Day 1

Morning

Whizz through the air on a zip line, paddle on the Lough in a kayak or canoe, test your aim at archery, take to new heights with rock climbing and bounce around on a water trampoline… and that’s just a taste of the activities to choose from! Tickets available for Carlingford Adventure Centre online.

Early Afternoon

Just down the road from the adventure park, stands the spectacular King John’s Castle. Built in the 12th century on a rocky outcrop, the castle overlooks the southern shores of Carlingford Lough. According to local tradition, it’s named after the King (the one Robin Hood didn’t like!) who commissioned its construction although no evidence of this is recorded in the sources. Historical records do show however that in 1210, King John visited Carlingford and stayed at the castle himself!

Late Afternoon

Located beside King John’s Castle, you will find the magical village of Carlingford, which is full of character and is one of the best-preserved medieval villages Ireland.

Here you will set sail aboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry, which takes you from Greencastle at the foot of the Mournes to Greenore beneath the Cooley Mountains, or vice versa, and back again if you wish. A return ticket for the whole family is €25 and can be booked online. PS: keep your eyes peeled on board for friendly mythological sea creatures, called ‘horse eels’!

Evening

You are sure to have worked up an appetite by now! Luckily you don’t have far to go… head back into Carlingford Village and enjoy a family meal at the Award-Winning, Bay Tree Restaurant or for more casual dining checkout Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant.

Morning

Begin your day with a trip to Carlingford Marina, where you will find On Yer Bike rentals, conveniently situated right at the start of the Carlingford Lough Greenway. Stretching from Carlingford to Omeath, travel along the shore of the lough with water and mountain views, plus plenty of fresh air. Their brilliant family packages start from 2-hour rentals up to full days, plus they have a range of bikes and pull-along trailers to cater for even the youngest children. If cycling is not for you, the greenway is just as enjoyable on foot!

Early Afternoon

Ideally located close to the national forestry award winning Ravensdale Forest, Ravensdale Lodge Equestrian and Trekking Centre is in an area of breathtaking beauty. Lying in the shadow of the Cooley Mountains and with wide open spaces that are a horse rider’s dream, the lodge is proud to offer riders lessons, trekking, hacking, cross country and much more. 

Late Afternoon

Make a splash at Funtasia Indoor Waterpark, which is less than a 30 minute drive from the hotel. There are over 15 activities to choose, from climbing, ziplining, crazy golf, bowling to soft play areas. There is also an adult’s only jacuzzi. There is something for the whole family to enjoy at Funtasia!

OR

If you are looking to get outdoors for a fun filled action packed afternoon, from start to finish, look no further than Watchtower Adventures, which is located less than 20 minutes from the hotel. It’s the ultimate day out, enjoying paintballing, bubble soccer or go karting. They are activities to suit all ages- You’ll officially be the coolest parents, if you bring the kids here!

Evening

After an action-packed day exploring Louth, the Land of the Legends, it’s time to put up your feet at back here at Fairways Hotel. Dinner is served daily from 5pm to 9:30pm, allowing plenty time for a pre-dinner nap. With a full Kids Menu plus Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free options, we cater to all tastes and even your fussiest of eaters. 

Morning

Just 20 minutes from our door, Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers the unmissable opportunity to experience tranquil woodland trails, stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins. Play in the Adventure Playpark, explore the Giant’s Lair in the wonderful Hawthorn Hill Forest Nature Reserve and woodland trails, or take a turn in the ornamental walled garden, where you will find picnic benches and a wildlife pond. 

Early Afternoon

Louth may be known as the “wee county” but it has over 70km of beautiful coastline, which includes several blue flag sandy beaches. Grab your buckets and spades which are available from Hotel Reception and head to Blackrock Beach, which is only a 5-minute drive from the hotel. This beach is popular for windsurfers, kite surfing, paddle boarding and canoeing. Blackrock is also a protected wetland, so if you are a family of nature lovers, the bird sanctuaries are a must. 

Having spent a morning working up an appetite then we have the perfect lunch location for you, Rocksalt Café, Dundalk.

Late Afternoon

Unleash your sense of adventure with an exhilarating quad bike race at Irish Country Quads! You will be fully trained, before heading on a fun off-road obstacle course through underground tunnels, overhead bridges, water splash runs and muddy ditches. For those more comfortable on their own two feet, they also have pigeon shooting, rifle shooting, archery and shuffleboard. Open 8am to late daily, but advance booking is essential.

Evening

And…. Relax! Who doesn’t love popcorn and a good movie? After an action packed 3 days, sit back for the evening and enjoy a family movie at the nearby IMC Dundalk.