Places of Interest in Drogheda

Millmount, once a Norman motte & bailey, the tower has recently been restored to its original martello style. The Millmount complex comprises of Millmount Museum, The Buttergate Restaurant, and a variety of surrounding craft workshops. Spectacular views of the town and hinterland are on offer from the new tower. Scarlet Lodge is a mere stone’s throw from Millmount.

St. Mary’s Church of Ireland (1807), the actual place where Cromwell broke into the town in 1649. The site on which Scarlet Lodge is situated is part of the battle site and only yards from the church. The medieval walls still exist and the breach he made is still discernible.

St. Peter's RC Church (centre), flanked by Magdalene Tower and St. Peter's COI.

St. Peter’s Church (RC), West Street, houses a shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett, once Primate of All-Ireland who was martyred at Tyburn, London in 1681. There is a jewelled casket containing his head on display in the church.

St. Peter’s Church (C of I), Peter Street, dates from 1753 and is on the site of a former church, the steeple of which was occupied by soldiers in 1649 only to be burned by Cromwell.

St. Laurence Gate, Laurence Street, with its high battlements and turrets, is a medieval barbican and is one of the best surviving of its kind in Ireland today.

Old Abbey, Abbey Lane, is a remnant of a medieval friary established between 1206-1214 of which only the tower and some walls survive.

Magdalene Tower, Magdalene Street, was once part of the old Dominican friary, which dates from 1224.

Tourist Information Offices

Dundalk: Joceyln Street, +353 42 933 5484, Fax: +353 42 933 8070
Drogheda: Bus Eireann Bus Depot, tel: +353 41 983 7070, Fax: +353 41 984 5340
Millmount Complex, Drogheda: +353 41 984 5684
Website: www.louthholidays.com

Getting here is Easy

A mere stone’s throw from both Dublin and Belfast (an hour’s drive in both cases), there is a first class modern road network linking Dublin with Belfast and passing directly through Drogheda. Alternatively, there are numerous quieter back roads which link the picturesque towns and villages, making sure that which ever route is chosen, getting here is easy. Scarlet Lodge is located just off the main Dublin-Belfast Road adjacent to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on a medieval laneway known as Curry’s Hill – formerly Scarlet Lane.

Travelling to Drogheda

By Car. The major roads that service the town are the M1/N1 which is the main Dublin-Belfast route and the N2 which is the main Dublin-Derry route.

By Coach. Bus Eireann operates frequent Expressway and regular services to and from the town from Dublin, Belfast, Derry and Letterkenny. For information on Bus Services telephone:

Dublin 01 836 6111
Belfast 080 1232 333 000
Drogheda 041 98 35023
Dundalk 042 93 34075
Derry 080 1504 262 261
Letterkenny 074 21309

By Rail. Iarnrod Eireann operates frequent ‘Enterprise’, Inter-City and regular services on the Dublin/Belfast line. The Drogheda Train Station is a five-minute walk or one-minute drive from Scarlet Lodge. For information on train services telephone;

Dublin 01 836 3333
Belfast 080 1232 333 000
Drogheda 041 98 38749
Dundalk 042 93 35529

The Shopping Experience in Drogheda

Today Drogheda proudly boasts unrivalled comfort and choice from a diverse range of shops set along spacious town street-scapes or in pristine and ornate shopping malls. It is quite common to see family run shops rubbing shoulders with independent clothes boutiques and hi-tech stores which offer the very latest shopping innovations.

Streets radiate with colourful stores and the town’s centuries old tradition in design and craft flourishes alongside shops and market places.

Many of the town’s craft products are today spreading far beyond the borders of the town, the country and the continent.

High quality and locally crafted Irish wares can be purchased at the following Craft Centres:

The D’Arcy Magee Craft Centre, Carlingford (next to Holy Trinity Heritage Centre), Tel: 042 93 73005

Millmount Craft Centre, Millmount Complex, Drogheda. Check opening hours locally.

Bridge Street Studios, Bridge Street, Dundalk.

An Grianán Coffee Shop and Exhibition/ Craft Display Centre, Termonfeckin, situated at the entrance to An Grianán. Coffee shop incorporate displays of art, lace and quilts.

Motoring, Cycling & Walking in Drogheda and surrounding district

Awaiting visiting motorists to the Drogheda area are some fascinating contrasts of ancient ruined monasteries and a host of modern exciting entertainments. The place is full of character, tradition and folklore all of which lie in wait - ready to be discovered. A well-planned programme will provide an enormous range of interesting locations to excite the imagination.

The identity of the district has been forged from a variety of influences. Fishing has been a traditional livelihood along the nearby coast from the time of the earliest settlers and has helped in the development of numerous coastal villages. A rural farming hinterland supports the interior country villages where the pace of life remains remarkably untouched by the larger towns in the area. The impact of ancient religious institutions can be seen throughout Drogheda where they once provided an infrastructure for the growth of industry, commerce and consequently, the population.

The Oriel Trail

The Oriel trail is a scenic journey through almost the entire county of Louth and covers a distance of 150 km. This highly recommended tour can be undertaken by the visitor who chooses either four wheel or two wheel transport.

Starting at Drogheda the trail leads eastwards to the seaside village of Baltray. Then northwards to the idyllic Termonfeckin, and continues its coastal route to the fishing village of Clogherhead. From there it travels along the county’s coastline to the Viking village of Annagassan, afterwards turning slightly inland towards the manorial village of Castlebellingham. On then to the historic Dromiskin, and back towards the coast again encountering sea views at Blackrock.

The Cooley Mountains - on the Tain trail.

From ‘The Rock’ the trail enters the town of Dundalk where the visitor has a wide variety of attractions to encounter. From the town the route resumes and enters its most dramatic phase in the shape of the Cooley peninsula. The first village in the area is the late nineteenth century village of Greenore, and on then to the jewel in the crown of Louth’s historic villages - the medieval Carlingford. On then to the picturesque Omeath where there are stunning views of the bay along the way.

Then the trail heads southwards back to Dundalk again. Next along the way is the village of Knockbridge, home of the unique picnic and leisure area at Stephenstown Pond. Then comes Louth village a place full of historic character. The route then goes past the estate of the famous Plunketts of Louth, in Tallanstown - a county prize winner in the Tidy Towns competition..

On its journey through the mid-Louth region the trail then enters the county’s third largest town - Ardee - where there is much to see and do. From there it winds its way to Collon, home of the famous Monks of Collon. Afterwards, it takes an easterly turn towards Dunleer, the site of an early Irish monastery, finally making its way back to Drogheda.

Cycling

Drogheda and the wider county of Louth is ideal for the cycling visitor, the countryside is attractive and the cycling is challenging and varied. Two suggested routes would be ‘The Cooley Cycle’ and ‘The East Coast Cycle’.

The 65 km Cooley cycle starts at Dundalk and takes in the historic Faughart. It then loops around Dromad and runs alongside the graceful Ravensdale Forest Park. It then takes a left turn over the hills as cycling becomes more strenuous on the steep inclines. The summit of the climb is at The Long Woman’s Grave. It is downhill all the way towards Omeath with spectacular views of Carlingford Lough along the way. From Omeath the route passes through Carlingford, Greenore, Gyles Quay, and Ballymascanlon on its way back to Dundalk.

The East Coast Cycle is 54 km long and again starts at Dundalk. From there it heads south passing through Readypenny and Castlebellingham, arriving at the coast near Annagassan. Taking a coastal route the course takes in Dunany, Clogherhead, Termonfeckin, Baltray and finishes up at Drogheda.

For information on cycling in Louth contact: Irish Cycling Holidays, Mayoralty Street, Drogheda. Tel: +353 41 984 1067/984 3982 Fax: +353 41 983 5369

Walking

The principle long distance walking route in Louth is the ‘Táin Way’. This 40 km route encircles the Cooley peninsula in the north-east of the county and begins in Omeath. It is a well signposted trail and is named after the legendary event, the Táin Bó Cuailgne - or the Cattle Raid of Cooley. Shorter rural walks can also be enjoyed throughout the region at places such as Ravensdale, Townley Hall, Slieve Foye, Boyne Walk etc.

Cadger’s Rambling offer both self guiding and guided tours on numerous routes through the Cooley and Slieve Gullion Mountains. Guided walks by qualified guide, Ken Ramsay covering a cultural, archaeological and heritage trails. Tel: +353 42 932 1753

Guided Town Walks

Drogheda
Drogheda-on-the-Boyne-Tourism. Twice-daily walking tours with qualified guides during high season. Millmount Museum offer pre-booked escorted walking tours with qualified guides. Telephone +353 41 983 3097.

Drogheda Heritage Route is a self guided signposted walk around the town. Map/leaflet from Tourist Office, Bus Eireann Bus Depot, Drogheda Tel: +353 41 983 7070, Fax: +353 41 984 5340.

Dundalk
County Louth Historical Tours offer pre-booked tours by official Tour Guide, Hugh Smith. Tours include walking tours of Dundalk, and tours around the county by coach. Information on 042-9328061, mobile 087 2881191, E-mail: colouth@gofree.indigo.ie Internet address; http/gofree.indigo.ie/~colouth

Dundalk Heritage Trail is a self-guided signposted walking tour of the town. Map/leaflet available from Tourist Office Joceyln Street, Dundalk Tel: +353 42 933 5484, Fax: +353 42 933 8070.

Visitor Attractions and Activities in and around Drogheda

Drogheda and the greater Louth/Meath area offer a wide range of visitor attractions where leisure hours can be filled with both stimulating and relaxing pleasures. Whether the visitor requires a quiet break or demands an action packed holiday, the place abounds with interesting places to see and a myriad of things to do.

Visitor Attractions
Newgrange - Bru Na Boinne, Interpretative Centre.
Tara, Knowth and Dowth Passage Graves of the ancient Boyne Valley including the Battle of the Boyne site and numerous other historic sites.
Slane Castle.
Mornington, Bettystown and Laytown coastal resorts and scenic drives.
County Museum, Jocelyn Street, Dundalk. Tel: +353 42 932 7056/7. Fax: +353 42 932 7058.
Millmount Museum, Drogheda. Tel: +353 41 983 3097. Fax: +353 41 983 3097
Holy Trinity Heritage Centre, Carlingford. Tel: +353 42 937 3454. Fax: +353 42 937 3882.
Patrick Kavanagh Centre, Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan, Tel: +353 42 93 78560
Old Mellifont Abbey, Tullyallen, Drogheda. Tel: +353 41 983 5341/982 6459/ Fax: +353 41 98 24798.
Monasterboice High Crosses - Round Tower and early monastic monastery of St. Buite.
Proleek Dolmen - Access from Car Park of Ballymascanlon House Hotel.
Faughart Graveyard, birthplace of St. Brigid and ecclesiastical medieval site.
ICA /An Grianan, Visitor Centre & Coffee Shop, Termonfeckin 041 98 ...
Stephenstown Pond, Camp, Fishery & Agnes Burns Visitor Centre, Tel: +353 42 937 4077
Ardee Animal Farm, Hunterstown, Ardee. Only a mile from Ardee, this farm has a wide variety of animals, fowl and birds & a playground and picnic area. Tel: +353 41 685 6047.
Riverstown Old Corn Mill, Cooley, Dundalk. Restored 18th century mill incorporating restaurant, with adjacent animal farm & walks. Also unique Steam Train operates to beach - Times and details from: Tel: +353 42 937 6157. Fax: +353 42 937 6361
White River Mills, Dunleer. Built in 1698 this mill has now been restored to produce stone-ground wholemeal flour. Tel: +353 41 985 1141

Activity Centres in the district

Carlingford Adventure Centre & Hostel, Tholsel Street, Carlingford, Tel: +353 42 937 3100.
Fax: +353 42 937 3651
Neptune Adventure, Blue Flag Beach, Clogherhead, +353 1 848 6431
Fax: +353 87-237 4495
Táin Holiday Village, Ballyoonan, Omeath, +353 42 95385 Fax: +353 42 75417
East Coast Adventure, Carlingford House, Carlingford, Tel: +353 42 937 3118, Fax: +353 42 937 3971, E-mail: info@eastcoastadventure.com Residential outdoor multi activity centre. Also corporate training and team building provided.
Carlingford Yacht Charter and Sea School, Tel: +353 42 937 3879, Fax: +353 42 9373878
E-mail: caine@indigo.ie Specialising in Sail training with ISA yachtmaster scheme. Also skippered and bareboat charters available.
Carlingford Marina, North Commons, Carlingford, Tel/Fax: +353 42 937 3073.
Irish Cycling Holidays, Mayoralty Street, Drogheda. Tel: +353 41 984 1067/984 3982 Fax: +353 41 983 5369

Angling

Cruising on Carlingford Lough and Deep Sea, North Commons, Carlingford, +353 42 937 3239. Fax +353 42 937 3733.
River Dee & Glyde for information/permits contact: The Manager, Bellingham Castle Hotel, Castlebellingham or Dee & Glyde Development Association, c/o Padge Reilly, Cappocksgreen, Ardee.
River Boyne (Salmon), Rose Hall resevoir (Course Fishing) Barnattin, Killeneer resevoirs (Brown Trout & Rainbow Trout - Fly only). For information and permits contact: John Murphy, Drogheda & District Angler’s Club, Tel: +353 41 983 4078 or Drogheda Angling Centre, 2 Stockwell Close, Drogheda, Tel: +353 41 984 5442.
Stephenstown Pond (Carp) licenses available from Brodigan’s Foodstore, Knockbridge village.
River Fane & Tributaries: Dundalk salmon Anglers Association, c/o Mr. Patrick Wehrly, ??? Jenkinstown, Dundalk.
River Fane & Tributaries: Dundalk Brown Trout Angler’s Association, c/o Mr. John Dollard, 23 Parnell park, Dundalk.
Clogherhead offers good opportunities for pier fishing with pollock, mackerel and flat fish.

Golf Clubs

Ardee Golf Club, Townparks, Ardee. Tel: +353 41 685 3227
Ballymacscanlon Golf Course, Dundalk. Tel: +353 42 937 1124
County Louth Golf Club, Baltray, Drogheda. Tel: +353 41 982 2329
Dundalk Golf Club, Blackrock, Dundalk. Tel: +353 42 932 1731. Fax: +353 42 932 2022
Greenore Golf Club, Greenore. Tel: +353 42 937 3212. Fax: +353 42 937 3678.
Killin Park Golf Course, Killin, Dundalk. Tel:+353 42 933 9303. Fax: +353 42 933 1412
Seapoint Golf Club, Termonfeckin. Tel: +353 41 982 2333. Fax: +353 41 982 2331
Townley Hall, Tullyallen, Drogheda. Tel: +353 41 984 2229
Carn Beg Golf Course, Armagh Road, Dundalk Tel: +353 42 93....

Visitors welcome on all courses on a pre-booked basis.

Pitch & Putt

Cement Pitch & Putt Club, Cement Road, Drogheda.
McBride Pitch & Putt Club, Weirhope, Drogheda.
Bissell Pitch & Putt Club, Bissell Ireland, Donore Road Industrial Estate, Drogheda
Seapoint Pitch & Putt Club, Termonfeckin, Tel: + 353 41 988 1513
Collon Pitch & Putt Club
Channon Pitch & Putt Club, Near Louth Village.

Gardens

Beaulieu House & Garden, Beaulieu, Drogheda. Tel: +353 41 983 8557.
Millhouse Gardens, Channonrock, Inniskeen Road, Dundalk. Tel:+353 41 937 4354
O’Grady’s Gardens, Monasterboice. +353 41 982 6368
Listoke Gardens, Ballymakenny, Drogheda

Cookery Schools

Ghan House, Carlingford, Tel/Fax: +353 42 937 3682.E-mail: gahnhouse@eircom.net Website: wwwgahnhouse.com
An Grianán, Termonfeckin.Tel: +353 41 982 2119/ 98 2478 Fax: +353 41 982 2690