Dundalk – things to see and do – ireland-insider.com

Last updated on November 10, 2024

North of Dublin, just before the Northern Irish border and therefore on the way to Belfast, lies the town of Dundalk…

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Dundalk (photo: Gareth Gorham on Google Maps)

Intro

Dundalk probably has prehistoric roots, but was not designated a town until the 12th century. As the border town of the Pale and because of its Norman castle, it was an important town in its time. The Pale was the region around Dublin and the east of Ireland occupied by the Anglo-Normans.

Even today, Dundalk is one of the larger Irish towns with a population of around 45,000 and is the capital of County Louth.

The number of sights in Dundalk is manageable, but with Drogheda in the south and Carlingford in the north, there are interesting options for a short or longer stay on your tour.

I have summarised a few good tips and activities for you here to help you plan your trip.

St Patricks Church Dundalk (photo: K p Brady on Google Maps)

Sightseeing

County Museum of Dundalk: Explore the history of the town and the Louth region in this pretty museum. See: https://www.visitlouth.ie/explore-and-do/explore-louth/heritage-and-culture-louth/county-museum-dundalk.html.

Castle Roche: Visit the ruins of this impressive Norman castle outside the town. See: https://www.visitlouth.ie/explore-and-do/explore-louth/castles-and-conquests-louth/castle-roche.html.

St Patrick’s Church: Visit this spectacularly beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral in the city centre. See: https://www.stpatricksdundalk.com.

Entrance to St Patrick in Dundalk (photo: Dario Mitrovicz on Google Maps)

Proleek Dolmen: A prehistoric, well-preserved dolmen near Dundalk on the grounds of a golf hotel. Next door you will also find a wedge tomb. See: https://www.visitlouth.ie/explore-and-do/explore-louth/ancient-sites-louth/proleek-dolmen.html.

St Brigid’s Shrine / Oratory: St Brigid is one of Ireland’s most important patron saints. She is said to come from near Dundalk. A shrine was erected in her honour north of Dundalk. See: http://www.megalithicireland.com/St%20Brigid’s%20Shrine,%20Faughart.html.

Cu Chulainn ‘s Castle: Cu Chulainn is a warrior-hero from Irish epic poetry who is said to have lived around the time of Christ’s birth and was born here. The castle, however, only dates from 1780 and was commissioned by Patrick Byrne, a well-known pirate. See: https://www.visitlouth.ie/explore-and-do/explore-louth/castles-and-conquests-louth/cuchulainns-castle-castletown-motte.html.

Music and Culture

An Táin Arts Centre: Enjoy theatre, music and exhibitions at this arts and cultural centre. See: https://www.antain.ie/.

Spirit Store: Enjoy live music and good food at this venue. See: https://www.spiritstore.ie.

Dundalk Stadium: Have you ever seen a horse race or greyhound race? See: You can do both here – see: https://www.dundalkstadium.com/.

Frostival or Fesival of Light: Experience this winter festival with music, art and entertainment and lots of lights (if your visit falls during festival time). See: https://www.facebook.com/FrostivalDundalk/

Dundalk Oriel Centre: This former Gaol (historic prison) celebrates traditional Irish culture and music. See: https://orielcentre.ie/about-us/oriel-centre/.

Oriel Centre Dundalk (photo: Alan Wright on Google Maps)

Food and Drink

The Spotted Dog: Try modern Irish cuisine in this cosy bistro See: https://www.thespotteddog.ie.

The Malthouse Pub and Restaurant: Traditional Irish: beer, food and live music. See: https://www.facebook.com/Malthousebar/?_rdr.

Windsor Bar and Restaurant: Good food in a very nice bar-restaurant. See: https://www.windsorbar.com.

Jocelyn`s Bistro: Fine steak and seafood. See: https://www.jocelynbistro.com.

Tours and Outdoor Activities

Seek Dundalk Mural Arts Walk: Discover Dundalk’s murals and street art. See: https://www.seekdundalk.ie/post/seek-walking-tours.

Walking Tours of Dundalk: There are several tours you can take to explore Dundalk itself. See: https://www.visitlouth.ie/explore-and-do/do/tours-and-trails-louth/walking-tours-of-dundalk.html.

Navvy Bank Walk: Enjoy a walk along the estuary to the coast. See: https://www.mypacer.com/routes/126496/navy-bank-walk-trail-dundalk-county-louth-ireland.

At Spirit Store Dundalk (photo: K P Brady omen Google Maps)

Blackrock Beaches: On the coast off Dundalk, around Blackrock, there are several beaches you can visit. See: https://visitblackrock.ie.

Cooley Mountains: There are many walking and hiking trails in these mountains towards Carlingford. See: https://hiiker.app/trails/ireland/county-louth/cooley-mountains-loop, or here: https://www.visitlouth.ie/explore-and-do/do/tours-and-trails-louth/cooley-and-slieve-foye-walks-and-hikes.html.

Dundalk Golf Club: Play a round of golf – see: https://www.dundalkgolfclub.ie/.

Visit Drogheda or Carlingford: I have linked my articles on this below…

County Museum Dundalk (photo: Bob Elegante on Google Maps)

Conclusion

Du siehst, Dundalk bietet doch ein paar schöne Möglichkeiten und Aktivitäten für deine Reise. Ob du hier nur eine Nacht übernachtest, den historischen Nordosten Irlands intensiv erkundest oder einen Wochenend-Ausflug aus Dublin heraus machst – Dundalk ist auch per Bahn zu erreichen – die Stadt lohnt auf jeden Fall einen kleinen Abstecher oder auch einen Aufenthalt.

Ich wünsche dir viel Spaß im Nordosten von Irland – und in Dundalk!