Carlingford — Cooley Mountains loop

02:48

22.9km

870m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 31, 2024

Tips

Includes a very steep uphill segment

You may need to push your bike.

After 12.5 km for 837 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

205 m

Taaffes Castle

Highlight • Castle

Taaffe's Castle is a fortified merchant's house dating from the early 16th century, built by the wealthy Taaffe family, who later became the Earls of Carlingford. Situated near the old harbour, the building originally served as a trading post on the ground floor with residential floors above. The architecture displays typical defensive features such as machicolations, narrow loopholes, spiral staircases, and multi-level garderobes. [curiousireland.ie], [castles.nl], [carlingfor...centre.com]
The main structure is a four-storey rectangular tower, later extended with a 16th-century northern extension. Its location and construction clearly demonstrate Carlingford's importance as a thriving trading town during that period. After the 17th century, it fell into disuse, and eventually fell into disuse. Today, it forms part of a pub complex and remains a striking example of medieval urban defensive architecture in Carlingford.

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12.5 km

Long Woman's Grave Memorial

Highlight • Monument

The Long Woman's Grave car park is located right at the top of a gentle incline, offering you the perfect opportunity to let your gaze wander over the hilly landscape. Whether you are coming from the north or the south, the roads lead you through varied terrain that reveals new panoramas with every turn. It is worth taking a moment to read the story of the "Long Woman" at the monument – somehow this mystical atmosphere fits perfectly into the surroundings.

On the way up, you will encounter hardly any traffic, which allows you to focus entirely on nature and your own line in the curves. The fresh breeze and the smell of damp grass give the ascent that little bit extra. However, the roads are not always in the best condition – some sections definitely require attention, especially after a rain shower.

Once you reach the summit, there is a small rest area, ideal for catching your breath and refueling for the next stage. A perfect spot to take a short break before continuing with renewed momentum.

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17.6 km

Slieve Foye Summit

Highlight • Summit

Slieve Foy or Slieve Foye is a mountain on the Cooley Peninsula in Louth, Ireland. It rises to 589 metres (1,932 ft), making it the highest of the Cooley Mountains and the highest in Louth. It overlooks Carlingford Lough and the village of Carlingford, and is sometimes called Carlingford Mountain.

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