Cooley & Mournes Hiking Tour
Ancient myths, granite peaks and a border crossed on foot
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.
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 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).
Tour Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Dundalk, County Louth
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Arrival in Dundalk, County Louth
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 find some live music, and enjoy a relaxed dinner.
We provide you with detailed public transport information on how to get here in your pre-departure travel pack.
Day
2
Ravensdale Forest to Lumpers Pub
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Ravensdale Forest to Lumpers Pub
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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Lumpers to Carlingford via the Cooley Ridge
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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Free Day in Carlingford
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
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Mourne Way Part 1
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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— Mourne Way Part 2: Rostrevor to Newcastle
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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Mourne Mountains: Brandy Pad, Hare's Gap & Silent Valley
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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— Departure from Newcastle
Route & Map
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.
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
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.
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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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