North Louth features in new series of RTÉ's Tracks & Trails

North Louth is set to feature in the first episode of the new series of walking programme Tracks & Trails, which returns on Friday 10 April for its 13th series.

The series sees presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin joined by contributors for walks across the country. The first episode in Louth features broadcaster and journalist Anton Savage exploring the dramatic landscapes of Ravensdale Forest and Omeath.

Doireann is later joined by archaeologist and lecturer Paul Gosling to uncover our ancient heritage in Barnavave into Carlingford.

They explore the Cooley Mountains and Slieve Foye at the heart of the mountain range, a place steeped in myth and music, Irish folklore and tradition including stories of Cú Chulainn.

Doireann and Anton's walk takes in the Táin Way including the Clermont Cairn, all the way to Omeath and Carlingford Lough.
According to Anton, this is the mythical birthplace of hurling, as Cú Chulainn was said to walk the paths with hurl and sliotar to keep himself entertained.

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Anton describes how the area was once owned by Lord Clermont, and the story of the forced emigration of his tenants during the famine. Now the area is open to the public for walking.

In the second half, archaeologist and lecturer Paul Gosling brings his deep knowledge of the region to a walk from Slieve Foye Forest Park into the medieval town of Carlingford.

Paul shares stories about the myths, folklore and history of the mountains.

Paul and Doireann take in Queen Maebh's Gap, where Paul tells the myth of Queen Maebh crossing the country to Cooley in pursuit of a prize bull, so she could match her possessions to her husband's, and cutting a gap in the mountains to pass through.

He describes this as a “unique geo-myth”, a combination of geography and mythology.

This first episode of Tracks & Trails airs on Friday 10 April at 8.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.