Dublin and the East:Layout 1 03/05/2007 22:28 Page 51
examples of Neolithic art in Ireland and the most stunning views in CO. LOUTH
the country. The approach road is quite narrow and extreme caution is
ARMAGH
Sandwiched between County Meath to
necessary. Further information from the Brú na Bóinne Tourist the south and County Down to the
Information Centre, Tel: (041) 988 0305.
Carlingford
north, Louth is the smallest county in
MONAGHAN Dundalk
Ireland. The two principal towns are
Cooley
RATOATH
Peninsula
Drogheda and Dundalk. Drogheda is a
Originally one of the four borough towns founded by the Anglo- busy market town and a superb base
Ardee
Normans in County Meath, Ratoath is probably more commonly known for exploring the Boyne Valley.
as the home of the famous Fairyhouse Racecourse. On non-racing Monasterboice Dundalk is a border town with
MEATH
Sundays, Fairyhouse becomes a Sunday market from mid-morning to
N
Drogheda
Northern Ireland and a gateway to the
5pm, featuring crafts, clothing and vegetables. scenic mountains of the Cooley
Peninsula, the mythical battleground
SLANE of the Táin Bó Cualinge (the Cattle Raid of Cooley), Ireland’s greatest
The village of Slane overlooks the River Boyne and was originally the legend and one of Europe’s oldest epics.
manorial village for the impressive Slane Castle, now restored Louth also boasts two cycling and touring trails, both fully
following a disastrous fire in 1991. Slane Castle is open for tours for signposted. The Oriel Trail tours some of the most scenic areas of the
limited days during the summer. Tel: (041) 988 4400. The castle has country, while the Táin Trail is Ireland’s newest and longest cycling
in recent years become host to the famous annual rock concert held at route and extends from the Cooley Peninsula to Roscommon. Equally
the end of the summer (18 August 2007). Previous years have seen suitable for auto touring, the new trail takes visitors in the footsteps of
bands such as U2 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at Slane, Queen Maeve and Cuchulain, passing battlefields and their last resting
while 2007 will see The Rolling Stones as the headline act. places, as well as other heritage sites. Contact the Dundalk Tourist
The Hill of Slane, 1km north of the village, was once a site of great Office: (042) 933 5484 or Drogheda Tourist Office: (041) 983 7070.
druid significance. In 433 AD, St. Patrick chose this spot to light his Web:
www.eastcoastmidlands.ie.
Easter fire, symbolising Christianity’s triumph over paganism. To this day, In County Louth, golf is a way of life. Louth has nine courses of
on the eve of Easter Sunday, the local priest still lights a fire on the hill, different variety, from idyllic parkland setting to the world-famous links
which features the remains of a motte and bailey castle and the ruins at Baltray. Set on the shores of Carlingford Lough is Greenore Golf Club,
of a church, tower and other buildings which were part of a Franciscan a splendid 18-hole championship parkland course that the visiting golfer
friary. On a clear day, it is said that standing on the tower will afford a will find a delight to play. South of Dundalk, there is a championship
view, not only of the River Boyne below, but of seven other counties. layout at Blackrock, known as Dundalk Golf Club, which is home to the
Irish PGA. There are a number of inexpensive ‘pay and play’ courses in
TRIM the Dundalk region, including Ballymascanlon and Carnbeg. Moving
Trim is an attractive little town on the banks of the River Boyne with a further south towards the town of Ardee, you will find the superb layout
medieval heritage and buildings to match. The most impressive of of Ardee Golf Club which will test the skills of any golfer. Travelling east
these is Trim Castle. Across the river from the castle are the 15th towards the villages of Termonfeckin and Baltray, you will find two gems.
century ruins of Talbot Castle, and the 12th century Augustinian Seapoint, designed by Des Smyth & Co. is fast becoming one of the top
Abbey of St. Mary’s. The 12th century ruins of Bective Abbey lie links in Ireland and is a great test of one’s golf skills. Baltray, known as
halfway between Trim and Navan. Contact the Trim Tourist Information County Louth Golf Club, is ranked among the top links courses in the
Office on (046) 943 7111. world and was host to the Nissan Irish Open in 2004.
Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and was
the film location for Braveheart. Hugh de Lacy began construction in ARDEE
1172 but the central tower – the keep – was not completed until the This market town takes its name from the folklore duel between the
1220s. Trim Castle has undergone extensive restoration and legendary Irish heroes, Ferdia and Cuchulainn. Heritage seekers will find
conservation work. Guided tours of the keep are available and visitors interest in the 14th century Norman castle and the strange legend linked
can also explore the rest of the castle. Some of the stairs in the keep to the nearby ‘Jumping Church’, known formally as Millockstown Church.
are very steep so the keep is not accessible for visitors with Surrounded by peaceful countryside, Ardee is an ideal base from which
disabilities. Tel: (046) 943 8619. Trim Visitor Centre, Castle Street is to explore Newgrange, Carlingford, Kells and the Boyne Valley.
also worth visiting and has a multimedia show reflecting Trim’s former
power and glory as well as a craft shop. pointofinterest activities & pastimes
Ardee Shooting Grounds, Pepperstown, Ardee, Co. Louth. Tel: (041)
guestrooms accommodation 685 3711; Fax: (041) 685 3072; Mobile: (087) 255 8103; Web:
Brogans Licensed Guest House & Bar, High Street, Trim, Co. Meath.
www.ardeeshootinggrounds.com. Ardee Shooting Grounds are nestled
Tel: (046) 943 1237; Email:
info@brogans.ie; Web:
www.brogans.ie.
Brogan’s has been welcoming guests since 1915. Offering genuine
Irish warmth and hospitality, guests can experience a friendly, efficient
service in relaxed and comfortable surroundings. A selection of
superior accommodation is available, with en suite facilities and some
wheelchair accessible rooms. Brogans bar is a popular venue for
evening relaxation, with live music weekly and lunch served daily
provided by our award-winning chef.
Crannmor Bed & Breakfast, Dunderry Road, Trim, Co. Meath. Tel:
(046) 943 1635; Email:
cranmor@eircom.net; Web:
www.crannmor.com. Crannmor B&B is a period house in a rural setting
1km from the heritage town of Trim. 40 minutes from Dublin airport –
take the M50 and branching off on to the N3 going north, shortly after
the dual carriageway ends, branch to the left onto the R154 for Trim.
Enjoy the tranquility of Crannmor or take the short walk into Trim town.
Fishing is also catered for, with guiding services for pike and trout, river
and lake. Equipment is also available for hire; prior booking required for
guides and tackle. Fine selection of golf courses nearby.
dublin and the east 51
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