Louth Activities

Nearby Dundalk – only 20 mins drive from Scarlet lodge

About half way between Dublin and Belfast, lies the northernmost town of the province of Leinster - Dundalk. The harbour town owes its historical significance to its command of both the ancient and modern routes to Ulster. The greater Dundalk area has strong connections with the mythical hero Cuchulainn who is said to have lived in the area. The great heroic saga of the ‘Cattle Raid of Cooley’ is told of Cuchulainn who single-handedly defended the Kingdom of Ulster from the invading army of Queen Meave.

Dundalk is also of Norman foundation and grew up around the motte and baily of Castletown. No sooner was the frontier town established when it was plundered and burned during the invasion of Edward Bruce in 1315. The town was a significant market town throughout the middle ages. Today Dundalk is the administrative centre of the county.

For centuries initiative and industry have been part of local life in Dundalk, testament to its continual growth and the enterprise of its inhabitants. Impressive and evocative buildings line the streets and fold around the corners of its gentle street-scapes. Recently the town centre has been transformed into a compelling shopping Mecca.

Places of interest in Dundalk

The County Museum, Jocelyn Street, (next to the Dundalk Tourist Office) winner of ‘Best small Museum Award 1999' is housed in a recently restored and extensively renovated 18th century warehouse. The museum displays a range of exhibitions on the social, archaeological and natural heritage of the county and runs an extensive range of related activities.

Seatown Windmill, Mill Street, was once seven stories high and one of the largest windmills in Ireland. Built in the early 19th century its sails were finally taken down in 1890.

Seatown Castle, Castle Road, is otherwise known as the Franciscan Bell tower from the Franciscan friary that was established in 1240.

St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, Francis Street, is a 19th century Georgian gothic church which was inspired by King’s College, Cambridge, England. It was built between 1837 and 1848.

The Courthouse, located in the centre of town was built between 1813-1819 and was modelled on the Temple of Thesus in Athens. It is one of the finest courthouses in Ireland.

St. Nicholas’ Parish Church, Clanbrassil Street, originally dates from the 13th century and was rebuilt in the early 18th. In the surrounding burial ground is the grave of Agnes Galt, sister of the Scottish poet, Robbie Burns.

Faughart Graveyard, situated 3 miles north of Dundalk has associations with an iron-age hill fort, an early Christian ecclesiastical foundation of St. Brigid, a Norman motte castle and a medieval church ruin and was also the scene of several events in the Tain Bo Cuailgne.

Ardee – 20 min drive from Scarlet Lodge

Ardee Castle.

The market town of Ardee derives its name from the folklore tradition of a duel between the legendary Irish heros, Ferdia and Cuchulainn near the river Dee. The town is situated on the principal road from Dublin to Derry and is the third largest town in the county. The dominant feature of the main street is a splendid Norman castle which was built between 1320 and 1325. Both James II and William of Orange, the primary participants in the Battle of the Boyne, are reputed to have stayed there, - naturally on separate occasions. There are a number of places of interest in both the town and the hinterland of historic and recreational interest.

For the historian there are many archaeological and historical sites both in the town and close by including the strange tale of the nearby ‘Jumping Church’. The area also offers a wide range of fishing options, golf, woodland walks and equestrian pursuits.

Encompassing Ardee is restful and unspoiled countryside..

Places of Interest in Ardee

Ardee Bog, Coole, Ardee, - the only remaining raised bog on the eastern seaboard of Ireland which is a unique attraction for nature lovers. Located to the west of the town is one of the most easterly lying raised bogs in Ireland. It provides many rare specimens of flora and fauna which cannot be found elsewhere.

Saint Mary’s Church on Market Street incorporates part of a 13th century Carmelite Church.

Ardee Castle, (St. Leger’s) Castle Street, is the largest fortified tower house in Ireland, perhaps even in Europe.

Hatch’s Castle, Main Street is a thirteenth century motte castle which was given to the Hatch family during the Cromwellian plantation.

Kildemock, Jumping Church - (nearby) the gable wall of which is located two feet inside its original foundations.

Riverside Walk is a scenic walk along the River Dee to the site of the epic battle between Cuchulainn and Ferdia.
Blackrock

Located three miles south of Dundalk and perched at the water’s edge, is the popular local resort of Blackrock. The venue is used for sail boarding when the tidal conditions permit, the water being very shallow From here is a very fine view of the whole range of the Cooley Mountains and the north side of Dundalk with its clusters of houses and cottages along the lower slopes of the mountains and coastal areas. A walk along the promenade of this unique seaside village with the magnificent scenery lying to the north can be a most exhilarating experience.

The Dundalk Golf Club is situated just to the north of the village. To the west at nearby Haggardstown, close to the Fairways Hotel are the ruins of the medieval parish church where in the 1670's it is reputed that St. Oliver Plunkett carried out ordinations of clergy.

The village also features a choice of select accommodation, hostelries and bars - all of which make Blackrock a perfect location to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the immediate surroundings.

Carlingford

King John's Castle, Carlingford.

The sweeping backdrop of the green and rounded Slieve Foye - the highest mountain in Louth -provides Carlingford with a magnificent setting of raw beauty. A renowned Heritage Town Carlingford is brimming with remnants of its medieval origins, not the least of which is King John’s Castle which dominates the town.

Other places of interest would be the Church of the Holy Trinity - now a Heritage Centre, the Dominican Friary dating from 1305, The Mint - a 15th century residence, the 16th century Taaffe’s Castle, the 15th century Tholsel and fragments of the 15th century Town Wall. Next to the Holy Trinity Heritage Centre is the D’Arcy Magee Craft Centre. A walk along any of its streets will recreate a feeling of old Carlingford since its original street pattern still exists. In the past decade the inhabitants have transformed the town into a heritage haven with an extensive scheme of preservation and development. As well as enjoying an unrivalled location, the village provides excellent accommodation and conference facilities with the added advantage of having every amenity within a short walking distance away. Carlingford is also the gourmet centre of the region as it boasts no less than eight excellent restaurants.

Dunleer

Situated midway between Dundalk and Drogheda, Dunleer is the principal town in the barony of Ferrard. The town stands on the site of an early Irish monastery of Lann Leire, or church of Leire, the Lann being derived from the Welsh ‘Llan’ suggesting a Britonic origin. The monastery is mentioned in the Irish Annals between the years 720-1148 when it is recorded as having being regularly plundered by the Vikings and the Normans. It was probably situated on the site of the existing early 19th century Church of Ireland parish church in the town centre. It is possible that the church tower dates from the 13th century.

South of the village off the M1/N1 on the left a road leads down to Whiteriver Mill, a water powered early 18th century flour mill which is still in use and where visitors are welcome.

The village is also home to an array of traditional pubs, and restaurants and is well served with select accommodation. In a county where each region has such distinctive individuality one feature remains constant - the endearing charm and welcome nature of the people. Dunleer is no exception.

Castlebellingham/Kilsaran

The name Castlebellingham is derived from the fact that the manor house in the village was once the home of the Bellingham family. The house - now a hotel - is situated on the site of the former Bellingham castle and dates from the nineteenth century. The meandering current of the quaint river Dee tumbles through its grounds and disappears under the main north-south roadway. The village includes an attractive group of widow’s Almshouses and cottages which were constructed by the Bellinghams. Nearby is a roadside crucifix which was fashioned from a royal oak blown down in 1902. A walk from the village square to the coast at Annagassan is an extremely pleasant experience.

Situated immediately due south of Castlebellingham is the village of Kilsaran. The Roman Catholic parish church can be seen on a hilly elevation to the west. Constructed in 1852 it commands a dominating position alongside the busy Dublin-Belfast thoroughfare.

Collon

The atmosphere, ambiance and friendliness of a characteristic Irish village can be found between Ardee and Slane in the manorial hamlet of Collon. A place with medieval origins, the original settlement on the site was granted a Tuesday market by Henry III in 1229. The village architecture is of the late 18th century and is distinct at the upper end where there are two rows of two storey estate houses which are complemented by a grassy market place. The manor house was the home of chief baron Foster who settled his demesne here in the 1750s. On the north-eastern corner of the crossroads stands Collon House built c1740 by chief baron Anthony Foster with a later 18th century addition. The village is most famous for being the base of the Cistercian Abbey of New Mellifont where visitors are always welcome. The Church of Ireland, heavily influenced by the design of the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England, dates from 1810. The RC parish church is Victorian Gothic and was built between 1860-1877. The village is well served with a gourmet licensed restaurant which is always well worth a visit.

Baltray

A fishing boat on the Boyne Estuary near Baltray.

The idyllic village of Baltray lies on the northen shore of the Boyne Estuary in the south-eastern corner of the county. Home of the County Louth Golf Club, it is an oasis of tranquillity surrounded by the river on one side and sandy dunes on the other. Beyond the dunes on the eastern shore is one of Ireland’s finest sandy beaches. It is from here that Louth’s sixty mile long coastline starts stretching northwards to Omeath where it eventually expires. The area is also of considerable importance for its wildlife preservation which includes frequent feathered visitors such as ducks, brent geese, waders and ringed-plowers. Once a thriving fishing village, it was described in the time of Queen Elizabeth I as “one of the chief haven towns of Ireland.” Nearby is Beaulieu House which was constructed by the Plunkett family in 1628 and can be visited by prior appointment. The adjoining churchyard contains two medieval grave slabs one of which is a realistic life-size image cadaver stone.

Annagassan

Changes in the direction of currents in the waters of Dundalk bay appear to have curtailed the development of the delightful Annagassan. On close inspection the village reveals a surprisingly eventful and auspicious past. Originally a small port with a busy harbour pier, the settlement was captured by the Norsemen in 831. Around the same time these very Norsemen settled at Dubhlinn - now Dublin- and it is easy to see which habitation was the more successful. A large earthwork, known locally as Lios na Rann or fort of the promontory is pointed out as the site of their occupation. In 850 the stronghold was captured by the Danes whose king Olaf of Denmark made his headquarters there until 891. It wasn’t until 928 that the Vikings were eventually defeated by the native Irish and driven from the locality. Resources in the area include salmon and trout fishing in the confluent rivers of the Dee and the Glyde.

Clogherhead

This busy fishing village wraps itself around the western foot of the dominant head of Clogher. The ridge creates a spectacular backdrop for the small village community. For centuries life revolved around the harbour and the town grew up sheltered under the head, safely hidden from the fresh sea gusts. The harbour is regularly bedecked with the fishing rods of the young and old, the experienced and the amateur. Views from the hills around the village are quite dramatic. To the north can be seen the mountains of the Cooley peninsula merging with the Mourne Mountains. To the south the Dublin Mountains amalgamating with the Wicklow hills in the distance are clearly visible. The eastern side of the head comprises a fascinating rugged and rocky shoreline which punctuates the stretches of golden strand to the south and north. The ‘little strand’ nuzzling up to the village edge contains an intriguing collection of sea shells and wildlife. The nearby rocky pools are most suitable for crab and fishing expeditions and there are many types of water sports and related recreational activities available throughout the year.

Knockbridge

The sleepy village of Knockbridge derives its name from the ‘Bridge of Knockmill - part of the lands of the former abbey of Saint Peter & Paul of Knock which was established in 1140. In a nearby field stands ‘Cloch a Farmore’. Legend tells us that Cuchulainn, though mortally wounded, tied himself around the stone in order to appear upright as his enemies approached. They dared not face him even in this debilitating position. But when a crow finally alighted on his shoulder they were convinced he was dead. Also in the area are the only lake facilities in the county in the shape of Lake Cortial and Lake Drumcah. Both lakes provide excellent fishing facilities with pike, brown trout, carp and perch being the dominant catch. The beautiful Stephenstown Pond is also located close by. The recently rejuvenated pond is a fully accessible public amenity which includes picnic facilities, nature walks and an area of ecological interpretation. Overlooking the pond is ‘Lakeview Cottage’ which was originally built for Agnes Burns, the sister of Robert Burns the Scottish poet and is now a Visitor Centre and Tea Rooms.

Louth Village

This most captivating village - with the same name as the county - is packed full with places of interest. The name ‘Louth’ is derived from the ancient Celtic Sun God ‘Lugh’. This lovely hamlet was once the seat of the Bishop of Louth, one of whom - St. Mochta- converted the people of Louth to Christianity with the approval of St. Patrick. In medieval times there was a cluster of Norman buildings in the area some of which are still evident today. Indeed St. Mochta’s House - a single cell oratory with a roof croft over a barrel vault - dates from the 12th century and stands perfectly preserved west of St. Mary’s Abbey. The fine Abbey itself is thought to date from 1148. Much of the present building dates from 1312 when it was rebuilt after a fire. The Abbey of Saints Peter & Paul which was founded in 1146 is long disappeared save for a small piece of wall known locally as the ‘Pinnacle’. On the south side of the village there is a mound on which once stood a Norman motte. Today it is known as the ‘Fairy Mount’. Probably the most famous Archbishop of Armagh, now Saint Oliver Plunkett once lived in the area and carried out many ordinations on the nearby hill of Ardpatrick.

Monasterboice

One of the most treasured landmarks of Louth are the ancient monastic ruins of Monasterboice. This ecclesiastical site was founded as far back as the 6th century by St. Buite mac Bronaigh, who is described as the Bishop of Mainistir and who died in 521. Following his death the location became a significant centre of learning. The Irish Annals list the deaths of twenty-two Abbots between 759 and 1122 and a probable occupation by the Vikings around 968. Many of “its books and numerous treasures” were burned when the Round Tower was set alight in 1097 and only the crosses and tower now remain.

The site has no less than three sculptured high crosses. Named after a former abbot, the extravagantly carved Muireadach’s Cross is possibly the best example of its kind in Ireland. Scenes from both the Old and New Testaments are detailed on both sides of the beautifully decorated cross. The surrounding burial ground possesses a timelessness all of its own. Set in an isolated rural area just off the main Dublin-Belfast road, all the pressures of time and modern living seem to draw to a temporary halt in this unique historic hideaway.

Omeath

The alluring spirit of the north-Louth village of Omeath is dramatically emphasised by the embrace of the majestic Cooley Mountains in the background. The rambler, the nature lover, the artist, the mobile tourist and those who relish the taste of the wind and the fresh salt spray will be very much at home in Omeath. For the more daring adventurer the thrilling Tain Way is a long distance walking route of 40km with a myriad of spectacular views along the way. The village has ancient associations with a plethora of peoples and cultures including the Celtic Ui Meith tribe, (from where the area derives its name) the Aighneach people, the Danes and the Norsemen. On the Carlingford side of the village is the Slieve Foye Forest Park with an enchanting nature trail and viewpoints. Omeath was the last native Irish speaking area of North Leinster.

Louth is a natural breeding ground for myths and legends. About 3 km from the village is the intriguingly named ‘Long Woman’s Grave’. The story is told of the eldest son of a wealthy Omeath landowner who betrayed his father’s wishes and gave a barren area of Mountain land to his younger brother. The young man went off to Spain to seek his fortune and there he met a tall Spanish noblewoman. He boasted to her of his fine mountain-top estate in Ireland but when she was eventually shown the bleakness and desolation of her lover’s ‘estate’ she dropped dead on the spot and is said to be buried at this very spot.

The Tain Holiday village is also situated in the picturesque Omeath.

Tallanstown

The special qualities of quiet and calm throughout County Louth are embodied in the village of Tallanstown. Situated on the banks of the River Glyde the community has grown up around the ancient home of the Plunkett family whose most famous family member was St. Oliver Plunkett. Louth Hall stands high on a hillside overlooking the village and the original part of the castle dates back to the 14th century. It was often used by the beleaguered Oliver to hide while on the run in the 17th century. Recently fallen into decay it can only now be viewed from the adjoining roadside. There is an elegant tri-angle of cottages in the centre of the village dating back to the early 19th century. Just outside the village on the Carrickmacross road is a hillock which is locally known as ‘The Mount’. Now enclosed in the amenity park it is said to have two possible origins. It may have been a Norman motte and Bailey but is more likely to have been one of a series of man made look-out towers that once stretched across the county to the Cooley peninsula.

Few villages have retained their character as Tallanstown has done. The natural charisma and beauty of the village has enabled it to win numerous awards in the annual Tidy Towns Competition.

Termonfeckin

The peaceful and serene Termonfeckin has a surprising tradition of history and prehistory and the archaeology of the area is quite appreciable. Artifacts such as flints and shell middens have been found along its beach indicating that a Neolithic community was living in the region around 3,000 BC. The village is situated on the eastern shore of the county and has an extensive stretch of golden strand only a stroll from its centre. The origins of its name date to the 7th century when a monastery was founded here by St. Fechin. It is believed that the monastery was sited in the area of the present graveyard. A high cross, situated in the burial ground is said to mark the site of a 6th century church and probably dates from the 9th century.

The leafy village also boasts a well preserved castle or Tower House which dates from the 15th century. A Bronze age burial ground in the form of a barrow is located at nearby Milltown. Termonfeckin was formerly the seat of the Protestant primates of Armagh who had a summer residence here until the 17th century.

Seapoint Golf Club spans across the Termonfeckin sand dunes and is an 18 hole Championship Golf Course.

An Grianan - The Irish Countrywoman’s Association - is also situated in Termonfeckin and is an epicentre for various courses. It also contains self catering bungalows a Visitor/Exhibition Centre and Coffee Shop. Also on site is a Horticultural College and Garden Centre.