Attractions and Places To See around The Municipal District of Dundalk - Top 20

The highest bar in County Louth along the Táin Way. A traditional Irish pub that offers a cozy interior with a warming fire and excellent food. A favourite amongst locals and hikers!

A Curious Woodland in County Louth: The so-called "Faux Dolmen" nestled in the serene Ravensdale woods. This arrangement of stones isn't marked on official maps, and it's believed that the former owners of the nearby Clermont Estate might have crafted such "prehistoric" features as landscape ornaments. Despite its questionable authenticity, the site exudes a certain charm, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. It offers a delightful pause for reflection amidst the greenery. Whether a genuine ancient relic or a 19th-century folly, it adds an element of intrigue to the hike. For those interested in exploring this feature, the Anaverna Trail can be accessed from Ballymascanlan, offering a moderate hike through picturesque landscapes.

Druid’s Circle, Clermont Estate: this small oval stone circle above the Flurry River, marked as both “Standing Stone” and “Druids Circle” on old maps, was likely uncovered in 1840 by Lord Clermont. Though some believe it’s prehistoric, others argue it may be 19th-century landscaping. Its irregular layout and re-set stones cast doubt on its authenticity. Still, it’s a scenic and mysterious woodland stop.

The Long Woman's Grave car park is right at the top of a gentle climb, giving you the perfect opportunity to take in the rolling landscape. Whether you're coming from the north or the south, the roads take you through varied terrain that reveals new panoramas with every bend. It's worth taking a moment to read the story of the "Long Woman" at the memorial - somehow this mystical atmosphere fits perfectly into the surroundings. On the way up, you hardly encounter any traffic, which allows you to fully concentrate on nature and your own line in the bends. The fresh breeze and the smell of damp grass add a little extra to the climb. But the roads are not always in the best condition - some sections do require attention, especially after a rain shower. Once you reach the summit, there is a small rest area, ideal for taking a quick breather and regaining strength for the next stage. A perfect spot to take a short break before continuing with renewed vigor.

Hidden in Ravensdale Forest, off the main paths, you come across a mystical stone circle that raises questions: Was it the Druids who held their mysterious rituals here, or was it the eccentric 19th century landowner who wanted to immortalize himself with this project? Nobody knows for sure, and that makes this place all the more fascinating. The eight stones, arranged in an oval, seem like silent witnesses to a time long gone. On the maps, the circle is referred to as both the 'Standing Stone' and the 'Druids Circle', and you immediately sense that this place exudes a special aura. The stone circle is just a short climb from the Flurry River, in the middle of the old Lord Clermont Estate. Up here, in the shade of the trees, it feels like you have entered another world. The stones, covered in moss, invite you to pause and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.

Here it is worth climbing the mountain

Wikipedia (Slieve Foy (Irish: Sliabh Feá), 2023-12-02): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slieve_Foy Wikipedia (Lists of mountains in Ireland, 2023-12-02): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_mountains_in_Ireland MountainViews.ie (Slieve Foye, 2023-12-02): https://mountainviews.ie/summit/298/ TheIrishRoadtrip (“A Guide To The Slieve Foye Loop: Trail, Parking + Handy Info”, 2023-12-02): https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/slieve-foye-loop/

Wikipedia (Cooley Mountains, 2024-07-28): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooley_Mountains "... Barnavave (350m). This latter name comes from Bearna Mhéabha (Maeve's Gap), and refers to the legendary Queen Medb (Maeve), whose army is said to have dug a pass through the mountain. ..."