Louth
Small is definitely beautiful when it comes to Ireland’s ‘wee’ county, Louth.
Activities
Get adventurous in Carlingford or take things easy on a gorgeous golf course
Adventure Sports
Head to Carlingford Adventure Centre for a wide range of outdoor water and land sports including rock climbing, abseiling, archery windsurfing, canoeing and climbing.
Coastal Walks
The Cooley Peninsula, County Louth, is a place of great natural beauty. At its heart lies Carlingford, a medieval town of narrow streets and castles on the shores of Carlingford Lough.
Golf
Louth boasts an exceptional selection of golf clubs in beautiful and unlikely locations. Try the Greenore Golf Club on the shores of Carlingford Lough, or Seapoint Golf Club, voted one of Ireland’s top 25 golf clubs.
See more highlightsKnockabbey Castle and Gardens
With some of the finest water gardens anywhere in Ireland, dating back to the 11th century, these gardens are a true joy to behold. Stroll through over 30 acres of peaceful, tranquil meadows and parkland.
Children
Get into the spirit of things with family fun at fairs and festivals.
Blackrock Annual Race Raft
An annual family fun day with fun fair and fancy dress, which is held in June.
Whitestown Festival, Carlingford
Enjoy live music, a bouncy castle, crazy football and a barbecue at this family-oriented festival, which is held in July.
Culture & festivals
Explore Dundalk’s excellent award-winning museums
County Museum, Jocelyn Street, Dundalk
The award-winning County Museum explores the history and culture of County Louth.
Millmount Museum, Dundalk
Located in an army barracks that dates back to 1808, this award-winning museum houses a wide variety of artifacts including an 18th-century Irish folk kitchen and laundry.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
Spoil yourself with some wonderful places to eat, drink and be pampered.
Ghan House, Carlingford
Ghan House has a stunning location at the edge of the Carlingford Lough beneath the benevolent gaze of Slieve Foy. The bedrooms are beautifully furnished with local antiques, and the restaurant serves up delicious meals for breakfast, dinner and Sunday lunch.
O’Hares, Carlingford
This lovely old pub gives a taste of days gone by with a traditional grocers and its star attraction – a leprechaun in a glass case!
Quaglinos at The Century, Dundalk
This award-winning restaurant serves up delectable modern Irish cuisine using fresh local produce with the emphasis on seafood, oysters, lobster, veal and game.
Gay & Lesbian
Head to Dundalk for Louth’s happening gay scene
Spectrum
Upstairs at The Spirit Store, George’s Quay, Dundalk. Big Club night monthly on Thursday nights.
Shopping
Enjoy wonderful crafts and top shopping in a brand new center.
Craftmark, The Ramparts, Dundalk
A cross-border initiative promoting artists from both Louth and Down with a unique range of gifts and crafts including ceramics, prints, pottery, leather bags, jewelry and home furnishings.
The Marshes Shopping Centre, The Ramparts, Dundalk
Nicely laid-out, bright new shopping center with a good selection of Irish and international chain stores.
Sightseeing
Explore Drogheda’s exceptional early Christian and medieval sites
Monasterboice High Crosses and Round Tower, near Drogheda
This early Christian monastic site was founded by St. Buite in the 6th century and includes exceptional examples of Irish high crosses.
Old Mellifont Abbey
Old Mellifont is the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland, founded in 1142 by St. Malachy of Armagh. Its most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavobo, which dates back to around 1200.
