Commons Loop

Walking
County Louth
4/5
1 review
Grade Moderate
Length 3.26162 km
Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Format Loop
Ascent 250 m
Dogs Allowed No
Waymarking Green arrow on white background
Start Point
Tourist Office (Harbour Carpark)
Finish Point
Tourist Office (Harbour Carpark)
Nearest Town to Start Carlingford
Lat. and Long. 54.0406, -6.1856301

This loop follows green arrows on tarmac road, stony laneway and grassy track. The first part is a climb, some of which is very steep; with the second part a downhill sweep and then a more gradual descent. The route crosses the lower slopes of Slieve Foye with stunning views along the coast to the north and south and across Carlingford Lough to the Mourne Mountains.

Maps and other information

Facilities

Car park

Map Guides

Map Guides

EastWest Mapping - Cooley 1:25,000 | Email: info@eastwestmapping.ie

OSI Maps

OSI Maps

Discovery Series Sheet 36
Public Transportation

Public Transportation

Bus Eireann timetables available at www.buseireann.ie.

4/5
05/31/2014

Karen from Meath

Park in Carlingford and head up the road beside Savage's shop. The first few hundred metres, as you leave the village, are the steepest part of this trail. The path leads between stone walled fields up onto the hillside above Carlingford. It's single file at this point but once you pass over the stile it opens out and there are beautiful views back over Carlingford to the Mournes.



At the intersection with the Tain trail this loop turns left to head back down to Carlingford. You can also turn right onto the Tain trail and follow it up the ridge for 1km to see over the saddle into Dundalk. This is a gently sloping section so well worth the limited effort needed for a great view. Retrace your steps back to the Commons loop and follow it back down into Carlingford.



A nice diversion at the end is to walk through the ruins of the monastery (on your right as you come down into the village) and over the stile at the back of the old church. Turn left and follow the path onto the road, follow it down the hill and around to the left. This brings you under the tholsel gate and back to the car park via the old centre of the village.



The Commons Loop is an easy 4km walk or trail run (1 hour, including stops to admire the scenery). Adding the spur to the top of the ridge brings it to 6.5km in total (1.5-2hrs). Very suitable for children or walkers who want a short loop with great views before a nice meal in Carlingford.

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