With all the vagaries of the Irish weather we have to grab the opportunities to get outdoors whenever we can. So here are some of the best outdoor places in Louth to go with kids and enjoy the fine scenery in the Wee County.

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From forests to beaches, there are plenty of outdoor spots in Louth to enjoy with your child, and nothing beats fresh air and pink cheeks!

Outdoor Places in Louth for Families

Ravensdale Forest

Located just east of the M1 Motorway, approximately 8km north of Dundalk, this lovely and varied Coillte forest park Ravensdale Forest offers walking trails, viewing points, historic buildings and a picnic site, as well as car parking.

There are three Way Marked Trails of various lengths, the Tain Trail, the Ring of Gullion and the short but interesting Ravensdale Loop, and they suit various abilities.

There are also many archaeological features for the history buff of the family, including standing stones. There is a car park on-site as well as a picnic area. It’s a great place to spend a few hours exploring the outdoors along with the whole family!

Slieve Foye Woods

Carlingford has so much to offer and is a wonderful village to wander about. Kids will enjoy the long pier and exploring the ruined castle on the hill overlooking the lough, while the village also has a good playground.

Round off your visit with a trip to Slieve Foye Woods, which is located 3.5km from Carlingford (on the left hand side) on the road to Omeath/Newry. There are two car parks, lots of picnic areas and beautiful panoramic views of Slieve Foye mountain and the Lough. The forest is steeped in history and legend, as it is connected to the mythical Fianna. The forest trail follows the 4km Tain way.

Townley Hall

Townley Hall is a magnificent Georgian Mansion which is over 200 years old, and the beautiful gardens are well worth a family visit. It’s located on the Slane Road outside Drogheda and is surrounded by 60 acres of rolling parkland and beautiful views over the Boyne Valley.

Discover more about the famed architecture of the house and fascinating history of the area, where human activity is shown to go back 6000 years, and close by is the site of the Battle of the Boyne. There are scenic walks including the looped Glen Wood Nature Trail. There is also a car park and picnic area on site.

Clogherhead

Louth has its fair share of beaches, but our favourite is located in the fishing village of Clogherhead. This beach has a great pier, a lovely strand and some fabulous views of the Cooley and Mourne Mountains.

The beach received the International Blue Flag award for 2019 and is the perfect location for a range of activities, including fishing, walking and sightseeing. The beach is lifeguard patrolled during the bathing season. Keep an eye out as grey seals are often seen in the harbour!

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Stephenstown Pond Nature Park

Stephenstown Pond in Knockbridge, Dundalk is a lovely nature park with lots to do with the whole family. There are walks by the lake and through the woods, a large playground and many areas for picnics.

The kids will love getting the chance to feed to ducks! They also have a kids nature quiz where they can learn about the wildlife in the park. Stop off at the Willow Tree Café after your walk to enjoy a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. There is a car park on site. Admission costs €3.00.

The Agnes Burns Cottage and Visitor Centre is also located right next to the Park. This was the home of the Scottish Poet Robert Burns’ sister.

Article written by Linda, mum of 2.

Have your say! Do you have any favourite outdoor places in Louth to go with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.