Cooley & Mournes Hiking Tour — 8 Days

Arrive in Dundalk, your base for the first night. This historic town is perfectly positioned between Dublin (80 km south) and Belfast (100 km north), making it easy to reach by bus, train, or car. Settle into your B&B, explore the town, and enjoy a relaxed dinner — your adventure begins tomorrow.

Your first walking day takes you through the beautiful Ravensdale Forest and up into the Cooley Mountains. The trail climbs steadily through mixed woodland before opening out onto heather moorland with sweeping views over Dundalk Bay and the Cooley Peninsula. The reward at the end? A well-earned pint at Lumpers Pub in Ballymakellett — a proper Irish welcome to the trail.

The big day. This is the most demanding and most spectacular stage of the tour, following the Táin Way along the spine of the Cooley Peninsula. You'll cross Maeve's Gap between Slieve Foye and Barnavave, with views that stretch from the Irish Sea to the Mourne Mountains across Carlingford Lough. The descent into medieval Carlingford is unforgettable — the village appears below you like something from another century. Celebrate with fresh Carlingford oysters and a traditional music session.

A well-earned rest day in one of Ireland's most charming villages. Wander the medieval streets, visit King John's Castle, browse the craft shops, or sample more of those famous oysters. If your legs are willing, choose from several optional walks: the gentle Carlingford Lough Greenway (6.2 km along an old railway line), a loop up Barnavave for panoramic views, or the challenging summit of Slieve Foye itself.

Today you cross the border into Northern Ireland and begin the Mourne Way. The trail leads you through Kilbroney Forest and into the foothills of the Mournes. The walking is gentler than yesterday — mixed woodland, riverside paths, and wonderful views over Carlingford Lough. Rostrevor is a pretty Victorian village nestled between the mountains and the lough, perfect for an evening stroll before dinner.

A beautiful day following the Mourne Way through rolling countryside and ancient woodland. The highlight is Tollymore Forest Park — one of Northern Ireland's finest forests and a filming location for Game of Thrones. The trail winds through towering conifers, crosses elegant stone bridges, and follows the Shimna River before emerging in Newcastle, a seaside town sitting in the shadow of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak (853m).

Your final walking day offers flexible options in the heart of the Mourne Mountains. The classic route follows the Brandy Pad — an old smugglers' track that winds through dramatic mountain scenery past Hare's Gap, with the famous Mourne Wall as your constant companion. For a gentler finish, explore the beautiful Silent Valley reservoir walk. More ambitious hikers can extend to take in Slieve Donard or follow a longer section of the Mourne Wall.

After a final Irish breakfast, it's time to say goodbye. We can arrange a transfer to Dublin Airport (approximately 2.5–3 hours) or Belfast (1.5 hours). Alternatively, take the bus to Belfast or Dublin at your own pace.