Information Dundalk Ireland
A warehouse that once belonged to Carroll tobacconists has been converted into the Dundalk Museum and Interpretive Centre. The ground floor is where the museum section resides, with the three floors above it comprising galleries for exhibits. Dundalk has had its share of industries, some successful and some less so. The museum provides the stories of many of them, from brewing and tobacco to printing and shoemaking. The museum also provides details of archaeology from prehistory to today. Dundalk built its success on its docklands and its industries. Linen and brewing may have been important to it in the past, but today computer components and food processing are two of the industries of significance. Today, it retains a train service that serves the town and connects to Dublin. The oldest building in Dundalk is Kelly’s Tower, a Franciscan bell tower that dates from the thirteenth century. The tower was sacked twice, first by Edward Bruce in 1315 and a second time by Lord Deputy Grey in 1538. There are a number of hotels, restaurants and B&Bs in Dundalk. Publichouses on Seatown are cosy and old fashioned. Five miles north west of Dundalk stands Castleroche, known simply as its Norman French name Roche. The castle is impressive, standing atop a rock. It provides a panoramic view of the countryside. The Close Rolls of 1236 stipulate that it was constructed at the behest of Lady Rohesia deVernon whose grandfather had accompanied Prince John to Ireland in 1185. Most of the castle was built in the 1230s. Its unusual triangular layout is determined by the outcrop on which it was built. Apocryphally, the lady who commissioned its construction is said to have promised herself to the architect of the structure if he finished it to her satisfaction. When he came to claim her hand, she had him thrown from one of the windows.
Attractions Dundalk Ireland
County Museum - Dundalk
Located at Jocelyn Street, Dundalk, in a beautifully restored late 18th century warehouse, the County Museum hosts a wide variety of events and activities. The County Museum tells the story of Louth's archaeological, social, natural and industrial heritage. The displays present the origins and evolution of the County from the Mesolithic period to the present day.
Holy Trinity Heritage Centre - Carlingford
Located at Old Quay Lane, Carlingford, in a restored medieval church, the Holy Trinity Centre houses exhibits which detail the development of the town from its Norman origins through the use of Video presentations. From the centre the street and monuments of this ancient place can be explored.
Millmount Museum - Droghedra
Located in Drogheda in the Officer's Quarters of a former military barracks built in 1808, the museum has been described as one of the finest town museums in Ireland. The Museum houses a wide variety of artifacts of local and national importance. Popular exhibits include an authentic 18th century Irish Folk Kitchen, Dairy and Laundry, and the Irish History Room detailing the major events in Ireland's history.
Monasterboice - Collon
Located at Collon, Monasterboice is known for its remains of the monastic settlement founded by Saint Buite in the fifth century. The remains consist of an old graveyard, two churches, three sculptured crosses, two early grave slabs and a sundial. The South church is the older of the two and it still has the remains of the chancel arch. The smaller church is situated beside the Round Tower and has no trace of a chancel. The Round Tower is about 100ft high.
Old Mellifont Abbey - Droghedra
The first Cistercian monastery in Ireland founded in 1142 by St. Malachy of Armagh, its most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo c.1200. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display.
