Ballyhoura mountain bike facility planning future expansion in south Limerick

BALLYHOURA country mountain biking trails have received an expansive upgrade as part of Fáilte Ireland’s mountain biking initiative. The project’s goal is to design four mountain biking and hiking hubs around the country, Ballyhoura being one of them, and to bring them up to a “national standard” by improving trails, providing facilities and establishing events. The project is aimed at naming Ireland as an international destination for mountain-biking and increasing tourism revenue.

One of the main tourism hubs outside of the city, Ballyhoura is located in the south of the county and features a wide range of valleys, hills and forestry. The area is loved by hikers and mountain bikers alike from both Limerick and all over the country. Daffyd Davis, a Welsh mountain biker, designed the new trails with the work being carried out by Coillte.

A range of varied difficulties and lengths are available with the addition of brand new trails. Some of the trails include the 6km Greenwood loop and the Castlepook Loop, over 50km in length. Existing trails have seen improvements with new “flowy and fun” surfaces.

They have also been made safer and more accessible to beginners, albeit still challenging enough for professionals. With the addition of a range of difficulties on the new trails, beginners to mountain biking will find it easier than ever to begin the sport. Calls for Limerick locals to give their opinions to develop communities Chris O’Callaghan is a local business owner and mountain biker in Ballyhoura, and offers a bike rental service – Trailriders.

Established in 2007, Chris’ business has been the local bike supplier for international and domestic tourists. He and his son have been lovers of the sport for years, with his son Oisin, a professional and world champion mountain biker, making great use of the new renovations. “What they’re building down here now is putting the place back on the map.

We never thought we’d see the day they’d build the type of stuff they’re building here in Ballyhoura. . .

they’ve really pushed the boat and started building features that you’d find in the alps,” Chris said. During the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism saw a huge loss as lockdowns worldwide took place. Despite this, the new upgrades and the upgrades to come continually boost the use of Ballyhoura and people are realising the high quality outdoor activities available in Ireland.

“People that came at Christmas went away talking. Every weekend since it’s been jammed,” Chris said. With further upgrades coming, Ballyhoura will only improve from here.

The recent upgrades make way for a host of new mountain biking events. Biking Blitz is a beginner-friendly mountain biking event that took place on the new trails in Ballyhoura on February 26, and will now continue throughout the other main new mountain biking hubs around the country. It is a cross country event that is tailored to have something for every skill level.

On the more professional side, 2NDURO is an enduro event held by local club Team Ballyhoura. Taking place on March 26 in Ballyhoura, this event is rigorous but fulfilling for skilled mountain bikers, and consists of a duo enduro race over five stages. While maintaining the level of fun enduro racing is known for, mountain bikers will be challenged with different terrain to conquer in the various stages.

One can find more information by emailing teamballyhouramtb @gmail. com. Ballyhoura country continues on an upward trajectory and is one of the most exciting outdoor pursuits in the country.

With the help of Fáilte Ireland and services from people like Chris and Team Ballyhoura, international and domestic tourists alike can avail of top quality outdoor adventures. .