening Reward – Pub Grub and Pit Stops

Stop 5: The CUAN for Dinner is a biker’s reward. Great food, a modern vibe, and stunning water views. It’s the ideal place to relax, refuel, and share stories of the mountain roads now behind you.

Ferry info:
(https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/strangford-lough-ferry/)

The CUAN:
(https://thecuan.com/)

Stop 6: The International S. Rice, Newtownards. No ride is complete without a proper pub stop. The International is an institution. This is for that final, perfectly pulled pint, parking the bike amongst others, and soaking in the authentic atmosphere of a day well-ridden.

The International S. Rice:
(https://www.facebook.com/RicesInternationalBar/)

Leg 6: The Home Run – Back to the Flock

The Final Ride: The journey concludes with the long, satisfying ride inland. The roads lead from Newtownards back towards Sixtowns Rd, Draperstown. This is A-road territory now, eating up the miles as the evening light turns golden. You’re tired in the best way, every muscle a testament to the journey.

Finish: Back at Shepherds Rest Campsite. You roll into the campsite as day gives way to night. The engine ticks rhythmically as it cools. You’ve completed a perfect loop: mountains, sea, ferries, fantastic roads, and legendary hospitality. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a motorbiking pilgrimage.

Get back to The Shepherd’s Rest Pub & Campsite:
(Google map directions)