Challenging 8 Days / 7 Nights Walking

Cooley & Mournes Hiking Tour — 8 Days

Name: Cooley & Mournes Hiking Tour — 8 Days
Brand: Walking Holiday Ireland
Price: 879 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (21 reviews)

Cross-border mountain adventure

Starting From €880 per person

This Mourne Mountains walking holiday takes you through two of Ireland's most rewarding and least-crowded hiking regions — the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth and the majestic Mourne Mountains in County Down. Over eight days, you'll follow ancient paths through forested ridges, cross heather-clad summits, explore the medieval harbour village of Carlingford, and walk the legendary Mourne Way through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

What makes this self-guided hiking tour so special? You're crossing the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on foot, experiencing two distinct landscapes that flow seamlessly into each other. One day you're winding through the mythical Cooley Peninsula — home of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, Ireland's greatest epic legend — and the next you're striding along granite peaks that inspired C.S. Lewis's Narnia.

We take care of all the logistics so you can focus on the walking. Your luggage is transferred each day to your next B&B, you carry only a daypack, and our detailed route notes guide you every step of the way. It's the kind of hiking holiday where you arrive at your accommodation each evening to a warm welcome, a hot shower, and the prospect of a well-earned meal in a local pub.

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Highlights

Medieval Carlingford

Explore Ireland's best-preserved medieval village — cobbled streets, a Norman castle, fresh oysters, and traditional pubs right on the shores of Carlingford Lough.

The Mourne Way & Mourne Wall

Walk through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty following the Mourne Way past granite peaks, the famous Mourne Wall, and through ancient forests including Tollymore — a Game of Thrones filming location.

Cross-Border Trail

A unique hiking experience that crosses from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland on foot — two countries, two landscapes, one incredible trail.

Myths, Legends & History

Walk in the footsteps of the warrior Cúchulainn along the Táin Way, follow old smugglers' paths over the Brandy Pad, and discover Viking heritage at every turn.

Who Is This For?

This tour is ideal for experienced hillwalkers and adventurous hikers who enjoy moderate to challenging terrain with some longer days. You should be comfortable walking 15–20 km per day over hilly, sometimes rocky ground with notable ascent — particularly on the Cooley Peninsula day which involves 971 metres of climbing.

It's perfect for walkers who love getting off the beaten track. Unlike Ireland's more famous trails, the Cooley and Mournes feel wonderfully uncrowded. You'll meet more sheep than fellow hikers on many stretches, and the sense of wild solitude is a real draw.

This self-guided hiking tour suits solo walkers, couples, and small groups who want the freedom to walk at their own pace while having all the logistics handled. A free day in Carlingford also means you can adjust the intensity — choose an easier coastal stroll or tackle the challenging Slieve Foye summit (589m).

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1

— Arrival in Dundalk, County Louth

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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.

Day 2

— Ravensdale Forest to Lumpers Pub

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*15 km · 504 m ascent · approx. 4.5 hours · Moderate* 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.

Day 3

— Lumpers to Carlingford via the Cooley Ridge

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*19.6 km · 971 m ascent · approx. 7 hours · Challenging* 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.

Day 4

— Free Day in Carlingford

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*Optional: 8–18 km · Variable difficulty* 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.

Day 5

— Mourne Way Part 1: Carlingford to Rostrevor

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*15 km · 310 m ascent · approx. 5 hours · Moderate* 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.

Day 6

— Mourne Way Part 2: Rostrevor to Newcastle

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*16.1 km · 151 m ascent · approx. 4.5–5.5 hours · Moderate* 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).

Day 7

— Mourne Mountains: Brandy Pad, Hare's Gap & Silent Valley

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*10–22 km · Variable ascent · Variable difficulty* 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.

Day 8

— Departure from Newcastle

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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.

Accommodation

Throughout this walking holiday, you'll stay in carefully selected, family-run B&Bs — the kind of places where you're greeted by name and the kettle is always on. Each property has been handpicked by us for its comfort, character, and warm hospitality.

All rooms are en-suite with private bathrooms, and a full Irish breakfast is included every morning — the proper kind, with locally sourced sausages, eggs, black pudding, soda bread, and strong tea to fuel your day on the trail. Many of our B&B hosts are walkers themselves and love sharing tips about the area.

We use locally owned accommodation because it gives you the most authentic experience of Irish hospitality, and it means your holiday directly supports the communities you're walking through.

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What's Included

check_circle What's Included

done7 nights B&B accommodation (en-suite rooms)
doneFull Irish breakfast daily
doneLuggage transfers between accommodations
doneDetailed walking maps and route notes
doneWaterproof map case
done24/7 local emergency contact number
donePre-departure information pack
doneDublin Airport transfer on Day 8

block Not Included

closeFlights to and from Ireland
closeTravel and baggage insurance
closeLunches and evening meals
closePersonal hiking gear and equipment

Best Time to Visit

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

May and June are our top picks. Long evenings, wildflowers on the Cooley foothills and manageable trail traffic make these months hard to beat. June and early July offer the longest daylight hours, which matter for the longer Mourne Ridge days.

September is arguably the finest month of all. Bracken turns gold, the light is sharp and clear, trails are quieter, and accommodation is easier to book.

July and August are the warmest months but the busiest. Slieve Donard sees significant foot traffic, and accommodation needs to be booked well in advance.

The walking season runs from late spring through to late autumn, typically April to October.

From

€880 per person

Based on 2 sharing

Preferred Start Date

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Book at least 20 days in advance

Number of Walkers

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Found this holiday cheaper? Send us the URL and we'll match the itinerary, services, and price.

Cliff & Louise

Your Personal Hosts

Have a question about this tour? We've walked it dozens of times and love helping you plan your trip.

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What Our Walkers Say

★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5

Based on 21 verified reviews

Read all 21 reviews arrow_forward

★★★★★

"Our first organised walking holiday and we enjoyed every minute of it. Nice trails with beautiful views and very friendly people. When it was too dangerous, because of the heavy fog, to walk the trail as planned there were a lot of good alternatives. Thanks Cliff!"

Jan Borst

Netherlands

★★★★★

"I was there with my eldest son. We loved the beautiful hills and coast, the Irish people (very kind and helpful) and the B&Bs we visited were nice and clean. Our hostesses prepared us a delicious breakfast every morning: that gave us the energy for our daily hikes."

Tineke Schutte-de Rijke

Netherlands

★★★★★

Jan Borst

Netherlands

★★★★★

Tineke Schutte-de Rijke

Netherlands

★★★★★

Jan Borst

Netherlands

★★★★★

Tineke Schutte-de Rijke

Netherlands

★★★★★

"Cliff's personal attention makes booking with Walking Holiday Ireland of added value. Little things in which we were unsure, he helped us a lot. The trip could also be adapted to our wishes. In short: everything was well agreed both in advance and on the spot, nice B&Bs,..."

Marlie Verboeket

Netherlands

★★★★★

Marlie Verboeket

Netherlands

★★★★★

Marlie Verboeket

Netherlands

★★★★★

"The tour company arranged everything very well in Ireland. The majority was arranged by Walking Holiday Ireland, and this was great. Air travel arranged by TUI and also nothing to criticise."

M. Van Dijk

Netherlands

★★★★★

"The tour company arranged everything very well in Ireland. The majority was arranged by Walking Holiday Ireland, and this was great. Air travel arranged by TUI and also nothing to criticise."

M. Van Dijk

Netherlands

★★★★★

"The tour company arranged everything very well in Ireland. The majority was arranged by Walking Holiday Ireland, and this was great. Air travel arranged by TUI and also nothing to criticise."

M. Van Dijk

Netherlands

★★★★★

"As a couple, we enjoyed a beautiful walking holiday organised by Cliff Wayenberg of Walking Holiday Ireland. The six days of walking in the Dundalk area, Carlingford and the Mourne Mountains were a good combination of different types of scenery, from easy walking to steep climbs...."

Swab (couple)

Netherlands

★★★★★

"With 15 Nordic walkers we arrived at the Ballymascanlon Hotel near Dundalk, a very good hotel in the middle of a golf course. The whole week we were transferred in a little bus with a private chauffeur. We walked four times (15-20 km), with and without Cliff, in the Cooley and Mo..."

Els (group of 15 Nordic walkers)

Netherlands

★★★★★

Els (group of 15 Nordic walkers)

Netherlands

★★★★★

Swab (couple)

Netherlands

★★★★★

Swab (couple)

Netherlands

★★★★★

Els (group of 15 Nordic walkers)

Netherlands

★★★★★

"Beautiful hikes, well organised. Personal guidance if you have any questions. Recommended!"

Nora Borgman

Netherlands

★★★★★

"Beautiful hikes, well organised. Personal guidance if you have any questions. Recommended!"

Nora Borgman

Netherlands

★★★★★

"Beautiful hikes, well organised. Personal guidance if you have any questions. Recommended!"

Nora Borgman

Netherlands

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a self-guided walking holiday? expand_more

Our self-guided tours include: carefully selected family-run B&B accommodation, comfortable en-suite bedrooms (where available), a full Irish breakfast each morning, complimentary luggage transfers between accommodations, detailed maps and route notes, local advice on places to visit and eat, full pre-departure information, a waterproof map case, and 24/7 local emergency contact support. Extra nights and local transport information can be arranged on request.

What is NOT included in the tour price? expand_more

The tour price does not include flights, travel and baggage insurance, lunches, or evening meals.

Is a GPS app or digital navigation included? expand_more

Yes. Our tours include a digital route guide with GPS navigation, offline maps, and local insights via our mobile app, so you can navigate confidently even without mobile signal.

Is 24/7 emergency support really available? expand_more

Yes. Our team provides 24/7 local emergency contact support throughout your tour. If you encounter any difficulties on the trail or with your accommodation, you can reach us at any time.

Are evening meals included? expand_more

Evening meals are not included in the standard tour price. Your B&B hosts can usually recommend nearby restaurants, and many guesthouses can arrange an evening meal on request.

Are lunches included? expand_more

Lunches are not included. However, you will typically have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches, and we provide local advice on where to eat along the route.

What is the difference between a self-guided and a guided walking tour? expand_more

On a self-guided tour, you walk independently using our detailed maps, route notes, and GPS app, with your luggage transferred each day and 24/7 support available. A guided tour provides a local expert guide who walks with you, shares local knowledge, stories and history, and ensures you stay on track and safe. Guided tours also include built-in companionship with fellow walkers.

Which type of tour is best for first-time visitors to Ireland? expand_more

For first-time visitors, a guided tour is often recommended, as it provides expert support, helps you learn the trails, and offers the chance to meet other walkers. Experienced hikers frequently prefer the freedom and flexibility of self-guided tours at their own pace.

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