County Louth
Ireland’s smallest county. Cooley Mountains, Carlingford Lough, the Boyne Valley, and the Tain Trail. Everything your dog needs, one page.
Interactive Map
Colour-coded pins. Green = walks. Blue = water/beaches. Orange = cafes. Red = stay. Purple = services. Click any pin for details.
Walks
Louth is Ireland’s smallest county but it packs serious walking into its compact frame. The Cooley Peninsula in the north is the headline act, with the Tain Way circling the mountains where Cu Chulainn fought the armies of Connacht. South of Dundalk, the Boyne Valley delivers gentler forest and riverside walks. Everything here is within an hour of everywhere else in the county.
The Tain Way (Long-Distance Route, 4 Stages)
A 40km waymarked loop around the Cooley Peninsula, following the route of the Tain Bo Cuailnge. One of Ireland’s 44 National Waymarked Ways. Yellow walker signs throughout. Dogs on lead through farmland sections.
Stage 1: Carlingford to Ravensdale (via Barnavave)
12km
Moderate/Hard
Road, track, mountain
Carlingford shore car park
Leaves Carlingford via Dundalk Street, climbs through lanes to Barnavave summit with views across Carlingford Lough to the Mournes. Descends through farmland into Ravensdale Forest. The toughest stage with steep rocky sections near the summit.
Stage 2: Ravensdale Forest Circuit
8.5km loop
Moderate
Forest track, mountain
Marble Bridge car park
Three waymarked trails here: the Tain Trail (purple), Ring of Gullion connector, and the shorter Ravensdale Loop (red). The forest is a Coillte site with standing stones, old moss-covered bridges, and streams running through mixed woodland. The climb to Black Mountain summit is steep but short.
Stage 3: Omeath to Carlingford (Greenway)
6.2km linear
Easy
Paved/surfaced path
Omeath or Carlingford trailheads
The Carlingford Lough Greenway follows the old Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway line (closed 1951). Flat, surfaced, suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. Five access points between Omeath and Carlingford so you can customise the length. Views across the lough to the Mourne Mountains. Seals sometimes visible on the rocks. Wading birds and geese in the lough.
Stage 4: Slieve Foye Loop (from Carlingford)
10km out and back
Hard
589m (highest point in Louth)
Carlingford shore car park (limited)
The big one. Slieve Foye (Sliabh Fea, “mountain of the woods”) is the highest point in the Cooley Mountains and in all of County Louth. Follow the Tain Way markers through town, up Dundalk Street, right onto Rooskey Road, then up into the mountain. The summit views stretch across Carlingford Lough, the Mournes, Dundalk Bay, and on a clear day you can see the Wicklow Mountains. The final push to the summit is steep and the path is not always clear. Download the offline map before you go.
🏆 TTT Walk Pick: Carlingford Lough Greenway
The perfect Louth walk for dogs of all ages and abilities. Flat, surfaced, stunning views, seals in the lough, cafes at both ends. If you only do one walk in Louth, do this one. Then come back and do Ravensdale.
Cooley Loop Walks
Molly National Loop Walk, Grange
7km
Moderate
St. James Parish Church, Grange
John Long’s Pub (opposite trailhead)
A National Loop Walk using laneways and tracks through the Cooley countryside. Includes sections of the Barnavave and Rooskey loops. Old limekilns, abandoned village ruins, and views across Dundalk Bay. Marked with green arrows.
Rooskey National Loop Walk, Grange
5km
Easy/Moderate
St. James Parish Church, Grange
Laneways, minor roads
Shorter Cooley loop from the same trailhead. Passes the ruins of Rooskey Priory. Purple waymarkers. Can be combined with the Molly Loop for a bigger day.
Annaloughan National Loop Walk
6km
Moderate
Track, mountain, heather
Layby at Jenkinstown/Fitzpatrick’s
Overlooks Dundalk Bay from the southern slopes of the Cooleys. Heathery mountain slopes with a return through the pines and spruces of Rockmarshall forest. Purple arrow waymarkers. Start from the layby beside the main road at Jenkinstown, or park at Fitzpatrick’s Bar and Restaurant.
Forest Walks
Ravensdale Forest Park
8km north of Dundalk
3 waymarked (1.5km to 8.5km)
Marble Bridge car park
Coillte
The best forest in Louth. Mixed woodland on the western slopes of Black Mountain. Standing stones, old moss-covered bridges, flowing streams. Three waymarked trails of varying difficulty. The shorter Ravensdale Loop is perfect for families. The forest is steeped in archaeology and mythology, right on the Tain route.
Townley Hall Woods
Slane Road, outside Drogheda
Glen Wood Nature Trail, 1.7km loop
Car park on site
Coillte
Part of the old Balfour Estate. Broadleaf woodland: oak, beech, ash, sycamore with scattered European silver fir and Scots pine. 150 to 200 year old trees. The Glen Wood Nature Trail loops through the woodland to a viewing point over the site of the Battle of the Boyne (1690). The River Boyne forms the county boundary between Louth and Meath here. Bru na Boinne (Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth) is just upstream.
Hidden Gems / Walks the Locals Know
Stephenstown Pond Nature Park
Knockbridge, Dundalk
1-2km lakeside trails
On site (admission fee per car)
Willow Tree Cafe on site
A nature park with lakeside walkways, woodlands, ducks, and a large playground. The pond was designed and built by William Galt, husband of Agnes Burns (Robert Burns’ sister), who lived in the cottage next door until 1834. Educational boards along the trails. Fishing by permit. Quiet, green, and overlooked by most visitors.
Clogherhead Cliff Walk
Clogherhead village
3-4km
Easy/Moderate
Clogherhead village
A short cliff walk from Port Oriel around the headland. Sea birds, seals if you are lucky, and views up the coast to the Cooleys and across to the Mournes. Starts along the beach before climbing to the cliffs. Some sections on road at the end, but you can cut through fields to shorten it.
Rathescar Lakeside Walk, Dunleer
Dunleer
2km
Easy
On site
Woodland and lakeside walking in beautiful surroundings. Flowers, birds, and wildlife. Quiet and rarely busy. One of those spots nobody writes about but the locals walk regularly.
Dundalk Bay Coastal Path (Blackrock to Dundalk)
Blackrock, Dundalk
3km one way
Easy
Path, promenade
A flat coastal path from Blackrock village into Dundalk. Views across Dundalk Bay. Popular with locals for evening walks. The promenade at Blackrock is well maintained and the village has pubs and cafes.
Quick Energy Burner Walks (10-30 minutes)
Dundalk Town Park (St. Helena Park)
Dundalk town centre
1km circuit
On street
Green space in Dundalk with playground, tennis court, and walking paths. Not spectacular but it gets the job done when you need a quick 15-minute leg stretch.
Carlingford Village Walk
Carlingford
1-2km
Easy
Wander the narrow medieval streets, past King John’s Castle ruins, along the pier, and back through the village. Good pubs and cafes throughout. A nice way to end a bigger walking day.
Dog Swimming Spots
River Fane, Knockbridge/Louth Village
Shallow river sections near Knockbridge. Good for dogs who like to wade rather than swim. Quiet, rarely busy.
Ravensdale Streams
Multiple streams running through Ravensdale Forest. Not deep enough for full swimming but perfect for dogs to cool off during a forest walk.
Carlingford Lough (Shore Access Points)
Several access points along the lough between Carlingford and Omeath. Sheltered sea lough with calmer water than the open coast. Dogs can paddle at the shore in several spots along the Greenway.
Stephenstown Pond
The pond itself. Dogs paddle at the edges. Not deep. Ducks will be unimpressed.
Beaches
Louth has a short but quality coastline. The best beaches are on the east-facing coast between Drogheda and Clogherhead, and on the Cooley Peninsula. Blue Flag beaches at Clogherhead and Templetown. Dog restrictions are seasonal on most beaches, generally June to September, but always check locally.
Clogherhead Beach (Port Oriel)
Golden sand, Blue Flag
Dogs allowed year-round, restricted areas June-Sept
Free car park
Pubs, cafes, takeaways, playground
Many locals call this the best beach in Louth. Sheltered, golden sand, backed by low dunes (protected area). Blue Flag. Excellent amenities in the village. The cliff walk starts from here.
Templetown Beach
Sheltered sand, Blue Flag
Check locally, seasonal restrictions likely
Tip of Cooley Peninsula
Kitesurfing, windsurfing, swimming
Sheltered sandy beach enclosed by two rocky promontories at the tip of the Cooley Peninsula. Popular for watersports. Lifeguarded in summer. Blue Flag since 2019.
Gyles Quay Beach
Sandy beach
Dogs welcome, on lead near caravan park
Cooley Peninsula, near Dundalk
Sandy beach directly accessible from Gyles Quay Caravan Park. Views across Dundalk Bay to the Cooley Mountains. Safe swimming. Quieter than the Blue Flag beaches.
Termonfeckin Beach
Sandy with rocks, no facilities
Dogs welcome
Rusting shipwreck from 1974
Mostly sandy with some rocks, backed by sand dunes and golf links. The rusting wreck of a ship that ran aground in 1974 is a local landmark and popular with photographers. No facilities, so bring everything you need.
Annagassan Beach
Small sandy beach
Dogs welcome
Glyde Inn (dinner with a view)
One of the most overlooked beaches in Louth. Far-reaching views across Dundalk Bay to the Cooley Peninsula. Pair a stroll here with dinner at the nearby Glyde Inn.
Mornington Beach / Baltray
Sandy, dunes
Dogs welcome
Boyne estuary, border with Meath
Where the River Boyne flows into the Irish Sea. Right on the Meath/Louth border. Popular for birdwatching. Landmarks include the Maiden Tower and Lady’s Finger (old navigational aids). Dune-backed beach with good sand.
Eat & Drink (Dog-Friendly)
Louth punches above its weight for food. Carlingford is the oyster capital of Ireland. Drogheda and Dundalk both have strong cafe scenes. The key question for dog owners: where can you sit outside with the dog and get a decent coffee and a feed? Here is what we know.
Dan’s Stonewall Cafe, Carlingford
OUTDOOR SEATINGON GREENWAY ROUTEThe Square, Carlingford
Dogs welcome outdoors
Greenway start/end, Tain Way
Right on the square in Carlingford, perfect stop before or after the Greenway. Outdoor seating. Good coffee, casual food.
Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant, Jenkinstown
OUTDOOR AREAON ANNALOUGHAN TRAILRockmarshall, Jenkinstown, Dundalk
Dogs welcome outdoors
Annaloughan Loop trailhead
One of Ireland’s top dining pubs, right at the foot of the Cooley Mountains overlooking the Irish Sea. The Annaloughan Loop starts from the car park. Award-winning food, great atmosphere.
☕ TTT Cafe Pick: Fitzpatrick’s, Jenkinstown
Start the Annaloughan Loop from the car park, walk the Cooley foothills, come back to award-winning food with views of the Irish Sea. Dog at your feet. Pint in your hand. This is what TTT is about.
The Spotted Dog, Dundalk
OUTDOOR COURTYARDHEATEDPark Street, Dundalk
Check when visiting
Brothers Brendan (chef) and Vincent (manager) run this cosy restaurant with a heated outdoor courtyard. Locally sourced produce, breakfast through dinner. Named after Brendan’s first baking effort: the traditional Spotted Dog bread.
Strandfield, Dundalk
OUTDOOR TABLESVEGETARIANDundalk
Dogs welcome outdoors, water bowl
Vegetarian cafe and deli. Outdoor tables with garden views. Sourdough pizza, salads, espresso. Water bowl for dogs. No table service, order at the counter.
The Coffee Box, Drogheda
DOG FRIENDLYMell, Drogheda
Dogs welcome
Listed as dog-friendly by Paws Friendly. Good coffee. Check for outdoor seating availability.
Peggy Moores Pub, Drogheda
DOG FRIENDLYTRADITIONAL PUBSunday’s Gate, Drogheda
Dogs welcome
Over 100 years old. Traditional Irish pub with vintage decor. Food and drink. Dog-friendly. A proper pub stop.
The Corkscrew Brasserie, Tullyallen (near Drogheda)
DOG FRIENDLYTownley Hall Road, Tullyallen
Dogs welcome
Townley Hall Woods
Near Townley Hall Woods. Dog-friendly. Good post-walk option after the Glen Wood Nature Trail.
McAteers The Food House, Dundalk
DOG FRIENDLY15 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk
Dogs welcome
Listed as dog-friendly. Good food, central Dundalk location.
Carlingford Brewing Company, Riverstown
DOG FRIENDLYBREWERYThe Old Mill, Dundalk Road, Riverstown
Dogs welcome
Local brewery with dog-friendly policy. Good for a pint of something local after a day on the Cooley walks.
Willow Tree Cafe, Stephenstown Pond
ON TRAILStephenstown Pond, Knockbridge
Stephenstown Pond lakeside walks
Cafe inside the Stephenstown Pond nature park. Coffee and light bites after a lakeside walk. Check dog policy at outdoor seating.
Sage & Stone, Duleek
COVERED TERRACEHEATEDDOG FRIENDLYNear Duleek (south Louth border)
Dogs welcome outdoors, water bowl
Countryside cafe near the Meath/Louth border. Covered heated terrace, so rain is not a problem. Coffee, sandwiches, salads. Water bowl for dogs. A proper dog-friendly cafe.
Places to Stay
Windsor Lodge Guest House, Drogheda
B&B, 4-star
Confirmed pet-friendly
Drogheda
Tankardstown House, Slane (near Louth border)
Country house, courtyard cottages
Dogs welcome in Courtyard Cottage Suites, dogs stay free, treat on arrival
80 acres woodland and parkland
Just over the Louth/Meath border but worth including. 80 acres of woodland and parkland. Dogs stay free and get a treat on arrival. Right next to Townley Hall Woods.
Self-Catering Cottages (Airbnb/Booking.com)
Strong supply of pet-friendly Airbnb and self-catering options across Louth, particularly around Carlingford, Knockbridge, Blackrock, and Drogheda. Search “pet-friendly” on Airbnb for the Cooley Peninsula area. Highlights include restored cottages with sea views over Carlingford Lough, and rural cabins near Dundalk with saunas and hot tubs.
Carlingford Guesthouses
Carlingford has a strong range of guesthouses and small hotels. Many are accustomed to walkers doing the Tain Way. Check dog policies individually. The Baytree Restaurant & Guesthouse and Carlingford Arms are centrally located.
Camping
Gyles Quay Caravan & Camping Park
Gyles Quay, Cooley Peninsula
139 (20 hardstanding with EHU)
April to September
Dogs permitted on leads
4-star Failte Ireland
+353 42 937 6262
The main campsite in Louth. Award-winning (Ireland’s best holiday park 2024). Family-run since 1973. Beneath the Cooley Mountains overlooking Dundalk Bay. Direct beach access. Glamping pods available. Camper’s kitchen, shop, games room, playground, tennis court. Ferguson’s Bar on site for food and drink. 10 minutes from Carlingford.
⛺ TTT Camping Pick: Gyles Quay Caravan & Camping Park
The only real campsite in Louth and it is a good one. Award-winning. Beach access. Cooley Mountains. Ferguson’s Bar for when the cooking gets old. Ten minutes from Carlingford and the Greenway. This is your base for Louth.
Car/Van Overnight Spots
Arrive late, leave early, leave no trace, keep the dog quiet. These are informal spots where overnight parking is tolerated. Not official campsites. No facilities. Pack in, pack out.
Clogherhead Car Park
Free car park near the beach. Quiet at night. Walk the beach first thing in the morning before anyone else arrives. Toilets in the village.
Carlingford Shore Car Park
Car park by the shore in Carlingford. Central but quiet at night. The Greenway trailhead is right there. Limited spaces.
Ravensdale Forest Car Park (Marble Bridge)
Forest car park. Very quiet at night. Early morning forest walks with nobody else around. No facilities.
Dog Services
Veterinary Clinics
All Pets Veterinary Hospital, Drogheda
Scarlet Street, Drogheda. 24/7 emergency care. 591 Google reviews. Segregated waiting areas for cats and dogs. Full diagnostic facility.
Phone: Check website for current number
Westgate Veterinary Clinic, Drogheda
Arkendale, Scarlet Street, Drogheda. 24/7 routine and emergency care. Accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland. Small and large animal practice. Established 1986.
Phone: 041 983 8718
Healthy Pets Veterinary Clinic, Dundalk
Ard Easmuinn Road, Dundalk. Modern small animal practice. House calls available. EU Pet Passports issued.
Phone: 042 933 7763
Bridge House Veterinary Clinic, Dundalk
Centenary Business Park, Coe’s Road, Dundalk. Small animal, cattle, sheep, and equine specialist. Over 20 years in business.
O’Dowd Veterinary Hospital, Ardee/Dunleer
Two locations in south Louth. Serving Ardee and Dunleer areas.
Pet Stores & Supplies
Pet Stores in Dundalk & Drogheda
Both towns have pet supply shops. Dundalk has shops on the main streets and in retail parks. Drogheda has similar. Stock up before heading to the Cooley Peninsula as options are limited once you leave the towns.
Dog-Friendly Activities Beyond Walking
Kayaking on Carlingford Lough
Several operators run kayaking trips on Carlingford Lough. The lough is sheltered and calm compared to open sea. Check with individual operators about bringing dogs on the water. Some will accommodate well-behaved dogs in sit-on-top kayaks.
Carlingford Lough Ferry
Car ferry between Greenore (Co. Louth) and Greencastle (Co. Down). Links the Cooley Peninsula to the Mourne Mountains. Check dog policy before booking.
Horse Riding, Cooley Peninsula
Horse riding available in the Cooley area. Some operators may allow dogs to accompany rides if on lead and well-behaved. Confirm before booking.
Seasonal Warnings
🚨 Emergency Contacts
Public Transport with Dogs
Irish Rail (Iarnrod Eireann)
Drogheda and Dundalk are both on the Dublin to Belfast rail line. Dogs are allowed on Irish Rail services. Small dogs in carriers travel free. Larger dogs may need a muzzle and lead. Check current policy on irishrail.ie before travel.
Bus Eireann
Bus services connect Dublin, Drogheda, Dundalk, and some smaller towns. Dog policy: generally small dogs in carriers only on Bus Eireann. Larger dogs are not permitted. Check current rules on buseireann.ie.
Carlingford Lough Ferry
Car ferry between Greenore (Louth) and Greencastle (Down). Check dog policy before booking. This connects you to Northern Ireland and the Mourne Mountains.
Rainy Day Options
Ireland. It rains. A lot. Here is what to do with a dog when the weather kills outdoor plans.
Dog-Friendly Cafes and Pubs
See the Eat & Drink section above. Fitzpatrick’s, Peggy Moores, Dan’s Stonewall, The Spotted Dog, and others welcome dogs. A rainy day in a good pub with a dog at your feet is not a bad day.
Pet Stores
Pet stores in Dundalk and Drogheda. Browse, buy treats, let the dog sniff everything. Kills an hour.
Ravensdale Forest (in light rain)
The forest canopy provides shelter in light to moderate rain. The walk is still doable. Heavy rain makes the forest tracks muddy and streams can rise, so use judgement.
Carlingford Village
Explore the medieval streets, duck into cafes and pubs. King John’s Castle ruins are free to look at from outside. The village is compact enough to explore on foot even in the rain.
Planning: Best For…
Best for a Weekend
Base at Gyles Quay or Carlingford. Day 1: Greenway + Carlingford village. Day 2: Ravensdale Forest or Slieve Foye (if fit). Dinner at Fitzpatrick’s.
Best for Older Dogs
Carlingford Lough Greenway (flat, surfaced), Stephenstown Pond (short, gentle), Townley Hall Woods (easy 1.7km loop).
Best for High-Energy Dogs
Slieve Foye summit, Tain Way full stages, Ravensdale Forest long loops. Then the beach at Gyles Quay to cool off.
Best Beach Day
Clogherhead Beach for swimming and cliff walks. Or Annagassan Beach for quiet and overlooked, then dinner at the Glyde Inn.
Best for History Buffs
Townley Hall Woods (Battle of the Boyne viewing point), Monasterboice High Crosses (dog waits outside), Carlingford medieval town walk.
Best for Photography
Slieve Foye summit (Mourne views), Termonfeckin Beach (shipwreck), Carlingford Greenway (lough and mountains), Clogherhead cliffs.
Best for Wild and Remote
The upper sections of the Tain Way through the Cooley Mountains. Annaloughan Loop. You will see nobody up there on a weekday.
Best for Families with Dogs
Stephenstown Pond (playground, ducks, cafe), Greenway (flat, buggy-friendly), Clogherhead Beach (facilities, sand, safe swimming).
Best Post-Walk Food
Fitzpatrick’s after Annaloughan Loop. Dan’s Stonewall Cafe after the Greenway. The Corkscrew Brasserie after Townley Hall Woods.
Best for a Quick Stop (Passing Through on M1)
Dundalk is right off the M1. Stephenstown Pond for a 30-minute walk and cafe stop. Back on the road within an hour.
Best Sunset
Gyles Quay beach, looking west across Dundalk Bay as the sun drops behind the Cooley Mountains.
Best for Dog Swimming
Carlingford Lough shore (calm sea lough), Ravensdale streams (cooling off), Clogherhead Beach (sandy, sheltered).
🐾 Tails Trails Treks
County Louth Guide | Built for dog owners, by dog owners
Always check dog policies directly before visiting. Conditions, rules, and opening times change. Keep your dog on lead near livestock. Leave no trace.