County Louth

Ireland

A large stone cross with intricate carvings, set in a cemetery with other tombstones and a stone wall in the background.
Ancient ruins with stone walls and pathways, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A coastal landscape with rolling hills, a lake, and a town in the distance.
An ancient stone structure with a large tower and arched doorways.
A clear sky, a leafless tree, and a calm body of water with distant land.

Examine the preserved ramparts, visit the scenic grounds of castles and bring the family to a waterpark in this historic region.

As the former home of Vikings and prehistoric tribes, Louth is a charming county with a rich history and strong culture. It has a scenic and varied terrain comprising a pleasant coastline and mountains. Travel through the county for a glimpse into its cultural and aesthetic strengths.

Visit the county town of Dundalk for its intriguing sights and history. Enter the County Museum Dundalk, which chronicles the regional past from the Stone Age to the present day. Gaze up at the St. Patrick’s Church at night, when it glows with lighting.

In the outskirts of the town lie the Cuchulainn Castle and the King John’s Castle, which overlooks the Carlingford Lough. Visit the Carlingford Heritage Centre in the historic Church of Holy Trinity that dates back to the 13th century. Admire the spectacular vista of the verdant mountains behind the structure.

Spend time in the large, hilly town of Drogheda, which is between Dundalk and Dublin. Snap photos of the large St. Laurence’s Gate that guards the city. Browse the impressive works of art in the temporary exhibits of the Highlanes Gallery. For a change of pace, bring your kids to the indoor slides, climbing frames and pools of the Funtasia Waterpark.

Practice your swing at the County Louth Golf Club in the coastal village of Baltray or the Ardee Golf Club in Ardee. Expect a fairly wet and cool climate, with April the driest month. Summer is from June through August and is usually warm and pleasant.

The county is situated by the border with Northern Ireland in the northeastern corner of the Republic of Ireland. It lies in the province of Leinster and is the smallest county in the nation. Fly to Dublin International Airport and drive north for 45 miles (72 kilometers) to reach the heart of the county in around 1 hour. You can also get here via coach or train.

Louth is a tranquil and green county replete with historical vestiges and legends.

Popular cities in County Louth

A calm lake with a town and a castle on a hill.
Carlingford
Known for Friendly people, Mountains and Countryside
Experience quaint Carlingford: its countryside, cocktail bars, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • King John's Castle
A historic castle on a grassy hill with a sunset sky.
Dundalk
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Gardens
Relaxing Dundalk awaits: its sports, gardens, countryside, and more!
A large stone structure with a green roof, surrounded by a grassy field and several standing stones.
Drogheda
Known for Bars, Culture and Churches
Come to Drogheda and enjoy its monuments, UNESCO site, and food.
Louth
Louth
Check out Cuchulainn Castle and Patrick Kavanagh Rural and Literary Resource Centre—just a couple of the sights around Louth.
A historic stone castle with two towers, a white building with a black door, and a clear blue sky.
Ardee
Known for Golf, Sailing and Mountains
Escape to Ardee! Enjoy its golf, sailing, and mountain views.
A winding road through a desert landscape with distant mountains and a sunset.
Termonfeckin
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Beaches
Come to quaint Termonfeckin and enjoy its bars, beaches, and golf.

Stay near popular County Louth attractions