The third section of the 2014 Gran Fondo Giro D’Italia started in the City of Armagh and finished in Ireland’s capital city of Dublin on 11th May 2014. 

The atmosphere on the streets was like a carnival and the cavalcade of cars and bright outfits provided spectacular colour. This was all captured by one of Ireland’s greatest living artists, JB Vallely, who lives just off Armagh’s famous Georgian Mall.

Visitors to Armagh can cycle the same roads as the 200 professionals in 2014. Stage 3 of the world’s biggest cycling race began with a ceremonial start in the Shambles Market before the riders lapped the historic city. The Giro route was flat with a few minor climbs through beautiful unspoilt countryside and delightful villages.

Follow the giro route through Loughgall village, heading east through quiet rolling roads and farmland onto Richill village. This is Armagh’s famous apple growing region and the Giro riders were treated to endless rows of beautiful blooming orchards.

The Giro route then headed south towards the small rural village of Netownhamilton passing Fews Forest, the highest point on the Armagh route. Riders then journeyed down through Forkhill and the rugged hills of the Ring of Gullion which offered panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Cycling enthusiasts can also relax and rebalance with an absorbing cycle along part of the picturesque Newry Canal Waymarked Way – Britain’s oldest canal and a flat terrain with a distance of 32 kilometres or 20 miles.

Nestled in beautiful countryside adorned by fauna, meander through lots of historical milestones, such as charming 18th Century Moneypenny’s Lock House, a former home with stables and bothy. As a former summit-level canal, the route is also part of the Ulster way and is truly energising as it is endearing.

Moneypenny’s Lockhouse