The Táin Way:
40th Anniversary Celebration
Join Ellie Berry of Tough Soles and the Boyne Valley Trails Festival on a two-day hiking excursion along the Táin Way to celebrate 40 years!
Forty years ago, in 1986, the Táin Way was officially opened, creating one of Ireland’s most celebrated long-distance walking routes. Inspired by the legendary Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley)—one of the oldest epics in any European vernacular language—the trail winds through the very landscape where this ancient story is said to have unfolded.
Mark this special anniversary with an unforgettable two-day, 40 km journey around the beautiful Cooley Peninsula. Starting and finishing in the Carlingford, we’ll experience dramatic mountain scenery, sweeping coastal views, fascinating heritage and the legendary places that have inspired generations for centuries.
This is an unmissable opportunity to walk one of Ireland’s most legendary trails in the landscape where legend comes to life.
Event Details:
Dates: Thursday 17 & Friday 18 September 2026
Distance: 40 km in total (approximately 20 km each day)
Duration: Approximately 5.5 hours walking each day
Walk Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Open mountain, forest tracks, grassy paths, quiet country roads and waterside trails. Expect uneven, rough and occasionally wet ground.
Guides: The walk will be led by Ellie Berry (Tough Soles) and Boyne Valley Walking, who will share their local knowledge, stories and expertise along the route.
Transport: Bus transfers included in the ticket price:
Day 1: Transfer from Ravensdale back to Carlingford after the walk.
Day 2: Morning transfer from Carlingford to Ravensdale to begin the day’s walk.
Meeting Time: 9.30 am each day
Meeting Point: Car Park beside Carlingford Tourist Office (eircode: A91 CV06)
Parking: Limited Free parking is available beside Carlingford Tourist Office.
Facilities along the route:
Public toilets at Carlingford Tourist Office car park.
Strandfield (R173, on the right just beyond Exit 18 on the M1): café and toilets, open from 8.00 am.
Circle K (R173, on the left just after Exit 18): toilets, coffee and shop.
Centra, Carlingford.
Essential Gear:
Waterproof walking boots or shoes
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Hat/Cap
Water
Packed lunch and snacks for the full day (there are no shops along the route)
Walking pole(s)/Sticks recommended
Ticket Price: €50 (plus booking admin fees)
Important Information:
Places are limited, and early booking is recommended.
No dogs are permitted, in accordance with Cooley Mountain regulations.
Please follow the Leave No Trace principles and help us protect this beautiful landscape for future generations.
The walking Boyne Valley Walking Festival is a week-long event in mid-September and includes our most popular guided tours as well as some special events, guest tour leaders and our Chats and Trails fireside talks.
Join in for guided hillwalking and mountain hikes, history town trails, Nordic walking classes, myths and legends trails, boating and paddle-boarding, food tours, guided meditation sessions, forest sound baths, foraging trails and so much more. This festival is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the ancient and inviting Boyne Valley and experience the history, nature, wildness and beauty of this stunning area.