Parks & Outdoors · Sports & Fitness · Wicklow Mountains
Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trails
Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trails are a purpose-built trail network near Roundwood in County Wicklow, offering blue, red and black grade mountain biking routes through a scenic forest setting. With singletrack, forest roads, climbs and technical sections, it is one of Ireland’s best-known mountain biking destinations.
Category: Outdoor Activities
Location: Ballinastoe, near Roundwood, County Wicklow
Type: Purpose-built mountain bike trail network
Best for: Mountain biking, forest trails, active outdoor visits
Trail grades: Blue, red and black routes
Overview
Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trails are a purpose-built mountain biking trail network in the Wicklow Mountains, close to Roundwood and Lough Tay. The trails combine singletrack, forest roads, climbs, descents and technical sections, all set within a scenic forest landscape. Coillte describes Ballinastoe as a waymarked circular mountain bike route using purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads.
The site is one of Ireland’s best-known mountain biking destinations and is suited to riders with different levels of experience, from confident beginners on blue-grade trails to more advanced riders looking for red and black sections. Discover Ireland lists the facility as offering over 40 km of blue, red and black grade trails, with free trail access and free onsite parking year-round.
Why it matters
Ballinastoe is an important outdoor recreation site because it provides a dedicated, managed place for mountain biking in one of Ireland’s most scenic upland areas. Its location near Roundwood, Lough Tay and the Wicklow Mountains makes it attractive not only for riders, but also for visitors exploring the wider Wicklow landscape.
The trails also support a strong local mountain biking culture. Biking.ie describes Ballinastoe as having more than 25 km of singletrack, including blue, red and black trails, and it is widely used for training, events and recreational riding.
What to expect
Expect a mix of forest tracks, flowing singletrack, berms, climbs, descents and technical features. The blue routes are the most accessible option, but they still require a suitable mountain bike, helmet, control on uneven surfaces and a reasonable level of fitness. Red and black trails are intended for more experienced riders and may include steeper, narrower or more technical sections.
Conditions can change quickly in the forest, especially after rain. Surfaces may be muddy, slippery or loose, and riders should follow the marked trail direction, respect trail closures and ride within their ability.
Visiting Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trails
Ballinastoe is best visited with a properly maintained mountain bike, helmet and suitable outdoor clothing. Check the latest trail status before travelling, especially after bad weather or forestry works. Riders should use marked trails only and follow all signage on site.
The trails are near Roundwood and Lough Tay, making them easy to combine with a wider Wicklow visit. Parking is available on site according to Discover Ireland, but popular times can be busy, so early arrival is often sensible.