explore & do

The Tain Way

The Táin Way is the principle long distance walking route in Louth approx 40km and can be walked comfortabley in two days. It follows the trail of the Táin Bó Cúalinge, the mythical legend of the Cattle Raid of Cooley.

The route is about 40km long and some can be walked comfortably in two days. It starts in the heritage town of Carlingford, which has a wide range of accommodation as well as a well-preserved stock of mediaeval buildings and a town trail.

The Táin Way itself rises out of the town to run as a forest track along the northern slopes of Carlingford Mountain, giving wonderful views of the Mournes, before dipping to sea level at the town of Omeath. The Way then rises steeply on narrow roads and tracks through open country to a pass (430m) in the midst of the mountains. It then descends again to Ravensdale, where there are forest trails and accommodation.

The second stage takes us high onto another spur of the Cooleys, with good views back along the Irish Sea coast, before descending into a long valley. The Way crosses that valley and climbs onto the southern ridge of Carlingford Mountain on an ancient grassy track. From there it is downhill all the way back into Carlingford.

This walk is named after the legendary "Tain Bo Cuailgne" (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), which involved the exploits of Cu Chulainn, the Ulster warrior hero known as "The Hound of Ulster.

Section 1

Grade: Easy

Trail Overview: The Táin Way is a 40km, circular walking trail. It is divided here into 4 sections each representing a half days walking. The trail both starts and ends in Carlingford. To view the complete trail click on the map on the right hand side.

Walking Route Terrain: About 6.5 km road, 3.5 km forest track/path. Steep climb out of Carlingford; section on R173 a busy road so care required; remainder of road quiet but some very narrow with no space for walkers on verges

Standard of Marking: Good

Maps and Guidebooks: OSI Discovery Series Sheet 36. TheTáin Way Map Guide EastWest Mapping

Surrounding Landscape: The landscape along this section includes Slieve Foye forest and forest tracks. It also offers views across the Lough to Rostrevor.

Heritage: Carlingford developed as a trading-cum-fishing port dating back to c.12th century. The Dominican Friary dates back to 1305. King John's Castle was commissioned by Hugh de Lacy in 1190. St Judes Shrine was developed from a site inLille,France in 1903. The famous Cluain Carpet is located after approximately 9km along the route.

Parking: At Start: On street in Carlingford or in car park on main road At End: Limited space for cars at Bridge

Section 2

Grade: Easy

Walking Route Terrain: About 5 km road, 5 km forest track. Long steep climb after leaving Bridge; all road on ascent and mainly forest track on descent

Standard of Marking: Good

Maps and Guidebooks: OSI Discovery Series Sheet 36. TheTáin Way Map Guide EastWest Mapping

Surrounding Landscape: Landscape features include the River Colptha and flora and fauna such as bracken and cross leaved heather.

Heritage: Clermont Carn is a neolithic burial cairn. Ravensdale forest once belonged to the Earl of Clermont whose house was burned down during the emergence of theIrish Free State in the early 1920's.

Parking: At Start: Limited space for cars at Bridge. At End: Limited space for cars at forest entrance

Section 3

Grade: Easy

Walking Route Terrain: About 4.5 km road, about 3.5 km forest road, about 2 km path/grass/open field/grassy track. Most of road through Ravensdale has footpath, road up from pub very quiet; grass can be slippery descending when wet on steady descent

Additional Features: OS Sheet 79, W268 903

Direction : The M1 is the motorway connecting the cities of Dublin and Belfast. Leave the M1 at Junction 18 – and join the R173 in the direction of Ballymascanlan and Carlingford. After 15km watch as the R173 turns (signposted Carlingford) – a further 3km takes you to the village. The Tourist Office is in the main car park on your left.