Where
Ravensdale, Slieve Foye & Townley Hall LouthRavensdale Forest
(Ravensdale, Dundalk, Co. Louth)
The site is mixed woodland rising steeply to the summit of Black Mountain (506m) with many kilometres of forest roads and tracks. There are three way marked trails in the forest, the Tain Trail, the Ring of Gullion and the short but interesting Ravensdale Loop. The forest is rich in archaeological features, standing stones are just a short detour off the Ravensdale Loop, and has many interesting features such as bridges and old driving roads. The Tain Trail – named for the legendary Bull of Cooley enters the forest at the southern end of the forest near Curralhir Bridge and follows forest roads and tracks to continue over the mountains into Omeath on Carlingford Lough.
Facilities: Car park, picnic site, walking trails.
For more information, directions or to download a trail map visit https://www.coillte.ie/site/ravensdale-forest/
Slieve Foye Woods
(Omeath Road, Carlingford, Co. Louth)
Slieve Foye woods lie at the bottom of Slieve Foye mountain. It takes its name from the dominant summit of the Cooley mountains. According to legend, Fionn Mac Cumhaill hurled the Cloghmore (a forty ton glacial boulder perched on a projecting spur on Slievemartin) from the slopes of Slieve Foye in a running battle with a neighbouring giant in the Mourne mountains. There are views of the spectacular Mourne mountains across the lough.
Facilities: There are two car parks in the forest with picnic areas, offering panoramic views.
For more information, directions or to download a trail map visit https://www.coillte.ie/site/slieve-foye-woods/
Townley Hall Woods
(Townley Hall, Drogheda, Co. Louth)
Townley Hall Wood was part of Townley Hall Estate which was owned by the Balfour family. The Balfours built Townley Hall House (not open to the public) together with the little lodge and entrance gate which were part of the overall architectural design. At Townley Hall the River Boyne forms the boundary between counties Meath and Louth while just upstream in the bend in the river lie the tumuli of Dowth, New Grange and Knowth which collectively form Bru na Boinne. History clusters around the area, human activity is shown to go back 6000 years. Close by is the site of the Battle of the Boyne, where a battle for the control of the English Crown took place in 1690. Townley Hall Wood provides the opportunity for invigorating walks through its gently rolling wooded landscapes, and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The woodland consists mainly of broadleaves with a few scattered conifers. The wood is a relic of planting by the Balfour family some 150-200 years ago. Main species include old oak, beech, ash, sycamore, European silver fir and Scots pine. Other flora includes blackthorn, holly, hazel, elder, ground ivy, briar and broadleaf woodland flowers.
Facilities: Car park, picnic site, walking trails.
For more information, directions or to download a trail map visit https://www.coillte.ie/site/townley-hall/