Carlingford Lough Greenway

Louth Newry

Distance

19.4km

Elevation

Time

Cycling: 1.5hrs

Walking: 3hrs

Difficulty

Leisure

Surface Finish

Bound/unbound surface

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Overview

The Carlingford Lough Greenway is a cross-border route linking the picturesque heritage town of Carlingford with Newry, tracing the southern shore of Carlingford Lough. The completed section between Carlingford and Omeath runs for 7km, with extensions bringing the total length to over 10km and plans for a continuous 25km route. Hugging the old railway alignment and canal bank, the Greenway offers dramatic mountain and sea views, with the Cooley Mountains on one side and the Mourne Mountains on the other.

The flat, surfaced trail is accessible to all ages and abilities, making it a popular destination for families, leisure cyclists and walkers. Along the way, users can enjoy the heritage streets of Carlingford, dotted with medieval castles and town walls, or relax in Omeath, a traditional village with cafés and pubs. The northern sections link through Victoria Lock to Newry, offering both rural calm and city access. The Carlingford Lough Greenway is part of the broader Carlingford–Newry Blue/Greenway project, supported by EU INTERREG funding, which aims to boost sustainable travel and tourism in the region. It is a perfect blend of scenery, heritage and accessibility, showcasing the best of Ireland’s northeast coast.

Carlingford – Omeath

7 km

This is the best-known and most scenic section, following the coast with uninterrupted views of Carlingford Lough. On clear days, the Mourne Mountains are visible across the water. Heritage panels explain the area’s Viking, Norman and medieval history. Omeath provides services and rest stops.

Omeath – Victoria Lock

Victoria Lock – Newry

Carlingford Lough is designated as both a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). Its intertidal flats, saltmarshes and estuarine waters provide feeding and roosting grounds for internationally important bird populations. Species include light-bellied brent goose, redshank, dunlin and curlew.

The lough’s sheltered waters also support seals, while otters inhabit the surrounding rivers and streams. Along the Greenway itself, hedgerows provide habitats for small birds such as goldfinch, linnet and stonechat. Summer brings wildflowers like knapweed, birdsfoot trefoil and orchids, attracting pollinators. The canal banks north of Omeath support aquatic plants and dragonflies, adding to biodiversity interest. The juxtaposition of marine, coastal and freshwater habitats makes this route especially rich in wildlife. Visitors are advised to respect sensitive estuary zones, particularly in winter when birds are feeding and roosting, and to keep dogs on leads in coastal areas. In doing so, the Greenway provides not just a recreational space but also a front-row view of one of Ireland’s most ecologically significant coastal landscapes.

Code of Conduct

To keep our greenways welcoming and safe for all users—walkers, cyclists, families, and wildlife alike—please review our Code of Conduct before you go.

Read Code of Conduct

Getting There

Whether you’re travelling by train, bus, or car, use these tools  to plan your route.

FAQs

Can I get to the route by rail?

There is no direct train service that serves the Carlingford greenway with the closest being Dundalk or Newry Train Stations with bus access to Carlingford.

Can I access the route by bus?

Yes, Route 161 is a bus service operated by Bus Éireann serving Dundalk to Newry via Carlingford.

News and Updates

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Offaly County Council Opens Ballycommon Trailhead Linking Grand Canal Greenway and Lough Boora

Offaly County Council proudly marked a significant achievement in its sustainable mobility and tourism strategy with the official opening of the new Ballycommon Trailhead as...

Cork County Council Opens Extensions to Clonakilty and Bandon Active Travel Routes

Route Updates

02 Oct 2025

Cork County Council Opens Extensions to Clonakilty and Bandon Active Travel Routes

Cork County Council has officially opened extensions to two segregated pedestrian and cycle routes in West Cork. The ribbons were cut on the walkways in...

Louth County Council Completes Carlingford Lough Greenway Connecting Newry and Carlingford

Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, is proud to announce the completion of the Carlingford...