Where Opposite Highlanes Gallery St. Laurence Street Drogheda Louth Laurence Shopping Centre map sign St Laurence Street forms, with West Street, the main east-west axis of the medieval town. A gently curving street, St Laurence Street stretches between the defensive medieval towers of St Laurence’s Gate and the urbane cupola of the mid-eighteenth century Tholsel. In 1616 the Archbishop of Armagh built his palace (which has now gone) next to the gate. Over a hundred years later when the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, Henry Singleton, built his Palladian house next door (c.1740), the archbishop’s palace, with its irregular windows and gables, looked old fashioned. Although Singleton’s house and the equally impressive house of his other neighbour, Mr Clarke, the schoolmaster of Drogheda Free School (later Drogheda Grammar School) on St Laurence Street were demolished in 1989, many of the Georgian terraced houses, built by Drogheda merchants in the eighteenth century, survive. They transformed what became a wider and more regular street with their tall facades, each with an elegant pedimented doorway. In the nineteenth century the street was enlivened with more highly decorated commercial and community buildings. There is the former Belfast Bank (south side of St Laurence Street, at the Tholsel end, now a commercial building, 48 St Laurence Street) with its pairs of polished granite colonettes and granite bosses. The Bank of Ireland on the north side of St Laurence Street, is a palazzo built in 1876. There is also Whitworth Hall, built on part of the site once occupied by the archbishop’s palace. Whitworth Hall was built by Benjamin Whitworth. Having established successful cotton mills in Manchester, he came to Drogheda and set up a large cotton mill at Greenhills in 1864. Whitworth Hall was intended as a place of entertainment, education and sociability. The highlight was the well-appointed curved and galleried hall for shows, exhibitions, and amateur theatricals. Whitworth’s architect, William Barre, produced an Italian palace, built in warm red brick decorated with stone and terracotta.

Where St. Laurence's Gate Drogheda Louth Image Gallery St. Laurence's Gate sign map St. Laurence’s Gate (Formerly Great East Gate) Living with town walls This is the external barbican that stood on the east side of St Laurence’s Gate. It is a defensive structure with two strong round towers and a portcullis gate. There was once a timber platform between the towers from which the portcullis would have been operated. If you look to the right down Featherbed Lane, you will see the most impressive remains of the town wall. It was a massive stone structure, with a round-headed arcade on the inner face to support a wall walk. After Dublin, Drogheda was the most important town in medieval Ireland. This meant that the earthen rampart and ditch, constructed after the town was founded (about 1172), was soon replaced by a stone wall financed from murage grants (the first dated to 1234) that matched standards set in England. St Laurence’s Gate, one of the three medieval gates in the north town (the others were Sunday’s Gate to the north and West Gate), is a testimony to the impressiveness of Drogheda’s defences. The walls and gates were maintained until the late eighteenth century. After 1787 the Council Book records their progressive dismantling. However, people retained memories of the gates well into the nineteenth century as the only places to enter and leave the town: “… it is within the recollection of many, how solemnly they used to be closed at the ninth hour, and a watchman assigned to each, through whom ingress or egress might be obtained till midnight, when the keys of all were deposited in the central guard-house, and no further thoroughfare was tolerated until morning.” (John D’Alton, History of Drogheda (1844))

Where Peter's Hill Drogheda Louth Image Gallery Peter's Hill sign map St. Peter’s Church of Ireland Following the history of the parish church of St Peter There has been a church on this hill for over 800 years. The first was founded by Hugh de Lacy, a powerful Anglo-Norman magnate who accompanied Henry II to Ireland in 1171. Endowed by wealthy merchants, the church grew as the town expanded, becoming an extensive structure with at least three chancels, arcaded aisles, and a central tower. There were 14 chapels whose dedications included the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Laurence and St Patrick. Almost nothing remains of this earlier magnificent building except the large stone font at the west end of the present church. It is decorated with the twelve apostles, who stand solemnly within round-arched niches, under which angels, carved at an angle, are poised to fly. Like most buildings it underwent cycles of repair. It was very badly damaged in September 1649 when Cromwell’s troops bombarded the body of the church and set fire to the timber steeple where Royalist soldiers had sought refuge. Many were burnt and many more killed as they fled. The ruined church, partly restored for services, was a stark reminder of this episode for over 100 years until the present structure was erected. The old building was demolished in 1748 and the present church constructed. It has a fine façade of smooth limestone, a poised symmetry and a carefully calibrated tower, behind which the large body of the church is constructed in irregular limestone blocks. Inside, is one of the most evocative eighteenth-century church interiors in Ireland, with its oak gallery and, in the chancel, baroque plasterwork decorated with fruits and flowers, and two great birds hovering on either side of the east window. St John’s Poorhouse Funded by Drogheda Corporation and private bequests, these almshouses were first established in 1540. This building was erected in 1816. In 1844 the inhabitants received £7.10 a fortnight. Admission was a lottery: after petitioning the council to add your name to the list, a ballot decided who would be admitted. ‘The Alleys’ or ‘Widows’ houses’ These almshouses were built between c.1729 and 1739 in four terraces off Church Lane. They can be seen over the wall at the rear of St Peter’s graveyard. They were built by the charity for the widows of Armagh clergymen, founded in c.1706 by Narcissus Marsh when he was Archbishop of Armagh.

Where Magdalene Street Corner of Green Lanes Drogheda Louth Image Gallery Magdalene Street (corner of Green Lanes) sign map A cadaver tomb slab in the graveyard wall Built into the east wall of the graveyard of St Peters Church of Ireland is the cover slab of a tomb chest which depicts two decaying corpses, the original tomb was located nearby. Edmond Goldyng and his second wife, Elizabeth Flemyng are shown covered in shrouds and in advanced states of decay. They are cadaver effigies. Such memorial sculpture was carved in Europe in the aftermath of the pandemic of 1347–50 later known as the Black Death. The carvings have been dated to the early sixteenth century, about 200 years after the Black Death.

Where Magdalene Street Corner of Rope Walk Drogheda Louth Image Gallery Magdalene Street (corner of Rope Walk) sign map St Mary Magdalene Friary The Unification of Drogheda At one time, two distinct (and mutually hostile) towns were located north and south of the Boyne. The St Mary Magdalene Friary dominated this area and in 1412 a friar, Fr Philip Bennet, overcame the historic divisions between the two towns north and south of the River Boyne. Bennet invited both sides to hear him preach on the 133rd psalm: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” Then he confronted his congregation, he demanded three times “Will you be united in the body of Christ?”. Finally, Alderman William Symcock replied “We will!” Bennet seized the moment, and a petition was sent to King Henry IV in London who issued a Charter unifying the town of Drogheda. Thomas FitzGerald In 1467, the St Mary Magdalene Friary witnessed one of Ireland’s most brutal falls from grace, that of 41 year old Thomas FitzGerald the seventh Earl of Desmond, Lord Deputy of Ireland and victor of the Ireland’s only War of the Roses battle. However, he’d also made powerful enemies. These included John Tiptoft, first Earl of Worcester, the Bishop of Meath and even King Edward IV’s queen, Elizabeth Woodville, who is said to have taken offence at some remarks by Thomas, which drew attention to her obscure birth, a subject on which she was understandably sensitive, as her husband had been ridiculed for marrying one who was “not the daughter of a Duke or Earl”. While attending a parliament in Drogheda, Thomas was seized by Tiptoft who, confirming his nickname of the ‘Butcher of England’, had him beheaded. Information provided by Fáilte Ireland

Where Moores Lane Magdalene Street upper Drogheda Louth Magdalene Tower has been a landmark in Drogheda for nearly 500 years The extent and prestige of the Dominican Friary of St Mary Magdalene can be gauged by the height of the surviving tower and its position on elevated ground. The friary was founded in 1224 by Luke de Netterville, the Archbishop of Armagh, and was supported by kings, popes and parliaments: royal alms, papal indulgences and exchequer grants. But when, as part of the dissolution of monasteries, it was closed in 1540 most of the buildings had already been taken down.

Drogheda’s new visitor orientation signage has been designed to link the important heritage assets’ of the town’s historic core.  It offers an enhanced wayfinding experience for visitors, giving a sense of place at key arrival points where you can learn more about the fascinating stories of Drogheda’s bygone times. Enjoy discovering all 21 signs which are focused on a North-South and an East-West axis within the town centre.  Both axes intersect at a cross roads, meeting at the Tholsel on West Street in the centre of Drogheda’s Historic Quarter.  The sign locations are listed below, click on their links for more information. Moores Lane Magdalene Street (Corner of Rope Walk) Magdalene Street (Corner of Green Lanes) Peter’s Hill St. Laurence’s Gate Laurence Shopping Centre Highlanes Gallery St. Laurence Street West Street (Opposite the Tholsel) West Street (St. Peters Roman Catholic Church) West Street (Top of Patrickswell Lane) Old Abbey Lane Old Abbey Lane (Top of Fr. Connolly Way) West Street & West Gate (Barlow House) West Gate (Corner of West Street) St. Augustine’s Church (Shop Street) North Quay (Corner of St. Mary’s Bridge, Shop Street) South Quay (Corner of St. Mary’s Bridge) The Bull Ring (James Street) Pitcher Hill (Barrack Street, Pitcher Hill Steps) Millmount Terrace

Where Various locations Louth County Louth is located in Ireland’s Ancient East and is less than 1 hours travel from Dublin or Belfast.  It’s packed full of fun things to do for all the family making it the perfect choice for a short family break.  So when you’re planning your next adventure, make sure to put Louth on the list! Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Louth 1 - Walk or Cycle the Carlingford Lough Greenway The 7km Carlingford Lough Greenway winds along the water’s edge between Carlingford Marina and the village of Omeath and is ideal for walking or cycling.  Bikes and e-bikes, as well as all the necessary safety equipment and trailers for the little ones, are available to rent locally from Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire , or On Yer Bike .  Take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the mostly off-road trail, which brings you past fields of grazing sheep, over bridges and old level crossings and has panoramic views of Slieve Foye, the Mountains of Mourne across the lough. Why not treat yourself to a coffee, ice cream or a bite to eat in one of the great local cafés and restaurants. 2 - Make Waves on Carlingford Lough There’s lots of ways to experience Carlingford Lough from the water!  Be your own captain with Float Your Boat tours who offer self-drive boat hire making for an exciting and memorable family day out.  Carlingford Lough Sea Tours give wonderful sightseeing tours onboard their boat ‘Discovery’, taking in Carlingford, Greenore and the historic Haulbowline lighthouse.  Hop onboard the fully restored 1940’s tug boat ‘Brienne’ for a tour of the lough  with Louth Adventures  to hear about the myths and legends of the area, along with how the Vikings arrived!  Or simply board the Carlingford Lough Ferry at Greenore and take the trip across the lough to Greencastle and back.  You’ll have spectacular panoramic views from their visitor viewing deck and might even catch sight of ‘Finn’ the lough’s resident dolphin! 3 - Have an Action Packed Adventure on Land or Sea Plan an amazing activity that your gang will never forget at one of Louth’s outdoor adventure centres.  Carlingford Adventure Centre has lots of woodland and water based activities to enjoy including kayaking, water trampolining, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), rock climbing, and lazer combat to name a few.  And their sister company Skypark is the largest Aerial Adventure Course in Ireland with more than 30 obstacles and 7 zip wires, offering adventure activities for all ages and abilities. Celtic Adventures in Clogherhead also have Summer Camps with land and water based activities for kids.  Their activities include kayaking, raft building, SUP boarding, archery tag, paintball target range, bush craft survival, and loads more! 4 - Get Up Close and Personal with Curious Alpacas Animal lovers will adore a trip to Long Acre Alpacas .  This small family run farm nestled in the heart of County Louth keeps alpacas, sheep, goats, poultry and donkeys. Book a family friendly ‘Farmyard Tour’ or a 2 hour ‘Alpaca Trekking Experience’ where you walk with your own alpaca through the scenic countryside.  After your walk why not relax in their covered picnic area or head into nearby Ardee town for a spot of lunch. 5 - Experience the Thrill of Outdoor Kart Racing For the older kids...get the adrenalin pumping with thrills and excitement at Whiteriver Park in Collon.  Located just minutes off Junction 12 on the M1 motorway, the 1.2km long track is built to FIA standards!  Minimum age and height restrictions apply - please refer to their website for all the details. 6 - Have Fun at Funtasia There’s no end of fun and excitement to be had at Funtasia Themepark in Drogheda.  Splash about in Ireland’s largest indoor Waterpark where you and your family can enjoy 200 different water-based activities including the Pirate’s Cove play area and thrilling water slides.  Or enjoy over 15 different activities in their Themepark ranging from the ‘Ultimate Skyclimb‘ aerial assault course, to bowling, crazy golf, soft play areas and all the fun of the fairground.  There’s something for the whole family to enjoy and it’s ideal for those rainy days!  Be sure to book online for savings. 7 - Enjoy Exploring Louth’s Coastline Louth’s coastline is dotted with quaint piers and beautiful strands that stretch for miles.  Why not pick up a  sea louth  passport from one of the local  tourist offices  and set off on a drive along Louth’s scenic seafood trail.  See how many of the stamps the kids can collect for their passport!  If the weather is sunny, then a fun-filled day at the seaside is always a winner.  Why not plan a day out at Clogherhead, Port or Templetown Blue Flag beaches where you can soak up the salty sea air and build sandcastles with the little ones.  Round the day off with some tasty fish & chips fresh off the boats.  The Fisherman’s Catch trailer at Clogherhead Pier is a popular choice, or head to one of the superb restaurants along the sea louth trail for some delicious local seafood. 8 - Take a Refreshing Walk in the Great Outdoors Have a great time exploring the outdoors on a leafy lakeside or forest walk.  Enjoy rambling through gently rolling woodland at Townley Hall Woods , near Drogheda.  Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge Estate where the epic battle is brought to life in the visitor centre, plus there’s a Victorian walled garden, tea-rooms, picnic areas and various battle-site walks to explore.  Ravensdale Forest Park situated a short drive from Dundalk, offers invigorating forest walks on steep mountain side trails.  Amenities include car parking, picnic areas and walking trails.  Or for a more relaxing stroll, visit Stephenstown Pond , a popular nature park with lakeside walkways, picnic areas and a generous playground located near Knockbridge, not far from Dundalk. Accommodation:  County Louth offers a great range of first-rate accommodation for visitors to choose from, ranging from Four Star hotels to cosy B&Bs and guest houses, as well as self-catering and glamping options.  For a list of accommodation in Louth  click here  (and filter by town).  Restaurants:  For a list of restaurants in Louth click  here  (and filter by town). Note:  Opening hours and booking requirements should be confirmed with individual attractions and restaurants in advance of visiting.  Keep Discovering Why not explore more of County Louth, there is so much to see and do, from outdoor adventures, historic attractions, blue flag beaches and seafood trails to miles of mountain & coastal walks.  Plan your visit  here ,  download a  Visit Louth Map & Guide   or check out other Visit Louth itineraries  here .   Cover, Skypark & Beach images: Fáilte Ireland

"I swear by the oath of my people", said Cúchulainn, "I will make my doings be spoken of among the great doings of heroes in their strength" - Cúchulainn of Muirthemne by Lady Gregory A long time ago, in ancient Ireland, it was prophesied that a great warrior would be born and that his great deeds would give him everlasting fame, but that his life would be a short one. This warrior was known for his terrifying battle frenzy in which he becomes an unrecognisable monster who knows neither friend nor foe, and fights with amazing strength.  The story of a boy called Setanta. Setanta A king called Conor MacNessa ruled in ancient Ireland. His warriors called the Red Branch Knights, defended this land, known then as Ulster.  The king trained them to be strong and brave men. They had to be, as this was a time of war, magic and the supernatural.  In Dundalk (known then as the Plains of Muirthemne), there was a boy called Setanta, he had magic strength and loved the game of hurling and always wanted to be a Red Branch Knight. From a very early age he showed superhuman qualities of wisdom, warfare, magic and poetry.  And, he was to become a legend. Setanta was a happy child who loved to play the game of hurling with his friends. His team always won. When Setanta was only ten he asked his parents to let him join the Red Branch Knights. They told him, he was too young. But, Setanta knew that it was his destiny to become a mighty warrior, so one night, while everyone was asleep, he got his hurling stick and ball and left for King Conor MacNessa’s castle at Emain Macha. Before becoming a Red Branch Knight, he had to get into the boys army called the Macra first. It was a long trip but when he got there, a hurling match was on. Setanta joined in and the other boys did not like it because he was such a good hurler, and was so strong. However the King said he could stay. He liked this special boy. One day, the king invited Setanta to a feast at the fort of Culann the blacksmith. “I am going to a party at Culann’s, do you want to come?” Setanta replied, “I will come later as I am playing a hurling match.” Cúchulainn's First Battle Later that night he set off. It was a long trip. He gets to the fort and finds that not only has the feast already started, but that the gates are locked and an enormous wolfhound is guarding the fort.  The hound attacks him. He hits the sliotar (hurling ball) down the throat of this huge animal and kills Culann’s hound. Culann cannot believe that his hound has been defeated.  Setanta promises to guard the fort “I’ll be your guard dog until you can replace the one I killed.  I’ll be the “Hound of Culann” ["CúChulainn"],” said Setanta. So that’s how Cúchulainn got his name. Soon he became the best guard of all and joined the knights. He was the best Red Branch Knight ever, and in his most famous battle he defends the lands of Ulster by himself, because all the other Red Branch Knights and warriors are under a magic curse.  Read about “ Táin Bó Cuailnge ” to learn more about Cúchulainn, the greatest of all Irish Warriors. Cúchulainn's Battles - The Brown Bull of Cooley - Táin Bó Cuailnge  Cúchulainn is most celebrated in his pivotal role in the epic Táin Bó Cuailnge, the cattle raid of Cooley.  This tale is ranked amongst the oldest legends in the canon of European folktales and highlights the importance of cattle in Iron Age Ireland.  The story recounts the theft of the Brown Bull of Cooley by Queen Medb of Connacht and Cúchulainn’s efforts to ward off this army.  The story ends with his death in a field tied to a stone, most vividly captured in the sculpture by Oliver Sheppard, which was crafted as a memorial symbolising those who fought for Irish independence and was inspired by the Easter Rising of 1916.  Perhaps the most poignant aspect to the Táin is the battle between Cúchulainn and Ferdia, Cúchulainn’s foster-brother and best-friend. Cúchulainn's Battle Frenzy Cúchulainn is renowned for one thing above all else: his berserker battle-rage. When Cúchulainn really became mad, all hell would break loose. First he quivered all over, and then his body began to twist backwards. His knees and shins shifted themselves to the back, as did the frontal sinews of his neck, where they protruded out like lumps. One eye receded back into his head, and the other bulged out upon his cheek. His mouth widened until it met his ears, and sparks flew out of it.  His heart pounded as loud as a great metal drum, and his locks stood up on end, with a spark of flame at the end of every hair.  A great horn jutted out of his forehead, and a vast spurt of black blood jetted up from his skull, where it spread out like a cloud of dark gloom over the battlefield, not a pretty sight.

An Bradán Feasa — The Salmon of Knowledge Fionn MacCumhaill - also known as Finn McCool, became the leader of Na Fianna, a band of warriors responsible for the safety of the High King of Ireland. His fame is most notable in relation to two stories The Salmon of Knowledge and his role in The Pursuit of Diarmaid and Grainne.  The Salmon of Knowledge (in Irish, An Bradán Feasa) is a creature from the Fenian Cycle of Irish Mythology.   According to Irish mythology the first thing to ever come into creation was a hazel tree, and in it's branches was contained all the knowledge of the universe. This hazel tree flourished over the Well of Wisdom (Tobar Segais) within which lived a great speckled salmon. The story goes that the salmon ate the hazel nuts which on one occasion fell into the well, thus acquiring all the wisdom of the universe. It was foretold that the first person to catch and eat the salmon would gain this knowledge and that a man by the name of Fionn would be the one to do so. Nonetheless, many tried and failed, until a poet named Finnegas having spent seven years fishing the Boyne caught it. Finnegas instructed his apprentice, a young boy named Deimne Maol, to prepare it for him. Deimne burned his thumb bursting a blister on the cooking salmon.  Instinctively he put his thumb into his mouth to ease the pain and in an instant acquired all its knowledge. When Dimne brought the cooked meal to Finnegas, his master saw something in the boy's eyes that had not been there before. When asked by Finnegas, Deimne denied that he had eaten of the fish.  When pressed, he admitted his accidental taste. What the old poet hadn't known was that Deimne had another name, given to him by his mother - Fionn, meaning fair haired one. It was this incredible knowledge and wisdom gained from the Salmon of Knowledge that allowed Fionn mac Cumhaill to become the leader of the Fianna, the famed heroes of Irish myth. He was killed at Áth Brea or Ford of Brea on the Boyne.

Táin Bó Cuailnge (The Brown Bull of Cooley) The 3 wonders of The Táin: It is said that a years protection is given on those to whom it is recited;That those who hear The Táin shall be blessed with health;And that those who do not sleep or converse during the telling, shall obtain their hearts desire. The Legend Cúchulainn is most celebrated in his pivotal role in the epic Táin Bó Cuailnge (pronounced - Tawn Bow Coole-in-ya), the cattle raid of Cooley.  The Táin Bó Cuailnge, written more than 1,200 years ago, is Ireland's greatest legend and one of Europe's oldest epics.  In this saga Queen Maeve of Connacht and her husband Ailill decide one night to compare their possessions.  After much discussion, it becomes evident that Ailill owns a great white bull, Finnbennach, of which Maeve has no equal. There is only one bull in Ireland equal to Finbennach, the great brown bull of Cooley (Cooley is a peninsula in modern day Co. Louth).  Maeve decides she must have the Brown Bull... and so begins the story of the Táin.  Maeve and her armies set off from the Royal Palace at Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon in pursuit of the Brown Bull. Maeve lines up a formidable army against Ulster and invokes a magic spell against the Ulstermen.  The only thing that stands in her way is Cuchulainn, the greatest of all Celtic heroes, who defends the Brown Bull and the lands of Ulster, as his fellow warriors lie asleep under the spell.  Since Cúchulainn is not an born Ulsterman he is unaffected by the spell.  Single-handedly our hero takes on Maeve’s army. Cute and cunning Maeve uses her wiles to make another great  warrior, Ferdia, jealous of Cúchulainn.  Against his better judgement Ferdia is lured into facing his friend and foster brother Cúchulainn. For days they battle it out at Ardee (Ath Fherdia) and by night they assist and nurse each other. They pledge always to be brothers but eventually Cúchulainn kills Ferdia.  Maeve gets her brown bull but it is a short lived victory for she loses him soon after.  According to legend Cúchulainn, who was fatally wounded, tied himself to a standing stone at Knockbridge, so that he could stay upright and face the opposing army.  Sadly Cúchulainn dies of his battle wounds.

The River Boyne derives its name from the legendary Celtic goddess Boann (or Boand).  The story goes that there was once a magical well - the Well of Wisdom (Tobar Segais in Irish) - which belogned to Nechtain, King of Leinster and husband to the godess Boann.  Nechtain was very protective of his magical well and no one but he and his three cup bearers were permitted to viist it.  One day Boann decided to visit the well and see for herself its wonders.  Some say she walked around the well three times counter sun-wise, others say she merely peered into its magical depths.  Whatever the case, the waters of the well rose up - blinding, mutilating and drowning the goddess - and then rushed seawards turning into a river.  Though nothing remains of the mythical well, it's waters remain in the form of the River Boyne, named after the drowned Goddess Boann.