Community invited to the Cross Cooley Challenge launch night in Dundalk's McGeough's Bar

The Cross Cooley Challenge is inviting the local community to come together for the official launch of its 2026 event, taking place on Thursday 16 April at 7pm in the Condil Suite at McGeough’s Bar, Roden Place, Dundalk.

All are welcome to attend.

Now entering its 14th year, the Cross Cooley Challenge has become one of County Louth’s most established and well-supported fundraising events, raising vital funds for North Louth Hospice and the Maria Goretti Foundation.

Since it was founded in 2013, the event has raised over €487,000, with last year alone bringing in €56,000 thanks to the support of nearly 500 participants.

The 2026 challenge will take place on Saturday 23 May and will see participants take on a 15.4km hike from Ravensdale to Carlingford, crossing the Cooley Mountains and taking in some of the most scenic views in the region.

READ NEXT: 'Landmark achievement' for Dundalk's ZOMA Daffodil Day fundraiser

The event is open to everyone and is designed to be completed at your own pace, making it suitable for individuals, groups of friends, families, and corporate teams.

The launch night on Thursday 16 April offers an opportunity for anyone interested in taking part to learn more about the event, meet the organisers and the charities involved, and pick up sponsorship cards ahead of the challenge.

It is also a chance to hear more about the impact the event continues to have locally, with every euro raised going directly to two organisations providing essential support within the community.

North Louth Hospice, founded in 1992, provides care and support to cancer patients and their families in their own homes, as well as assisting with transport to Dublin and Drogheda for treatment.

The service is run entirely by volunteers and remains a vital support for families across the region.

The Maria Goretti Foundation is a registered charity committed to supporting children with disabilities.

Its purpose-built respite centre in Lordship, Co. Louth provides essential services, and the foundation continues to respond to the evolving needs of children and families.

On the day of the challenge, transport will be provided to and from the route. Buses will run from the Greenore Railway Saloon to the starting point near the Lumpers Bar in Ravensdale, with return transport from Carlingford back to Dundalk after the walk.

After completing the route, participants can relax with music and refreshments at the Greenore Railway Saloon.

Registration will be available on the day, while sponsorship cards can be collected in advance from the Greenore Railway Saloon, the organising team, and on the night of the launch. Donations can also be made online via iDonate.

The Cross Cooley Challenge has gone from strength to strength, with growing support each year from individuals, families and local businesses.

It’s a great day out, bringing people together in support of two important local charities.

All are welcome to attend the launch night, and all are encouraged to take part in this year’s challenge.

For more information, visit the Cross Cooley Challenge Facebook or Instagram pages