18/05/2026
Legacurry FCC Carlingford Weekend 2026 🚴⛰️☔
Legacurry Freewheelers Cycle Club traditionally organises two annual cycling trips — one local weekend away and another more adventurous overseas excursion. Previous destinations have included Mallorca, Alpe d’Huez, Stelvio, and Girona, while later this year the club heads for the Pyrenees.
This year’s local trip brought us to the beautiful surroundings of Carlingford, Co. Louth, where we stayed at the excellent Shalom B&B for three superb days of cycling, climbing, punctures, café stops, and plenty of craic.
Across the weekend the group covered a total of approximately 187 miles / 301km with over 11,480ft / 3,500m of climbing.
Day 1 – Outward Journey: Legacurry to Carlingford
📅 Friday 15th May
🚴 70 miles / 113km
⛰️ 3,600ft / 1,097m climbing
👥 10 riders
The trip began from Legacurry under decent conditions as the group headed through Kinallen, Banbridge and Scarva, with the now traditional coffee stop at Sintons. From there the route continued through Markethill and Forkhill before a welcome lunch stop at Strandfield House Café.
With only around 15 miles / 24km remaining after lunch, the group rolled into Carlingford in good spirits to check into the Shalom B&B before sampling some local refreshments ahead of dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Day 2 – Carlingford Hills & Cooley Peninsula
🚴 57 miles / 92km
⛰️ 4,500ft / 1,372m climbing
👥 11 riders
Claire Henderson joined the group for the weekend’s toughest ride as the cyclists headed east around the scenic Cooley Peninsula. After approximately 12 miles / 19km of coastal roads came the major test of the day — the Clermont Carn climb, averaging 8.1% over 2.6 miles / 4.2km.
The route continued through Jonesborough before an excellent lunch stop at mcguills coffee house in Drumintee.
Unfortunately, worsening weather and no fewer than six punctures forced a late route adjustment, shortening the ride by around 15 miles / 24km. Despite the reduced distance, Phil somehow still managed to include all the climbing, ensuring nobody missed out on the elevation gain.
The return route via the Ring of Gullion, Camlough and Meigh delivered stunning scenery despite the rain.
A special mention goes to Claire Henderson, who claimed seven Top 10 Strava segment finishes along with a QOM on the Ballard Road Climb. Outstanding riding in very difficult conditions.
Dinner that evening was at Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant, with a superb meal and complimentary shuttle transport kindly arranged from the B&B.
Day 3 – Return Journey: Carlingford to Legacurry
🚴 60 miles / 97km
⛰️ 3,382ft / 1,031m climbing
👥 7 riders
With the Greenore to Greencastle ferry unavailable, the final day’s route required a quick rethink before departure.
A relatively flat run toward Newry was followed by the Greenan Road and Newtown Road climbs out of Rostrevor. Phil Brown briefly floated the idea of including Spelga — an idea politely but firmly rejected by tired legs all round.
Lunch at Nel’s in Castlewellan provided one final refuelling stop before tackling the last climb of the weekend and the remaining 18 miles / 29km back to Legacurry.
Another fantastic weekend organised by Legacurry FCC — great roads, great company, challenging conditions, and memories that will last long after the legs recover.
Big thanks to Phil Brown for Organising, Tom & Fiona Healy for the transportation of luggage, Derek mechanical wizardry and Philip Fairley the Entertainment :)
