If land-based activity is more your thing, the Cooley Peninsula is ideal for adventure seekers. Choose from exploring the countryside on bike or horseback or try your hand at any of the exciting activities such as hill-walking, archery, abseiling and climbing on offer at one of the several adventure centres nearby.

Horse-riding & Pony-trekking
Explore the scenic Cooley Peninsula on horseback or take the kids pony trekking for a fun day out!  The Ravensdale Lodge Equestrian & Trekking Centre offers tuition for both adults and children of all levels, from beginners to horse-handling experts.  Surrounded by unspoilt natural scenery, sleepy roads mean the treks are safe and enjoyable while the surrounding hills provide a more challenging trek for those who want it.  

Cycling
Keen cyclists will find the Táin Trail Cycling Route here - the newest, longest and most historic cycling route in Ireland.   365 miles in length, it runs from County Roscommon to the Cooley Peninsula and back again.  One of the most varied and fascinating cycle routes in Ireland, 95 miles of the total route is in County Louth. The trail is fully signposted with distinctive Brown Bull finger post signs, as well as striking pictorial maps located in key towns along the route including Dundalk, Ardee and Carlingford. Based on the ancient Irish epic of the Táin Bó Cuailgne (‘The Cattle Raid of Cooley’), it follows the path of Queen Maeve and her armies in their pursuit of the great Brown Bull of Cooley.  The trail passes the battle sites where Cúchulainn and Maeve’s armies met in bloody combat and also offers the opportunity to visit many of the most important heritage sites and visitor attractions in County Louth. 

Bike hire is available from On your Bike Hire (tel: +353 (0)872397467) which will deliver bikes directly to your accommodation, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dundalk or Carlingford Tourist Office.  You’ll also be supplied with maps of suggested routes to allow you to explore Dundalk and the surrounding area by bike. All bicycles are 21 speed and are supplied with mudguards, rear pannier, repair kit, pump and lock and cost 15 euro per day or 60 euro per week.

Walking

If you enjoy walking, the Cooley Peninsula is full of interesting and challenging walking routes. The principle long distance walking route in Louth is The Táin Way, a 40km route that encircles the Cooley Peninsula in the north-east of the country and begins in Omeath, not far from Dundalk.  It is a well signposted trail and is named after the legendary event, the Tain Bo Cuailgne - or the Cattle Raid of Cooley.

Shorter rural walks can also be enjoyed throughout Dundalk and the surrounding countryside at places such as Ravensdale Forest Park, Slieve Foye, along the Boyne Walk, Drogheda and Rathesker Lakeside Walk near Dunleer.

Ice-skating

Dundalk is home to Ireland’s largest indoor ice-rink - Dundalk Ice Dome where you can go ice-skating or try out your dancing skills at one of the Discos on Ice.  Home to Team Ireland and the Dundalk Bulls Ice Hockey teams, the Ice Dome also features a bar, restaurant and shop.

Soccer

Dundalk’s JJB Soccer Dome is an indoor soccer facility with over 16 pitches, a soccer academy and state-of-the-art training facilities and leisure activities.

Bowling

A trip to Dundalk Sports Bowl is a guaranteed fun excursion for all the family.  It has 12 lanes of ten-pin bowling, a children’s indoor adventure play area, snooker tables, a bar and a restaurant.

Adventure Centres

Try your hand at rock-climbing, abseiling, orienteering, archery, hill-trekking or the high ropes at Carlingford Adventure Centre or the Táin Adventure Centre in Omeath, both less than 25 km from Dundalk.  Whatever you choose to do, an action-packed day is guaranteed and parents can choose to join in or leave the kids to it, knowing they’re in safe hands. Both centres also offer an extensive range of water activities and accommodation options are also available.