Ballyshannon to Larne

Using a detailed map for this route is strongly recommended. These maps can be purchased from www.sustransshop.co.uk Below is a brief summary of the route. From Ballyshannon, the route travels through Fermanagh's lakelands to the solitude of the Derg Valley in the Sperrins and then along the Foyle River on the back-roads of Co Donegal toward Derry City. It's the only walled city in Ireland and Bernie says it's a must visit. "Such a unique city, we locked the bikes and spent an hour or more walking around the top of the City walls, soaking up all the history and had a great lunch before pushing on to the North Coast." From Londonderry the route goes through the Roe Valley, eventually reaching the North Coast at Castlerock. Passing miles of sandy beaches, the Old Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle and The Giant’s Causeway, you're not short of an excuse to dismount. From Ballycastle, where you can get the ferry to Rathlin Island, the route heads into the Glens. The road clings to the hillside and it is a challenge to reach Torr Head. However your efforts are rewarded by a magnificent view of the Mull of Kintyre and Scotland. The road then follows every twist and turn of the coast as it makes its way beneath the rising Glens toward Larne.

Using a detailed map for this route is strongly recommended. These maps can be purchased from www.sustransshop.co.uk Below is a brief summary of the route. From Ballyshannon, the route travels through Fermanagh's lakelands to the solitude of the Derg Valley in the Sperrins and then along the Foyle River on the back-roads of Co Donegal toward Derry City. It's the only walled city in Ireland and Bernie says it's a must visit. "Such a unique city, we locked the bikes and spent an hour or more walking around the top of the City walls, soaking up all the history and had a great lunch before pushing on to the North Coast." From Londonderry the route goes through the Roe Valley, eventually reaching the North Coast at Castlerock. Passing miles of sandy beaches, the Old Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle and The Giant’s Causeway, you're not short of an excuse to dismount. From Ballycastle, where you can get the ferry to Rathlin Island, the route heads into the Glens. The road clings to the hillside and it is a challenge to reach Torr Head. However your efforts are rewarded by a magnificent view of the Mull of Kintyre and Scotland. The road then follows every twist and turn of the coast as it makes its way beneath the rising Glens toward Larne.

Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland Bus: www.buseireann.ie Train: www.irishrail.ie If starting from Larne, the Translink website has information about bus and rail services to Larne. Ferry servives also link Larne to Scotland with daily crossings.