A trail centre for the mountain biking family

It may be relatively modest but it’s plenty of fun and makes for an ideal base for a family weekend.

>>> Check out all our guides to trail centres

This is where it all started for Northern Ireland’s trail centres. Blessingbourne was the first purpose-built mountain bike trail centre in Northern Ireland.

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Pic: MountainBikeNI

Red trail

8km, allow 1 hour

This exciting red trail is packed full of technical trail features including log rides, rock drops, table tops and berms.

Geared up with more experienced mountain bikers in mind, this trail boasts a number of more severe optional black features which will be sure to get your heart racing.

Blue trail

Blue trail: 4km, 30 mins

This flowing blue trail is packed full of twists and turns with some exhilarating swoopy sections through the estate woodland.

It can be taken as fast or as slow as you like and so is suited to families/groups holding a range of abilities.

Pump track

The Blessingbourne Pump Track is a short criss-crossing circular trail of rollers and berms where you use your weight distribution on the bike to flow over the features without having to use your pedals.

Purists might tackle this pump track without pedaling however it is generally used as a great place to fine tune techniques and line choices before heading out on the trails.

>>> How to plan your Northern Ireland road trip

Blessingbourne facilities

  • Car park – £5 per car (bring coins)
  • Cafe – open 11am to 4pm seasonally. Closes for winter.
  • Outdoor hose biek wash
  • Free toilets
  • Bike hire from £15
  • A range of self-catering apartments on-site
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Pic: MountainBikeNI

MountainbikeNI: “Blessingbourne is perfect for mountain bikers, families and couples for a weekend break. The Estate boasts over 12km of red and blue trails, a pump track, miles of walking trails, a play park and much more.

“Located on a private estate in the picturesque Clogher Valley, this unique trail centre caters for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities with a range of wide flowing blue trails and more technical red trails packed full of exciting trail features such as berms, log rides and rock drops.

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Pic: MountainBikeNI

“With a range of luxury accommodation on site, everyone from families to experienced mountain bikers will love Blessingbourne’s welcoming atmosphere.

“The café at Blessingbourne has also taken on new management, and is now called “The Pitt Stop” – make sure to drop in and try it if you’re near.”