Visiting County Louth? This part of the Irish province of Leinster has a number of attractions that you won’t want to miss. Plus some interesting sights that are a bit off the beaten path. So why not take your time and spend a day or two in Louth, ‘County Wee’, when you visit Ireland?
Wee County in Facts
Louth may be ‘small’ (which is ‘small’, the county is the smallest in Ireland), but it packs a punch. And here are some facts to make you an insider type:
- The Irish name for County Louth is the shortest name of them all, Contae Lú . The literal meaning of this is ‘smallest’, an appropriate name for the smallest county in Ireland.
- Speaking of size… County Louth is spread over only 821 square kilometers.
- Louth registered cars have the letters LH on their license plates.
- Lunda is Dundalk, other cities of regional importance are Ardee, Carlingford and Drogheda.
- The number of inhabitants amounts to 122,897, according to the 2011 census.
- The common nickname for Louth is “County Wee.”
Exploring the Cooley Peninsula
The Cattle Raid of Cooley is one of the best epics known to men, yet the Cooley Peninsula itself is rarely part of a visitor’s itinerary. What a shame that is. Pull off the highway near Dundalk and ride around the peninsula on some pretty good local roads, exploring history from the Dolmen Proleek (tucked away on a golf course) to King John’s Castle in historic Carlingford. The Magna Charta may not have been composed here, but a quiet afternoon in Carlingford will rightfully relax you. Head to the still fairly busy harbor of Greenore to take in the splendid panorama of the Morne Mountains on the other side of Carlingford Lough. Head into the hills, look for the ‘Tomb of the Long Woman’ or just walk around a bit.
Visit Drogheda and the saint
Drogheda, which is named after the bridge (over the Boyne), has lost a lot of traffic since the M1 opened, and a number of casual visitors, as going through it was never an option and even the toll bridge is a better option. Even in the old days, the historic city never presented its best side through traffic. Therefore, we encourage you to deviate. And see the interesting places of Drogheda for yourself. Among them are medieval ruins and a nearly complete city gate, the museum at Millmount, the streets lined with Georgian buildings to rival Dublin… and a true saint. Well, part of it: Saint Oliver Plunkett’s head is clearly visible in the glass shrine, wrinkled and dark, but impressive in a somewhat creepy way.
Round tower, high crosses in Monasterboice
The monastic settlement of Monasterboice is somewhat hidden and the posting of posters seems to encourage the boy-scout into the casual traveler (as in “It should be more or less in that direction …”), but even the most tortuous route is rewarded with the splendid remains of an Irish-Celtic holy site. The pride of the place goes, at first glance, to the massive round tower, which still stands firm among much younger tombs. A closer inspection will lead the discerning traveler to the fabulous tall crosses scattered around the tower. With splendid carvings full of details, Christian motifs and humor. He discovers the boys tugging at each other’s beards in a strange version of “tug of war.”
Modernizing the monks in Mellifont
In contrast, the younger Mellifont Abbey reflects a totally different kind of monasticism than Monasterboice. This was the first ‘European-style’ monastery in Ireland and became the landmark from which Christianity was oriented. Well, organized Christianity at least. Gone are the days of carefree Celtic cloisters, the duller monks in Mellifont who led strict lives. And also a clean life: the “sink”, used for washing, is a complete reminder of the old splendor here.
Approaching the battlefield with William’s men
The battlefield proper may be located on the Meath side, but the Battle of Boyne actually began in Louth for King William’s army. Marching through William’s Glen, the Dutch guards crossed the Boyne and then onto Meath, so the struggle for progress and Protestantism really pushed south from Louth. Even today he was still cheering from the north and (at least slightly) frowned upon from the south.
Explore the history of Louth at the County Museum
The Louth County Museum in Dundalk highlights not the scenic splendor of the small county, but the industry that made it thriving. Even the cars were produced here. Although the developments promised by Xerox have failed spectacularly (a new catering factory for the home office market was in excess of requirements when the printer giant decided to stop inkjet technology), new businesses have been found: multinationals they have their offices here. The city itself does not have much to see, but when visiting the museum, a walk through the center can be rewarding.
Live Irish Folk Music Sessions in Louth
Visiting County Louth and having to do something at night? Well, you could do worse than go to a local pub (which, by default, will be an »original Irish pub«) and then join a traditional Irish session… so why not give it a try?
Most sessions start around 9:30 pm or when a few musicians get together. Here are some reliable places:
Ardee – «Danny Boy»
Drogheda – “Arms de Bridgeford”
Dundalk – «Cheers Bar» y «Lisdoo Arms»
