Where Faughart Co. Louth Image Gallery Explore the Birthplace and Legacy of St. Brigid Discover the Legacy of St. Brigid Born at sunrise on February 1, 452, in Faughart, just outside Dundalk, St. Brigid’s story is intricately woven into the fabric of Louth’s history. Her life, characterized by healing, fertility, poetry, and care for the land, is beautifully linked to the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who embodies wisdom and rebirth. Growing up on her father’s farm in Faughart, she developed a profound respect for nature and the world around her. St. Brigid’s Day has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marked fertility, the arrival of spring, renewal, and light. Visitors can embark on a spiritual journey to the ancient site of Faughart, home to St. Brigid’s Shrine and Well , a place of pilgrimage for centuries. In 1934, Cardinal Mac Rory declared Faughart the National Shrine of St. Brigid for all of Ireland, solidifying its significance as a site of tranquil beauty and reflection. The shrine is home to Sruth Bhríde (St. Brigid’s Stream), modern and ancient Stations of the Cross, and healing stones that are revered for their sacred powers. Adding a modern touch to this ancient legacy, visual artist Friz has depicted Brigid as both Goddess and Saint in a striking mural created for the SEEK Urban Arts Festival in Dundalk. This artwork bridges Brigid’s ancient heritage with Louth’s vibrant modern culture. Events to Celebrate St. Brigid’s Day A variety of events are planned across Louth to honour St. Brigid’s enduring legacy, here is a sample of what happened in 2025 Candlelit Procession to Faughart Graveyard On Sunday, February 2nd, the Brigid of Faughart Community Group hosted an ancient-style candlelit procession starting at St. Brigid’s Shrine and concluding at Faughart Graveyard. Open to people of all faiths and none, the procession was led by robed figures, a lone drummer, and local schoolchildren. It culminated at the Hill of Faughart with a fire-lit motte, candlelit ruins, and Gregorian chant, honoring Brigid’s connection to County Louth and her legacy as a Celtic Goddess and Ireland’s matron saint. The Northern Lights Celebrating Brigid at Market Square, Dundalk the Northern Lights multisensory light performance illuminted Dundalk’s Market Square in celebration of St. Brigid. This breathtaking display, choreographed to music, intertwined historical, cultural, and spiritual elements with cutting-edge technology. Pilgrimage Walk from The Hill of Faughart to Dundalk   On Sunday, 2nd February, pilgrims walked the Day 1 route of the Brigid's Way Celtic Pilgrimage. Starting at St. Brigid’s Holy Well on the Hill of Faughart, the route led down to St. Brigid’s Shrine and ancient stones, then through Kilcurry and Toberona, finishing with a walk through the countryside of the Lisnawilly Estate to Brigid’s Stream in Dundalk. There was ritual including a Brigid Water Blessing, storytelling of her myths and legends, and fascinating history of this wonderful part of Ireland's Ancient East. Community-Led Celebrations: Local groups, such as Cooley Connect Well, hosted Imbolc celebrations featuring traditional crafts, storytelling, foraging, and guided walks. These activities provided opportunities to reconnect with the natural and cultural heritage that Brigid symbolised. Brigid’s Trail Map & Guide For those seeking to explore Brigid’s legacy, Brigid’s Trail Map & Guide highlights key sites, including the ‘Brigid of Faughart’ mural in Dundalk, St. Brigid’s Shrine, and Holy Well in Faughart. Plan Your Visit St. Brigid’s Day, now a public holiday celebrated annually on the first Monday in February, is the perfect time to explore Louth, the birthplace of Ireland’s beloved saint. Whether you seek a spiritual retreat, an outdoor adventure, or a journey through rich cultural heritage, Louth has something for everyone. Discover the county's vibrant history, stunning landscapes, and connections to the life of St. Brigid, and experience why Louth is one of Ireland's most enchanting destinations.   Plan Your Visit here

Where Market Square Dundalk Louth Contact T: +353 42 9352111 E: info@dundalktouristoffice.ie Visit Website Location Dundalk Tourist Information Office, occupies a prominent position in the Market Square. Opening Hours The Tourist office is open all year round, Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 17.00 hours Services include: Accommodation booking service, Itinerary and route planning, Local and national information, Map sales, What's on, in the area and nationally etc. Visit Dundalk Tourist Office Facebook page

Contact E: sealouth@louthcoco.ie ​Pick up a sea louth passport from Carlingford, Dundalk or Drogheda tourist offices (or download one online) and take off on an unforgettable journey along Louth’s scenic coastline.  Unlike a regular passport, the sea louth passport has no expiry date, so you are free to dip in and out of the trail all year long. Collect 10 of the 14 unique scenic viewpoint stamps, plus two restaurant stamps, from participating restaurants, and exchange your completed sea louth passport for an exclusive memento. Let’s get going… The tranquil coastal village of Omeath is the most northerly viewpoint on the trail and where we kick-off our journey. Take time out to enjoy stunning views across the lough before popping into much loved, local landmark, Mulligans Corner House for a browse and to collect your Omeath stamp. Choose a nice day to walk or cycle along the beautiful loughside Greenway from Omeath to Carlingford (or vice-versa).  Don't have your own bike? No worries...check out On Yer Bike or Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire and you’ll be on your way in no time!  Enjoy soaking up the wonderful coastal views and if you’re lucky you might just catch a glimpse of one of the resident dolphins! Carlingford is next up on the trail.  Make the Tourist Office your first port of call to discover all there is to see and do in this medieval village.  Perhaps book a guided walking tour of Carlingford Castle and the historic village.  While you're here why not have a bite to eat in one of the many participating restaurants, you'll be spoilt for choice! Nearby, the Victorian Railway Village of Greenore is reminiscent of a bye gone era.  Hop on the Carlingford Lough Ferry to capture some of the most instagrammable views...or simply linger on the shore to watch the ships as they journey through the lough!  Pop into Greenore Co-Op to say hello and stamp your passport. If you're looking to take the road less travelled then pay a visit to Templetown Blue Flag Beach , a real hidden gem on the Cooley Peninsula.  Stop off for an ice cream and to stamp your passport at nearby Barrys Shop in Grange. Just a short distance away, picturesque Gyles Quay is not to be missed.  Nestled at the foot of the Cooley Mountains, this peaceful harbour is a haven for walkers and has panoramic views across Dundalk Bay.  You can collect your passport stamp at Gyles Quay Caravan Park or Sheelans Shop close by. Our next scenic viewpoint is Dundalk Bay , a Special Area of Conservation, it’s renowned as a must visit location for Bird Watchers.  A series of pathways & boardwalks allow you explore the riverside estuary, stretching from the Newry Road along the Navvy Bank to Soldier’s Point.  The vibrant town of Dundalk has plenty to offer; from a thriving shopping scene and excellent restaurants, to a wealth of historic and cultural sites.  Be sure to call into the Tourist Office at Market Square for all the local info and to stamp your passport. Up next on the trail is the scenic village of Blackrock with its charming seafront promenade.  Enjoy the relaxed vibe and lovely artisan shops, bars, cafés and award winning restaurants.  Remember to pop into The Crafty Rock to stamp your passport. Further along the coast you’ll find Annagassan , a hidden gem with a quaint harbour where the river Glyde meets the sea.  Once an important Viking Settlement, this charming scenic viewpoint is midway on the sea louth trail.  If you're looking for a bite to eat check out The Glyde Inn.  This family run traditional pub & restaurant has fantastic local seafood and beachfront views.  This is your chance to sample lesser-known seafood delicacies such as cockles and razor clams – don’t miss out!  Call into O'Neills Newsagents across the road to stamp your passport before you leave. Located a few short miles south of Annagassan is Port Blue Flag beach .  This sweeping stretch of strand draws visitors from far and wide!  Stroll along the golden sands or simply sit and soak up breath-taking views as far as Dunany Point to the north and Clogherhead to the south.  The salty sea air is sure to work up an appetite, so don't forget to pack a picnic! You won't want to miss this next stop on the trail.  A visit to Port Oriel harbour is a must, with uninterrupted mountain views to the north and Lambay Island to the south, it’s a real gem!  A number of the sea louth producers are based here at Port Oriel.  Check out the Fisherman's Catch Fish Shop for their fresh catch of the day and to stamp your passport.  Top tips if you're feeling hungry...the Fisherman's Catch fish & chips are to die for, so why not try it for yourself! (Check their website for current opening times).  Or head back towards the village to the Smugglers Rest and treat yourself to one of their many famous Dublin Bay Prawn or Dunany Crab dishes.  All locally landed at Clogherhead!  Clogherhead also boasts a beautiful sandy blue flag beach that stretches for miles, known locally as the 'Little Strand'.  Perfect for some summer seaside fun! Next up is Termonfeckin .  The beach there is prized for its natural, unspoiled environment, and was awarded a 2023 Green Coast Award by An Taisce - a symbol of environmental excellence!  It's the ideal spot for an invigorating beach walk with sand stretching as far as the eyes can see!  Remember to call into Maddens Centra & Maxol Station or The Forge Field Farm Shop to stamp your passport. Along the coast road, between Termonfeckin and Drogheda, discover the tranquil village of Baltray .  Nestled on banks of the River Boyne estuary, this unspoiled setting has great views across shallow lagoons from the village green.  Enjoy a round of golf and savour the panoramic views over the sand dunes at County Louth Golf Club . Their restaurant is part of the sea louth trail and is regarded for fresh seafood dishes sourced locally from the fishing boats in nearby Clogherhead.  The beach (which is easiest accessed via Termonfeckin) is known for the remains of the ‘Irish Trader’ shipwreck. Drogheda is the most southerly scenic viewpoint, and the perfect place to finish up (or kick off) your scenic seafood trail.  Rich in heritage, this busting port town was founded and flourished at the narrowest point of the Boyne River and is also gateway to the most sacred and mythological landscape of the Boyne Valley region.  The town itself has plenty to offer; from a thriving shopping scene and excellent seafood restaurants, to a wealth of historic and cultural sites.  Top tip... a trip to Drogheda would not be complete without a visit to the Shrine of Saint Oliver Plunkett located in the French Gothic styled Saint Peter’s Church in the town centre!  Be sure to call into the nearby Tourist Office in the Tholsel to stamp your passport and find out all there is to see and do. Louth may be Ireland's smallest county but when it comes to seafood we've got plenty to shout about!   If you'd like to discover more about the people behind Louth's delicious seafood...why not check out sealouth.ie or pick up a sea louth producers brochure from Carlingford, Dundalk or Drogheda Tourist Office.  While you explore the sea louth trail watch out for this amazing seafood on the menus of participating restaurants, they're located along the entire stretch of coast, with some inland gems too.  There’s so much to see, eat and admire on a trip to Louth…you’ll be coming back for more! For details of the 14 Scenic Viewpoints, stamp collection points, participating restaurants, maps, blogs and more visit sealouth.ie . Keep Discovering Why not explore more of County Louth, there is so much to see and do.  Plan your visit  here ,   download a  Visit Louth Map & Guide here   or check out other Visit Louth itineraries  here . 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.  Cover image: Port Oriel Harbour, Clogherhead courtesy of sea louth

If you’re looking for something a little bit different when exploring Ireland’s Ancient East, we’ve got you covered with our list of unusual visitor attractions unique to county Louth! 1. Saint Oliver Plunkett’s Shrine St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in the heart of Drogheda has beautiful stained-glass windows and highly decorative interiors attracting thousands of visitors each year.   However, it’s not only it’s beauty that attracts so many; the church is also world famous for the relics of Saint Oliver Plunkett, whose preserved head is housed there in a specially made shrine for veneration. 2. The Jumping Church Next up, Kildemock Church ruin, more famously known as the “Jumping Church”, is located in mid-Louth only a few kilometres south of Ardee.  The ruin dates to the 14th century, though the site also contains carved stones from the 13th century.  Its west gable wall has jumped inward to a few feet from its foundations and is believed to have happened in February 1715 during a storm.  However, according to local legend, the gable of the building jumped inside the wall of the original foundation to exclude an excommunicated church member who had been buried in the church.  We think that sounds much more interesting! The Jumping Church (Image Courtesy of Tourism Ireland) 3. The Magic Hill Located at Jenkinstown, just a few kilometres outside Dundalk, we have what is known as the “ Magic Hill ”. If you put your car into neutral at the bottom of the hill, it will go back up the hill by itself!  What causes it to roll back? Well!, there are some who say that it’s a powerful magnetic force emanating from the depths of the earth that causes it. Others believe that it’s just magic, and still others believe that it’s caused by unseen Leprechaun’s who pull the cars from below for sheer devilment!  4. Ireland’s Last Leprechaun Whisperer Pay a visit to ‘McCoillte’, Whisperer to the last remaining Leprechauns in Ireland !  He hails from the village of Carlingford set at the foot of the majestic Slieve Foye mountain on the breathtaking Cooley Peninsula.  You’re sure to be entertained as he regales their stories and the fascinating folklore that surrounds Carlingford Lough.  A magical, mythical experience for the young (and young at heart)! 5. The Long Woman’s Grave As you drive through the scenic Cooley mountains above the village of Omeath, you’ll come across an unusual local landmark known as “ The Long Woman's Grave ” or “The Cairn of Cauthleen”.  The story goes… that here sleeps a Spanish noblewoman who was tricked into marriage by the son of a local Chieftain, only to die of disappointment!  Why not make a pit stop to read all about this quirky legend. Keep Discovering Once you’ve ticked these off the list, why not keep discovering… There’s lots of other amazing things to experience here in beautiful county Louth! Plan your visit here ,   download a  Visit Louth Map & Guide here  or check out other Visit Louth itineraries  here . 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 listing 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.

Enjoy exploring this legendary county on a shoestring with our list of free things to do in County Louth. There ’ s so much to discover from mountain walks to forest trails, and museums to art galleries…so why not pack a picnic and make a day of it! 1. Take a Trip to the Seaside Enjoy beach walks, rock pooling, or building sandcastles with the kids. Louth has three Blue Flag sandy beaches to choose from located at Templetown, Port and Clogherhead. 2. Uncover the History of Louth Find out more about Louth ’ s history from the Mesolithic era to the modern day on a visit to the County Museum in Dundalk. The museum has three floors of permanent exhibitions and an extensive programme of temporary displays. 3.  Have a Leisurely Walk by the Lough Stroll along the picturesque Carlingford Lough Greenway , a 7km linear pathway following the shoreline between Carlingford Marina and the village of Omeath.  It ’ s a wonderful way to experience the natural landscape and amazing scenery. 4.  Playground Fun No matter where you are, you ’ re not too far from a playground   - there are lots dotted around the county that the little ones will enjoy. 5. Take a Hike The legendary Cooley Mountains provide the perfect terrain for hill walkers and adventure seekers, with various walks and hikes to choose from.  Your efforts will be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views! 6. Marvel at Murals Enjoy a self-guided tour of the fabulous urban artworks in Drogheda and Dundalk. Explore our mythological past on the DRAWDA urban art audio trail , or feast your eyes on the SEEK Dundalk murals depicting aspects of the town's rich heritage and culture. 7. Wander Through Peaceful Woodland Escape to a Coillte Forest Park  - Ravensdale Forest Park is just a short drive from Dundalk, or Townley Hall Woods is close to Drogheda. Facilities include car parking, walking trails and picnic areas. 8.  Visit a Heritage Site Travel back in time and explore the Early Christian monastic sites at Monasterboice , best known for its collection of High Crosses dating from the 9th century, or Old Mellifont Abbey  * a short drive away.  This was once one of the wealthiest and most influential monastic houses in medieval Ireland. 9.  Appreciate Amazing Art Drop into Highlanes Art Gallery , housed in the former Franciscan Church on St. Laurence’s Street, to browse Drogheda’s Municipal Art Collection showcasing a multitude of artist styles and artworks. They also hold a diverse programme of temporary exhibitions. 10. Enjoy the Beauty of the Boyne Discover the Boyne Greenway which runs 4.5km from Drogheda along the Boyne Canal to Oldbridge House *, site of the historic Battle of the Boyne , where there are several self-guiding walkways to enjoy through the Oldbridge Estate. Keep Discovering Why not explore more of County Louth, there is so much to see and do.  Plan your visit  here ,   download a  Visit Louth Map & Guide here   or check out other Visit Louth itineraries  here . 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.  * There is an admission fee to the Visitor Centres at Old Mellifont Abbey and Oldbridge House, however the grounds may be visited free of charge. Cover image: courtesy of Fáilte Ireland

Where Various locations, Louth We’ve compiled a list of the county’s top golfing spots, from championship courses to hidden gems that make Louth an epic location for any golf enthusiast! Combine the thrill of the game with striking views at one of Louth’s six superb golf courses.   The main challenge just might be to keep your eye on the ball amid such breathtaking surroundings.  The first two coastal gems can be found in south Louth and offer stunning sea views. Seapoint Golf Links Host venue to the 2023 and 2024 Irish Legends, Seapoint is a beautiful links course overlooking the Irish Sea.  Originally designed by Ryder Cup Vice Captain Des Smyth and Declan Branigan, this 260 acre course has matured into one of Ireland’s finest links courses.  The challenge begins from the first tee, which embarks onto a testing 7,150 yard Par 72 course, offering golfers an experience to remember. County Louth Golf Links More affectionately known as ‘Baltray’, this award-winning championship links provides one of the purest and fairest tests of links golf in the world.  Founded in 1892, the current course was redesigned by Tom Simpson and Molly Gourlay in 1938.  A par 72, measuring 7,031 yards from the back tees, the course is idyllically located by the mouth of the River Boyne and the Irish Sea.  It boasts panoramic views over the course sand dunes to a six-mile-long strand and the mountains beyond. The club has hosted the European Tour’s Irish Open on two occasions and was etched into Irish golfing history when it famously became the venue where Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open Champion, won the Irish Open as an Amateur. For our next tee off we head a few miles inland to the market town of Ardee. Ardee Golf Club One of the finest parkland courses in the North East, this golf course is very popular with golfers of all abilities from the beginner right up to the seasoned Pro.  The traditionally styled mature course is a charming place for a round of golf, guarded by tree lined fairways and with water coming into play on no fewer than 9 holes, it's sure to give an unforgettable experience. Further down the coast, just south of Dundalk, you will find our next fairway set on an elevated site above the seaside village of Blackrock. Dundalk Golf Club (Blackrock) This parkland golf course offers magnificent panoramic views across Dundalk Bay to the legendary and imposing Cooley and Mourne mountains.  Founded in 1905, Dundalk is a members club but warmly welcomes visitors to come and enjoy the beautiful course and the breathtaking views.  The 18 hole, Par 72 championship course offers golfers of all abilities a true test, measuring 6,826 yards from the tips. The course regularly hosts national and international championships, and up until 2022 was the home of the PGA in Ireland. Our final two courses are located in the north of the county in the heart of the scenic Cooley Peninsula. Ballymascanlon Golf Course Often described as a hidden gem, this Ruddy and Craddock designed parkland course is set on 130 acres of mature country estate on the grounds of the Ballymascanlon House Hotel.  Nestled at the foot of the Cooley Mountains, the course has been cleverly designed to ensure that the natural features of woodland; streams and lakes are incorporated throughout, offering great variety at every turn. Greenore Golf Club Founded in 1896, this golf club is set on the shores of Carlingford Lough, with panoramic views of Slieve Foye Mountain and the Mountains of Mourne.  It's a superb course with a good mix of traditional links and heathland terrain.  An excellent test of golf, with challenging but fair approach shots into well manicured links type greens. These are well bunkered, with water in play on some holes, coupled with spectacular backdrops that will take your breath away. ​Grab the chance between rounds of golf to enjoy all that County Louth has to offer; the magnificent scenery, historic attractions, revitalizing sea air, award winning local produce and delicious fresh seafood. All of the golf courses we have featured welcome visitors, so why not start planning your next golf trip today, find out more here .

In the heart of Ireland's Ancient East lies the medieval town of Drogheda, where the river Boyne flows, carrying with it the rich heritage of Irish mythology and the spirit of the legendary Celtic goddess Boann (Bóinn).  River Boyne, Hugh De Lacy Bridge, Drogheda (Image courtesy Tourism Ireland)   Here, you'll find four delightful ways to immerse yourself in the river's natural beauty, storied history, and many places of interest along its banks. 1.  Millmount offers a stunning bird's-eye view of the Boyne, which is a prominent feature of Drogheda's landscape. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of the river as it meanders through the town, past well-known landmarks, and flows onwards towards the Boyne Estuary at Baltray where it meets the Irish Sea. 2. Don't forget to experience the beauty of the 4.5km Boyne Greenway , which starts at St. Dominic’s Park and runs along the south bank of the River Boyne. This path is perfect for walking and cycling, it features boardwalk sections and uses the existing ramparts to create a scenic trail connecting Drogheda’s town centre to the Oldbridge Estate. Along the boardwalk are several heritage signs with information about Irish Mythology relevant to the Boyne Valley. The trail passes the Mary McAleese Boyne Cable Bridge and follows the Boyne Canal to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge Estate, where there is a café, picnic area, walled garden, and several self-guided walks to be enjoyed through beautiful parkland. 3. For a shorter stroll, download the Drogheda Town Walks map & guide and set off exploring the ‘Bridges’ walk.  Drogheda, or Droichead Átha, means the ‘Bridge of the Ford’ and this 1.5km walk brings you across five bridges in the town - De Lacy Bridge; St. Mary’s Bridge; Haymarket Bridge; St. Dominic’s Bridge and The Bridge of Peace, and highlights some points of interest along the way. 4. For those seeking more adventure, the Boyne Valley Camino offers a journey through historical sites and breathtaking natural landscapes.  This 25km walk forms a figure-of-eight loop and brings in the beautiful Boyne ramparts, Boyne Canal and Obelisk Bridge, as well as Mellifont Abbey, King Williams Glen and Belnumber Woods.  Pick up a free map & guide from the Drogheda Tourist Office or download the  map & guide here . Boyne Ramparts, Drogheda (Image courtesy of Boyne Valley Trails) Keep Discovering Why not explore more of what Drogheda, County Louth or the Boyne Valley Region has to offer?  There is so much to see and do, from outdoor adventures and historic attractions to blue flag beaches and seafood trails.  Plan your visit  here .

Where Tholsel West Street Drogheda Contact T: +353 41 9872843 E: droghedatouristoffice@gmail.com Visit Website Image Gallery Opening Hours: April - September: Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm (including Bank Holidays) October - March: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Innovative Tourist Exhibition An exhibition with interactive screens has been installed in the Tholsel, Drogheda Tourist Office. The touch screen display introduces both locals and visitors alike to the joys of exploring Drogheda and the Boyne Valley. Drogheda is a magnificent medieval town and it truly is the Gateway to the Boyne Valley. But all of that heritage and history is not easy to explain in a mere soundbite. This beautiful, informative and helpful exhibition has been developed to help visitors of all ages make the most of their visit to the area. The permanent exhibition focuses on five key themes: Ancient Secrets, Beating Hearts, Conflict & Power, Holy Ground and Beauty & Romance. Each section introduces the history of the region under that title, and outlines the things to explore, see and do. The interactive touch screens give an opportunity for children to explore and play with the little hidden gems on screen. The exhibition also showcases the heritage of the Tholsel itself, which has been home to the Tourist Office since October 2010. It incorporates a display of historic artefacts from the renowned Millmount Museum. Ireland's Ancient East within Drogheda and the Boyne Valley will appeal to the culturally curious traveller. Therefore local arts, crafts, literature and music of the region have been incorporated into the exhibition to help visitors understand the depth of the cultural offering in the region. Come and visit the exhibition today and then explore the beauty of Drogheda and the Boyne Valley.

Where Station House Carlingford Louth Contact T: +353 42 9373650 E: tourism@carlingfordheritagecentre.com Visit Website Location Carlingford Tourist Information Office is located in the Station House, Fair Green, Carlingford. This service is managed by Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust. Opening Hours Monday - Friday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, Sunday: 11.00 am to 4:00 pm Services Include General tourism information, Local literature, Maps & Guides, Remote Working Hub, Guided tours of medieval Carlingford.

Where Millmount Terrace Millmount Drogheda Louth Image Gallery Millmount Terrace sign map Millmount How has the fort at Millmount changed over the last 800 years? The flat-topped mound known as Millmount still stands out in the townscape of Drogheda, due to its high position and monumental scale. It has the aura of a neolithic tumulus, although there is no evidence that it is a prehistoric structure. It is a focus of Irish mythology, for Amhairgin (pronounced Aver-gin), a Milesian poet, who is celebrated as the inventor of song and poetry, is reputed to be buried here. The Song of Amhairgin has come down to us. Here is the beginning, as translated by Lady Gregory: I am the wind on the sea; I am the wave of the sea; I am the bull of the seven battles; I am the eagle on the rock. What we see today is a motte (mound), originally constructed with a bailey (enclosure), probably by Hugh de Lacy before 1186. Strategically important to the Anglo-Normans, King John took it over in 1217. However, exceptionally for a major civic fort, the motte and bailey were not replaced by a stone castle. Instead, a circular stone keep was constructed on the summit of the motte. By the 1520s the importance of the keep to the crown had diminished and it was granted to Drogheda Corporation. It played a pivotal role in the sieges of 1641–2 and 1649. It was passed back to the government in 1702. For the next two hundred years Millmount became an army base, accumulating structures to support a resident soldiery. A U-shape barracks was built against the town wall below the motte in the early eighteenth century. The Martello tower (which survives), accommodating a magazine, gunners’ store and soldiers’ quarters, was constructed on the summit in 1808. Other buildings were added in the nineteenth century; officers’ quarters, governors’ house, canteen and armoury, guard house and entrance. On the 4 April 1922, after the British army had left, the fort was taken over by republican anti-treaty forces. The last military engagement at Millmount occurred three months later when the Free State army shelled the fort with an 18-pounder field gun from across the river. The tower was damaged and the republican soldiers withdrew. In 2000, Millmount was restored as a cultural centre, housing Drogheda Museum.

Where Pitcher Hill Barrack Street-Pitcher Hill Steps Drogheda Louth Naming a place The Anglo-Norman name, Novus Pons or ‘New Bridge’, distinguished it from Vetus Pons or Old Bridge further up the river, now spelled Oldbridge. The name Droichead Átha predates the Anglo-Norman arrival and translates as ‘bridge of the ford’. It may have originally referred to Oldbridge which was located at the tidal limits of the River Boyne where the river could be bridged and forded at low tide. (Oldbridge is now located (in current maps) – at the site of the Battle of the Boyne to the east of Drogheda town) Drogheda was referred to as Tredagh in the early modern period; Barnabe Goche described his map as a ‘plott of the town of Tredagh’ in 1574; Gerard Boate referred to Drogheda as Tredagh in Ireland’s Natural History, written in 1645, published in Dublin in 1726. The name ‘Drogheda’ was also used from the early years of the history of the town. The recorded spelling varied; Drocheda in 1203, Drohheda in 1212, Droghed in 1215, Droheda in 1217 and, in 1336, its modern spelling.

Where The Bull Ring James Street Drogheda Louth Image Gallery The Bull Ring sign map Governance An extraordinary parliamentary sitting in 1494 is reputed to have been located in the stone castle that was located at the Bull Ring, which had been the Tholsel of the south borough prior to unification of Drogheda in 1412. It was at this sitting that Poynings’ Law was enacted. This law aimed to restrict the autonomy of the Lords Deputy in Ireland and worked to ensure the subordinate position of the kingdom of Ireland until 1782. Cromwell in Drogheda Adversaries Oliver Cromwell arrived in Ireland at the head of the parliamentary army in August 1649. His aim was to defeat surviving royalist resistance to the English parliamentarians in Ireland. In January 1649 Irish royalists had come to terms with the Catholic confederates so that there was a royalist-confederate garrison in Drogheda. The garrison was commanded by the Catholic Sir Arthur Aston, and composed of Irish and English, Catholics and Protestants. The size of the resistance force is still debated. Siege and massacre On 11 September Cromwell established a large force and several large cannons in the area of what is now known as Cromwell’s Mount to the south east of Drogheda. He pounded the walls to the east and south of St Mary’s Church for three days until he made two breaches and called on the garrison to surrender. They refused, forfeiting the right to be spared if the attackers took the garrison by assault. After fierce fighting at the breaches, Cromwell’s army surged into the town and the garrison fled, some seeking refuge in the steeple of St Peter’s Church, others running to the towers set in the town walls. Some of the remaining garrison retreated to Millmount with Sir Arthur Aston. Cromwell’s troops gave no quarter, brutally killing nearly all the soldiers they could find. They sent the heads of 16 royalist officers to Dublin to be displayed on the approach roads to the city. Cromwell reported that the soldiers killed ‘many inhabitants’; the actual number is unknown. It was a ferociously bloody massacre, even by the standards of the time. It is indelibly printed on the collective memory.