Top Things to do in Cooley Peninsula
What to do and see in Cooley Peninsula, Province of Leinster: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Cooley Peninsula, Ireland including Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern, Visit Carlingford, Carlingford Adventure Centre, Carlingford to Omeath Greenway, Cooley Mountains, Folklore Park, Fairy village and Proposal Stones, Carlingford Lough Ferry, Slieve Foye Woods, Carlingford Marina, King John's Castle.
Restaurants in Cooley Peninsula
1. Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
The tour includes 15 minutes of storytelling and an introduction to how the last leprechauns of Ireland became a protected species by the E.U..This is done in the story room across from the cavern at Shalom B.B.You may park there. This is followed by a visit below the ground where leprechauns and fairies converge in the morning as the sun rises. The visit is predominately indoors and definately great for a rainy day. It is not really suitable for children under 5 or who have not lost a tooth.If children are crying or disruptive, parents may be asked to leave with them till quiet, to allow other attendees to enjoy the whole experience. Adults should enjoy it at any age!
Reviewed By EleanorUiChathain - Dungarvan, Ireland
While the leprechaun cavern is closed due to COVID-19, it is still a lovely family stroll. There are nice monuments in the garden which provide lovely little photo opps with the kids. I’d say it’s a lovely spot when it’s fully functioning. I’ll definitely be heading back the next time I’m in Carlingford.
2. Visit Carlingford
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
We create packages to suit the needs of every individual to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. From Accommodation, Activities and Meal deals. People will know what to expect before coming, what we have to offer in this beautiful Village and ways of booking their stay. Packages include; Family Packages Golf Breaks Couple Retreats Hen & Stag Groups Corporate Days
Reviewed By 377sarkak - Dublin, Ireland
Lovely little but busy town. With lots of pubs and few little shops around. Nice for walk around the piers and visit the castle. Parking available. Nice little beach and very pretty views.
3. Carlingford Adventure Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
Carlingford Adventure is the no.1 activity centre in Ireland & we offer a fun and safe way to try exciting outdoor adventures. We welcome families, groups & individuals. There are full day and half day options available throughout the year and kids camps during Easter/Summer/Halloween. ACCOMMODATION & ACTIVITY PACKAGES: The centre is located in the middle of Carlingford and offers great deals on accommodation and activity packages in private hostel dorms or holiday homes. Check out our website for special offers. We have over 30 activities on our 3 adventure sites Land, Sea & Sky. WOODLAND includes rock climbing & abseiling, laser combat, ziptopia & hill walking / Gaisce. SEASPORTS has kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, raft building, canoe rafting and water pontoons / water trampolines. SKYPARK has an aerial adventure course, Sky Junior, team development high ropes, crystal maze challenge course, footgolf, aeroball, archery, climbing wall, ziplines, base jump & quazer
Reviewed By ConorNap
This centre is simply superb. Their staff and management is outstanding, and they brought joy and learning to my students. I had brought groups to other camps in Ireland before and was always happy. From the website I had expected much the same. Instead, I found it in a different class. The number of different activities is enormous. In two weeks we could not get everything done. The quality of Skypark (better than Treetop in the Bronx Zoo!), the Laser Combat games, Ziptopia and so many water activities was astonishing. Basically, if we wanted to do ANYTHING, they got it done. Their planning was relaxed and flexible and we were regularly asked what we would prefer. Food was very good and plenty of it. Another big difference was that "evening activities" were just as excellent. And hugely varied. The town itself is gorgeous. Small and intimate, but colourful and full of life. Genuine Irish people. Still. When next I have a group we will certainly be going to Carlingford. Conor Sheedy, Napoli Italy 24 July 2019
4. Carlingford to Omeath Greenway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By MartinMaryOmeath - Omeath, Ireland
A beautiful walk all along Carlingford lough. Start at The Granvue Hotel in Omeath, enjoy the beautiful scenery all the way to Carlingford, watch the cyclist's. Have lunch in The Orchard Bakery, and walk back, 15k so about four hours with lunch. If going Carlingford to Omeath, make sure to call into Cafe Rosa in Omeath for lunch or coffee and fabulous pastries.
5. Cooley Mountains
6. Folklore Park, Fairy village and Proposal Stones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Free walk around area along the sea depicting the folklore stories of the area, Proposal stones and fairy village.
7. Carlingford Lough Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Carlingford Lough Car Ferry connects the dramatic Cooley Peninsula with the majestic Mourne Mountains and offers a unique opportunity to experience stunning panoramic mountain range views from the upper viewing decks of our Ferry. The service departs from GREENORE, Co. Louth (just 10km from Carlingford town) and GREENCASTLE, Co. Down, and the sailing takes approximately 20 mins. While onboard, keep an eye out for Finn the resident dolphin! Discover the Lough of myths & legends, surrounded by epic scenery and shrouded in mystery onboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry. Or take the ferry and enjoy a picturesque drive around Carlingford Lough and back to your destination. This drive takes approximately 50 minutes. Weekend sailings during winter season with full daily service during the summer months. Tickets can be booked online through our website (with a 10% discount) or at the Tourist information centre in Carlingford.
Reviewed By neverafree
We used the ferry service as part of a charity cycle in support of the NI air ambulance. I found the service to be efficient, friendly ànd good value. In particular I want to thank Eamon who works in the small shop at the Greenore side. He donated a framed picture to the charity. As of August there are 2 ferries running(not sure if this is permanent) they leave every 30 mins. The crossing time is only 15 mins or so between Greenore in county louth and Greencastle in county Down. Tickets can be pre-booked online for less than paying on the ferry itself. Also multiple tickets/trips can be purchased for a much greater discount. Unlike the Strangford ferry this route is not subsidised by either government and i suppose the cost of tickets are a reflection on the realities of running a private ferry service.
8. Slieve Foye Woods
9. Carlingford Marina
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 120 reviews
Carlingford Marina is a 170 berth marina on the coastal inlet of Carlingford Lough. Carlingford Marina is a safe haven for visiting boats, providing a much needed stop over between ports in Dublin and Belfast. Carlingford Marina also offers 8 self catering apartments to visitors by sea or by land. Each apartment can sleep up to 5 people - has its own kitchen, living area and bathroom - and awards its guests with spectacular, panoramic views out over the marina, the lough, and the mountains either side.
Reviewed By Dublin3_Ed - County Dublin, Ireland
A good stopping off point at the top of the east coast. Unless you have a good motor make sure to get past Greenore before the ebb tide starts flowing. Berths are good value for a yacht and also ashore for a camper van. Expect a warm welcome in Rabelo Bistro when you get ashore. The village is a short walk, but make sure to cross the main road and go by the old road into the town.
10. King John's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By annedS7568TR - Donegal Town, Ireland
This castle is now known as Carlingford Castle and has just reopened following extensive conservation work. I availed of one of the daily guided tours and had a choice of 11.00am or 3.00pm. The tour of the castle interior took approximately 50 mins to an hour. It was so well worth while as I got a real flavour of life in a medieval castle with Hugh De Lacy and his descendants and the history of this cute wee town called Carlingford. The tour cost E5 .00 per adult and incredibly for an extra euro a tour of the entire town is available. Well worth a visit.
