There’s nothing quite like getting out in the fresh air with the family for a good walk. County Louth is packed with brilliant options, from quiet forest trails to breezy coastal promenades, so there’s something to suit every family, whatever the ages and abilities of your crew.
We’ve rounded up 9 brilliant family walks in Louth that everyone will enjoy. Pack a picnic, grab your walking shoes, and get set for a great family adventure.
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Family Walks in Louth
From village strolls to woodland trails, there are plenty of options for family-friendly walks in Louth.
#1. Ravensdale Forest
Located approximately 8km north of Dundalk, this Coillte forest park offers walking trails, a picnic site, viewing points and historic buildings. There are also plenty of archaeological features for the history buffs in the family, including standing stones.
There are three way-marked trails of various lengths — the Táin Trail, the Ring of Gullion and the shorter but interesting Ravensdale Loop — so you can pick one to suit your group’s ability and energy levels. There’s a car park on-site as well as a picnic area, making it a great place to spend a few hours exploring the outdoors.
#2. Townley Hall Woods
Townley Hall is a magnificent Georgian mansion with beautiful gardens well worth a family visit. It’s located on the Slane Road outside Drogheda and offers rolling parkland and lovely views over the Boyne Valley.
There are scenic walks here, including the looped Glen Wood Nature Trail (1.7km), which starts at the car park and winds through woodland to a viewing point over the site of the Battle of the Boyne. There’s a car park and picnic area on site too.
#3. Carlingford Greenway
The Carlingford Greenway is a relatively flat walk of 7km, taking about two hours — or you can turn back halfway if little legs start to flag. Start in Carlingford and follow the shoreline of the Lough, taking in beautiful views of the Mourne Mountains along the way.
#4. Carlingford Village and Slieve Foye Woods
Carlingford has so much to offer and is a wonderful village to wander around. Kids will love the long pier and exploring the ruined castle on the hill overlooking the lough, and the village also has a good playground.
Round off your visit with a trip to Slieve Foye Woods, located about 3.5km from Carlingford on the road to Omeath/Newry. There are picnic areas and panoramic views of Slieve Foye mountain and the Lough. The forest is steeped in history and legend, linked to the mythical Fianna, and the trail follows part of the Táin Way. Car parking is available.
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#5. Stephenstown Pond Nature Park
Stephenstown Pond in Knockbridge, Dundalk, is a lovely nature park with walks by the lake and through the woods, along with a large playground and plenty of picnic spots.
The kids will love the chance to feed the ducks, and there’s a nature quiz to help them learn about the wildlife in the park. Stop off at the Willow Tree Café after your walk for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. There’s a car park on site (a small admission fee applies). The Agnes Burns Cottage and Visitor Centre is also right next to the park — it was once home to the sister of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
#6. Rathescar Lakeside Walk
Rathescar Lakeside Walk at Dunleer is a lovely spot for a walk in beautiful surroundings. You’ll pass through woodlands and along the lakeside, with plenty of nature to spot along the way — flowers, birds and maybe even a wild animal or two.
#7. The Boyne Ramparts Heritage Walk
Courtesy Fáilte Ireland
The Boyne Ramparts Heritage Walk runs through the Boyne Valley, with a linear section of 8km (16km return) from Navan Ramparts to Stackallen. Interpretative panels along the way share interesting facts to help you enjoy the beauty and nature of the valley.
Start the walk at the trailhead car park on the R153 (note this is a pay-and-display car park), and see if you can spot kingfishers, moorhens, otters, herons and plenty of flowers and trees along the way. The walk passes the ruins of Dunmoe Castle and Ardmulchan Church, then the canal locks of the once-busy Boyne Navigation, as well as the oldest bridge on the river, Babe’s Bridge.
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#8. Boyne Greenway
© Tourism Ireland
The 1.9km Boyne Greenway runs along the south bank of the River Boyne. Start at St. Dominic’s Park near the ‘Bridge of Peace’ in Drogheda, and you’ll end up at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge.
There are sections of boardwalk along the route, along with heritage signs sharing Irish mythology. The walk passes close to the Mary McAleese Cable Bridge, following the Boyne Canal to the Oldbridge Estate, where you can enjoy self-guided walks around the parkland.
#9. Blackrock Promenade
Take a walk with the kids along the promenade in the popular resort of Blackrock. The promenade runs alongside a sandy beach, and in the middle you’ll find the Blackrock Millennium Sundial, one of the largest in Ireland. As you walk, you’ll get lovely views across Dundalk Bay towards the Cooley Mountains.
Watch the sailboarders, canoeists and kitesurfers out on the water, and stop off at one of the cafés and restaurants along the promenade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these walks suitable for buggies?
Many of the routes here, such as the Boyne Greenway, Blackrock Promenade and Carlingford Greenway, are flat and accessible, making them buggy-friendly. Forest trails like Ravensdale and Slieve Foye have more natural, uneven terrain, so a sturdy all-terrain buggy or a baby carrier works best.
Do I need to pay to park at these walks?
Most of the forest and nature park locations have on-site car parking, though some, like the Boyne Ramparts trailhead, operate a pay-and-display system. It’s worth checking signage on arrival, as arrangements can vary by site.
What should we bring on a family walk in Louth?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, water and snacks are always a good idea. A few of these walks have cafés nearby (like Stephenstown Pond and Blackrock), but it’s worth packing a picnic for the woodland and greenway routes.
Are these walks dog-friendly?
Many of Louth’s forest parks and greenways welcome dogs on leads, but rules can vary by site, so it’s best to check locally before you set off.
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