Much to see and do on the peninsula
IT was known as the country’s hidden gem, but definitely no longer. Those in this part of the country knew and were so fortunate to live in the Cooley Peninsula or closeby to readily have access to and enjoy the breathtaking beauty and delights of the area.
To some extent they were spoiled to have such a wonderful landscape, with such natural scenery of land, sea and mountains largely to themselves for so long. That couldn’t last and all for the better of the Peninsula and wider economy.
An area so rich in heritage and culture, with an abundance of attractions that are growing all the time, just couldn’t be kept a secret and the pleasures that it offers.
These now are open to a far bigger market that is only going to multiply with the like of dignitaries of such stature as American Vice-President Joe Biden paying a visit at the weekend to see the land of his ancestors.
The television pictures and the worldwide media coverage that his arrival in the area drew is one of the biggest fillips that local tourism could receive, and for those promoting it and at the heart of the industry it’s like Manna from Heaven.
The hard work of all involved promises to provide a rich dividend, and they are working away on more developments that will only enhance the attraction of the Peninsula to tourists and visitors.
It just hasn’t happened by accident with the local community working hand in hand with local and national agencies, along with the tourism authorities to develop amenities and facilities to enhance what the area has to offer.
There are ample and shining examples of what has been achieved, not so long ago the opening the Darcy McGee Exhibition Centre and going back the Carlingford Heritage Centre, which is a hub of cultural and leisure activity, providing continuous entertainment for the local and wider catchment area, and then there was the opening of the greenway, the walking and cycling amenity between Carlingford and Omeath along the old railway line on the shoreline.
The greenway added to the wide and varied natural attractions of the area, that afford those who enjoy outdoor leisure activities the opportunities for instance to fish, sail, mountaineer, hike, walk, cycle, horse ride, play golf. These are all available to the tourist on a long or short stay, day tripper as well as of course to the residents.
The list is almost endless, and there is so much more all can do to relax and enjoy themselves and don’t want to overly exert themselves. It’s no wonder that the Cooley Peninsula and Carlingford is a growing destination for tourists.
The area extends from Ravensdale to Omeath, with the different communities, villages and towns with their own individual character and appeal.
The towns of Omeath, Greenore and Ravensdale are worth visiting. Ravensdale along the southern slopes of Clermont mountain is a quiet, pretty village with its main tourist attractions one kilometre outside it: a forest park and an equestrian and trekking centre.
Greenore village offers fine views of Carlingford Lough, Slieve Foye and the Mourne mountains. Key tourist activities in the area include an extensive exhibition on the history of Greenore port and the railway village, fishing from the seashore and golf at the beautifully situated Greenore golf club.