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Walking Holiday Ireland
Moderate 5 Days / 3 Nights Walking

Cooley Peninsula Hiking Tour

Ireland's best-kept walking secret

Starting From €645 per person

The Cooley Peninsula might be compact, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in soul. This 5-day walking holiday takes you into the heart of one of Ireland's most storied landscapes — where the legendary hero Cúchulainn is said to have single-handedly defended Ulster against invasion, and where the ancient tales of the Táin Bó Cúailnge still echo across misty moorlands. You'll spend your days navigating forest roads and heather-clad slopes, climbing to windswept summits with views that stretch from the dramatic Mourne Mountains into Northern Ireland, then descending to the medieval village of Carlingford, where salty Atlantic air, fresh oysters, and centuries of history await.

This isn't a gruelling expedition — it's a carefully paced journey that lets you really get to know a place. Four nights in welcoming B&Bs, hot breakfasts, and hassle-free luggage transfers mean you can focus on what matters: the rhythm of walking, the stories of the land, and the quiet satisfaction of reaching each day's destination under your own steam.

Whether you're new to multi-day hiking or looking for a manageable Irish adventure, the Cooley Peninsula delivers that perfect balance of challenge and comfort. And if you fall completely under its spell, the 8-day extension takes you across the border into the Mourne Mountains for even more.

Highlights

Mountain Trekking with Panoramic Views

Mountain Trekking with Panoramic Views

Climb to Black Mountain and Clairmont Cairn, drinking in vistas that span the Mourne Mountains and reach into three counties. On clear days, the view alone is worth the effort.

Medieval Carlingford's Timeless Charm

Medieval Carlingford's Timeless Charm

Spend your free day wandering narrow streets lined with colourful townhouses, discovering Viking heritage and Norman architecture, and tasting local oysters fresh from the lough — a gastronomic and cultural gem.

Walking the Táin Legend

Walking the Táin Legend

Trek through the very heartland of ancient Irish mythology, where the hero Cúchulainn made his legendary stand. Your route follows ancient droving paths and moorland trails steeped in Celtic history.

Coastal Moorland & Forest Trails

Coastal Moorland & Forest Trails

Experience the full textured variety of Cooley — from sheltered forest roads to windswept heather, with panoramic descents down to Carlingford Lough and views of the Mourne Mountains that shift and deepen with each step.

Who Is This For?

The time-poor adventurer. You've only got five days, but you don't want a whistle-stop tour. You want to really inhabit a place, walk it, sleep there, wake up to its rhythm. The Cooley Peninsula is perfectly paced for that: two proper trekking days (12–16 km) with a built-in rest day in Carlingford so you can recover, explore, and fall in love with a medieval village without rushing.

Hikers new to multi-day walking. If this is your first self-guided walking holiday, the Cooley Peninsula is forgiving without being soft. The daily distances are achievable, the terrain is varied rather than monotonous, and you have full support behind you — 24/7 emergency contact, luggage transfers, and detailed route notes. You'll finish this tour feeling proud, not demolished.

Anyone craving authentic Irish culture layered with nature. You're not just hiking here — you're walking through living history. Medieval streets, Celtic mythology, Viking heritage, wild oysters, and pubs where locals still gather. The Cooley Peninsula offers the complete Irish experience wrapped up in a small, walkable area. And if you fall in love with the region, the 8-day extension takes you across the border into the Mourne Mountains for even more.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Dundalk, County Louth

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You'll arrive in Dundalk, the gateway to the Cooley Peninsula, and settle into your first B&B. Dundalk is a working market town with handsome Georgian streets, a lively centre, plenty of good restaurants and pubs, and the County Museum if you'd like a feel for local history before you start walking.

We will provide you with information on how to get here using public transport in your pre-departure pack — Dundalk has frequent rail and bus links from both Dublin and Belfast — or talk to us about private transfer options from either airport.

The evening is yours: explore the town centre, enjoy dinner, and rest before tomorrow's walking.

Day 2

Ravensdale to Lumpers (Cooley)

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pin_drop Annaverna → Lumpershiking 14.6 kmlandscape ↑556mlandscape ↓571m
Your first proper day takes you from Ravensdale into the moody heart of Cooley. The terrain unfolds in stages: forest roads beneath ancient trees, then opening to wide heather moorland. The physical challenge builds steadily toward Black Mountain and Clairmont Cairn, where a steep final push rewards you with panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough.
Day 3

Lumpers to Carlingford

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pin_drop Lumpers → Carlingfordhiking 13.7 kmlandscape ↑539mlandscape ↓585m
The longest day, but also the most rewarding. From Lumpers, you rise again through moorland and forest, crossing the spine of the peninsula on ancient droving roads. As you descend, Carlingford Lough opens before you. The final stretch brings you into the narrow, colour-washed streets of medieval Carlingford.
Day 4

Free Day in Carlingford

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pin_drop Carlingford → Carlingfordhiking 9.0 kmlandscape ↑373mlandscape ↓373m
This is your day to breathe, explore, and reconnect. Carlingford is a walker's reward: narrow medieval streets, a working fishing village atmosphere, the Carlingford Lough waterfront, and some of the finest oysters you'll ever taste. Optional walks abound—a gentle loop around the lough shore, or a short climb to the ruins of King John's Castle.
Day 5

Departure from Carlingford

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A morning to yourself before departing Carlingford. Grab a final breakfast, take one last walk through the village, buy oysters to take home, or simply sit by the lough and let the experience settle. Transport can be arranged back to Dublin or Belfast.

Accommodation

B&B / Guesthouse

Every night, you'll stay in hand-picked B&Bs, each one a small piece of Irish hospitality. We work with proprietors who understand what walkers need: solid beds, hot showers, and a proper Irish breakfast that fuels your day. All rooms are en-suite, so you have privacy and comfort after your walking days.

The B&Bs themselves are part of the story. These aren't soulless chain hotels—they're family-run houses, often with views of the peninsula or the lough, decorated with local art and the kinds of details that make a place feel lived-in and welcoming. Your hosts can point you toward the best local pubs, recommend evening walks, or simply sit with you over breakfast and share their own stories of Cooley.

In Carlingford especially, your B&B will likely be in the heart of the village, putting you minutes away from restaurants, the waterfront, and the medieval streets. You'll wake to the sound of seagulls, smell salt air, and step straight out into history.

What's Included

check_circle What's Included

  • doneAccommodation: 4 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
  • doneSupport: 24/7 emergency support line for the duration of your trip

block Not Included

  • closeFlights: Travel to Ireland is not included
  • 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

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.

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

€645 per person

Based on 2 sharing

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Book at least 20 days in advance

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Price Match Promise

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

Cliff & Louise Waijenberg — Founders of Walking Holiday Ireland

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 37 verified reviews

Read all 37 reviews arrow_forward
★★★★★

"Fantastic walking holiday with stunning views! Everything was perfectly arranged - from the detailed route descriptions to the comfortable B&Bs. The luggage transfer worked smoothly, and the hosts were all very welcoming. Beautiful combination of mountain and coastal scenery...."

Sophie and Mark
Netherlands
★★★★★

"Fantastic walking holiday with stunning views! Everything was perfectly arranged - from the detailed route descriptions to the comfortable B&Bs. The luggage transfer worked smoothly, and the hosts were all very welcoming. Beautiful combination of mountain and coastal scenery...."

Sophie and Mark
Netherlands
★★★★★

"Fantastic walking holiday with stunning views! Everything was perfectly arranged - from the detailed route descriptions to the comfortable B&Bs. The luggage transfer worked smoothly, and the hosts were all very welcoming. Beautiful combination of mountain and coastal scenery...."

Sophie and Mark
Netherlands
★★★★★

"The Cooley Peninsula exceeded all expectations! Perfect balance of challenging hiking and comfortable accommodations. Loved the small villages and friendly locals. The route notes were detailed and helpful. Special thanks to the B&B hosts who went above and beyond to make our..."

Ted and Lisa A.
United States
★★★★★

"The Cooley Peninsula exceeded all expectations! Perfect balance of challenging hiking and comfortable accommodations. Loved the small villages and friendly locals. The route notes were detailed and helpful. Special thanks to the B&B hosts who went above and beyond to make our..."

Ted and Lisa A.
United States
★★★★★

"The Cooley Peninsula exceeded all expectations! Perfect balance of challenging hiking and comfortable accommodations. Loved the small villages and friendly locals. The route notes were detailed and helpful. Special thanks to the B&B hosts who went above and beyond to make our..."

Ted and Lisa A.
United States
★★★★★

"Ein wunderbarer Wanderurlaub! The combination of mountain trails and coastal paths was perfect. Very professional organisation with excellent accommodation choices. The route descriptions were precise and easy to follow. Lovely interaction with local people and beautiful landscap..."

Karl Schmidt
Germany
★★★★★

"Ein wunderbarer Wanderurlaub! The combination of mountain trails and coastal paths was perfect. Very professional organisation with excellent accommodation choices. The route descriptions were precise and easy to follow. Lovely interaction with local people and beautiful landscap..."

Karl Schmidt
Germany
★★★★★

"Ein wunderbarer Wanderurlaub! The combination of mountain trails and coastal paths was perfect. Very professional organisation with excellent accommodation choices. The route descriptions were precise and easy to follow. Lovely interaction with local people and beautiful landscap..."

Karl Schmidt
Germany
★★★★★

"A delightful 5-day adventure! The hiking routes were diverse and beautiful, with breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. All B&Bs were charming and comfortable. The local restaurants recommended by our hosts were excellent. Very professional organisation by Walking Holid..."

Marie and Francois Laurent
France
★★★★★

"A delightful 5-day adventure! The hiking routes were diverse and beautiful, with breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. All B&Bs were charming and comfortable. The local restaurants recommended by our hosts were excellent. Very professional organisation by Walking Holid..."

Marie and Francois Laurent
France
★★★★★

"A delightful 5-day adventure! The hiking routes were diverse and beautiful, with breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. All B&Bs were charming and comfortable. The local restaurants recommended by our hosts were excellent. Very professional organisation by Walking Holid..."

Marie and Francois Laurent
France
★★★★★

"Perfect organisation from start to finish. The walking routes were well-marked, and the daily distances were very manageable. All B&Bs were excellent, with comfortable beds and beautiful breakfasts. The views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains were spectacular. Cli..."

J. en S. van der Meer
Netherlands
★★★★★

"Perfect organisation from start to finish. The walking routes were well-marked, and the daily distances were very manageable. All B&Bs were excellent, with comfortable beds and beautiful breakfasts. The views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains were spectacular. Cli..."

J. en S. van der Meer
Netherlands
★★★★★

"Perfect organisation from start to finish. The walking routes were well-marked, and the daily distances were very manageable. All B&Bs were excellent, with comfortable beds and beautiful breakfasts. The views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains were spectacular. Cli..."

J. en S. van der Meer
Netherlands
★★★★★

"On day 1 stayed in the B&B in Lordship and after a hearty Irish breakfast made a lovely walk. On the second day a wonderful walk to Carlingford, a beautiful coastal town with an outstanding B&B and a perfect base for exploring. Entertainment and good food were also taken ..."

Hub Einmahl
Netherlands
★★★★★

"Coming from Australia, we weren't sure what to expect from Irish hiking, but we were blown away! The Cooley Peninsula's landscape is magical - from misty mountains to stunning coastlines. Walking Holiday Ireland's organisation was impeccable. The B&Bs were char..."

Emma and Bill W.
Australia
★★★★★

"Coming from Australia, we weren't sure what to expect from Irish hiking, but we were blown away! The Cooley Peninsula's landscape is magical - from misty mountains to stunning coastlines. Walking Holiday Ireland's organisation was impeccable. The B&Bs were char..."

Emma and Bill W.
Australia
★★★★★

"Coming from Australia, we weren't sure what to expect from Irish hiking, but we were blown away! The Cooley Peninsula's landscape is magical - from misty mountains to stunning coastlines. Walking Holiday Ireland's organisation was impeccable. The B&Bs were char..."

Emma and Bill W.
Australia
★★★★★

"Magnifique! A wonderful blend of mountains and sea views. The local hospitality was outstanding, and the hiking routes were perfectly planned. Loved discovering the ancient Celtic sites along the way. The route documentation was very detailed and helpful. A perfect way to discove..."

Pierre D.
France
★★★★★

"Magnifique! A wonderful blend of mountains and sea views. The local hospitality was outstanding, and the hiking routes were perfectly planned. Loved discovering the ancient Celtic sites along the way. The route documentation was very detailed and helpful. A perfect way to discove..."

Pierre D.
France
★★★★★

"Magnifique! A wonderful blend of mountains and sea views. The local hospitality was outstanding, and the hiking routes were perfectly planned. Loved discovering the ancient Celtic sites along the way. The route documentation was very detailed and helpful. A perfect way to discove..."

Pierre D.
France
★★★★★

"Very well-organised walking tour with excellent attention to detail. The paths were clearly marked, and the daily route descriptions were precise. Wonderful B&Bs with friendly hosts who were always helpful with local recommendations. The landscape variety was impressive - fro..."

H. Mueller
Germany
★★★★★

"Very well-organised walking tour with excellent attention to detail. The paths were clearly marked, and the daily route descriptions were precise. Wonderful B&Bs with friendly hosts who were always helpful with local recommendations. The landscape variety was impressive - fro..."

H. Mueller
Germany
★★★★★

"Very well-organised walking tour with excellent attention to detail. The paths were clearly marked, and the daily route descriptions were precise. Wonderful B&Bs with friendly hosts who were always helpful with local recommendations. The landscape variety was impressive - fro..."

H. Mueller
Germany
★★★★★

"An absolutely stunning hiking experience! Coming from South Africa, we found the Irish landscape uniquely beautiful. The mix of mountains and sea views was perfect. All accommodations were excellent and the hosts incredibly friendly. The detailed route notes made navigation simpl..."

David Thompson
South Africa
★★★★★

"An absolutely stunning hiking experience! Coming from South Africa, we found the Irish landscape uniquely beautiful. The mix of mountains and sea views was perfect. All accommodations were excellent and the hosts incredibly friendly. The detailed route notes made navigation simpl..."

David Thompson
South Africa
★★★★★

"An absolutely stunning hiking experience! Coming from South Africa, we found the Irish landscape uniquely beautiful. The mix of mountains and sea views was perfect. All accommodations were excellent and the hosts incredibly friendly. The detailed route notes made navigation simpl..."

David Thompson
South Africa
★★★★★

"Fantastic walking holiday along the Cooley Peninsula. The combination of mountain and coastal views was spectacular. All the accommodations were top-notch, and the local people were incredibly friendly. The route notes were detailed and accurate. A special mention to the excellen..."

J. Henderson
United Kingdom
★★★★★

"Fantastic walking holiday along the Cooley Peninsula. The combination of mountain and coastal views was spectacular. All the accommodations were top-notch, and the local people were incredibly friendly. The route notes were detailed and accurate. A special mention to the excellen..."

J. Henderson
United Kingdom
★★★★★

"Fantastic walking holiday along the Cooley Peninsula. The combination of mountain and coastal views was spectacular. All the accommodations were top-notch, and the local people were incredibly friendly. The route notes were detailed and accurate. A special mention to the excellen..."

J. Henderson
United Kingdom
★★★★★

"It was a superb walking holiday! The trails were challenging enough to be interesting but not overwhelming. Beautiful mix of countryside, mountains, and coastal views. The B&Bs were all excellent and the hosts very accommodating. Everything was perfectly arranged by Walking H..."

Hendrik D.
Belgium
★★★★★

"It was a superb walking holiday! The trails were challenging enough to be interesting but not overwhelming. Beautiful mix of countryside, mountains, and coastal views. The B&Bs were all excellent and the hosts very accommodating. Everything was perfectly arranged by Walking H..."

Hendrik D.
Belgium
★★★★★

"It was a superb walking holiday! The trails were challenging enough to be interesting but not overwhelming. Beautiful mix of countryside, mountains, and coastal views. The B&Bs were all excellent and the hosts very accommodating. Everything was perfectly arranged by Walking H..."

Hendrik D.
Belgium
★★★★★

"What an incredible experience hiking the Cooley Peninsula! The trails were perfectly marked and the views of the Mourne Mountains were breathtaking. Our B&B hosts were incredibly welcoming and the full Irish breakfasts gave us plenty of energy for our daily hikes. The luggage..."

Sarah Mitchell
United States
★★★★★

"What an incredible experience hiking the Cooley Peninsula! The trails were perfectly marked and the views of the Mourne Mountains were breathtaking. Our B&B hosts were incredibly welcoming and the full Irish breakfasts gave us plenty of energy for our daily hikes. The luggage..."

Sarah Mitchell
United States
★★★★★

"What an incredible experience hiking the Cooley Peninsula! The trails were perfectly marked and the views of the Mourne Mountains were breathtaking. Our B&B hosts were incredibly welcoming and the full Irish breakfasts gave us plenty of energy for our daily hikes. The luggage..."

Sarah Mitchell
United States

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.

Showing 8 of 52 FAQs · View all FAQs

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