County Louth Travel Guide

Explore County Louth, Ireland with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, accommodations, dining options, and more. Plan your trip today!


Introduction to County Louth

Located on the East Coast and Midlands of Ireland, County Louth boasts of its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. It is a small county, yet offers an array of attractions and activities for visitors to explore. From museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic views, County Louth has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in County Louth

Plan your itinerary with these must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Clogherhead Fishing Village: A picturesque fishing village that offers stunning views of the sea.
  • Drogheda: The largest town in County Louth, famous for its historical buildings and landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Church, the Highlanes Gallery, and the Millmount Museum.
  • Mellifont Abbey: A 12th-century Cistercian monastery with well-preserved ruins and beautiful gardens.
  • Ardee Castle: A medieval tower house that dates back to the 15th century.

Natural Attractions of County Louth: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cooley Peninsula: A beautiful coastal area that offers stunning views of the sea and mountains. It is a popular spot for hiking and horse riding.
  • Carlingford Lough: A large sea inlet that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and boat tours.
  • Louth Nature Park: A nature reserve that offers beautiful walks and birdwatching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Louth

Get your adrenaline pumping with these hiking and biking trails:

  • Táin Way: A long-distance trail that covers 40km, starting from Carlingford and ending in Dundalk.
  • Slieve Foye: A challenging hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Dundalk Bay: A scenic biking trail that starts from the town of Dundalk and offers beautiful views of the bay.

Best Things to Do in County Louth: Activities and Tours

Make the most out of your visit with these top activities and tours:

  • Carlingford Adventure Centre: Offers a range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, ziplining, and rock climbing.
  • Dundalk Stadium: A greyhound racing stadium that offers a fun night out.
  • Cooley Distillery Tour: Learn about the history and production of Irish whiskey at this local distillery.

Week-Long Itinerary for County Louth

If you’re planning to spend a week in County Louth, here’s a sample itinerary to make the most of your trip:

Day Activities
1 Visit Drogheda and explore its historical landmarks
2 Hike in Slieve Foye or enjoy the outdoor activities at Carlingford Adventure Centre
3 Explore the Cooley Peninsula and enjoy the scenic views
4 Visit Mellifont Abbey and the nearby town of Ardee
5 Try out some local dishes and drinks at the many restaurants and bars in Dundalk
6 Take a distillery tour at Cooley Distillery
7 Relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches and parks of County Louth

Food and Drink Scene of County Louth

Experience the local cuisine and beverages with these must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Coddle: A traditional Irish stew made with sausage, bacon, and potatoes.
  • Boxty: A popular Irish potato pancake that is usually served with bacon, eggs, or smoked salmon.
  • Seafood: County Louth is known for its fresh seafood, which includes trout, salmon, and oysters.

Local Beverages

  • Local Beers: Try out some of the local beers such as Carlingford Brewing Company’s Taaffe’s Red Ale and Oyster Stout.
  • Irish Whiskey: Cooley Distillery produces some of the best Irish whiskey in the country.

Where to Stay in County Louth: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are various options for accommodation in County Louth, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some recommended options:

  • Ballymascanlon Hotel: A luxury hotel that offers beautiful views of the surrounding gardens.
  • D Hotel: A modern hotel located in the heart of Dundalk.
  • Fergusons of Inniskeen: A cozy guesthouse located in the charming town of Inniskeen.

What to Buy in County Louth: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take home a piece of County Louth with these local souvenirs and products:

  • Clay Pipes: County Louth is known for its handcrafted clay pipes.
  • Knitwear: Visit the local craft shops for some traditional Irish knitwear.
  • Irish Whiskey: Cooley Distillery produces some of the best Irish whiskey in the country.

Local Culture and Customs of County Louth

County Louth has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated through various festivals and events throughout the year. It is home to the Oriel Centre, which showcases traditional Irish music and dance. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the county has a strong sense of community.

Best Time to Visit County Louth

The best time to visit County Louth is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is milder and there are various events and festivals happening throughout the county.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Louth

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Take in the beautiful scenery and landscapes.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Disrespect historical landmarks and monuments.
  • Be loud and obnoxious in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in County Louth

County Louth is a safe and friendly place to visit, with low crime rates. However, it is always advisable to take the necessary precautions such as keeping your valuables safe and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in County Louth

County Louth has several hospitals and medical centers that provide quality healthcare services. It is always advisable to have travel insurance before embarking on your trip.

Getting to County Louth: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Louth

  • Dublin Airport: The closest airport to County Louth, located about an hour’s drive away.

Bus Stations Near County Louth

  • Bus Éireann: The national bus service that operates throughout Ireland.
  • Ulsterbus: The bus service that operates between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Rent a car and explore the county at your own pace.

How to Get Around in County Louth

The best way to explore County Louth is by car, as it gives you the freedom to visit the various attractions at your own pace. However, there are also local bus services and taxis available.

Where to Go Next from County Louth: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Dublin: The capital city of Ireland is only an hour’s drive away.
  • Belfast: The capital city of Northern Ireland is only an hour and a half’s drive away.

Conclusion

County Louth is a hidden gem in Ireland, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Plan your trip today and experience the best that County Louth has to offer.

Louth Louth High Cross at Monasterboice High Cross at Monasterboice Slieve Foy seen from Carlingford Slieve Foy seen from Carlingford "Hands off our cattle!" - Cú Chulainn saves the ranch


    Clogherhead
    Drogheda