A Quick Guide to Dundalk

Situated almost exactly halfway between Belfast and Dublin, the nearest most visitors get to Dundalk is to whizz past on the motorway. This is a little unfortunate as it is a a good base for touring in the South Armagh and Monaghan areas and sits at the gateway to the beautiful Cooley Peninsula.

These are parts of the country few tourists get to but for the visitor who wants to get away from the crowds and discover a lesser known part of Ireland they have a lot to offer.

There are no major attractions in Dundalk itself, though a stroll though the town is worthwhile to admire the fine 19th century architecture of many of its public building, notably the Town Hall, the Garda station, St Nicholas' Church and the courthouse with its fine Portland stone Doric columns.

On Clanbassil St look out for the lovely upper floors of a building which now houses a sports shop but was once a wine sellers. Sadly the ground floor level, once equally impressive, has been totally altered.

A less typical point of interest is the 60m high wind turbine which now dominates the town's skyline and supplies most of the electricity required by the local Institute of Technology. Built after much controversy, it is Ireland's first urban turbine and the only one which supplies power directly around its location. It has a strange beauty about it and watching the huge arms slowly rotate is pleasantly hypnotic.

The town is well supplied with pubs, restaurants and hotels, which tend to be less expensive than in more touristy areas.

The Century Bar, built to celebrate the start of the 20th century, is an exuberant pean to Art Deco and a good place to enjoy a leisurely pint of Harp by a blazing fire. This lager is the product of the local brewery, a fixture and a major employer in Dundalk for many years but due to close soon as a result of rationalisation by its parent company, Diageo. This will sadly bring an end to a local tradition of brewing that dates back centuries.

Things to do and see

A selection of places and activities that are in Dundalk or that can be visited while using Dundalk 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.