Cycle NI - Your definitive guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

Knockagh

Circular cycle route from Carrickfergus Castle to Knockagh Monument offering a variety of scenic views of Belfast Lough and hills. On the route you can avail of amenities such as cafes in Carrickfergus and Greenisland. This route gives you the opportunity to combine the urban and countryside areas in one of Northern Ireland's most attractive Borough's.

County

Antrim

Distance

11 miles

Nearest Town

Carrickfergus

OS Map

Route Type

Hill

Route Shape

Circular

AONB

Causeway Coast

Grid Ref (Start)

J413877

Public Roads

On Public Road

Grid Ref (End)

J413877

Terrain

step public roads

Point of Interest

Knockagh Monument: spectacular landmark with great views of Copeland Islands, Bangor, Belfast harbour and, on a good day, the Mountains of Mourne.

Route Description

From Carrickfergus Castle, go inland following Ellis Street, then Woodburn Road to take you to Knockagh Road passing Woodburn Forest (not signed for bicycles). By this time you will be at a height of 240m so don’t be surprised at having to push your bike at times! Knockagh Monument (a memorial to those killed during the two World Wars) is a spectacular landmark and is a popular place for picnics and photography. In the distance you can see the Copeland Islands, Bangor, Belfast harbour and, on a good day, the Mountains of Mourne. Return downhill to Greenisland where there is a footway beside the road if you choose. In Carrickfergus relax along the beautiful seafront beside the famous castle, where can look back up at Knockagh while enjoying a well deserved ice cream!

Getting to the Start

The Tourist Information Centre is located inside Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre on Antrim Street (Tel : +44 (0)28 9335 8000) or visit www.carrickfergus.org

Traffic

Heavy traffic at Belfast Road near Carrickfergus Castle and at Davy Street near Tesco. The remainder of the route is in quite roads.

Facilities

Toilet facilities available at Carrickfergus Harbour Car Park and the Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre on Antrim Street. Carrickfergus Castle on the Marine Highway is in the centre of Carrickfergus which is easily assessible from the train and bus station on Victoria Street and a number of public car parks are available to start your journey.