Louth Towns and Villages - Ireland

Annagassan   is a coastal village with a surprisingly eventful past.  Originally a small port with a busy
                     harbour pier, the Norsemen captured the settlement in 831. It wasn't until 928 that the
                     Vikings were eventually defeated by the native Irish and drivenfrom the locality.

Ardee   derives the name from the folklore of a duel between the legendary Irish heroes, Fordia and
             Cuchulainn near the river Dee. There are a number of places of interest in both the town and
             the hinterland of historic and recreational interest including a 14th century Norman Castle
             and the strange tale of the 'jumping church' in Kildemock. Ardee is an ideal base from which
             to explore the mysteries of the Boyne Valley and Cooley Peninsula.

Ballymascanion  is a small parish situated 4 km north -east of Dundalk on the road to Cerlingford
                            This parish derives its name from the sept of the Scanlon's its ancient properties.
                             Visitors can visit Proleek Dolmen and a wedge tomb close by.

Baltray   is an idyllic village on the shore of the Boyne estuary.  The area is of considerable
               importance for its wildlife preservation, which includes frequent feathered visitors such
               as ducks, brent geese, waders and ringed plovers.

Blackrock   is perched on the very edge of the sea, with a promenade and wonderful views over
                   Dundalk Bay to the mountains.  When the tide goes out it reveals an immense area of
                   sand flats, seeming to stretch all the way to the Cooley mountains, although interrupt ed
                   by the narrow channel that leads to Dundalk Port.

Carlingford   is an area of outstanding natural beauty surrounded by the Cooley and Mourne                                    mountains. Carlingford lough and King John's Castle. The medieval village of
                     Carlingford is a delight to stroll around with its shops, restaurants, coffee shops,
                     traditional pubs and crafts.  Visitors can participate in a host of water and land based
                     activities in Carlingford.

Dromiskin Village   was an important ecclesiastical  centre from the 5th century. A round tower from
                                 the early monastery still stands in he churchyard of the Church of Ireland
                                 parish church.  There are also the remains of a ringed cross in the Celtic style
                                 and a carved spiral pillar from the 9th - 10th century close by.

Collon     is a memorial hamlet which has medieval origins.  The original settlement on the site was
                granted a Tuesday market by Henry III in 1229.  The village is most famous for being the
                base of the Cistercian Abbey of new Mellifont.

Drogheda   is a medieval town with a wealth of historical interest.  The most venerated possession
                   is preserved in St. Peter's Church, the head of St Oliver Plunkett, Archbishop of Armagh
                   who was executed in London in 1681.  The town contained monasteries  of a number of
                   religious orders and their ruins stand in serious parts of the town, together with a barbican
                   tower of the ancient walls.  Close to it are some of the fine town houses built in the
                   18th century.  The former St. Mary Church has been beautifully restored to recreate the
                   fascinating world of ancient Drogheda. High above the town is Millmount, where the
                   29th century garrison barracks and Martello Tower have been transformed to a visitor
                   centre.

Dundalk   is a thoroughly modern town in the midst of a land of ancient legend; Dundalk offers all
                 the perks of city life, combined with easy access to the countryside steeped in history and
                 tradition. St Nicholas's  Church was built on foundations from the 13th century and
                 rebuilt more than once.  It contains some Dutch stained glass from the 16th century, a
                 number of interesting medieval tombs and a memorial to Robert Burns, whose sister lived
                 nearby.  The modern Church of the Holy Redeemer has sculptures by some of the best
                 contemporary artists.  The prize- winning County Museum, in a beautifully restored late
                 18th century warehouse, offers an extensive programme of permanent exhibitions,                                temporary displays and performances.

Termonfeckin  village is situated on the eastern shore of the county and has an extensive stretch of                              golden beach, only a stroll from its centre.   The origin of its name dates to the 7th                                century when a monastery was founded here by St Fechin.

Tullyallen    is perched high above the Boyne. Human activity on the hill is shown to date back
                     6,000 years. A battle for control of the English Crown took place in the area in the
                     17th century - The Battle of Boyne. (1690)  From the village, both the river and battle
                     site are reached via the Famous King William's Glen.  Nearby Townley Hall Forest
                     Park provides the opportunity for an invigorating hike.


For more information on Louth see  www.discoverireland.ie