Walking
The Táin Way
The Táin Way route is about 40km long and can be walked comfortably in two days. It starts in the heritage town of Carlingford, which has a wide range of accommodation as well as a well-preserved stock of mediaeval buildings and a town trail.
The Táin Way itself rises out of the town to run as a forest track along the northern slopes of Carlingford Mountain, giving wonderful views of the Mournes, before dipping to sea level at the town of Omeath. The Way then rises steeply on narrow roads and tracks through open country to a pass (430m) in the midst of the mountains. It then descends again to Ravensdale, where there are forest trails and accommodation.
The second stage takes us high onto another spur of the Cooleys, with good views back along the Irish Sea coast, before descending into a long valley. The Way crosses that valley and climbs onto the southern ridge of Carlingford Mountain on an ancient grassy track. From there it is downhill all the way back into Carlingford.
Telephone: 00353 (0)42 9335484 for more info.
Dún an Rí Forest Park
Dún an Rí Forest Park is located 1.5km north of Kingscourt on the R179 to Carrickmacross. The park offers a number of short walks (1.5-2km) each with points of interest. The Wishing Well and Lake are just two. Dún an Rí is an excellent day out for all the family.
Visit http://www.cabracastle.com/dunari for more info
Cycling
Dundalk and the wider county of Louth is ideal for the cycling visitor, the countryside is attractive and the cycling is challenging and varied. Two suggested routes would be ‘The Cooley Cycle' and ‘The East Coast Cycle'.
The Cooley Cycle
The 65 km Cooley cycle starts at Dundalk and takes in the historic Faughart. It then loops around Dromad and runs alongside the graceful Ravensdale Forest Park. It then takes a left turn over the hills as cycling becomes more strenuous on the steep inclines. The summit of the climb is at The Long Woman's Grave. It is downhill all the way towards Omeath with spectacular views of Carlingford Lough along the way. From Omeath the route passes through Carlingford, Greenore, Gyles Quay, and Ballymascanlon on its way back to Dundalk.
The East Coast Cycle
The East Coast Cycle is 54 km long and again starts at Dundalk. From there it heads south passing through Readypenny and Castlebellingham, arriving at the coast near Annagassan. Taking a coastal route the course takes in Dunany, Clogherhead, Termonfeckin, Baltray and finishes up at Drogheda.
For information on cycling in Louth contact:
Irish Cycling Holidays, Mayoralty Street, Drogheda. Tel: 00353 41 984 1067/984 3982
Horse Riding Trails
Ravensdale Lodge Equestrian Centre
With its wide-open spaces and breathtaking scenery, Ravensdale Lodge offers a truly magical setting for trekking and leisure pursuits. The centre is located near Ravensdale Forest, recipient of the National Forestry Award, and is close to the scenic Cooley Mountains that sweep down to the medieval town of Carlingford on the banks of Carlingford Lough.
Trekking at Ravensdale
Starting off from the yard at Ravensdale lodge, this two hour trek will take you into Ravensdale Forest Park , recipient of the National Forestry Award. After winding your way up through the hilly forest tracks you will come out onto the turf cutter's road. As you ascend, a panoramic vista is unveiled slowly before you eyes. The majesty of the Cooley mountains and peninsula, the beauty of the magnificent Mourne Mountains as they sweep down to the shores of Carlingford Lough, and the lough itself which devides these two ranges of mountains. Just when you feel you've seen all that there is to be seen, the horses reach Clermont Carn, the summit of Annaverna, and second highest point in the Cooley mountains, where a truly spectacular 360 degree vista of unrivalled beauty is presented. From this vantage point, on a clear day, up to eight counties of ireland can be seen
Visit - www.ravensdalelodge.com for more info
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