IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST | 29
21 June 2019 | Holiday and Tour Guide
Take a hike EXPLORE THE ESTATE
One of the last great Irish Castle estates still in the hands of the original family, Castle Leslie, in Co Monaghan, is truly beautiful at any time of the year and the perfect excuse to experience the history of Ireland’s Ancient East. Hotel guests of Castle Leslie are spoilt for choice with 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, filled with majestic woodlands and loughs. All of the walks start from The Lodge on the estate grounds with many attractions along the way including a gothic lodge, walled garden originating from 1850 and an Integrated Wetlands project. There are four marked walks of varying length, each suitable for any ability, ranging from 30 to 90 minutes Refuel: Castle Leslie offers everything from afternoon tea to fine dining, as well as pub grub, a perfect end to a hearty walk in the great outdoors. Not to miss: During your stay at Castle Leslie hone your culinary skills at their Cookery School.
IN CU CHULAINN’S FOOTSTEPS
The Táin Way is a long-distance, moderately difficult hike through scenic terrain that’s steeped in the mythology and folklore of The Ulster Cycle. The Táin epic recounts how warrior Cuchulain, dubbed the Hound of Ulster took on Queen Meave of Connacht
The Tain Way Image, Hiking-Walking Ireland in the legendary Cattle Raid of Cooley. The 40km circular route takes in much of the Cooley peninsula offering a mix of coastal, woodland and upland walking with stunning views of Carlingford Lough, the Cooley Mountains, Slieve Gullion and Camlough Mountain in South Armagh. Experienced walkers usually do it over two days. See hikingwalkingireland.com/thetainway for guidance before attempting it. Refuel: For a post walk recharge, relax in Lough Lounge Bar & Restaurant on the calming shores of Carlingford Lough.
Not to miss: Sample some local hospitality and enjoy an informative tour at The Cooley Whiskey Distillery in nearby Dundalk, just 5km away.
TAKE THE LOOP
There are hiking options for all levels of walkers starting from Carlingford village suitable for all levels. This area of Ireland’s Ancient East is steeped in the myth and legend with ‘lost’ villages, stunning vistas and natural beauty. The Barnavave Loop is an easy to moderate 14km looped walk which follows
forestry roads, grassy tracks and mountain paths taking in breathtaking views along the coast to the north and south and across Carlingford Lough to the Mourne Mountains. In good conditions, you can catch a glimpse of the Isle of Man. Refuel: Post walk refreshments can be savoured in Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant in Dundalk. Not to miss: Carlingford Adventure Centre with a large variety of activities for all the family including archery, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.