Route Number: 3374

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Isle of Doagh

Map
Doagh Island - Mountain Bike Route

Location: Ballyliffin
Grade: Easy
Distance: 13km
Ascent: 100m
Terrain: Roads/beach
Link: -
Route Description:
The Ride. This is ideal for a short winter’s day.   The route gives spectacular sea views over Pollan Bay and Glashedy Island, and starts from the comfortable surroundings of the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin GR C 386 484. Terrain Along the back of the beach it starts grassy, but conditions ‘underwheel’ will vary, and include sand and round stones.  Beyond the castle it is on quiet roads with lovely views. Largely level and hills are short. Route Park at the Strand HotelBallyliffin, and freewheel pleasantly down the hill in a northward direction to the carpark at the beach Gr C 387 495.  A grassy track along the back of the dramatic Pollan Strand, makes delightful level pedalling for about 2.5 kilometres, with splendid sea views, to meet the end of a track at Carrickabraghy.  From time to time (particularly in winter) the track gets inundated by stones driven up by the thunderous waves, and can become more challenging.  If the tide is out, it might be easier to bike along the sand, where possible. It is worth stopping at the castle to acquaint yourself with its interesting history, and perhaps view the blow hole in the rocks beyond. The road climbs past the old castle before descending to Lagacurry (the Famine Village there is worth a visit), with good views over the Lagg (Narrows) and the Knockmany Bens on the other side.  Turn inland to Claragh, take the first left, and descend again to the shore at Doaghmore.  This scenic little road follows the coastline around the east side of Doagh Island, with a couple of short hills, to rejoin the main (Well, mainer!) road at GR C 422 498, and then the proper main road at GR C 407 489 (Lackboy).  Two kilometres on this quite busy thoroughfare will bring you back to the Strand Hotel.  There is a good coffee shop, Nancy’s Barn, serving award winning chowder just as you enter Ballyliffin.  
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