A Quick Guide to Drogheda

Drogheda has a long and fascinating history and is well worth at least a few hours exploration. Founded by the Vikings, it flourished during the medieval period into a walled town of great strategic importance. Its success came to an end when Drogheda was attacked and taken by Cromwellian forces in 1649, an event which saw many people die and which plunged the town into a depression that lasted for centuries.

However in recent years Drogheda has boomed, turning from the rather down at heel provincial town it had become into a vibrant and forward looking satellite of Dublin. The DeLacey Bridge in its centre is something of a symbol of this rebirth.

The town centre retains its medieval street plan though all that remains of the original defensive walls, which once enclosed about 113 acres, is a 13th century Barbican, or gatehouse, St Lawrence Gate and some smaller remnants beside St Mary's Church of Ireland

A somewhat stark ruin, comprising a tower with an arch below, is all that remains today of the Old Abbey, also known as the Magdelene Tower or the Hospital of St. Mary d'Urso, which was built in the very early 1200s by the Norman lord Ursus de Swemele as a hospital for the sick and infirm.

A somewhat ghoulish attraction, and a great favourite with small boys, is the preserved head of St Oliver Plunkett in St Peter's Catholic church. An archbishop, Plunkett was suspected by the British crown of plotting an invasion with the French, and was hung, drawn and quartered in 1681.

The local Protestant church, also called St Peter's, is a among the finest Georgian buildings in Ireland. It has an especially fascinating graveyard, which includes the burial place of Edmund Goulding and Elizabeth Fleming who died in 1556 and, continuing the ghoulish theme, are depicted on their grave as skeletal corpses.

Things to do and see

A selection of places and activities that are in Drogheda or that can be visited while using Drogheda as a base. For more activities that may be in reach see our Area Guides.

Co Louth Golf Club (Baltray)
Golf at Baltray is a challenge for golfers of all abilities - this links course is one of the finest and the trickiest in Ireland.

Loughcrew
One of the largest collections of megalithic items in Ireland, and less visited than similar sites.

The Passage Tombs of Brú na Bóinne
The ancient sites of Knowth, Dowth and New Grange are older than the pyramids and were built with a deep knowledge of science and astronomy.

Trim Castle
Although now virtually in ruins Trim Castle is an excellent example of an early Norman defensive castle, with a thick outer curtain wall protecting the central keep.

Festival and Events

Irish Harp Festival Music: Traditional | Date: June 29th - July 4th

Irish Steel Guitar Festival Music: Other | Date: 11th - 13th Oct

Tour Itineraries

Some tour itineraries which explore in or include Co Louth:

Three Days Around Dublin
A short trip based in Dublin, seeing a little of the countryside as well as the capital.