Discover Louth by Bike

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Like hills? Then head to Black Mountain in the Cooley Peninsula. 

There are two approaches from Dundalk,. The southern approach takes in Jenkinstown Hill which is known as a magic hill where cars roll uphill with their engines switched off, before passing the Long Woman's Grave and spectacular views across Carlingford Lough. Next comes a short steep climb, before a prolonged climb to the Clermont Carn masts. The views of Dundalk Bay are fantastic!

On the northern approach it takes a bit longer to be rewarded with the views. The view of Dundalk Bay is worth the 552m climb, and on the descent it is difficult not to get distracted by the views across Carlingford Lough.

Download the Routes

Southern approach: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49942119

Northern approach: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49941905

While the Skoda Series no longer has an event in Co. Louth, both the 105k and 155k routes are on public roads.

105k Route: Starting at the M1 Retail Park in Drogheda travel through the town of Drogheda before going toward Termonfeckin, and then along the coast road to Clogherhead. Then head inland to the rolling hills of the Boyne Valley to Collon and stop for coffee and cake! The route then skirts around Slane, and along the Boyne river back towards Drogheda.

155k Route: Starting at the M1 Retail Park in Drogheda travel through the town of Drogheda before going toward Termonfeckin, and then along the coast road to Clogherhead. Then head inland to the rolling hills of the Boyne Valley to Collon. Collon is a good place for a coffee stop at 47k into the spin and to regain energy before entering Co. Meath. A second coffee stop is possible in Bohermeen after 91Kms. From Bohermeen, head towards Drogheda passing more the wonderful Bective Abbey and Newgrange.

Download the Routes

105k:  Skoda Tour de Boyne 105k Route | 105.8 km Cycling Route on Strava 

155k:  Skoda Tour de Boyne 155k Route | 154.7 km Cycling Route on Strava 

Each year on the first Sunday of June Cucuhulainn Cycling Club hold the Tour of Louth Sportive. The distances are 50k and 112k. While the event is very worthwhile entering, it is possible to cycle the route anytime....without the organised food stops!

The route starts at DKIT Sport and goes south to Castlebellingham where it veers across country roads towards Ardee. After Ardee it is Tallanstown, Louth Village, and then Knockbridge and back into Dundalk. The 50k route ends here, and the 112k route heads north towards the Cooley mountains! 

Leaving Dundalk, the route goes up Jenkinstown Hill, past the Long Woman's Grave, and across the mountains towards the northern approach to Omeath. There may be time for an ice-cream in Carlingford before taking the main road back to Dundalk through Lordship and Bellurgan.
Download the Routes

50k: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49942364

112k: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30138030