Page 83 iGap travelguide 2023
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iGap Travel Guide
83
If you’ve opted to take advantage of the e-bikes
available at Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire, you
will really feel the benefit on this route. The Long
Woman’s Grave Loop is an adventurous trip toward
the Slieve Foy mountain, where there are hills aplenty.
To get started, use the Dundalk route south-west
of Carlingford, which heads towards The Bush – a
small village. From here, follow the route round to
the right, now heading north through Glenmore and
toward the historic Long Woman’s Grave landmark.
David says: “As you leave The Bush, you could take a
small detour to the Carlingford Brewing Company for
refreshments. It’s set in a beautiful old mill and serves
wood-fired pizza, wings, and craft beers on tap.”
Another tempting detour is to continue on the main Dundalk route toward Ravensdale. The village has County
Louth’s highest pub, Lumpers Bar, and the Base Camp coffee shop, whilst getting back onto the trail toward Long
Woman’s Grave is easily done. Nestled behind Slieve Foy, the Long Woman’s Grave is said to be the resting place
of a seven-foot-tall Spanish noblewoman, who collapsed and died due to homesickness – causing her Irish lover
to take his own life. Once you have savoured the panoramic mountain views, cycle the downhill route towards
Omeath, before enjoying seven kilometres of the Greenway back to Carlingford.
The Carlingford Lough Greenway route is much shorter
than the Lough Loop, at a round-trip of 15km starting
from Carlingford Marina. “It’s certainly the area’s most
popular route as it’s ideal for all ages and fitness levels,
taking just two hours with a decent stop in Omeath,”
says David. Head to Omeath via the Carlingford
Greenway, which is very flat and delivers superb views
of the Lough to your right, and Slieve Foy mountain
to your left. Once you arrive in Omeath, sample
the local hospitality at the Granvue Hotel, whose
outside seating area gives you a chance to soak in the
atmosphere. David adds: “Helen and Shane will make
you feel welcome – and their delicious home cooked
food ensures it is well worth the trip.”
With half your journey completed, head back onto the Greenway toward Carlingford – though a stop at The
Calvary and Grotto is a must. This well-maintained landmark is steeped in religious history and viewed as a
place of pilgrimage for locals in the region. If you’ve worked up an appetite, sample the tasty street food at
Wildwood Café on Newry Street in Carlingford, which also boasts a number of vegan and vegetarian options.
Bikes can be hired for two hours, three hours or a full day, with prices starting from as little as €10. For more
information or to make a reservation, please visit
www.carlingfordgreenwaybikehire.com
.
Slieve Foy
The Carlingford Lough Greenway
The Long Woman’s Grave Loop
83
If you’ve opted to take advantage of the e-bikes
available at Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire, you
will really feel the benefit on this route. The Long
Woman’s Grave Loop is an adventurous trip toward
the Slieve Foy mountain, where there are hills aplenty.
To get started, use the Dundalk route south-west
of Carlingford, which heads towards The Bush – a
small village. From here, follow the route round to
the right, now heading north through Glenmore and
toward the historic Long Woman’s Grave landmark.
David says: “As you leave The Bush, you could take a
small detour to the Carlingford Brewing Company for
refreshments. It’s set in a beautiful old mill and serves
wood-fired pizza, wings, and craft beers on tap.”
Another tempting detour is to continue on the main Dundalk route toward Ravensdale. The village has County
Louth’s highest pub, Lumpers Bar, and the Base Camp coffee shop, whilst getting back onto the trail toward Long
Woman’s Grave is easily done. Nestled behind Slieve Foy, the Long Woman’s Grave is said to be the resting place
of a seven-foot-tall Spanish noblewoman, who collapsed and died due to homesickness – causing her Irish lover
to take his own life. Once you have savoured the panoramic mountain views, cycle the downhill route towards
Omeath, before enjoying seven kilometres of the Greenway back to Carlingford.
The Carlingford Lough Greenway route is much shorter
than the Lough Loop, at a round-trip of 15km starting
from Carlingford Marina. “It’s certainly the area’s most
popular route as it’s ideal for all ages and fitness levels,
taking just two hours with a decent stop in Omeath,”
says David. Head to Omeath via the Carlingford
Greenway, which is very flat and delivers superb views
of the Lough to your right, and Slieve Foy mountain
to your left. Once you arrive in Omeath, sample
the local hospitality at the Granvue Hotel, whose
outside seating area gives you a chance to soak in the
atmosphere. David adds: “Helen and Shane will make
you feel welcome – and their delicious home cooked
food ensures it is well worth the trip.”
With half your journey completed, head back onto the Greenway toward Carlingford – though a stop at The
Calvary and Grotto is a must. This well-maintained landmark is steeped in religious history and viewed as a
place of pilgrimage for locals in the region. If you’ve worked up an appetite, sample the tasty street food at
Wildwood Café on Newry Street in Carlingford, which also boasts a number of vegan and vegetarian options.
Bikes can be hired for two hours, three hours or a full day, with prices starting from as little as €10. For more
information or to make a reservation, please visit
www.carlingfordgreenwaybikehire.com
.
Slieve Foy
The Carlingford Lough Greenway
The Long Woman’s Grave Loop
