Cooley & Mournes Walking Tour — 7 Days
The complete Cooley to Mournes experience
This is the route as it was meant to be walked. Starting in Ravensdale Forest and finishing in Newcastle under the shadow of Slieve Donard, the 7-day tour covers every stage of the Cooley-to-Mournes journey: the ancient Táin Way ridgeline, the descent into medieval Carlingford, a day to explore the peninsula from its heart, then across the border for Kilbroney Forest, Tollymore, and the full Mourne Way.
Crossing from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland on foot is a genuinely rare experience. Most Irish walking holidays stay in one jurisdiction. Here the border is just a line on a map — the landscape flows seamlessly from the mythical Cooley hills into the granite Mournes, connected by a trail that has been walked for centuries.
Seven days gives you exactly the right amount of time: enough to really inhabit each place, recover properly between stages, and arrive in Newcastle having done something that feels complete.
Highlights
Ravensdale Forest to the Cooley Ridge
Begin in the beautiful Ravensdale Forest, climbing through ancient woodland to the open heather moorland of the Cooley Mountains — the first chapter of one of Ireland's great walking journeys.
The Táin Way Ridgeline
Follow the ancient droving road of the Táin Way along the spine of the peninsula, crossing Maeve's Gap with sweeping views over the Irish Sea, Carlingford Lough, and the Mournes before descending to Carlingford.
Medieval Carlingford & Free Day
A full day based in Carlingford — looped walks, oysters, King John's Castle, and the medieval streets of one of Ireland's finest villages.
The Mourne Way to Newcastle
Two days following the Mourne Way through Kilbroney Forest and Tollymore — a Game of Thrones filming location — to Newcastle in the shadow of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak.
Who Is This For?
This tour suits experienced walkers who enjoy moderate to challenging terrain over multiple days. You should be comfortable walking 15–20 km per day with significant ascent on the Cooley stages — particularly the Lumpers-to-Carlingford ridgeline stage with over 600 metres of climbing. The Mourne Way stages are more moderate: mixed forest paths, river trails, and open countryside. Seven days gives a genuine cross-border mountain experience without the physical demands of the 8-day extension. Ideal for walkers who have done multi-day routes before and want a complete, unhurried Irish adventure.
Tour Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Dundalk
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Arrival in Dundalk
Arrive in Dundalk, your first base. The town is well connected to Dublin and Belfast by rail and bus — full details in your pre-departure pack. Settle in, explore, and rest before seven days of walking begins tomorrow.
Day
2
Ravensdale Forest to Lumpers
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Ravensdale Forest to Lumpers
Your opening day takes you through Ravensdale Forest and into the Cooley Mountains. The trail climbs from sheltered woodland to open moorland, with views growing wider with every step. You return to Dundalk for a second night after a rewarding day on the hill.
Day
3
Lumpers to Carlingford via the Táin Way
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Lumpers to Carlingford via the Táin Way
The most spectacular stage — along the spine of the Cooley Peninsula on the ancient Táin Way. Crossing Maeve's Gap, the views open over Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. The descent into Carlingford is one of the great arrivals in Irish walking: the medieval village appearing below, the lough glittering beyond.
Day
4
Carlingford Looped Walk
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Carlingford Looped Walk
A day based in Carlingford — choose from the looped walks exploring the lough shore and lower slopes, or simply spend the day in the village: King John's Castle, the medieval lanes, the waterfront, and Carlingford's famous oysters. This is your recovery day before the Mournes.
Day
5
Mourne Way Part 1 — Carlingford to Rostrevor
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Mourne Way Part 1 — Carlingford to Rostrevor
Today you cross the border into Northern Ireland and begin the Mourne Way. Through Kilbroney Forest, past the foothills of the Mournes, and into the Victorian village of Rostrevor on the southern shore of Carlingford Lough. The border is seamless underfoot — two countries, one trail.
Day
6
Mourne Way Part 2 — Rostrevor to Newcastle
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Mourne Way Part 2 — Rostrevor to Newcastle
The finest walking day in the Mournes. Through Tollymore Forest Park — ancient woodland, stone bridges, the Shimna River, and the eerie beauty of a Game of Thrones filming location — before emerging in Newcastle under the watchful shadow of Slieve Donard.
Day
7
Departure from Newcastle
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Departure from Newcastle
A final breakfast with the Mournes as your backdrop. Your pre-departure pack covers public transport options to Dublin (via Newry) and Belfast. We can arrange private transfers if preferred — just let us know.
Route & Map
Accommodation
- Accommodation: 6 nights in en-suite B&B rooms - Breakfast: Full Irish breakfast every morning - Luggage Transfer: Daily door-to-door transfer of your main bag - Maps & Navigation: Detailed route notes, GPX files, and a waterproof map case - Pre-Departure Travel Pack: Sent 4 weeks before you travel, including onward travel options from Newcastle - Support: 24/7 emergency support line for the duration of your trip
What's Included
check_circle What's Included
- doneAccommodation: 6 nights in en-suite B&B rooms
- doneBreakfast: Full Irish breakfast every morning
- doneLuggage Transfer: Daily door-to-door transfer of your main bag
- doneMaps & Navigation: Detailed route notes, GPX files, and a waterproof map case
- donePre-Departure Travel Pack: Sent 4 weeks before you travel, including onward travel options from Newcastle
- doneSupport: 24/7 emergency support line for the duration of your trip
block Not Included
- closeFlights: Travel to Ireland is not included
- closeAirport Transfers: Travel options from Newcastle are outlined in your pre-departure pack
- closeInsurance: You will need travel and walking holiday insurance
- closeMeals: Lunches and dinners (we'll happily recommend pubs and restaurants en route)
- closePersonal Gear: Hiking equipment and clothing
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Visit
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.
Time your visit with a festival. Many trails host walking festivals throughout the season — see our complete 2026 walking festivals calendar to plan around one.
From
Based on 2 sharing
Book at least 20 days in advance
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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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