National Cycleway 99

Overview

National Cycleway 99 is a key segment of Ireland’s emerging National Cycle Network. Starting in the historic port town of Bangor, the route sweeps south‑west along the Ards Peninsula, passes the ferry‑linked town of Portaferry, skirts the dramatic shoreline of Strangford Lough, continues through the market town of Downpatrick, and finishes in the seaside resort of Newcastle. The entire corridor is predominantly on‑road, but several sections – notably the stretch from Belfast to Comber and the traffic‑free Comber Cycleway – offer a quiet, car‑free riding experience. The route is free to use year‑round and provides a seamless way to explore County Down’s coastal heritage, wildlife habitats and charming villages.

Background

National Cycleway 99 forms part of the broader National Cycle Network (NCN), a government‑backed plan to deliver roughly 3,500 km of high‑quality cycling corridors across the island. The NCN comprises 85 corridors that will eventually link more than 200 towns, villages and cities, bringing 80 % of households within five kilometres of a cycle route. As outlined in the Department of Transport’s press release, the network is designed to support everyday travel, tourism, and even “last‑mile” bicycle deliveries, while contributing to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and Sustainable Mobility Policy.

The NCN strategy explicitly calls for the integration of existing greenways, de‑classified roads and on‑road routes where safe and appropriate. Cycleway 99 exemplifies this approach, re‑using historic roadways and coastal paths to create a continuous, scenic ride that connects major transport hubs (Belfast, Bangor) with tourist destinations (Strangford Lough, Newcastle). Detailed information about the NCN can be found on the Transport Infrastructure Ireland site here and the public consultation portal here.

What to See & Do

• Bangor – Begin your journey in this bustling harbour town, where you can admire the Victorian pier, grab a coffee at one of the waterfront cafés and stock up on supplies at the local bike‑repair shop.
• Ards Peninsula – The road hugs the coastline, offering sweeping views of the Irish Sea and opportunities to stop at small fishing villages such as Donaghadee and Portavogie. The peninsula is also a good place to spot seals and seabirds.
• Portaferry – A short ferry crossing from Strangford Lough’s eastern shore brings you to Portaferry, a gateway to the lough’s rich birdlife and marine scenery. The ferry runs frequently (approximately every 30 minutes) and is free for cyclists.
• Strangford Lough – Riding along the west bank provides uninterrupted vistas of the lough’s winding inlet, dotted with islands and sheltered bays. The area is a designated Special Protection Area for birds, making it a prime spot for wildlife spotting.
• Downpatrick – This historic market town is home to the Down Cathedral and the Saint Patrick Centre. While the cycleway itself is on‑road, the town centre is easily explored on foot from the route. Nearby attractions include Inch Abbey, Rowallane Garden, Ballynoe Stone Circle and the Struell Wells pilgrimage site.
• Newcastle – The terminus of Cycleway 99, Newcastle boasts a three‑mile sandy beach, the Murlough Nature Reserve, and easy access to the Mourne Mountains. The beach is dog‑friendly (dogs on a lead) and has a small car park (£5, 2025). Murlough’s dunes open 08:00‑17:00 (National Trust) and provide a flat, traffic‑free stretch ideal for a relaxed ride or a family picnic. A short walk north of the reserve leads to the Slidderyford Dolmen, a neolithic portal tomb.
• Detours and Points of Interest – If you have extra time, consider a brief side‑trip to Dundrum Castle (free entry) just east of Newcastle, or head inland to Castlewellan Arboretum (about 5 mi north) for a shaded ride through mature woodlands. Both sites are reachable via quiet country roads that intersect the cycleway.

Because the route is largely on‑road, cyclists can dip into any of the towns along the way to sample local cafés, pubs and craft shops. The coastal sections are especially popular with photographers, as the interplay of sea, cliffs and historic harbours creates ever‑changing light.

Practical Information

National Cycleway 99 is free to use and has no set opening hours – the road network is open year‑round. The route is on‑road, so cyclists should be comfortable sharing space with motor traffic, although many sections are low‑traffic and feature dedicated cycle signage. The Comber Cycleway provides a traffic‑free link from Belfast to the start of the NCN corridor, allowing riders to begin their journey without navigating busy city streets.

Tips for Cyclists

• Surface – Most of the route runs on paved roads; a few rural stretches have uneven surfacing, so wider tyres are advisable.
• Parking & Fees – Newcastle beach car park charges £5 (2025) and offers space for bicycles. Bangor town centre has several free on‑street bays near the harbour.
• Dog Policy – Dogs are permitted on the Murlough Nature Reserve and Newcastle beach provided they are kept on a lead.
• Bike‑repair – Repair shops are available in Bangor, Downpatrick and Newcastle. Many cafés also carry basic puncture‑repair kits.
• Safety – Use a front light after dark, wear a high‑visibility jacket, and respect local traffic rules, especially in town centres.

Key connections:

• From Belfast, follow the Comber Cycleway (traffic‑free) to the start of the NCN at Bangor.
• The route links directly to other greenways, such as the Royal Canal and Grand Canal Greenways, via the wider NCN network.

Navigation: The NCN map, which highlights Cycleway 99, is available online at the National Cycle Network portal here. Printable PDFs and interactive maps can be downloaded from the Department of Transport’s consultation site.

Facilities: Towns along the route provide public toilets, cafés and bike‑repair shops. In Bangor and Newcastle, visitor centres offer information on local attractions and public‑transport links.

Public transport:

• Belfast → Bangor – Ulsterbus service 202 (frequent, every 15‑20 min) and NI Railways train (15 min journey).
• Bangor → Downpatrick – Goldliner 215/515 runs hourly on weekdays, every 1‑2 hours at weekends.
• Downpatrick → Newcastle – Ulsterbus 37 runs hourly; Goldliner 520 connects Belfast directly to Newcastle via the A2.
• Portaferry Ferry – Operates every 30 minutes, free for cyclists, linking the east and west banks of Strangford Lough.

Safety & surface: While most of the route runs on paved roads, some rural stretches may feature uneven surfacing. Cyclists are advised to check local traffic conditions, especially in town centres, and to use appropriate lighting after dark.

Further reading: For a deeper dive into the national strategy behind Cycleway 99, see the National Cycle Network Plan PDF here.

National Cycleway 99 offers a blend of coastal scenery, historic towns and seamless connectivity – a perfect showcase of Ireland’s commitment to sustainable, active travel.