Staying in Drogheda

Drogheda – the area

Drogheda is situated on the Louth/Meath border and it provides a perfect picture of Ireland. It can boast a wealth of reasons for visitors to return time and time again. A place steeped in history and legend, it has a spellbinding richness combining an impressive modern tapestry with the charm of its unique heritage, a rich mosaic of scenic variety and communal diversity.

A view of Drogheda from The Scarlet Lodge.

The enchanting hills and valleys in the area offer a magical blend of outstanding natural beauty and spectacular panoramas. The eastern shores of Louth and Meath are washed by the breakers of the Irish Sea into which a variety of sparkling rivers flow, including the famous River Boyne. Its proximity to the sea has given access to many invaders over the last two thousand years and today, many place names in the area bear traces of these unwelcome visitors.

Aside from the main town of Drogheda, nestled in various pockets of the wider region are many towns and villages with plenty to see and do. There are so many areas of appeal, both rural and urban; the peaceful country lanes, the gleaming sands and racing surf, the flora of high mountains and the fauna of deep cut glens, ergonomically designed shopping malls, cobbles, crafts and cottages.

Every day the town changes its colours, all fresh and captivating. In the blossoms of Spring, the deep hues of Summer, the golden tints of Autumn, or the freshness of Winter, a stay at the picturesque Scarlet Lodge, Drogheda could prove an unforgettable experience.

Drogheda – the town

Constructed by the Normans in the 12th century this distinguished port town has certainly played its part in the history of its country. The events of Drogheda’s past have left a wonderful legacy that can be still recreated on its streets today. The town’s strategic position made it a focal point of Ireland’s turbulent history. Not the least of which was in 1649 when Oliver Cromwell ordered the defending garrison of 3,000 royalist soldiers to be massacred. Scarlet Lodge is situated in the very hub of this historic scene. It lies on the former ‘Scarlet Lane’ where the defending troops were butchered, their blood is said to have poured down the lane in torrents.

St. Mary's Church, one of the many spires of Drogheda, overlooked by the Scarlet Lodge.

There are numerous historic delights tucked away from the main avenues waiting to be discovered. The Drogheda skyline is punctuated with spires and belfries rising from the beating heart of the town below, some now disused but standing as silent memorials to glorious former days.

Situated only twenty-minutes drive from Dublin Airport and with almost every amenity imaginable within the catchment area, Drogheda is also described as being the ‘Gateway to the Boyne Valley’. There is an open invitation to turn the key to Drogheda and open up an array of features to suit the visitor. Features such as vibrant performing arts, cosmopolitan shopping and a plethora of hostelries, bars and restaurants.

Drogheda’s growing reputation as a town of enterprise has encouraged designers and craftspeople to ply their trade locally. This has resulted in a veritable treasure trove of visual art, artistic workmanship, and inspired designs in giftware and crafts being available.

Some of Drogheda’s hotels have been sensitively converted from 19th century buildings, which retain historic features while incorporating modern facilities for the purposes of both business seminars and/or pleasure.

The town is currently experiencing a commercial boom as a satellite Dublin town. Development is ongoing and two major new shopping complexes are due to open in November 2005. From its beautifully green hideaway Scarlet Lodge overlooks one of them, the impressive Scotch Hall.