Choose an easy shoreline walk, a village loop or a full mountain day. Route information comes from Sport Ireland’s National Trails Register; weather, access and ground conditions can change.
A steep opening climb leads from the medieval village into forest, open mountain and rough, sometimes boggy ground, with wide views over the lough and Mournes.
Current trail noticeSignificant storm damage has caused diversions. Follow all on-site signage.
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.
Tourist Office, Harbour Car Park
A few minutes on foot from the hotel: head down towards the harbour; the trailhead board is beside the Tourist Office car park.
Tourist Office, Harbour Car Park
A few minutes on foot from the hotel: head down towards the harbour; the trailhead board is beside the Tourist Office car park.
Carlingford
Starts in the village, a short walk from the hotel. Follow the yellow Táin Way markers out of Carlingford.
Tourist Office, Harbour Car Park
A few minutes on foot from the hotel: head down towards the harbour; the trailhead board is beside the Tourist Office car park.
Carlingford Marina or Omeath Pier
Join the Greenway at the harbour, a short walk from the hotel, and follow the shore path north towards Omeath.
John Long’s, Grange
Roughly a 10-minute drive south from Carlingford towards Grange. Park considerately by the trailhead.
John Long’s, Grange
Roughly a 10-minute drive south from Carlingford towards Grange. Park considerately by the trailhead.
Fitzpatrick’s, Jenkinstown
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.”
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 holidaysWeather on Slieve Foye can change quickly. Wear proper footwear, carry layers, water, a charged phone and a suitable paper map; turn back if visibility, waymarking or ground conditions become uncertain. A GPX track supports navigation but never replaces signs, judgement or an appropriate map.