Overview
The Long Woman’s Grave is a quiet stone cairn resting in a remote mountain hollow above the village of Corrakit, just outside Omeath in County Louth. Known locally as the Lug Bhan Fada (Long Woman’s Hollow), the site sits at a crossroads that mapmakers and engineers simply call the Windy Gap. The name is a practical one, given the exposed, gusty conditions that sweep through the pass, but the location holds a much older identity. On Matthew Wren’s 1766 map, it appears as Follogherin, or Folach Éireann – “The Hiding Place of Ireland”. Before modern roads cut through the peninsula, this hollow was exactly that: a sheltered, easily overlooked stretch of rugged terrain between the Cooley Mountains and Slieve Foye and the waters of Carlingford Lough.
Today, the cairn draws walkers, cyclists, and folklore enthusiasts who want to step away from the main tourist trails. There are no ticket booths, fences, or guided tours. Just a mound of weathered stones, a patch of heather, and a story that has echoed across the hills for generations.
The Legend of Cauthleen and Lorcan
The cairn is forever tied to a tragic romance that exists in several local variations. In the most widely told version, Lorcan O’Hanlon was the youngest son of the chieftain of Omeath. Upon his death, the chieftain ordered his lands divided between his two sons, Conn and Lorcan. Conn, seeking the best portion, tricked his brother by leading him to the hollow and declaring that everything Lorcan could see would be his. What Lorcan saw was only mist and bleak, rocky ground.
Undeterred, Lorcan turned to the sea, trading with Spain and eventually saving the life of a Spanish nobleman and his daughter, Cauthleen. Described in local lore as a towering figure of seven feet, Cauthleen was already engaged but fell for Lorcan’s charm and promises of a grand life back in Ireland. The pair eloped and arrived at Carlingford Lough, where locals were reportedly stunned by the tall, jewel-adorned stranger.
Lorcan led his bride along the mountain path to the hollow, asking her to stand in the centre and look out over the land he claimed as hers. Instead of rolling estates, she saw only the same bleak, wind-swept basin her husband-in-law had been tricked into accepting. Overcome by disappointment and the realisation of what she had left behind, Cauthleen collapsed and died. Horrified by the consequences of his family’s deceit, Lorcan threw himself into the murky waters of the nearby Annagh bog, where his body was never recovered. Locals found Cauthleen, dug her grave in the hollow, and began the tradition of adding a stone to her burial mound with every passing visitor. The cairn remains a physical testament to that communal grief.
History & The Old Mountain Tracks
Long before the romantic tale took root, the Windy Gap was a practical thoroughfare for shepherds, traders, and travellers moving between Ravensdale and Omeath. In 1770, John Hutchison, land agent for the Bayley estate, wrote to his English landlord requesting funds to improve a track through the mountains down to Souter’s inn in Omeath. This early road, later linked to routes from Jenkinstown and Glenmore, gradually transformed the hidden pass into a recognised crossroads.
The increased foot traffic sustained local enterprises, most notably Peggy Tam’s shebeen, a makeshift tavern located at the angle of the old roads overlooking Annagh bog. The shebeen is remembered not just for its drinks, but for its encounter with the famous blind poet Seamas Dall Mac Cuarta. When his credit ran out, Peggy Tam allegedly blew out the candle and told her patrons to hide on the floor. Mac Cuarta, relying on his sharp hearing, noticed the ruse and immortalised the incident in one of his best-known verses: “The cold house of Corrakit, where they hoke like badgers in the dark.”
Walking & Cycling to the Cairn
The Long Woman’s Grave is a natural waypoint for anyone exploring the Cooley Peninsula’s trail network. The most direct route is the Long Woman’s Grave Loop, an approximately 8 km circuit that climbs roughly 210 metres to the cairn before descending towards Jenkinstown or back to Omeath. The route is graded moderate to hard and is popular with cyclists, though the steep, unpaved sections make an e-bike a sensible choice.
Long-distance walkers on the Táin Way also pass near the hollow, enjoying ridge-line views that stretch across the peninsula. If you prefer a gentler approach, you can follow the traffic-free path along the shoreline of Carlingford Lough to the R173, then take the local road up to the site. All approaches involve uneven, rocky ground that can become slick after rain, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Nearby Attractions
A stop at the cairn easily fits into a broader exploration of the peninsula’s heritage and landscapes:
- Proleek Dolmen – A striking megalithic tomb just a few kilometres away, offering a glimpse into the Neolithic activity in the area.
- Carlingford Castle – King John’s Castle dominates the harbour town, providing a fascinating look at medieval Norman architecture.
- Carlingford Heritage Centre – Housed in a restored 13th-century church, the centre holds detailed research on the Long Woman’s Grave, historic maps, and local family history.
- Cooley Peninsula Scenic Route – A driving loop that connects the region’s coastal beaches, historic villages, and mountain viewpoints.
Visitor Information & Tips
The site is open year-round with no admission charge. There are no on-site facilities, so plan accordingly:
- Parking – A small on-road lay-by sits near the cairn. Use it responsibly and avoid blocking the narrow lane.
- Facilities – No toilets, cafes, or shops are available. The nearest amenities are in Carlingford (approx. 5 km) or Corrakit village.
- Best time to visit – Early morning or late afternoon offers the softest light for photography and usually calmer winds. Spring brings bluebells to the lower slopes, while winter highlights the stark, dramatic contours of the hollow.
- Safety & etiquette – The ground is uneven and the drop-offs near the bog can be muddy. Keep dogs on a lead, stay on established paths to protect the cairn, and take all litter with you.
- Contact – For local information or heritage enquiries, reach out to the Carlingford Heritage Centre at +353 42 937 3454 or info@carlingfordheritagecentre.com.
The Long Woman’s Grave rewards visitors with a rare combination of raw landscape, living folklore, and quiet reflection. Arrive with comfortable boots, leave the car early, and take your time tracing the old tracks that once connected the shepherds, poets, and traders of the Cooley Peninsula. Checking the weather forecast before heading up the Windy Gap will save you a lot of wind-chill, and you’ll be better positioned to spot the cairn rising from the heather.