Cooley Peninsula Walking Tour

The Cooley Peninsula & Carlingford

Our Hiking Tours in Ireland’s Ancient East cover the Cooley peninsula in the south and the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. Less than an hour’s drive from Ireland’s two major cities, Dublin and Belfast, Carlingford Town on the Cooley Peninsula nestles between Slieve Foy, Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.

A unique blend of natural beauty, spectacular panoramas, myths and legends combine to make Carlingford an extraordinary place. It is Ireland’s most well preserved medieval town lending it a unique feel and atmosphere. (ask about our guided tours). Consequently, spectacular hiking is guaranteed.

Carlingford is also the Oyster capital of the country and every August the Oyster Festival draws vast crowds into this beautiful village of whitewashed cottages and ancient clustered buildings.

Myths and Legends in Ireland’s Ancient East

‘An táin Bó Cuailigne’ the national epic of Ireland is centralised on the Cooley Peninsula. Furthermore, it is here that Cuchulainn, Queen Maebh and the famous Brown Bull of Cooley met their fate. Follow their route across Ireland to the Cooley mountains. This national waymarked way is known as the táin trail.

5 Day Cooley Peninsula Walking Tour

Our 5-Day program only covers the Cooley peninsula. Starting in Dundalk and final nights in Carlingford Village. Extra days can be booked in Dundalk (ideal for a day trip to Belfast and/or Dublin, or Carlingford)

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Ireland

Arrive at your first accommodation in Dundalk in County Louth. We recommend flying into Dublin or Belfast airports. There is a regular bus service every hour from the airport to Dundalk.
Overnight Dundalk.

Day 2

Ravensdale – Lumpers (Cooley)

Private transfer to the start of the first walk in Ravensdale forest. A steep climb brings you to Black Mountain & Clairmont Cairn from where you have a fantastic view over the Slieve Gullion and Slieve Foye above Carlingford as well as the Mourne mountains to the Northeast. You will continue to the Lumpers Pub where you will be picked up for a transfer back to your B&B.
Overnight Dundalk.

Walk: 12 km / 4 hours / Forest roads and tracks, Heather and Moore (can be wet underfoot) and quiet country roads

Day 3

Lumpers to Carlingford

Transfer to start of the hike at the Lumpers Pub. Today’s walk brings you across the Cooley Peninsula into the central valley before climbing over the crest of Barnavave and Maeve’s Gap to find Carlingford Village and Carlingford Lough at your feet. Overnight in Carlingford where your baggage awaits.

Walk: 16 km / 5 hours / Forest roads and tracks, Heather and Moore (can be wet underfoot) and quiet country roads.

Day 4

Carlingford lough

From your B&B accommodation in Carlingford we give you a variety of walking options to enjoy. These vary in Length and difficulty and all start and end in the historic medieval village with its many shops, restaurants and cosy pubs. Make sure to sample the famous Carlingford Oysters!

Walk: Various lengths and grades.

Day 8

Departure from Carlingford

Unfortunately, this is the end of your holiday and it is time to return home.

* Unless already booked out in which case we’ll try to secure a private bathroom.

** You will have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches and evening meals each day. If you are staying in a remote location, the B&B owner will prepare a tasty surprise for you upon request.

Accommodation

During your self-guided walking holiday in Ireland, you will be accommodated in local family-run guesthouses (B&Bs) or small family-run hotels, where you will encounter a friendly welcome and homely comfort. All our accommodation is approved by Bord Failte – the Irish Tourist Board or the Northern Ireland Tourism Board and are at least 3 stars. Rooms are twin, double or triple en-suite and single rooms are also available on request.

Need anything else?

At Walking Holiday Ireland we pride ourselves in providing a unique experience where we look after all the details of your trip. This allows you to completely immerse yourself in the Irish landscape and culture.

Please do not hesitate to contacts us should you have any additional requirements or needs and we will endeavour to provide these to our best ability.