Eight mapped routes
Walking trails
Open the trail map, compare grades and download GPX routes from official Sport Ireland geometry.
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McKevitt’s Village Hotel · Carlingford
A place to fall in love with.
Mountains, sea and a village full of stories.
Make yourself at home
Carlingford, on your doorstep.
Wander cobbled streets, discover King John’s Castle, or take in the views across Carlingford Lough. With the Cooley Mountains rising behind the village, you’re perfectly placed for coastal walks, outdoor adventures and days that unfold at your own pace.
From the Carlingford Greenway to the Old Abbey, our team can help you make the most of your time here. Ask us about activity breaks and group stays.
Talk to our teamA local’s welcome
More than a room.
A village to discover.
Make the most of your Carlingford stay with useful plans, friendly introductions and the details that make a day easier.
Family days out
Four flexible day plans, little-leg adventures and ideas for rainy afternoons.
Open the guideMeet the neighbours
Independent shops, cafés, restaurants, activity teams and other places to stay.
Open the guideYour journey here
Bus departures, rail connections, airport travel and arrival advice.
Open the guideThe essential Carlingford guide
Go deeper into the place.
Plan the ground beneath your feet, understand the stones around you, and hear the stories carried across the lough.
A medieval village
Carlingford history
Follow the village through castle, walls, merchants, war, railway travel and modern conservation.
Open the guide
Epic and folklore
Legends of Cooley
Meet Cú Chulainn, the Brown Bull, Maeve, Slieve Foye’s sleeping giant and a distinctly modern legend.
Open the guideMake the break your own
Who are you travelling with?
Choose your kind of stay for a day of ideas, then find the places that suit your pace.
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Ideas for your stay
A slower Carlingford day
Walk the medieval streets and castle, take an easy stretch of the Greenway, then choose a summer sunset cruise before dinner at Schooners.
Find your day outFrom the lough to the mountains
Find your Carlingford.
Heritage on foot, a mountain day, or somewhere to slow down. Check opening times and conditions directly before setting out.
16 places to explore
For CouplesPhoto: Eric Jones · CC BY-SA 2.0
A quiet corner of medieval Carlingford
The Old Abbey & Dominican Friary
Step away from the shopping streets to the roofless church and tower of the Dominican Friary. Look for the scale of the old church, then use our landmark guide to understand what survives. Combine it with Holy Trinity and a short village walk rather than treating it as a staffed indoor attraction.
Allow 20–40 minutes
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Architecture · photography · a short history stop
- When
- Daylight and suitable conditions
- Getting there
- A walk through the village from the hotel.
- Booking
- Check current access; no staffed tour is implied.
For CouplesPhoto: Robert Ashby · CC BY-SA 2.0
A different chapter beside the lough
Greenore village & railway stories
Greenore’s Victorian streets tell the story of a railway and ferry port. Ask about the Railway & Maritime Museum in the Co-operative building, make time for a café stop, and enjoy another perspective on the lough. Museum access and tea-room opening should be checked before setting out.
Allow 1–2 hours plus travel
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Railway enthusiasts · a village afternoon · cafés
- When
- Check museum and café hours
- Getting there
- Drive, taxi or check a Route 161 connection to Greenore.
- Booking
- Contact venues directly for opening and group visits.
For CouplesPhoto: Oisin obrien at English Wikipedia · Public domain
Look back towards the Cooley shore
Cloughmore Stone above Rostrevor
Cross to the County Down side of the lough for a walk above Rostrevor to the great glacial boulder at Cloughmore. The views show Carlingford from a new angle. Expect an uphill woodland outing: choose a route and starting point for your group, and keep the giant stories in our separate folklore guide.
Allow half a day with the journey
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Older children · walkers · views over the lough
- When
- Clear daylight and suitable walking weather
- Getting there
- Travel around the lough via Newry; arrange your return.
- Booking
- Check park access and current trail information.
For CouplesA challenge for curious minds
Escape HQ & the village scavenger hunt
Solve an escape-room challenge together or follow clues through Carlingford on the outdoor scavenger hunt. The escape room offers an indoor alternative for older children and adults, while the village game turns sightseeing into a shared puzzle. Ask about age suitability and adult supervision when booking.
Around an hour; confirm your chosen game
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Older families · friends · teams
- When
- Check availability; the scavenger hunt is outdoors
- Getting there
- Newry Street in Carlingford village.
- Booking
- Book directly and confirm group size and age requirements.
For CouplesPhoto: Olliebailie · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eight centuries above the lough
Carlingford Castle
Known locally as King John’s Castle, this landmark was established by Hugh de Lacy around 1190. A guided visit connects the fortress with Carlingford’s lanes, the Tholsel, the Mint and the story of one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval towns.
Allow 1–2 hours with the town
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- History · views · an easy village outing
- When
- Guided tour schedules are seasonal
- Getting there
- A short walk from McKevitt’s.
- Booking
- Check tour times; groups should book ahead.
For CouplesPhoto: Eric Jones · CC BY-SA 2.0
A sandy day on the Cooley coast
Templetown Beach
Pack a picnic for this broad sandy beach on the peninsula. It is a favourite for family beach days and summer swimming; lifeguard cover is seasonal, while sunny weekends can bring limited access and busy parking.
A few hours or a full beach day
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Picnics · paddling · relaxed family time
- When
- Best in settled weather; seasonal lifeguards
- Getting there
- Drive from Carlingford; arrive early on fine days.
- Booking
- No booking.
For CouplesPhoto: Eric Jones · CC BY-SA 2.0
Twenty kilometres across two counties
Carlingford–Newry Greenway
Walk or cycle beside Carlingford Lough on the completed cross-border route to Newry. For a gentler outing, choose the mostly flat Carlingford–Omeath stretch; stronger cyclists can continue along the full scenic corridor.
From one hour to a full day
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Walking · cycling · adaptable distances
- When
- Year-round; dress for changing weather
- Getting there
- Access from Carlingford Marina; route crosses the border.
- Booking
- The route is free; book bikes separately.
For CouplesPhoto: Eric Jones · CC BY-SA 2.0
Links golf beside Carlingford Lough
Greenore Golf Club
Founded in 1896, Greenore is an 18-hole links with views over the lough and towards the Mournes. Visitors and societies are welcome, making it a natural anchor for a dedicated golf break.
Allow around half a day
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Golf breaks · societies · experienced players
- When
- Year-round, subject to course conditions
- Getting there
- Greenore village on the Cooley Peninsula.
- Booking
- Booking is essential, especially at weekends.
For CouplesPhoto: Eric Jones · CC BY-SA 2.0
Parkland golf on a historic estate
Ballymascanlon Golf Club
Set within the Ballymascanlon estate near Dundalk, this parkland course offers a contrasting round to Greenore’s links. Pair both courses for a varied two-day golf break based in Carlingford.
Allow around half a day
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Golf weekends · groups · a second local round
- When
- Year-round, subject to course conditions
- Getting there
- Near Dundalk, approximately 20 minutes from Carlingford.
- Booking
- Contact the golf team before travelling.
For CouplesPhoto: Robert Ashby · CC BY-SA 2.0
See the peninsula from the water
Carlingford Lough by boat
Summer passenger cruises, specialist sailings and the Greenore–Greencastle ferry open up wide views of the Cooley and Mourne Mountains. Cruise programmes can include sunset, lighthouse and tasting trips.
Allow 1–3 hours depending on sailing
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Couples · mixed-age groups · scenic afternoons
- When
- Passenger cruises are seasonal
- Getting there
- Selected sailings leave from Greenore.
- Booking
- Check the live sailing calendar and pre-book.
For CouplesPhoto: OisinisiO · CC BY-SA 3.0
Earn the view above Carlingford
Slieve Foye & the Cooley trails
The 9.8km Slieve Foye Loop is a strenuous mountain outing with steep, rough and sometimes boggy ground. Experienced walkers can also consider the longer Barnavave Loop or the two-day Táin Way; choose for the weather and your group’s ability.
From 2½ hours to two days
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Prepared walkers · panoramic views
- When
- Only in suitable visibility and conditions
- Getting there
- Several routes begin in or near Carlingford.
- Booking
- No booking; guided options are available locally.
For CouplesPhoto: Darcydwyer · CC BY-SA 4.0
A good plan for a cloudy day
Heritage Centre & village trail
The restored medieval Church of the Holy Trinity tells Carlingford’s story from Viking settlement through Norman and medieval times to today. Combine the exhibition with the Tholsel, the Mint and a relaxed wander through the village.
Allow 1–2 hours
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- History · mixed weather · a quieter pace
- When
- Check current visitor hours
- Getting there
- Within walking distance of McKevitt’s.
- Booking
- Ask ahead for groups and guided walks.
For CouplesPhoto: Eric Jones · CC BY-SA 2.0
Take the slower coastal road
Gyles Quay & the peninsula
Continue around the Cooley Peninsula for a sandy cove, pier and coastal walk at Gyles Quay. It works well as a scenic stop alongside Templetown, Greenore or a wider driving day through the peninsula.
Allow 1–3 hours
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Picnics · a coastal drive · relaxed exploring
- When
- Best in settled daylight conditions
- Getting there
- Drive around the peninsula from Carlingford.
- Booking
- No booking.
Photo: Eric Jones · CC BY-SA 2.0
A simple Carlingford tradition
Crab fishing by the harbour
For younger visitors, few things beat lowering a line beside the harbour and watching the bucket. Treat it as an informal family activity rather than an organised attraction: check local conditions, keep children beside an adult, handle wildlife gently and return every crab to the water.
Allow 45–90 minutes
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Young families · a gentle hour outdoors
- When
- Best in settled weather and daylight
- Getting there
- Ask locally where conditions are safest that day.
- Booking
- No booking; bring your own simple equipment.
Land, sea and team challenges
Carlingford Adventure Centre
Choose from kayaking, canoeing, climbing, archery, raft building and facilitated team challenges. Half-day and full-day options make this one of the most flexible choices for active families, groups and company getaways.
Half day or full day
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Active families · adults · corporate teams
- When
- Activities vary with season and conditions
- Getting there
- The main centre is in Carlingford village.
- Booking
- Pre-book directly with the centre.
Adventure among the trees
Skypark
Aerial courses, ziplines and ground-level games create a lively day for children, teens and adults. Junior and full adventure options have different age and height requirements, so check the current pass before choosing.
Allow half a day or longer
Good to know before you go
- Best for
- Junior adventurers · teens · energetic groups
- When
- Outdoor and seasonal; check opening dates
- Getting there
- Dundalk Road, just outside the village.
- Booking
- Advance booking is required.
A little planning goes a long way
Before you head out.
Check the weather
Mountain visibility and coastal conditions can change quickly. Match the day to the forecast.
Met Éireann forecastGetting around
Explore the village on foot; plan transport for beaches, golf and boat departures beyond it.
Buses, taxis & directionsAsk someone local
Our team can help you choose a walk, plan a group day or find a good rainy-day alternative.
Talk to the hotelGetting to the start
Directions from McKevitt’s
Distance, climb and walking time come from Sport Ireland’s National Trails Register. Tap “View trail” to see the full route drawn on our map. Google and Apple Maps can’t draw these trails, so their buttons give you directions to the start.
Slieve Foye Loop
Tourist Office, Harbour Car Park
- Distance
- 9.8 km
- Climb
- 270 m
- Time
- 2 hr 30 min
A few minutes on foot from the hotel: head down towards the harbour; the trailhead board is beside the Tourist Office car park.
Barnavave Loop
Tourist Office, Harbour Car Park
- Distance
- 14.3 km
- Climb
- 400 m
- Time
- 4 hr 30 min
A few minutes on foot from the hotel: head down towards the harbour; the trailhead board is beside the Tourist Office car park.
Táin Way
Carlingford
- Distance
- 40.3 km
- Climb
- 1,025 m
- Time
- 2 days
Starts in the village, a short walk from the hotel. Follow the yellow Táin Way markers out of Carlingford.
Commons Loop
Tourist Office, Harbour Car Park
- Distance
- 3.2 km
- Climb
- 250 m
- Time
- 1 hr 15 min
A few minutes on foot from the hotel: head down towards the harbour; the trailhead board is beside the Tourist Office car park.
Carlingford Greenway
Carlingford Marina or Omeath Pier
- Distance
- 7.7 km
- Climb
- 40 m
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
Join the Greenway at the harbour, a short walk from the hotel, and follow the shore path north towards Omeath.
Molly Loop
John Long’s, Grange
- Distance
- 4.7 km
- Climb
- 150 m
- Time
- 1 hr 15 min
Roughly a 10-minute drive south from Carlingford towards Grange. Park considerately by the trailhead.
Rooskey Loop
John Long’s, Grange
- Distance
- 6.9 km
- Climb
- 150 m
- Time
- 2 hr 15 min
Roughly a 10-minute drive south from Carlingford towards Grange. Park considerately by the trailhead.
Annaloughan Loop
Fitzpatrick’s, Jenkinstown
- Distance
- 5.9 km
- Climb
- 250 m
- Time
- 2 hr 45 min
Roughly a 15–20-minute drive along the coast road towards Dundalk to Jenkinstown.
“Thank you for looking after our walkers in Carlingford this season. Our walkers rated their stay 5 out of 5.”
Our walking friends
Walking Holiday Ireland.
Cliff and Louise Waijenberg are avid hikers whose love for Ireland runs deep. Cliff brings his Dutch roots and a fresh perspective to the trails, while Louise grew up exploring the Dublin Mountains and knows these landscapes like old friends. Together they have walked countless routes across the country, from the heather-clad Wicklow Way to the dramatic Antrim Coast — and every route they offer has been personally tested and refined to deliver an authentic Irish experience.
The couple were especially captivated by Cooley’s rolling patchwork hills and the Mourne Mountains sweeping down to the sea. Here, ancient legends come alive: tales of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, the hero Cú Chulainn, and Viking longships on Carlingford Lough. Historic treasures abound nearby too — from the atmospheric ruins of Monasterboice and Mellifont Abbey to the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange, which predates the Egyptian pyramids by centuries.
Explore their Cooley & Mournes walking holidaysYour base in the heart of the village
Adventure out. Come home to McKevitt’s.
Settle in for dinner at Schooners and make more of Carlingford with a night or two in the village.