Louth is located just south of the
border from Northern Ireland on the east coast of the country. It is
the smallest county in Ireland with an area of just 820 square
kilometres, but with a population of 111,000 it is actually
Ireland’s fourth most populated county despite having no cities
within the county. However, the county’s two main towns of Dundalk
and Drogheda are classified as Ireland’s second and third largest
towns. Dundalk lies just 5km from the now invisible border with
Northern Ireland, part of the UK, and is situated where the
Castletown River enters Dundalk Bay. With a population of around
30,000 it is officially the largest town located entirely within
Louth.
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There is some argument as to the correctness of this statement
because Drogheda’s population is growing faster than Dundalk’s, and
repeated recent county boundary changes make the formers current
claim to superiority hard to defend. Drogheda is centred on the
River Boyne which used to be the boundary between Louth and Meath,
thereby splitting the administration of a growing town. Southern
areas of the town centre have been transferred to Louth’s sole
control quite recently. If some Drogheda suburbs which still lie
within neighbouring County Meath are included in the statistical
debate, then Drogheda is clearly the more popular residency of
recent years. This has happened due to the completion of the M1
motorway within the Republic which will eventually link Dublin and
Belfast. High speed rail and road links to Dublin, just 35 miles
away, make Drogheda an ideal commuter town for those preferring to
live outside of the city.
Battle of the Boyne
The Battle of the Boyne between King William III and his
father-in-law, King James II, was fought on 1 July 1690 (11 July
according to our modern calendar). Both kings commanded their armies
in person, 36,000 on the Williamite side and 25,000 on the Jacobite
side - the largest number of troops ever deployed on an Irish
battlefield. At stake were the British throne, French dominance in
Europe and Religious power in Ireland. The Battle of the Boyne
Visitor Centre is located in the recently restored 18th century
Oldbridge House, which is on the battlesite. Access to the Visitor
Centre includes access to the formal gardens. Free access to the
battlesite and parklands only. Location: The Visitor Centre is
located on the South bank of the River Boyne, 4km north of Donore
Village off the M1 Motorway and L21.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre interprets the Neolithic monuments of
Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The extensive exhibition includes a
full scale replica of the chamber at Newgrange as well as a full
model of one of the smaller tombs at Knowth. All admission to
Newgrange and Knowth is through the Visitor Centre, there is no
direct access to these monuments. Visitors are brought from the
Visitor Centre to the monuments by shuttle bus.
Knockabbey Castle & Gardens
Knockabbey Castle has evolved over the last millennium and each of
the families who lived there have left their mark. They contain some
of the finest historical water gardens to be found anywhere in the
country, dating back to the 11th century. The gardens contain a wide
range of magnificent specimen trees and its tulip tree ranks among
the largest and finest in Ireland. Today you have a unique
opportunity to see these gardens restored after generations of
neglect. Spend an afternoon strolling through the 30 acres, which
include meadows, herbaceous border, formal Victorian garden with
restored glasshouse, parkland and various other garden buildings.
Experience the peace and tranquillity of this magical place. Spend
some time in the courtyard where you can view a film on the
restoration in our Interpretive Centre or browse through the Tack
Room. “A visit to Knockabbey Castle and Gardens is like a step back
in time, here you can see for yourself a real piece of Irish
gardening history”
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Millmount Museum
Millmount Museum is the town museum of Drogheda and has won an
International Gulbenkian Museum Award. Located in the Officer's
quarters of a former military barracks built in 1808, the museum has
been described as one of the finest town museums in Ireland. The
Museum houses a wide variety of artefacts of local and national
importance. Chief amongst the attractions is the unique collection
of Guild and Trade Banners, which is recognised by Ireland's
National Museum as been of special significance, and includes the
only remaining guild banners in Ireland. Popular exhibits include an
authentic 18th century Irish Folk Kitchen, Dairy and Laundry, and
the Irish History Room detailing the major events in Ireland's
history.
Holy Trinity Heritage Centre
The beautifully restored medieval church of the Holy Trinity is home
to Carlingford’s history from Viking Times to the present day. Still
retaining its original function as a place of assembly, Holy Trinity
has a year long concert programme and is the perfect venue for
exhibit, meetings, weddings and small drama productions. We also
have full projection and audio facilities – ideal for seminars and
conferences.
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County Museum Dundalk
Located in a lovingly restored late 18th century warehouse the multi
- award winning County Museum Dundalk brings history to life. The
museum celebrates the story of County Louth’s rich, social,
industrial and cultural history from the Stone Age up to the present
day over three exhibition galleries. The museum boasts a fine
72-seater theatre where visitors can view a short film introducing
the many delights of County Louth or enjoy a concert with our summer
recitals. The museum also holds a variety of travelling exhibitions,
lectures and workshops.
Monasterboice
Monasterboice is known for its remains of the monastic settlement
founded by Saint Buite in the fifth century. The remains consist of
an old graveyard, two churches, three sculptured crosses, two early
grave slabs and a sundial. The South church is the older of the two
and it still has the remains of the chancel arch. The smaller church
is situated beside the Round Tower and has no trace of a chancel.
The Round Tower is about 100ft high. It is now missing its upper
part and conical cap. The door is six feet above ground level and is
approached by a modern flight of steps The cross nearest the
graveyard entrance is Muirdeach's Cross, an outstanding example of
high crosses of the Early Christian period in Ireland. It is a
monolith, 17ft high.
Beaulieu House and Garden
Beaulieu Demesne was formed in 1169 by the Blessed Oliver branch of
the Plunkett family. Following the 1641 / 42 siege of Drogheda
ownership changed to Sir Henry Tichbourne Marshal of all Ireland and
defender of Drogheda during the siege. Tichbourne his son and
Grandson constructed the present house. The current owner is tenth
descendant of Sir Henry Tichbourne The Dutch style is unique to
Ireland and thought to be one of the very first unfortified houses
constructed in Ireland. For a house of this age to survive in a
virtually unchanged state is unique and therefore represents a true
national treasure of Irish Heritage. Enjoy guided tours of the house
and the fascinating family history. Stroll at leisure through the
four acres of historic walled Garden. The Car Museum containing a
collection of Classic race and road cars with memorabilia of
Ireland’s top lady driver Gabriel Konig whose race experiences have
taken her worldwide. The House and Gardens are also available for
Wedding Receptions, Conferences and many corporate functions.
Drogheda
Drogheda is midway between Dundalk on the northside and Dublin on
the south. As such, there is two main routes into the city of
Drogheda. This can turn out to be a drivers nightmare. At present
there is no indication that the situation will improve although
there is now a by -pass which will allow limited access to the town.
As there is charge by tolls, a lot of drivers avoid this route and
use only the two main routes into Drogheda further helping to clog
up the roads into the town.
Ardee
Ardee also known as Baile Atha Fherdia is a relatively small town,
where the urban hub includes one long main street and a few smaller
side streets. Ardee is home to a huge amount of history dating back
as far as Cu Chulliann. The battle of Cu Chullainn and Ferdia took
place on the river Dee where the river was the defining point
between North and South. If you are staying within the town centre,
you will be able to walk to most local sights and amenities, weather
permitting. If comfort and convenience are top priority you can hire
a taxi or minibus from the following.
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Towns and Villages in County Louth
If you enter Louth from the south via the spectacular River Boyne
cable-stayed bridge on the M1, you will then be able to explore the
county’s other towns which include Ardee, Baltray, Carlingford (on
the banks of the scenic Carlingford Lough inlet), Castlebellingham,
Kilsaran, Clogherhead, Collon, Dromiskin, Dunleer, Jenkinstown,
Knockbridge, Louth, Omeath (again by Carlingford Lough), Tallanstown,
Termonfeckin, Tinure Cross Roads and Tullyallen.
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