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Imperial Hotel Dundalk

Dundalk, Co. Louth

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In the North, however, between Dundalk Bay and Carlingford Lough, is the mountainous Cooley Peninsula.

The territory now known as County Louth figures prominently in the epic tales of ancient Ireland. It was also the scene of important events, and many other chapters of Ireland's history are illustrated by the county's numerous relics of the past.

Louth has great industrial towns like Drogheda and Dundalk, as well as sleepy fishing villages. Carlingford Lough is part of a drowned river valley at the base of the Cooley Mountains. The fishing village of Carlingford is the Oyster capital of the country and every August the oyster festival draws huge crowds into the pretty village of white washed cottages and ancient clustered buildings.

Monasterboice, one of the most famous religious sites in the country, was built in the 5th century a few miles north of Drogheda in a lovely secluded setting. With 2 churches, a round tower and 2 High Crosses the treasure is the high Cross of Muiredach. Considered the finest in the country, it is the pinnacle of achievement with sculpted biblical scenes all over the cross, and still as fresh today.

Drogheda at the southern most point of the county is built on the River Boyne and by the 14th century was the biggest town in Ireland. Exporting and Importing more goods than any other town. However, it never recovered from a vicious attack by Oliver Cromwell in 1649 and the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 where the catholic king of England, James II, was defeated by William of Orange and heralding the fate of the country for the next 300 years.

Ardee Golf Club
Co. Louth Golf Club
Dundalk Golf Club
Greenore Golf Club
Killenbeg Golf Club
Seapoint Golf Club
Townley Hall Golf Club

Main Tourist Attractions

• County Museum - Dundalk

  Located at Jocelyn Street, Dundalk, in a beautifully restored late 18th century warehouse, the County Museum hosts a wide variety of events and activities. The County Museum tells the story of Louth's archaeological, social, natural and industrial heritage. The displays present the origins and evolution of the County from the Mesolithic period to the present day.
• Holy Trinity Heritage Centre - Carlingford

  Located at Old Quay Lane, Carlingford, in a restored medieval church, the Holy Trinity Centre houses exhibits which detail the development of the town from its Norman origins through the use of Video presentations. From the centre the street and monuments of this ancient place can be explored.
• Millmount Museum - Droghedra

  Located in Drogheda 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 artifacts of local and national importance. 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.
• Monasterboice - Collon

  Located at Collon, 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.
• Proleek Dolmen - Proleek

  Located in the grounds of Ballymascanlon Hotel, this is a fine example of a Portal Dolmen. The capstone which weighs about 40 tons is supported by three legs. Legend has it that a wish will be granted to those who can throw a pebble on to the top of the capstone so that it stays there. There is a wedge tomb in the same field.
• Saint Peter's Church - Droghedra

  Located at West Street, Drogheda, Saint Peter's Church is one of the finest Gothic Revival churches in Ireland. The interior has been extensively restored in recent years. The church was built as a memorial to Oliver Plunkett, a 17th century Archbishop of Armagh who was martyred at Tyburn in 1691.

Heritage Sites

• Old Mellifont Abbey - Droghedra

  The first Cistercian monastery in Ireland founded in 1142 by St. Malachy of Armagh, its most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo c.1200. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display.