The Cooley Peninsula is located on Irelands Political Border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The peninsula itself is famous as a tourist destination.
The region is known for its simple panoramic beauty.
The mountains and landscape are home to the epic Irish tale of the “Táin Bó Cúailgne,” also known in English as “The Cattle Raid of Cooley.” This Irish Celtic tale depicts CúChulainn. Cú Chulainn is a hero prominent in most of the stories of the time. However, this particular story tells about Cúchulainn’s heroic defense of Ulster against the invading armies of Maeve of Connaught in her attempt to steal “Donn Cúailgne” – “The Brown Bull of Cooley.”
This epic tale, alongside those told of Fionn MacCumhaill (who rests on Slieve Foye’s slopes), is among the best-known stories from Ireland’s wealth of myths and legends.
But there is a lot more to the Cooley Peninsula besides being the setting for the most famous cattle raid in history. It is an area of diverse landscape and spectacular scenery.
Surrounded by Carlingford Lough and Dundalk Bay, it covers an area of roughly 60 square miles. It comprises mountain ranges, flat fertile plains, broad valleys, forests, and long beaches.
The peninsula’s previous occupants left an assortment of relics for us to ponder and wonder at, including neolithic tombs, ringforts, castles, early Christian sites, medieval buildings, and more.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and folklore of the area and will be able to find amusement in many other ways. The location and its surrounding environs offer Excellent places for food, drink, and entertainment. There is ample accommodation in scenic settings. Adventure activities, golfing, water sports, walking, cycling, trekking, fishing, cooking, sailing, and shopping are available on the Cooley Peninsula.
The essence of the Cooley Peninsula is its beautiful scenery, friendly, welcoming people, colorful and exciting history, and the variety and quality of facilities available to one and all. We hope you enjoy your stay.
Using the “Cooley Peninsula Scenic Drive” map (available for free in the Tourist Office and from all accommodation providers). It is possible to tour the peninsula at your leisure by car or by bicycle.
If you choose to travel by car. Taking a leisurely drive will introduce you to
many villages, places of interest, and Heritage sites will take a few hours (depending, of course, on how long you wish to spend at the various locations).
Cyclists, who are generally looking for a “slower” tour, choose several cycle routes taking in the coastline and mountain roads. At the same time, Mountain Bike enthusiasts can follow some of the “Táin Way” from Carlingford to Ravensdale over the Mountain trails.