FACILITIES
Car park and charges: Yes; charges apply
Cafe: No
Toilets: Yes
Showers: Yes
Bike wash: Yes
Nearest bike shop: On site
Bike hire: Yes
Accommodation: B&Bs, hotels, self-catering accommodation and camping in the surrounding area.
Other trails on site: Five loops of various lengths. Each loop is an extension of the one before it.
ENJOYMENT FOR SKILL LEVEL
Beginner: 4/10
Intermediate: 6/10
Advanced: 6/10
Getting there: From Dublin take the N7 onto the M7, heading south towards Limerick, then pick up the M8 towards Cork. Come off at junction 12 and take the second exit to the N73, heading towards Kildorrery. Take a right turn in the middle of town onto the R512. After 12km you will see a sign pointing you up a narrow lane to the left to Ballyhoura Forest.
Grid ref: R 652 191
Sat nav: Kildorrery
More info: www.trailbadger.com
TRAIL 1
On-site grade: None given
Clive’s grade: Red
Distance: 35.5km
Technicality: 5/10
Ascent: 740m
ENJOYMENT FOR SKILL LEVEL
Beginner: 2/10
Intermediate: 5/10
Advanced: 6/10
Unlike elsewhere in the British Isles, the trails in the Republic of Ireland have not been given a grade. Here at Ballyhoura there is a series of trails made up from purpose-built single-track sections linked by forest roads.
At the far end of the first loop you have the option to extend your ride and take in the second loop. Halfway round the second loop you again have the option of extending your ride and taking on a third loop. You can do this for five consecutive loops, making for a grand day out, and adding up to more than 50km of riding.
The trials are colour-coded but the colour does not reflect any particular grade: you’ll find a green, brown, white, blue and red trail. Each trail is made up from single-track sections, double tracks and forest roads. You will encounter technical trail features, tight corners, tough climbs and spectacular views.
We rode a combination of the green, brown, white and blue trail. This made for a good solid ride. There was nothing too intimidating out there, but a novice rider might find some sections hard work. If you’re unsure, ride the initial loop and see how you get on. When you get to the first split you can cross-reference the trail signage and see if you want to take on the next loop.
You will find where each loop links into the next as there is a trailhead sign giving you a good indicator of what lies ahead. The information given includes distance and elevation as well as a rough description of what to expect under wheel.
It seems that mountain biking on the Emerald Isle has finally been accepted and embraced by private landowners and local authorities. The mountain biking scene is booming on the island and this can only be a good thing. By the time you read this there will probably be more purpose-built trail centres across Ireland for you to discover.
There are no grades applied to the coloured arrows
There are great views on all the loops
Spectacular views over Limerick
Boardwalks and narrow trails twist around the forest and hillside