View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Home
Destinations
Louth
Carlingford
Barnavave Loop
Barnavave Loop
Walkers in Forest
Barnavave Loop
Carlingford, Co. Louth
  • Coastal escapes
  • Free things to do
  • Nature and wildlife
  • Tours
  • Walking and hiking
Free to visit
Drink in the views across Carlingford Lough and the majesty of the Mourne Mountains on this 14.3km loop. Showcasing coast, forest and open mountain, this beautiful County Louth walk is as idyllic as it is enjoyable.

Encompassing a variety of landscape, from coastal paths to quiet woodlands and spongy bog, the scenic Barnavave Loop takes four hours to complete.

For walkers who like a challenge, this verdant trail is a pleasing mix of surfaced and forestry roads, grassy tracks and mountain pathways, with one tricky boggy section.

Setting off from Carlingford town centre, you’re already treated to exceptional views across Carlingford Lough. Within the forested stretch, you’ll spot a number of waterfalls and later, a great view of Slieve Foy’s Eagle’s Rock.

Ascending 400m over the route, the initial ascent is very steep but soon levels off into more gradual ascents and descents.

Tracking through and along the edge of forest and some open mountain, reaching the Barnavave summit is quite the reward - even more so in fine weather.

Afterwards, your weary legs will be happy to rest up back in one of Carlingford’s lively pubs, cafés and restaurants.

Visit website

Trail details

Type:
Walking Trail
Location:
Carlingford Loops
Grade:
Strenuous
Format:
Loop
Length:
14.30km
Ascent:
400m
Dogs allowed:
No
    Time:4 hours 30 minutes
    Nearest town start:Carlingford
    Nearest town finish:Carlingford
    Start point:Tourist Office (Harbour Carpark)
    Finish point:Tourist Office (Harbour Carpark)
    Waymarking:Red arrow on white background
    Facilities:Carlingford Town
map
Why we like it

• Embrace the exceptional views along this route stretching north, south and across Carlingford Lough to the Mourne Mountains.
• In particularly good conditions, the Isle of Man is visible too.

map
Visit Website
Contact details
Old Railway Station, Liberties of Carlingford, Carlingford, Co. Louth, Ireland
Experience as part of
Ireland's Ancient East LogoIreland's Ancient East
Leave no trace
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Be considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp responsibly
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Protect nature from fire
Content provided by
Sports Ireland LogoSports Ireland
More to discover at Barnavave Loop
Slieve Foye Loop
Slieve Foye Loop
Free things to doSlieve Foye Loop

Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula is a haven for the hiker, the hillwalker, and the view finder! The charming Slieve Foye Loop showcases County Louth’s wondrous natural beauty to stunning effect.

Picture of Ferry
Carlingford Lough Ferry
Coastal escapesCarlingford Lough Ferry

Carlingford Lough Ferry provides a car ferry service across Carlingford Lough that links Greenore in County Louth, with Greencastle in County Down.

Travel inspiration to your inbox?

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.

Sign me up
Award IconMobile Excellence Award Winner
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Visit Dublin
  • Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Getting around
  • Terms of use
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy statement
Find accommodation
Failte IrelandFailte Ireland Logo© Fáilte Ireland. All rights reserved
Find and follow Discover Ireland
  • Home
  • Popular destinations
    • Donegal
    • Cork
    • Sligo
    • Kilkenny
    • Mayo
    • Waterford
    • Galway
    • Kerry
    • Limerick
    • Dublin
    • See all destinations
    Regions
    • The Ring of Kerry
    • The Burren
    • The Boyne Valley
    • Wild Atlantic Way
    • Ireland's Ancient East
    • Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
    Trip type
    • City breaks
    • Coastal escapes
    • Lakes & rivers
    • Islands
    See all destinations
    • Attractions
      • Arts & culture
      • Houses & gardens
      • History & heritage
      • Health & wellbeing
      • Food & drink experiences
      • Nature & wildlife
      • See all things to do
    • Activities
      • Adventure & sports
      • Horse riding
      • Golf
      • Tours
      • Cycling
      • Water activities
      • Greenways
    • Inspiration
      • Romantic breaks
      • Free things to do
      • Rainy days
      • Family fun
      • Car-free travel
      • Sustainable travel
    See all things to do
  • Guides
  • Festivals & events
  • Walking & hiking
  • Accommodation
View Map
Newsletter
Popular destinations
  • Donegal
  • Cork
  • Sligo
  • Kilkenny
  • Mayo
  • Waterford
  • Galway
  • Kerry
  • Limerick
  • Dublin
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
See all results