The recently completed Carlingford Lough Greenway links the vibrant city of Newry, County Down, with the medieval village of Carlingford, County Louth. The 20km route offers flat, safe, traffic-free pathways that are ideal for families and those seeking an outdoor adventure that is accessible to all abilities.
Leaving Newry, the greenway follows the canal towpath along the Albert Basin with scenic views over tranquil waters. Stop at historic Victoria Lock for a picnic before continuing along the river which eventually runs into Carlingford Lough at Omeath.
Hugging the southern shore of the lough, the greenway then wends its way to Carlingford marina on the Cooley Peninsula. The lough is flanked to the north by the Mourne Mountains and to the south by the Cooley Mountains, making the area sublimely picturesque.
In Carlingford, there is plenty to see and do. The village is dominated by the Norman castle, built around 1190, and now partly in ruins. Guided tours reveal its fascinating history. For those with more energy to burn, the lough’s calm waters are ideal for activities including kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Cycling the Carlingford Greenway Co Louth
The village also has some excellent eateries and boutique accommodation. So after your greenway adventure it makes sense to relax for the evening and stay over to explore more of the region the following day. The Bay Tree Restaurant & Guesthouse and Ghan House both offer great food and accommodation and are right in the heart of the village. Kingfisher Bistro has a well-deserved reputation for fine food, and for a cosy drink you can drop into PJ O’Hare’s or the Carlingford Arms or any of the other welcoming pubs in the village.
With the Cooley Mountains nearby, there is ample opportunity for a ramble on day two of your minibreak. Or why not visit Carlingford Brewery for a peek into how they make their excellent craft beers. You can also take a ferry over the lough to Greencastle from where you can explore the pretty villages on the northern lough shore.
Keen walkers and cyclists looking for a longer greenway challenge can follow the full 52km off-road corridor that runs from Carlingford via Newry to Portadown, County Armagh. From Newry, this route follows the old towpath of the Newry Canal passing quiet villages and scenic countryside. Some interesting places to stop along the way include Moneypenny’s Lock and Museum and the pretty village of Scarva and there are also a number of millennium milepost art installations along the path.
Whether you choose a leisurely stroll or an energising cycle along the Carlingford Lough Greenway, you will be rewarded with sweeping views and the simple pleasure of exploring this beautiful landscape at your own pace.
