Overview
The Táin Trail takes its name from the Táin Bó Cúailnge, Ireland’s oldest epic, and the march of Queen Maeve’s army from the royal site of Rathcroghan in Roscommon to the Cooley Peninsula in Louth. The story connects places across the midlands and the Ancient East. The one marked walking route to head for is the Táin Way, a loop that starts and finishes in Carlingford in County Louth.
The story behind it
In the Táin Bó Cúailnge, the Cattle Raid of Cooley, Queen Medb (Maeve) sets out from Rathcroghan to seize the Brown Bull of Cooley, and the boy-hero Cú Chulainn defends Ulster against her army almost single-handed. Places across the midlands carry the story:
- Rathcroghan: the royal complex in Roscommon where the army gathered.
- Tarmonbarry: the crossing of the River Shannon, the old Áth Mór.
- Granard: the camp in Longford.
- Kells, Navan and Slane: the Meath sites where Cú Chulainn struck.
- Ardee: the ford on the River Dee where he fought his foster-brother Ferdia, the old Áth Fhirdia.
- Dundalk Bay: the coastal ford into Ulster.
- The Cooley Mountains: where the search for the bull ends.
These are places where tradition places the tale, not a surveyed march. Medieval castles, early churches and monastic ruins lie along the way. The condition and signage of any cross-country touring route between them has not been established, so do not rely on fingerposts alone and carry a map.
Walk the Táin Way
The Táin Way is a 40.3 km loop from Carlingford. Sport Ireland grades it moderate, with around 1,025 metres of ascent over the full route and an estimated two days of walking. It combines coastal path, forest track and mountain ridge, follows yellow arrows on a black background and includes sections on public roads. Leave dogs at home.
Download the current route maps and follow the posted signs. The Slieve Foye Loop is a separate trail. Check its own notices for storm damage and diversions before choosing it. Dogs are not allowed there either.
In the uplands the weather can turn fast and mobile signal can drop out, so carry a physical map and offline GPS routes. Allow two days for the full loop.
Cultural highlights
- Táin March Festival: a festival following the march from Ardee to Carlingford, with walks, reenactments and community events. Check dates and details at tainmarch.net.
- Brown Bull sculptures: steel sculptures on the banks of the River Dee at Ardee.
- Cloghafarmore Stone: the standing stone near Knockbridge tied by tradition to Cú Chulainn’s last stand.
Louth highlights
Cooley Mountains
The Táin Way crosses the Cooley Mountains above Carlingford. Use the route map for the walk you intend to take, and follow any posted closures.
Ravensdale Forest
Ravensdale Forest, north of Dundalk, has the Ravensdale Loop, and the forest holds standing stones near the loop. The cross-country Táin Trail and the Táin Way are distinct routes, so check which one the map you are following describes.
Carlingford
Carlingford has shorter options through its medieval walls and gates, including a walk past King John’s Castle and the harbour. The Carlingford Heritage Centre can tell you about the town’s history.
Practical information
The walking routes described here are public paths and roads with no entry charge.
Transport
Rail stations are at Dundalk and Drogheda, with bus links to Ardee and Carlingford. Navan has no passenger rail and is reached by bus. Check current timetables before relying on them.
Accessibility
Paved road sections and the town links suit visitors with limited mobility. Forest tracks and mountain trails have uneven surfaces and stiles.
Navigation
For self-guided hiking, use the Sport Ireland route maps and, if you want a paper map, the OSI Discovery Series Sheet 36 and the Táin Way Map Guide. Autumn and spring can give good foliage and milder weather, but conditions in the hills change quickly.