drogheda visitor guide
DESCRIPTION
Drogheda is rich in history, yet young at heart! Download the complete visitor guide to see all of what Drogheda and the Boyne Valley have to offer.TRANSCRIPT
droghedawelcome to
FREE VisitoR GuidE
www.drogheda.ie
rich in history,young at heart!
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contents
4 DroghedaontheBoynebyPaddyCluskey
4 KeydatesinDroghedahistory
6 Drogheda’sTopTen!
8 Itineraries�24�hours�in�Drogheda�48�hours�in�Drogheda
9 Itineraries�1�week�in�Drogheda
10 Itineraries�1�week�in�the�Boyne�Valley
12 DiscoverDrogheda
14 Heritage
18 Culture
19 Festivals
20 Kids
22 Shopping
23 Crafts
24 DroghedaMap
26 LocalActivities
32 Attractions
34 SurroundingAttractions
36 StayOver:Accommodation�Guide
41 Food
42 Restaurants,Cafés&Bars
45 GettingtoDrogheda
46 ThankYou
46 Listings:Attractions
47 Listings:Accommodation,�Restaurants,�Bars,�Nightclubs�&�Activities
WelcometoDroghedaontheBoyne,amedievaltownjust20minutesfromDublinAirport.DroghedaisthegatewaytotheworldfamousBoyneValleyregionandtheUNESCOWorldHeritageSiteatNewgrange.
Richinheritageyetyoungatheart,thelargesttowninIrelandstillhasavillagefeelandawealthofuniqueattractionswithinwalkingdistanceofeachother.
Taketheheritagetrailaroundsomeoftheancientsiteswithinthetown’soldwalls.Witnessthevibrantculturecelebratedinthetown’smanyfestivalsandvenues.
Quietlanesreminiscentoftimesgonebyfeedintobustlingthoroughfaresandshoppingareas,withanabundanceofrestaurants,cafésandnightlife.
ThemightyRiverBoyne–sourceofmythandlegend–slicesthroughthetown,yetunitesthisancientground.ThroughoutitshistoryDroghedahasbeenasiteofmilitary,civilandecclesiasticalimportance.
DroghedaistheidealcentrefromwhichtovisitthetreasuresofNewgrange,BrúnaBóinne,Monasterboice,OldbridgeandMellifont.
AwarmwelcomeawaitsyouinDrogheda–Céadmilefáilte.
droghedawelcome to
We look forward to welcoming you at the drogheda tourist office
The Tholsel, West Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth Email: [email protected] Tel:041 987 28 43
www.drogheda.ie
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Key dates in drogheda history
432 A.d.
StPatrickenteredthetownandfoundedtheAbbeyatOldAbbeyLane.
830 A.d.
ThetownwasoccupiedbytheDanes.
848 A.d.
TheVikingswinteredontheBoyne.
1494 A.d.
PoyningsParliamentheldinDrogheda.
1541 A.d.
SuppressionofthemonasteriesbyHenryVIII.
1649 A.d.
SiegeofDroghedabyCromwell.
1665 A.d.
AwoodenbridgeerectedovertheBoyne(SiteofStMary’sbridge).
1142 A.d.
MellifontAbbeyfoundedbyStMalachy.
1641 A.d.
SiegeofDroghedabySirPhelimO’Neill.
c. 3200 B.C.
ThepassagetombsatBrúnaBóinnewereconstructed.
newgrange
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There’s a big town by Newgrange
Its future’s looking bright
Local Heroes gathered
And changed it overnight
Come along with me
And I’ll take you on a tour
Each day it’s getting better
And each day I love it more
Millmount’s cup and saucer
Looks down on the Boyne
St. Peter’s parish church
Hosts St. Oliver’s shrine
Magdalene Tower, Old Abbey
Are relics of the past
The Viaduct bridge carries
The express train to Belfast
Laurence’s Gate is a treasure
And something to behold
Part of an ancient fortress
In those days of old
Walk along the rampart
Its beauty is sublime
The battlefield at Oldbridge
Will take you back in time
The people here are friendly
A place to shop and dine
There’ll always be a welcome
In Drogheda on the Boyne
drogheda on the BoyneBy Paddy Cluskey
R.i.P. drogheda’s beloved poet Paddy Cluskey (1932 - 2013)
© Photo by Tommy McDermott
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1185 A.d.
PrinceJohnvisitedDroghedaduringatourofthePale.
1210 A.d.
ThesecondvisitofJohn,nowKingofEngland.
NorthandSouthoftheRiverBoyne,constitutedseparateboroughs.
1229 A.d.
KingHenryIII,bycharter,grantedDroghedaontheLouthsideprivilegesandfreecustoms.
1348 A.d.
TheBlackDeatharrivesinDrogheda.Likeothertownsthepopulationoneverylevelisdevastated.
1412 A.d.
ThetwoCorporationsunite.
1690 A.d.
BattleoftheBoyne.
1839 A.d.
DanielO’Connelladdressedanaudienceofsome60,000people‘TherepealofTheUnion’.
1844 A.d.
DublinandDroghedarailwaycompleted.
1317 A.d.
EdwardBruce,brotherofRobertandlastmantobecrownedHighKingofIreland,failstocaptureDrogheda.
1681 A.d.
OliverPlunkett,hanged,drawnandquarteredatTyburn.
1922 A.d.
MillmountshelledbyIrishFreeStateforces.
1979 A.d.
PopeJohnPaulIIvisitsDrogheda.
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so much to see
drogheda’s
World Heritage site – Newgrange NestlingintheheartoftheBoyneValley,withinafewminutesdrivefromDroghedatowncentreistheUNESCOWorldHeritagesiteNewgrange.Thisneolithicburialgroundwasconstructedover5,000yearsago,makingitolderthanStonehengeinEnglandandtheGreatPyramidofGizainEgypt.
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st Laurence Gate OncethegatewaytooneofthelargestwalledtownsinMedievalIreland,taketimetoenjoythesightofoneofthefinestbarbicansinEurope,datingfromthelate13thcentury.
Housedinaformer19th-centuryFranciscanChurch,thislightfilledgalleryandmuseumishometotheMunicipalArtCollection,aswellasseveralnationalandinternationaltemporaryexhibitions.
Funtasia Waterparkand tayto Park Onemillionvisitorsayearcan’tbewrongandwhatevertheweather,thereisnoshortageoffamilyfun,withthelargestindoorwaterparkinIrelandoralltheexoticcreaturesofTaytoParkonourdoorsteps.
HERitAGE
3drogheda Museum Millmount & Millmount tower Knownaffectionatelyasthe‘CupandSaucer’,thismartellotypetowertakesprideofplaceoverlookingDrogheda,andishometoafascinatingcollectionofmilitarymemorabilliaandartefactsintheadjoiningmuseum.Inpeakseason,taketimetobrowsethebeautifullocalcraftsinMillmount’sCulturalQuarter.
HERitAGE
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Kids
HERitAGE
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Highlanes Gallery
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so much to see
st Peter’s Catholic Church & st oliver Plunkett’s shrine SetrightintheheartofDrogheda’smainthoroughfare,thistoweringGothicRevivalchurchdatingbacktothe18thcenturyhousesthepreservedheadofStOliverPlunkett(1625-81)initslavishinterior.
droichead ArtsCentre & the tLtChoosefromtheintimacyofabeautifulgalleryspaceandtheatre,orasplendid900-seaterauditorium,bothshowcasingthebestoflocal,nationalandinternationaldrama,musicandcomedy
Festival Fun PlanyourvisittotieinwithoneofDrogheda’sfestivalsofartandculture,horse-racing,walkingandoutdoors,ormusic.BothDroghedaArtsFestivalandDroghedaSambaFestivaldrawthefinestinternationalactsandwhetherit’sthethrillofoneofthelastbeachhorse-racingmeetingsintheworldatLaytown,orthebreathtakingBellewstowncourse,allarewellworthavisit.
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Battle of the Boyne LearneverythingyouneedtoknowabouttheBattleoftheBoyne–aneventthatshapedthecourseofIrishhistory–inthislovinglyrestored18th-centuryOldbridgehouseandmagnificentgrounds.
RELiGioN
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Boyneside Life EnjoytheoutdoorlifebygoingforarunontheRampartsalongsidetheBoyne,takeabreezystrollononeofourBlueFlagbeaches,orgoexploringalongthebeautifulBoyneValleyGardenTrail.Afterwards,wanderthroughourmedievalstreetsandsamplethefinestoflocalproduce.
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MiLitARY
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itineraries
9.30am:ImaginebeinginsideastructurethatexistedlongbeforethePyramidsofEgyptorStonehenge.VisitBrúnaBóinne*,amegalithicsitedatingbackto3,200B.C.andhometothethreepassagetombsofNewgrange,KnowthandDowth.AmerefivemilesfromDrogheda,thisUNESCOWorldHeritageSiteisamust-see.
1.00pm:ReturntoenjoylunchinDrogheda.
2.00pm:Whynotplayaroundofgolfonanyofoursuperblinkscourses?Enjoyaspotofretailtherapyintheoldtowncentreoranyofourcontemporaryshoppingcentres.Pamperyourselfwithatriptooneofourluxuriousdayspas.VisitIreland’slargestindoorwaterpark,Funtasia,orenjoyfabulousfamilyfunatTaytoPark.
5.00pm:Ohwedoliketobebesidetheseaside...astrollalongthebeachatSeapointorBettystownwillinspireyourmindwhilstinvigoratingyourbody.
Evening Time:RevelinourlongtraditionoftheatreandmusicinDrogheda.Bookseatsforashowateitherofouraward-winninglocaltheatres:TLTorDroicheadArtsCentre.Alternatively,enjoyapintofIrishstoutinoneofthemanybarsinthetowncentre.
9.30am:VisitStPeter’sCatholicChurchonWestStreet,mostfamousfortheshrineofStOliverPlunkett.
10.00am:DropintoDroghedaTouristofficeinthehistoricalTholselbuilding.Meettheteamwhowillhelpyougetthebestoutofyourday.InsummerbookyourplaceontheMedievalWalkingTourstarting2.00pm.
10.30am:ExperiencetheHighlanesGalleryinthebeautifullyconvertedFranciscanFriaryonLaurenceStreet.ViewtheDroghedaMunicipalArtCollection,theSwordandMaceofDroghedaandenjoycoffeeandafreshlybakedscone.
Noon:StrolluptoDroghedaMuseumMillmount&MillmountTower.FromthisheightenjoyspectacularviewsoftheRiverBoyne,DroghedaandthemajesticBoyneViaduct,Ireland’sgreatestexampleofVictorianindustrialarchitecture.
1.15pm:Savourlunchinanyofourwonderfulrestaurantsshowcasingfabulouslocalproduce.
2.00pm:EnjoytheMedievalWalkingTourofDroghedastartingatTheTholselfollowedbyavisittothe17th-centuryBeaulieuHouseandGardens(openJune-Sept).Alternatively,visittheBattleoftheBoynesiteatOldbridge,homeofoneofthemostsignificanteventsinIrishhistory.
Evening Time:Afterabusyday,reviveyourselfwithdinnerinoneofourdelightfulselectionofrestaurants.Samplelocalspecialitiesfromnearbyfarmsorcreatedbyartisanproducers.Ifyouthinkourhistorictownisspecial,youshouldtasteourlocallyproducedfood!
*DuringsummermonthsBrúnaBóinneisextremelybusy.Consideradvancebookingbyvisitingwww.heritageirelandietoavoiddisappointment.
don’t miss! st Laurence Gate, a 13th-century barbican that was once a gateway to our walled town.
48 hours in drogheda
BattleoftheBoyneSite,Oldbridge.
WestStreet,Drogheda.
StLaurenceGate
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24 hours in drogheda
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Steep yourself in heritageStartyourdayattheDroghedaMuseumMillmount,whereyoucanlearneverythingyouneedtoknowaboutourrichheritage,militarypastandindustrialroots.TaketheshorttripdownintothecentreofthetownandmarvelattheheadofStOliverPlunkettinStPeter’smagnificentRomanCatholicChurch.AstrollawayistheimposingStLaurenceGate,andasyoucontinuetheHeritageTrail,youwillspymanymoremedievalwonderssuchastheMagdaleneTower,OldAbbeyandmuch,muchmore.
A little bit of ReligionIfOxfordisthecityofdreamingspires,wellDroghedaisitslittlesister,withsevenspirestospotasyougazeovertheviewfromMillmount.
YoumightnotgettoallofthechurchesbutStPeter’sCatholicChurchinWestStreetishomeofStOliverPlunkett’sshrine,StAugustine’swithitsdivineHarryClarkeStudiowindowandStPeter’sChurchofIrelandwithitsfascinatingcemetery,arejustthreemust-sees.
ThewallsandgatesofDrogheda,
whichenclosedthecityuntilabout1800,arestillimpressivewithStLaurenceGatebeingtheshowpiece.
Family FunThereisplentyforchildrenofallagesinandaroundDrogheda–agreatplaceforfamilyfun.FuntasiaWaterparkisthebiggestentertainmentcentreinIreland,andisjustafive-minutedrivefromDroghedaTouristOffice.Withampleparking,youcansampleallthethrillsandspillsofthewaterparkandslides,bowling,rollerskating,crazygolfandacresoffunrides.Thinkyouhaveaheadforheights?Tryaskyclimb!
StDominic’sParkisawonderfulgreensiteandplaygroundontheRamparts,alongonthebanksoftheBoyne,minutesfromthemainstreet.
Culture VulturesDroghedahassomuchtoofferthoseseekingpursuitsofamoreculturalnature,it’shardtoknowwheretostart.HighlanesGalleryhasawealthoflocal,nationalandinternationalartintheglorioussettingofaformer19th-centuryFranciscanChurch.Thedaywouldnotbecompletewithoutatriptooneofourtheatres,whereyoucanfindtopcomedians,singersorentertainers,orthebestinlocalornationaldrama.
Military manoeuvres
Attention!Droghedahasarichandvariedmilitarypastandyoucouldeasilyloseyourselfinallthetownhastooffertotheenthusiast.
ThesightofthetworeplicacannonsatMillmountwillalertyoutosomeofthemilitarytreasuresthatlieinside.In1649duringOliverCromwell’sattackonthetownitisbelieved
thatmuchoftheslaughterthattookplacehappenedonthisveryspot,withupto2,500menkilledonSeptember11th,1649.
ThetowerwasbadlydamagedduringtheIrishCivilWarin1922andwasrestoredtoitsformergloryin2000.
JustashorthopuptheRiverBoyneatOldbridgeHouseyoucanfindouteverythingyouneedtoknowaboutDrogheda’sfamousBattleoftheBoynebetweenKingWilliamIIIandhisfather-in-law,KingJamesII,onJuly1st,1690.
1 week indrogheda
itineraries
CannonatMillmountoverlookingtheRiverBoyne
TheBoyneViaduct
StOliverPlunkett’sShrine
© Aidan Stewart
OliverCromwell
Aoife Ruanedirector, Highlanes GalleryForme,thereissimplynothingliketheestateofBeaulieuHouse&Garden.ItstartswiththeshortthreemiledriverightalongtheriveroutfromDrogheda.Thetrulyuniquehousewhichfor800yearshasbeenhometojusttwofamilies,boaststhefinestviewsoftheriverBoyne,andistheplaceforthoseinterestedinarchitecture,historyandart.Andthentherearethegardens...
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itineraries
tommy LeddyFounder & director of the tLt Concert Hall & theatreDroghedahassuchsomuchtooffermusicians,bothathomeandabroad.Ilovethewaymusichasevolvedinthetownoverthelast50and60years–andwehavegrownwiththemusictoo!Wehavesomanymusicoutletsherealso…threetheatres,fiveorsixbigmusicvenuesandalmosteverysmallpubinourtownhasmusicinitattheweekends.Iloveit!
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Ancient WondersDroghedaistheidealplacetoplanyourweekintheBoyneValley–Ireland’sancientcapitalanditsmostsacredandmythicallandscape.BrúnaBóinneisanextensivearchaeologicalareajust5mfromDrogheda,andthisUnescoWorldHeritageSiteisamust-see,withitsinterpretivecentreandaccesstotheNeolithictombs.
About10minutesnorthofDroghedayouwillfindtheremarkablemonasticsiteatMonasterboice.TheCrossofMuirdeachisthefinestHighCrossinIreland.FollowtheRiverBoyneuntilitsplitsintotheRiverMattock,andyouhavefoundMellifontAbbey,another10minutesdrivefromDroghedatowncentre.
Homes and GardensNothingcouldbemorerelaxingthanstrollingthroughthemanyhistoricalgardensDroghedaandthesurroundingareahastooffer.TheBoyneValleyGardenTraillinks11ofthemoststunninggardenattractionsincountiesLouthandMeath.Thistrail,accompaniedbyanewguide,willappealtogardenenthusiastsandnature-loversalikeandvisitorscanalsovisitmanyheritagesitesalongtheway.FromGroveHouse&Gardens,KellstoBeaulieuHouseandGardens,Drogheda,eachgardenmemberhostseventsintheirgardens,includingwalks,charityfetes,musicevents,outdoortheatre,exoticandrareplantsalesandharvestfestivals.Formoreinfoandtodownloadtheguide,visitwww.boynevalleygardentrail.com.
The Great OutdoorsThefishingvillageofClogherheadisoneofthehiddengemsoftheeastcoast.WithbreathtakingviewsasfarastheCooleyandMourneMountains,choosebetweenramblingamongsttheuniquefloraandfauna,orheadingtothepier,wherenotonlycanyoubuythecatchoftheday,straightoffthetrawler,youcansayhellotosomeofthecheekysealswhofrequentthebay.ThebigstrandisalsoafineBlueFlagbeach.
Time for TeeTheBoyneValleycanbeseenassomewhatofagolfer’sparadise.Whetheryou’realowhandicapperora‘socialgolfer’,therearecoursestosuityou.TheseincludethemajesticLinkscoursesatCo.LouthGolfClubatBaltray,(homeofthe2009IrishOpen),SeapointGolfLinksandLaytown&BettystownGolfClub.BeautifulParklandcoursesarealsoavailablesuchasKilleenCastle,(homeofthe2011SolheimCup),TownleyHallGC,JulianstownGCandBellewstownGC.Forinformationonallthesecoursesandothersvisitwww.gui.ie.
Pitch&PuttisalsowellrepresentedintheBoyneValleywithtwocourseswithinDroghedaitself,aswellascoursesatSeapointinTermonfeckin,Laytown,BellewstownandStackallen.Thelocationsofthesecoursesandotherscanbefoundatwww.ppui.ie.
GardenTouratBeaulieu
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exhibitcollect
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Laurence Street, Drogheda, Ireland | T. 353 (0)41-9803311 | www.highlanes.ie | E. [email protected]
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Laurence Street, Drogheda, Ireland | T. 353 (0)41-9803311 | www.highlanes.ie | E. [email protected]
Open 6 days a week, Monday – Saturday 10.30am, Closed Sunday, Suggested Donation: 2€
AdforCairnesAle–brewedinDroghedauntilthe1960’s
IndustrialParadeonDublinRoad1940’s RailwayPosterfromMillmountMuseum
IndustrialParadewithAmalgamatedEngineersBanner(circa1890)(courtesyofDesClinton)
DroghedaBakersBannersfromMillmountMuseum
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DroghedatodayviewedfromMillmount
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heritage
drogheda
Drogheda(DroicheadÁtha,meaningbridgeattheford)didnothaveVikingbeginnings(theVikingssaileduptheBoynebutneversettledhere).ItwasbuiltonagreenfieldsitebytheNormansundertheguidanceofHughDeLacyonthesouthernsideoftheBoyne,calledDroghedainMeath,whichwasgivenacharterin1194andbyBertramdeVerdononthenorthernside,calledDroghedainOriel.Theywerenotuniteduntil1412bywhichtimeDroghedahadbecomeathrivingport.
2012sawahostofcelebrationsmarkingthe600thanniversaryofthisunification.
Theearliestmonumentinthetownisthemotte-and-baileyfort,nowcalledMillmount,whichwasalsobuiltbyDeLacy,sometimebefore1186.LegendhasittheancientpoetanddruidAmerginisburiedinthemoundonwhichthefortwasbuilt.
DroghedawasthemostimportanttownintheNormanpartofIreland,whichwasknownas“ThePale.”TheIrishParliamentmovedtoDrogheda
foratimeandin1494PoyningsLaw,whichsubordinatedtheIrishParliamenttotheEnglishKingwaspassedinthetown.
DroghedawascapturedbyOliverCromwellin1649aspartofhisconquestofIreland,andinaninfamousincidentmanyoftheRoyalistdefendersweremassacred.
ThefamousBattleoftheBoyneinwhichKingWilliamofOrangedefeatedKingJameswasfoughtatOldbridge,onthebanksoftheBoyne,4kmwestofDroghedain1690.
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CannonatMillmount
MilitaryexhibitatMillmount
BoyneFishermen’sBannerfromMillmountMuseum
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times past
ST LAuRENCE GATE
NothingdefinesDroghedaquiteliketheiconicStLaurenceGate.RegardedasoneofthebestpreservedbarbicansinEurope,thismassivestructurewasbuiltinthe13century.Originallyoneof10gateswhichallowedentryandexittothemedievaltown,itstandsalmost20metresinheight,andisoneofthemostimpressiveexamplesofitstypeinEurope.VisitorscanappreciatethespectaculardimensionsofthemedievalwallssouthofthegateatFeatherbedLane.
MAGdALENE TOWER
Twosignificanteventsmakethistower,atthehighestpointonthenorthsideofDrogheda,abeaconforpeaceandreconciliation.ItwasthebelfrytoweroftheDominicanFriaryfoundedbytheArchbishopofArmagh,LucasdeNettervillein1224.
A14th-centuryconstruction,itwasherein1367thatO’NeillandtheotherUlsterandLeinsterchiefssurrenderedtoEngland’sKingRichardII.In1412,itsAbbot,FrBennett,helpedthetwoseparatelyadministeredtownsofDroghedatounite.
OLd AbbEy (ST MARy d’uRSO)
AnothersurvivingbelfryfromthemonasticperiodcanbeseenatthesiteoftheOldAbbeywherein1206theHospitalofStMaryd’UrsowasfoundedbyUrsusdeSwemeleandhiswifeChristineandrunbyareligiouscommunity.NeartheendofthecenturyitwastakenoverbytheAugustiniansandafteraperiodofdeclinewasreformedbytheObservatines.ItwassurrenderedbyitslastPrior,RichardMalone,in1543.ThebelfrysurmountingaGothicarchwayandasectionoftheoriginaltownwallispartoftheremainingstructures.
MAyORALTy HOuSE
ThisfinebuildingonDrogheda’squaysholdsmemoriesofmanycivicdinners,receptions,banquetsandballs.AswiththeTholsel,itisaGeorgianlimestonebuildingdesignedbyGeorgeDarleyandwasopenedin1768.
THE THOLSEL
ThishistoricbuildingisprobablyoneofthefirstplacesyouwillvisitinDroghedaasitisthehomeofDroghedaTouristOffice.Itbeganlifeasawoodenmedievalbuildingwhichwasdemolishedin1765tomakewayforthepresentlimestoneGeorgianbuilding.DesignedbyGeorgeand
HughDarley,itwascompletedin1770andwasthetown’smunicipalheadquartersfor130years(andsiteofmorethanafewhangings)untiltheCorporationmovedtoitspresentlocationinFairStreetin1889.From1890thebuildingwasleasedtoabankandin2010becametheTouristOffice.
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AbbeyofStMaryD’Urso(TheOldAbbey)
MagdaleneTower
TheTholselcirca1900
StLaurenceGate
Drogheda’s old monuments and buildings tell the story of its rich history
Richard MooreArtistThere’snothingnicerthancom-ingdowntheBoyneRiverfromSlaneonasmallboat.YoucouldbeintheAmazonJunglewiththespectacularsceneryandthebeautifulcoloursofthetrees.AsyoulookdownatourtownyougetadifferentperspectiveofDrogheda–it’ssocalmandpeaceful.
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Bygone Era Theriversplitsthetownintotwohalves.Betweenthemthewallshadacircuitof15miles.
Theywere22feethighand6feetthickatthebasedecreasingto4feetatthetoptoallowforanarrowwalkwayonwhichtherewasstandingroomforsoldiers.
19thCenturyviewoftheBoyneViaductandriver
ViewofStMary’sChurchfromCromwell’sMount
Cromwelliansoldier’sarmourondisplayatMillmountMuseum
Cromwelliansoldiersportrayedkilling
townspeople
Ravel’smapofDrogheda1749
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dROGHEdA MuSEuM MiLLMOuNT & MiLLMOuNT TOWER
Anabsolutetreasure,MillmountTower–knownasthe‘cupandsaucer’–offersspectacularviewsoverthetownanditsmajesticsteeples.ItishometoamilitaryexhibitionofIreland’sstrugglesdisplayingguns,swordsandJohnBoyleO’Reilly’sdeathmask.Thetownwasbuiltin1808onthesiteofAmergin’sburialground.ItwasshelledduringtheCivilWarof1922buthasrecentlybeenlovinglyrestored.Youmaybeluckyduringyourvisittohearitsreplicacanonsbeingfired.TheneighbouringmuseumcontainsawealthoflocalartefactsgivingauniqueinsightintoDroghedalifethroughthecenturies.
heritage
Churches
DroghedaMuseumMillmount&MillmountTower
ST PETER’S CATHOLiC CHuRCH
Thisfinebuilding,onDrogheda’smainthoroughfare,isacentreofpilgrimage.IthousestherelicoftheheadofStOliverPlunkett,theArchbishopofArmagh,whichwasretrievedfromtheexecutioner’sfireafterhewashanged,drawnandquarteredforhisfaithatTyburnin1681.StPeter’sisoneofthelastGothicchurchestohavebeenbuiltinthelate19thcenturyandisregardedasamasterpieceofdesign.
ST MARy’S CATHOLiC CHuRCH
StMary’swasbuiltbetween1884and1892toadesignbyDroghedaarchitectPJDoddandisanotherlargemodernGothicdesignsimilartoStPeter’sCatholicChurch.StMary’sisdominatedbyitsslenderspireandhasthreegabledentranceswhichleadtoaverydark,dramaticinteriorthatishighlydecorated.Onlyonesideoftheaislehaswindowsandthesearefilledwithdarkstainedglass.
ST MARy’S CHuRCH OF iRELANd
Thischurchwasbuiltin1807inthegroundsofanancientmonastery.ItwasfoundedbythetownspeopleformendicantCarmelitefriarssomeyearsbeforetheNormaninvasion.Whenthetownwallswerebuiltinthe13thcentury,theywereextended,atthispointtoenclosethemonastery.Itwashere,atthesouthwestcornerofthechurchyard,thatOliverCromwell’scannonbreachedthetownwallwhichenabledhisforcestoenterthetowninSeptember1849.Thesoutheasternwallofthetownstillstandsattherearofthechurchyard.
THE AuGuSTiNiAN CHuRCH
Again,thisisanunusualGothicbuildingbutwithadistinctlyIrishlook.Theinteriorhasarcadesofpointedarchesbetweenthenaveandtheaisles
andatallpointedarchdividesthenavefromthesanctuary.Theinteriorisdarkandimpressive.TinywindowsintheaislesarefilledwithstainedglassfromtheHarryClarkeStudios.
ST PETER’S CHuRCH OF iRELANd
ThesplendidChurchofIrelandbuilding,withitscut-stonefacadeandrichrococoplasterwork,isoneofthefinest18th-centurychurchesinthecountry.Insidesitsamagnificentpreachingboxwhichnotonlyprovidesgreatacousticsforthevoicebutalsofororchestraswhichusethechurchforclassicalconcerts.Variousimposingmarblemonumentsandbustsinthechurcharecomplimentedbytheadjacentgraveyard.
StPeter’sCatholicChurch
StOliverPlunkett
DeathmaskofJohnBoyleO’ReillyinMillmountTower
© Paraic Roden
© Ia
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cGui
rk
www.drogheda.ie
The Boyne Valley comprises the counties of Louth and Meath, which boast stunning scenery, one of Europe’s best collections of prehistoric sites and monuments and a unique history and culture.
Boyne Valley Tourism work to promote the Boyne Valley as a leading International Tourism Destination. The Boyne Valley Tourism Team are passionate about tourism and appreciate that tourism and community pride are interlinked and interdependent. Paula McCaul A/Boyne Valley Tourism Officer said: “If you are a tourism provider operating within the Boyne Valley I would strongly recommend that you become a member of Boyne Valley Tourism. We represent a host of categories including Hotels & Accommodation, Crafts, Golf, Horse Racing, Gardens, Angling, Food & Drink, Festivals & Events, Attractions, Heritage, Retail and many more. We offer our members significant networking and promotional opportunities as well as tourism advice and support. Call us at 046-9097068 to discuss how we can help promote your tourism. We work hard to represent our members under the Boyne Valley Tourism brand”.
plan your visit
one of the
TOP10 MusT VIsIT
DEsTINATIONs
IrElANDin
www.discoverboynevalley.iewww.drogheda.iewww.louthholidays.comdiscoverboynevalley
Dublin
Belfast
Rosslare
Cork
Shannon
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MilitarybuffsvisitingDroghedacantracethefootstepsofkings.TheBattleoftheBoyne,apivotalbattleinhistory,wasfoughtjustthreemilesoutsideofthetown.Thesiteofthebattle,inthegroundsofOldbridgeHouse,isopentothepublic.LittlehaschangedsincetheforcesofKingJamesandKingWilliamfacedeachotheracrosstheBoyne.AccesstothesiteitselfisfreebutthereisasmallentrancefeeforOldbridgeHousewhichprovidesanaudiovisualshowanddisplaysoforiginalandreplicaweaponry.
MorematerialisavailableatDroghedaMuseumMillmountwhichalsodetailsthesackingofDroghedabyOliverCromwell.Themuseumalsohasaweaponryexhibitionwithitemsdatingfrom1642untilafterWorldWarII.
Military
MillmountTowerintheaftermath
oftheshellingofMillmountJuly4th1922
CannonFiringfromMillmount
Tower
© C
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HighlanesMunicipalArtGalleryisintheformerDroghedaFranciscanChurch,whichtheordergiftedtothetownwhentheyendedtheir760yearassociationwithDroghedain2000.Thebuildingsdatefromtheearly19thcentury,thoughtheformerFranciscanburialcryptsdatefrommuchearlier.
Themainexhibitionspacesarebrightandairyandhousefivetemporaryexhibitionseveryyear,someofwhicharedrawnfromthemagnificentDroghedaMunicipalArtCollection.
Droghedahasawonderfulsenseofcommunityandco-operation.TheBarbicanisamulti-purposehallwhichactsasaculturalbeatintheheartofthetown.Itisusedbyboththepublic,privateandcommunitysectorstohostarangeofeventsincludingshows,classes,photographyexhibitions,publicmeetings,trainingetc.
Avisittowww.barbican.iewillrevealwhat’stakingplaceinTheBarbicanduringyourstayinDrogheda.
dROiCHEAd ARTS CENTRE
bARbiCAN CENTRE
HiGHLANES GALLERy
centre stage
THE TLTTheTLTConcertHall&Theatreisapurposebuilt,stateoftheart900-seatvenueforDroghedaandtheNorthEast,whichstagesavarietyofperformingartsandcommercialevents.
Theannualprogrammefeaturesadiverserangeofshows.Fromlivemusic,ballet,danceandmusicalstotraditionalpantomimesandyouththeatretherereallyissomethingforeveryone.Traditionally,groupsandperformersvisitingIrelandperformedexclusivelyinDublinbutthistheatrehassucceededinattractinginternationalartiststoperforminDroghedaandtheylovegiggingattheTLT.
Don’tmissout–visitwww.thetlt.ietoseewhat’sonduringyourstayandwatchoutforthelegendaryTommyLeddy(picturedbelow)whomaybethereinpersontogreetyouonyourarrival.
Thislittlegemhousesabeautifulexhibitionandgalleryspaceaswellasatheatre,wherethebestoflocal,nationalandinternationaldramagroups,musiciansandcomediansregularlyshowcasetheirtalents.
LocatedinStockwellStreet,theDroicheadArtsCentreishomeoftheannualDroghedaArtsFestival.Thisintimatesettingistheperfectwaytoexperienceactsupcloseandpersonal.Checkoutwhat’sonatwww.droichead.com.
© Jimmy Weldon
© Jenny Matthews
Fascinating exhibitions, energetic theatres, compelling events and live music... Drogheda has a flourishing art scene to keep you enthralled
culture
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© P
eter
Kie
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www.drogheda.ie
TraditionalMusicinDroghedaMuseumMillmount
© Jenny Matthews
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come join the fun
Timetodustdownyourwalkingbootsandgetmoving!TakingplaceovertheJunebankholidayweekend,thefestivalhasbecomeafirmfavouritewithlocalsandtouristsalikewholikenothingmorethantoexperiencethemagicoftheBoynesidelandscapewithabracingwalkthroughsomeofourgreatestheritagesites.Localguidestellthestoriesofthevalleyoverthefourdaystoo!RegistrationforwalksisatDroghedaTouristOffice(041-9872843),[email protected]/BoyneValleyWalking.
Foralmost20years,thestreetsofDroghedahaveswayedtoahotSalsarhythmastheDroghedaSambaFestivalhitstown.
Thethree-daycelebrationofBrazilian,LatinandAfricanmusicanddancetakesplaceeachJune.Itincludesindoorandopenairgigs,workshopsandacarnivalparade.DroghedaSambaFestivalistheannualreunionforIrishSambaSchoolswhocometogetherforaweekendoffun,developingtheirtechniquesandexploringnewideas.Mostgigsarefreeandthisisafamily-friendlyfestival.Seewww.droghedasamba.comforlistings.
SAMbA FESTiVAL, June
Thisfestivalbringstogetheranincrediblegroupofmusicians,visualartistsandapoetforaweekendofconcerts,workshops,readingsandmuchmore.ThehistoricTownleyHall,Drogheda,builtin1799byFrancisJohnston,ishometothismarvelousfestival.Itssalons,centeredonagrandRoman-stylerotunda,flowseamlesslyfromonetoanotherofferinggreatwarmthandbeautifulacoustics.Fromtheworld-classartiststothegorgeousprogrammes,allwithintheintimatesettingofTownleyHall,theBoyneMusicFestivalissoontobecomeoneofIreland’sforemostsummerfestivals.Visitwww.boynemusicfestival.comforticketsandfullline-up.
bOyNE MuSiC FESTiVAL, August
TheRiverBoyneisourundiscoveredgemandthisfestival,whichtakesplaceinJune,isaboutgivingpeoplethechancetoreallyenjoythegreatmaritimetraditionwehavehereinDrogheda.AmaritimeparadeopensproceedingsonDay1asaflotillaofboats,shipsandallkindsofseafaringvesselsjointhevisitinghistoricshipsastheysailuptheBoyne.Festivalgoerswillbespoiledforchoicewithfunfairs,boatandcanoetripsontheriver,stunningwatersportsdisplays,anartisanfoodquarter,boat-buildingworkshops,astand-uppaddleboardingrace,artandphotographyzonesandamaritimehistorypavilion.Forfulldetailsvisitwww.maritimefestival.ie.
THE iRiSH MARiTiME FESTiVAL, June
bOyNE VALLEy WALkiNG FESTiVAL, June
CultureVultures–DroghedaistheplacetobeinMay!DroghedaArtsFestivalisrenownedforastunninganddiverserangeofartformsperformedanddisplayedinaselectionofevocativeandcompellingvenues.Butthisfun-filledfestivalissomuchmore–itspillsoutontothestreetsofDroghedafillingthetownwithvibrantcolours,soundsandculturalexperiences.Thecalibreofartistsandthetraditionofcommissioningnewworkhaveensuredtheprogramminghasbeencriticallyacclaimed,whiletheemphasisonfamilyandparticipationmeansDroghedawelcomesyoungandoldintoitshistoricstreetsandbuildingsforcreativity,fun,andnewexperiences.Forfulldetailsofthepastandfuturefestivalprogrammesvisitwww.droghedaartsfestival.ie
dROGHEdA ARTS FESTiVAL, May
ChristmasofficiallybeginsontheBoynesidewiththeBonanzaFestival.Revivedthreeyearsago,themainhighlightofthethree-dayweekendisthearrivalofthemainmanhimselfSantawhotravelsthroughWestStreetonhissleigh.ThetownisburstingwithChristmasactivitiesfromtheeverpopularfireworksdisplaytostreetcarolsinging,artworkshopsatHighlanesGallery,familytreasurehuntsandtheChristmasmarkets.Amagicalfestiveatmospherenottobemissed!Visitwww.droghedachristmasbonanza.ie
Foralmosttwodecades,thisfestivalhasbroughtsomeofthebesttraditionalartiststoDroghedaforacelebrationofmusic,singinganddance.WhatbetterwaytospendthecolddarkdaysofNovemberthaninacosybarcornersnuggledupwithacreamypintorahotcuppalisteningtosomeofIreland’sbesttradmusicians.Anumberofconcerts,ceilís,andaseriesoffamily-friendlysessionsareperformedthroughoutthetowninpubs,restaurantsandhotels.Thefestivalalsohostsaseriesofoutreachactivitiesforyoungpeopleaswellasworkshopsandmasterclasses.Seewww.droichead.comforlistings.
dROGHEdA TRAdiTiONAL MuSiC FESTiVAL, November
dROGHEdA CHRiSTMAS bONANzA, December
© Jenny Matthews
A year-round calendar of unique festivals means there’s always something new to discover in the Boyne Valley
festivals
www.drogheda.ie
© Jenny Matthews
www.drogheda.ie20
kids
child’s play
© Jenny M
atthews
© Bridget Kerrigan
The Boyne Valley is one giant adventure playground with amazing parks and cool attractions
Family TickeTs available
cinema lisTings & online bookingwww.arccinema.ie
Drogheda Town CentreWest Street • Drogheda
Funtasia Bettystown FuntasiaBettystownisIreland’spremierindoorfamilyentertainmentcentre.SetintheheartofthepicturesqueseasideresortofBettystown,ithassomethingforallthefamily–whiteknuckleridesforthethrillseekersandgentlerattractionsforthelessadventurous.Young
explorerswillbekeptbusyforhourswithadventuresaroundeverycornerintheJungleZoneandthemulti-levelplayarea.Adultscanalsoenjoytheluxuriouscasino,3Dmotiontheatre,American-themedpoolareasandIreland’sonlyrollercoasteronaroof,whichmakesFuntasiaBettystownamusttovisit!www.funtasia.ie
tayto ParkKidsofallagesarewelcometovisitMrTaytoinhisownthemeparknearAshbourne,Co.Meath.TheparkhasaNativeAmericanthemeandwelcomeseveryonetogetclosetoweirdandwonderfulcreaturessuchasocelots,squirrelmonkeysandbuffalo,flythroughtheairattheEagleSkyAdventureZone,orsimplyplay’tilyoudropatthePowWowPlayground.Adultsareequallywellcateredfor.TheycanrelaxintheTeahouseintheTreeHouse,orhaveabiteinTheLodgeRestaurantaftertakingawalkaroundCoolLough.Ifallthatisn’tenough,youcantakeatouroftheTaytocrispfactory!www.taytocrisps.ie
open Farms TheFeeFamilyinviteyoutovisittheirRedMountainOpenFarm.Thisisafamilyrunmixedfarmwithtillage,sheep,poultryandhorses,setintheopencountrysideoftheBoyneValleynearthevillageofDonore.ItboaststhemostextensiveindoorfacilitiesofallopenfarmsinIreland,sonomatterwhattheweathermaybringthereislotstoenjoy.
ClosetotheBrúnaBóinnesite,you’llalsofindNewgrangeFarm,homeoftherenownedannualSheepstakes!Thereareanimalsgaloreandcaféfacilitiestokeepthewholefamilyhappy.
www.redmountainopenfarm.ie www.newgrangefarm.com
Children’s soft Play AreaSometimestheweathercanconspireagainstyou,leavingyouwithhighlyenergeticchildrenwithnowheretoplay!Nottoworry,aswellasthefacilitiesavailableatFuntasia,anindoorsoftplayareaisalsoavailableatAstrototsinDroghedaLeisureParkandprovidesaclean,safeandsupervisedareaforyoungchildren,whilstallowingtheadultstoenjoyarelaxingcoffee!
PlaygroundsEverychildlovestoplay,andintheBoyneValleywe’veplaygroundsaplenty!BythebanksofthepicturesqueBoyneRiver,you’llfindStDominic’sPark,whichhasamplespaceforplay,adultoutdoorgymequipmenttoworkupasweat,andtwoplaygroundsforchildrenagedtwoto12.ItalsohasawonderfulLibertySwingallowingdisabledaccess,withampleparking.
www.drogheda.ie 21
Whiteriver Park Petrol-headsandthrill-seekersalikewillloveatriptoWhiteriverPark,anexcitingnewoutdoorkartracingvenue,locatedinCollonjusteightminutesfromDrogheda.Whetheryou’reeightor80yearsoldspeedloverswon’tbedisappointedhere.WhiteriverParkprovidesalltheequipmentyouneedtogoracing,fromkarttohelmets,suits,gloves,etc.StylishAlphaKartsaredesignedtogiveaveryrealisticracekartfeelandthecircuitissupersmoothwithlotsofdemandingcornersandgradientchanges.Seewww.whiteriver.ieforgroupbookings/partiesormoredetails.Funtasia Waterpark drogheda
OnemillionpeoplethisyearhavepassedthroughthedoorsofthisEgyptian-themedentertainmentcentrelocatedinDrogheda.
HereyoucanenjoythePiratesCoveinteractivewaterpark,thefirstofitskindinIreland.Thisextensivecomplexfeaturesover200watergushingactivitiesincludingtheadrenalinpumpingSuperBowlSpeedSlideandtheBoomerang.OtherattractionsincludetheAtlantisCoveplayarea,a14-lanebowlingalley,rollerskatingrink,crazygolf,rockclimbing,a
luxuriousCasino,Pharaoh’sfastfoodrestaurant,videogames,simulatorsandlotsmore!www.funtasia.ie
Looking for indoor activities?AtriptoDroghedaLeisureParkisfunforallthefamily.Gobowling,enjoyindoorfootballandtoddlerscanroamintheindoorsoftplayareas.Fordetailsofcharges,openinghoursanddirectionsvisitwww.droghedaleisure.ie.
GoforaswimatDroghedaAuraLeisureCentre.Thisstateoftheartfacilityisagreatlocationforallthefamilytoenjoyaswim,dipintheJacuzzi,asaunaorasteam.Thechildren’spoolisabighitwiththelittleonestoo.Agreatlocationforfamilies.Visitwww.auraleisure.ie/drogheda
the Arc CinemaFamilyfunissuper-sizedatDrogheda’sstate-of-the-artArcCinemainDroghedaTownCentre.Sixscreens,luxuryseating,incrediblesurroundsoundand3Dmakeitafabulousoutingfortheyoungandyoung-at-heart.There’sconvenientundergroundcarparkingandallyourfavouritesweetsandtreatstoeatduringtheshow.Specialvaluefamilypackagesareavailablebypre-bookingonlineatwww.ArcCinema.ieorseewww.facebook.com/ArcCinemaDroghedaforoffers.
West streetDrogheda’smainstreetishometoamixofindependentretailers,somehighstreetnames,acentrallocationwhichishometoanopenairmarketeveryFriday.
shop street Avibrantstreetwithmenswearandfootwearshopsfeaturingstrongly.HometoDrogheda’slargestfurnitureshowroom,thestreetisalsohometoaquaintartandhobbyoutlet.
Narrow West street Thestreettovisitforstylishladieswear,orwherethefriendlyfolkatHurleyBros.willprovidefreshsandwichesatgreatprices.
stockwell street/ duke street HometotheDroicheadArtsCentre,checkoutthevintageshopsforsomeamazingfindsandrestyourfeetattheArtisancaféwhereyoucanenjoycoffeeanddeliciouslocalproduce.
st Laurence street Cafes,giftshopsandboutiquesleadthewaytotheamazingHighlanesGallerywhereyoucansoakupsomeculturewhileenjoyingacuppainthefantasticRelishCafé.
scotch Hall AvibrantmixofnewandoldScotchHallisthemodernshoppingexperience,housingmanyofthehighstreetnames.Takesometimeoutfromyourretailtherapytoindulgeinsomepamperinginthecentre’shairsalons,barbersandnailbars.
M1 Retail LocatedonthenorthsideofthetownjustofftheM1,thisretailparkhasarichmixofshopsincludinghomewareproviders,toystores,sportsoutletsandspecialistshops.
drogheda Retail Park ConvenientlylocatedjustofftheM1onDrogheda’ssouthside,youcangrabacupofcoffeewhilebrowsingforbargainsinTKMaxx,orlookingforhouseholdgoodiesinthelargeDIYandhomestores.
Laurence town Centre Amodernshoppingcentre,greatfoodoutlets,HighStreetretailersandspecialistshops.
ireland’s Wedding Mall Droghedaisaone-stopshopforallthingswedding,withfivebridalwearshops,excellentboutiques,menswearandspecialistshopstotakecareofalltheweddingtrimmings–cakes,caketoppers,photographerstonamebutafew.AnypotentialweddingpartywillfindallthattheyneedfortheirbigdayinDrogheda.
West st Farmers Market, every Friday, 10am-5pmDroghedaisbustlingwithactivityeveryFridaywhenlocalfarmers,growersandcraftmakersalldescendonWestSttoselltheirownproduceinpersonandansweranyquestionsyoumayhave.Youwillbespoiltforchoiceasyoubrowsethedistinctivestallscontainingwonderfullyfreshhomeproduce.
the old schoolhouse Market, Methodist Church, Laurence town Centre, 10am-5pm, every saturday (Mar-dec) WehaveawealthoftalentedcraftmakersandartisanproducershereinDroghedaandeachweektheygettoshowcasetheirfabulouswaresintheOldSchoolhouseMarket.IfyouarealoverofhandmadequalityproductsandgoodfoodthenavisittoDrogheda’sweeklyArtisanCraftandFoodmarketisamust.Hereyoucanmeetthemakersandfindsomethingthatlittlebitunique,orordersomethingmadejustforyou.OpeneverySaturday,youcanfindanythingfromjewellery,soaps,bodyproducts,woodwork,housewaresetctoexcellentglutenfreefoods.AspartofLaurenceTownCentrethebuildingcanbeaccessedviatheshoppingcentreorfromLaurenceStreet(nexttoBankofIreland).There’sachoiceofonstreetparkingorthecentre’sundergroundcarpark.FollowtheOldSchoolhouseMarketonfacebookortwitter@OldSchoolMktDrg.
drogheda town Market, Bolton square, every saturday, 8am-1pm OneofthegreatestcharmsofIrishtownsisthefarmersmarketswhichhavebeenfunctioningfordecadesandinDrogheda’scase,centuries.EverySaturdaymorning,BoltonSquareishometoanopenairmarketsellinglocalfarmproduce,fruitandvegetables,flowers,clothes,electricalgoods,jewellery,books,hardwarehouseholditemsandmore.Mostofthestallsaresmallandplacedrandomlybutyoucanbesureyouwon’tgohomeemptyhanded!
If you want to spoil yourself, there is no better place to go shopping thanin Drogheda. The town is home to more than 200 shops, from locally owned boutiques and creativeartisan shops supplying a wide variety of local and international brands
retail therapy
“ If you can’t buy it in Drogheda – you don’t need it!”
© Tommy McDermott
22
Visit our Markets
shopping
www.drogheda.ie
www.drogheda.ie
crafts
home grownDrogheda has a huge wealth of artistic talent with a vibrant craft industry. Creating objects of outstanding beauty – from solid wood furniture to small pieces of delicate textiles, jewellery and sculptures – our craftmakers are among the best in the country
who took this
Studio24,ParkSquare,GrangeRath,Drogheda.T:087 9438671E:[email protected]:www.bredamarron.comwww.facebook.com/bredamarroncreationsBredacreatessculptures,originaldrawingsandpaintings–allinspiredbypeople,literature,natureandwildlife.Hersculpturesaremadewithnaturalmaterialssuchaswillow,rushesandseedheadsandcanbecommissionedforexteriorandinteriorspaces.Breda’sartworkiscontemporay,evocative,tactile;sheusesmixedmediasuchasink,charcoalandpaint.ThereisadistinctiveenergyflowingthroughBreda’sworkwhichconnectsherpaintingsandsculpturestogether.
AnCruach,Ballymakenny,Drogheda.T:041 9822944 M:087-9112502 E:[email protected]:www.ainedunneweaver.comWorkingfromherstudiointheBoyneValley,Áinedesignsandhandweavesbespoketapestrywallhangingsforpublicandprivateclients.Hermostrecentprojectinvolvesexplorationoflocalalpacawoolforhandspinninganduseintapestryweaving.Ifyouwouldliketoseealocalweaveratworkorparticipateinaworkshop,visitthestudiothroughoutthesummermonthsandbyappointmentthroughouttherestoftheyear.
Studio7,MillmountCraftCentre,Drogheda.T:041 9844199 E:[email protected]:www.edmundmcnulty.comwww.facebook.com/bredamarroncreationsEdmundhasbeenbasedinDroghedaforanumberofyears,designingandproducingbeautifuldesignergarments,allknittedfromthefinestluxuryyarnsfromItalyandSouthAmerica.Theworkshopisopentothepublicmostdayssoshoppersarewelcometobrowsethroughtherailsofgarmentsandperhapsfindthatlittlegemtheywerealwayslookingfor!
Unit10,MillmountCraftCentre,Drogheda.T:041 9846065 M:086-3238820 E:finnmallon@eircom.netCeramicartistMaureenFinnhasbeenbasedatMillmountformorethan16yearsnow.Sheproduceshandbuiltceramicsinspiredbytheweatheredlandscapeanditscontours.Maureenusesoxidesandglazestocreateveryorganicformsthatwouldenhanceanygarden.Byappointmentonly.
MillmountCraftCentre,Drogheda.T:041 9841960E:elainejewldesign@
eircom.netElaineHanrahanhasbeendesigningexquisitepiecesofsterlingsilverandgoldjewelleryformorethan20years.Sheworkswiththepropertiesofpreciousmetals,contrastingthesurfacetexturesandpolishedfinishestouniqueeffect,oftenusingspiralimagesinspiredbytheBoyneValleyandNewgrange.Hercollectionincludescustom-madependants,earrings,braceletsandbrooches.Byappointmentonly.
TheGatehouseGallery,MillmountCraftCentre,Drogheda.T:041 9827200 M:086-3712927E:[email protected]:www.melbradleysilks.comMelBradleyisatextiledesignerworkingwithawidevarietyoffabricsandfibres.For
over25yearsshehasbeendesigningandcreatingeverythingfromsilkscarvestoone-offartpiecestocommission.ShehasworkedwithleadingfashiondesignerssuchasLouiseKennedyandJohn
Rocha.MasterclasseswithMelintextilecraftanddesign
areheldattheGatehouseGalleryallyearround.
ChurchRd,Donacarney,Drogheda,Co.Meath.T:041 9827124 E:[email protected]:www.architectural-furniture.comJoemakeshisowndistinctivehand-craftedfurniturefromIrishhardwoodsusingtraditionalmethods.Mostofhisdesignsareinfluencedbyarchitecturalformsandhaveasculpturefeel.Eachpieceishandfinishedtobringoutthenaturalbeautyofthewood,andallpiecesaresignedanddated.JoewaspreviouslycommissionedtomakeachairforformerU.S.PresidentBillClinton.
Joe Lawler - Architectural Furniture
Breda Marron Creations
Áine dunne Fine Art tapestry WeaverEdmund McNulty - Knitwear
Maureen Finn Ceramics
Elaine Hanrahan Jewellery
Mel Bradley silks
ÁineDunneTapestry
www.drogheda.ie 23
1 BrúnaBóinne(Newgrange)2 St.LaurenceGate3 DroghedaMuseumMillmount &MillmountTower4 MagdaleneTower5 HighlanesGallery6 FuntasiaWaterpark7 StPeter’sRomanCatholicChurch
(StOliverPlunkettsShrine)8 StPeter’sChurchofIreland9 BattleoftheBoyneSite,Oldbridge10 DroicheadArtsCentre11 TheTholsel(TouristOffice)12 TLTTheatre13 OldAbbey14 MayoraltyHouse15 StMary’sCatholicChurch16 StMary’sChurchofIreland17 BarlowHouse18 AugustinianChurch19 TheBarbicanCentre20 TheBoyneViaduct21 JohnPhilipHollandMemorial
OldTownWalls
WalkingRoute
BusStation
TrainStation
Taxi
CarPark
BusParking
Hotel
Playground
Hospital
GolfCourse
Beach
FuntasiaWaterpark
– 1km
TLT Theatre– 1km
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PETER ST.
MAYORALTY ST.
JAMES ST.DUBLIN RD.
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St. Peter’s RC Church
St. LaurenceGate
HighlanesGallery
MillmountMuseum
& MartelloTower
Brú na Boinne(Newgrange)
– 6km
Battle of the Boyne Site,Oldbridge – 3km
Swimming Pool – 500m
Monasterboice – 6km
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AbbeyShopping
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Laurence Town Centre
Shopping
Scotch Hall Shopping Centre
Train Station– 500m
RIVER BOYNE
BoyneShopping
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Barlow House
The Barbican
MayoraltyHouse
Old Abbey
St. Dominic’s Park
WEST ST.
The Tholsel(Tourist Office)
MagdaleneTower
DroicheadArts Centre& Library Drogheda
Town CentreShopping
FAIR ST.
LAURENCE ST.
SHOP ST.
DYER ST.
Mellifont Abbey – 7.5km
HOSPITAL
HOSPITAL– 500m
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St. Peter’s Church of Ireland
8
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5 mins300m
7 mins
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10 mins
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3 mins200m
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RIVER BOYNE
Beaulieu House
& Gardens – 3.5km
The Boyne Viaduct
St Mary’s Catholic Church
St MarysChurch of Ireland
AugustinianChurch
drogheda map
top Attractions
Legend
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FuntasiaWaterpark
– 1km
TLT Theatre– 1km
R132
PETER ST.
MAYORALTY ST.
JAMES ST.DUBLIN RD.
MAR
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DONORE RD.
FAIR GREEN
TRINITY ST.
GEOR
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ST.
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RATHMULLAN RD.
St. Peter’s RC Church
St. LaurenceGate
HighlanesGallery
MillmountMuseum
& MartelloTower
Brú na Boinne(Newgrange)
– 6km
Battle of the Boyne Site,Oldbridge – 3km
Swimming Pool – 500m
Monasterboice – 6km
121
910
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11
5
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AbbeyShopping
Centre
Laurence Town Centre
Shopping
Scotch Hall Shopping Centre
Train Station– 500m
RIVER BOYNE
BoyneShopping
Centre
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Barlow House
The Barbican
MayoraltyHouse
Old Abbey
St. Dominic’s Park
WEST ST.
The Tholsel(Tourist Office)
MagdaleneTower
DroicheadArts Centre& Library Drogheda
Town CentreShopping
FAIR ST.
LAURENCE ST.
SHOP ST.
DYER ST.
Mellifont Abbey – 7.5km
HOSPITAL
HOSPITAL– 500m
19
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6
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St. Peter’s Church of Ireland
8
3
5 mins300m
7 mins
400m
10 mins
500m
3 mins200m
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RIVER BOYNE
Beaulieu House
& Gardens – 3.5km
The Boyne Viaduct
St Mary’s Catholic Church
St MarysChurch of Ireland
AugustinianChurch
www.drogheda.ie26
activities
Get moving
DragonboatraceontheBoyne
Motor Cycle ClubsAttentionallroadcaptains!InDroghedayouwillfindthatyouareverywelcomeandwewillgreetyouwithopenarms.ThereareideallocationsinDroghedatovisitortoparkyourbikeswhileyouenjoytherefreshmentsonoffer.Youcanrelaxknowingthatyourbikesarereceivingtheadmirationtheydeserve.
TheriverfrontplazaatThedHotelwillprovideanexcellentparkingplace.Theexternalseatingallowsalfrescorefreshmentsbesidethebikesbutiftheweatherisunkind,thefullyglazedwallsmaintainfullviewofyourmountsfromthecomfortofthed’sbar.
on yer bike IfyouarevisitingDroghedaandtheBoyneValleyandwanttodiscoverthebeautifulandhistoricalsiteswhatbetterwaytodoitthanonabike.
Droghedahasalongassociationwiththesportofcycling.TheDroghedaWheelersweretheinspirationbehindRásnanOg,abreedinggroundforaspiringcyclists.Fortheenthusiasts,everySundaymorningthelocalclubleadacyclestartingfromQuayCycles,NorthQuay.
Bicyclesandequipmentcanbehiredherealsoonadailyorweeklyrate.Includedinthehireisalocalmap,optionalstandardsafetyhelmet,lock,pumpandreplacementinnertube.
© David Shields
Walk the walkDroghedaontheBoyneisafantasticcentreforallyourwalkingactivities,whetherit’sastroll,arambleoratrek–wehaveitall.Forthehistorybuffs,checkouttheWalkingToursofHistoricDrogheda(detailsfromtheTouristOfficeatTheTholsel).
StartingatthedHotelstrollpastthestatuesofSocksByrneandJoeyMaherandcontinuealongJohnStreettojointheriveratStDominic’sBridge.ContinuealongtheBoyneriverbankthenturnleftanduptotheplayground.
Whenyoutireoftheswingsandroundabouts,continuedowntothewesternendoftherecentlyimprovedRampartsWalk.AtthispointyoucanmakeadecisiontocontinuealongtherivertakinginthenewlybuiltBoyneWalktoOldbridge.AdmirethebiodiversitytheBoynehastoofferbeforeretracingyourstepsbacktowardsthetowncentre.MakesuretoviewtheMythicaldisplayboardsandtryoutourout-doorgymequipment.
PassunderthebridgeofpeaceenroutebacktothetowncentrewhileadmiringtheurbangraffitiartworksandturnleftovertheBoyneatthepedestrianisedStDominic’sbridgeandwalktheshortdistancetoWestStreet.ContinuealongWestStreet(visitingtheshrineofStOliverPlunkettinStPetersChurch)andturndownShopStreetbeforewalkingalongtheNorthQuayandcrossingtheBoyneagainbacktothestart.
Drogheda has a wealth of sport and recreational activities to offer tourists
www.drogheda.ie 27
BellewstownRaces
TheBoyne10k
© M
artin Reilly
swimmingFancyadip?ThecasualswimmercandiveinatAuraLeisureCentre’s25metrepoolinDrogheda,orthere’sfunforkidsofallages(andtheadults!),atDrogheda’sFuntasiaWaterPark.Ifyouprefertheoutdoorexperienceandthetasteofsaltwater,connectupwiththeDroghedaMastersSwimmingClubwhoswimtwiceweeklyfromClogherheadHarbourbetweenMay&September.Checkoutwww.droghedamasters.orgformoreinformation.
Born to runDroghedahasasuperbrunningcommunitywhichisrapidlygrowingthankstotheeffortsofourtwoclubs,DroghedaandDistrictAthleticClubandBoyneAC.ThepassionoftheseathletessawthebirthoftheBoyne10K–afantasticcharityrunstartingintheheartofDroghedaandcontinuingonaflatscenicroutethroughthehistoricBoyneValley.IttakesplaceovertheMaybankholidayweekendsothere’slotsofleisuretimeforTLCpostrace!Visitwww.boyne10k.ieforregistrationdetails.
Bellewstown Golf Clubwww.bellewstowngolfclub.ie
• Quality Value Golf• Online Booking
• 10 Mins from Drogheda
041-9882757
Horse Racing TheBellewstownRaces,heldinJulyandAugust,offerworld-classracemeets,afullbaranddiningarea,corporatesections,fulltoteandbettingfacilitiesandplentyofcarparkspacesandentertainmentforchildren.TheLaytownRacesinSeptemberareoneofthefewremainingbeachracesintheworld,sohaveadistinctlyuniquefeel.Bothareworthavisit,whetheryouareflutteringorobserving.Visitwww.goracing.ie.
Gerry KellyBroadcaster at LMFMDroghedaiswhereitishappening.Wehaveourhistory,vibrantartscommunity,greatmusicandsocialscene,wonderfulsportingprowessandrightonourdoorstepavibrantcountryside,waterwaysandthecoast.Dublinisonourdoorstepandtheairportonlyminutesawayofferingagatewaytotheworld.There’snobetterplacetovisit!
my
drog
heda
© Shane Cowley
www.drogheda.ie28
activities
© David Reilly
FootballDroghedahasproducedmorethanitsfairshareofinternationalsoccerstars.GaryKelly,IanHarte,NickyColganhaveallstruttedtheirstuffintheEnglish,ScottishandSpanishprofessionalleagues.ThelocalclubDroghedaUnitedplaytheirgamesinUnitedPark,closetoOurLadyofLourdeshospital.TheLeagueofIrelandismostlyparttime,butcontinuestosupplyastreamofqualityplayerstotheEnglishleagues.Visitingfootballenthusiastswillbesuretoenjoyanatmospherewheretheplayersarestilllocalheroes.ThecreamofIrishteamstraveltotackletheDrogs,sodonyourclaretandblueandkickstartagreatweekendwithamatch.Checkmediaforfixturesorwww.droghedaunited.ie
GAATheGaelicAthleticAssociation(GAA)isprominentamongthesportingactivitiesavailableintheBoyneValleyandalthoughHurlingandCamogiearewellrepresented,itisGaelicFootballthathasthemostactiveparticipation.GAAclubsinDroghedaincludeO’Raghallaigh’s,OliverPlunketts,WolfeTones,NewtownBlues,andStNicholas’,whilstontheoutskirtswehaveStColmcille’snearBettystown,StMary’sofDonoreandStFechin’sofTermonfeckintonamebutafew.Regularsupportersarealwaysmorethanwillingtowelcomefirst-timerstothesports,andkeepyouup-to-speedwiththerulesofthegames.Forinformationonfixturesduringyourvisitcheckoutwww.louth.gaa.ie&www.meath.gaa.ie.
RugbyBoyneRugbyClub,situatedontheoutskirtsofthetownofDroghedaontheBallymakennyRoadisthelongestandmostestablishedsportingandsocialclubwithintheprecinctsofthetown.Downthroughtheyearstheclubhashadagreattraditionofentertainingvisitorsfromalloverthecountryaswellasguestsfromabroad.Theseniorteamplaysitsrugbyinthe2ndDivoftheAllIrelandLeague,havingbeenpromotedafewyearsback.
Fishing Ifyou’veeverdreamtaboutcatchingasalmonorseatrout,thenlooknofurtherthantheriverBoyne.Stunningsceneryandhistoricsitesaside,theBoyneValleyboastssomeofthebestfishingspots.Noviceanglerscanmakethemostoftheirfishingtripbybookinganexperiencedanglingguide.Butbeforesettingoffpleaseensureyouhavethenecessarypermissionandpermitfromthelocalanglingassociation.Forinformationonwheretobuypermitsandtackleshops,popintoDroghedaTouristOffice.
© Larry McQuillan
GolfTheBoyneValleycanbeseenassomethingofagolfer’sparadise.Whetheryou’realowhandicapperora‘socialgolfer’,therearecoursestosuityou.TheseincludethemajesticLinkscoursesatCo.LouthGolfClubatBaltray,(homeofthe2009IrishOpen),SeapointGolfLinksandLaytown&BettystownGolfClub.BeautifulParklandcoursesarealsoavailablesuchasKilleenCastle,(homeofthe2011SolheimCup),TownleyHallGC,JulianstownGCandBellewstownGC.Forinformationonallthesecoursesandothersvisitwww.gui.ie.
GolferslookingtoStay&Playshouldavailofthenew‘BoyneValleyLinksGolf’offers.ThisisanewlyestablishedpackagerepresentingthethreelinksgolfcoursesintheBoyneValley(Seapoint,BaltrayandLaytown/Bettystown)andtwolocalhotels(thedHotelandCityNorth).
Pitch & PuttPitch&PuttisalsowellrepresentedintheBoyneValleywithtwocoursesinDroghedaitself,aswellascoursesatSeapointinTermonfeckin,Laytown,Bellewstown,Julianstown,DuleekandStackallen.Thelocationsofallthesecoursesandotherscanbefoundatwww.ppui.ie.
Boyne ValleyLinks Golf
Boyne Valley Links Golf
© David Reilly
/discoverboynevalleymeathtourism.ielouthholidays.comdrogheda.ie
discoverireland.ie/boynevalley
seriouslygood golf
for special offers see
Dublin
Belfast
Shannon
Cork
Galway
Rosslare
A4 golf Ad 2_Layout 1 05/09/2012 14:51 Page 1
/discoverboynevalleymeathtourism.ielouthholidays.comdrogheda.ie
discoverireland.ie/boynevalley
seriouslygood golf
for special offers see
Dublin
Belfast
Shannon
Cork
Galway
Rosslare
A4 golf Ad 2_Layout 1 05/09/2012 14:51 Page 1
Black Bush Golf Club, Thomastown, DunshaughlinCo. Meath Golf Club, Newtownmoynagh, Trim
Headfort Golf Club, Kells
Julianstown Golf Club, Julianstown
Kilcock Golf Club, Gallow, Kilcock
Killeen Castle, Dunsany
Knightsbrook Golf Club, Trim
Rathcore Golf & Country Club, Enfield
Royal Tara Golf Club, Bellinter, Navan
Co. Louth Golf Club, Baltray, Drogheda Seapoint Golf Club, Termonfeckin, Drogheda Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club, Bettystown
Bellewstown Golf Course, Bellewstown Ashbourne Golf Club, Archerstown, Ashbourne
for special offers visit
discoverboynevalley.ie
/discoverboynevalleylouthholidays.comdrogheda.ie
www.drogheda.ie 31
attractions
www.drogheda.ie32
the sword & Mace at Highlanes Gallery
Highlanes Gallery Tel. 041 9803311 Email: [email protected]: www.highlanes.ie
MapRef:H4
Drogheda’s�two�most�treasured�heirlooms�are�its�sword�and�mace�presented�to�the�Corporation�by�King�William�III�shortly�after�his�victory�at�the�Battle�of�the�Boyne.��They�are�the�most�impressive�of�their�sort�in�Ireland.�����
The�solid�silver�mace,�5ft�5ins�high�and�weighing�108�ounces,�is�one�of�the�largest�in�Ireland�and�Drogheda�is�one�of�the�few�centres�to�have�a�ceremonial�sword,�which�is�only�presented�to�towns�which�withstood�sieges.��The�sword�is�3ft�6ins�long�and�the�scabbard�contains�the�letters�CR�for�Carolous�Rex�(King�Charles�I),�suggesting�it�may�be�connected�to�the�siege�of�1641-2�during�his�reign.�They�have�now�taken�up�their�new�home�on�view�in�Highlanes�Gallery.
MapRef:G8
drogheda Museum Millmount & Millmount towerAn�absolute�treasure,�Millmount’s�‘cup�and�saucer’�offers�a�spectacular�view�over�the�town�centre,�and�houses�a�wealth�of�local�and�national�artefacts�inside�its�doors.
Lovingly�restored,�the�Martello�type�tower�was�built�in�1808�on�the�site�of�Amergin’s�burial�ground,�and�now�houses�a�permanent�exhibition�of�military�memorabilia�such�as�guns,�swords�and�John�Boyle�O’Reilly’s�death�mask.�The�neighbouring�museum�contains�a�wealth�of�local�artefacts,�giving�a�unique�insight�into�Drogheda�life�through�the�centuries.
Millmount Complex, DroghedaTel. 041 9833097 Email: [email protected]: www.millmount.net
st Laurence Gate
Laurence Street, Drogheda.Email: [email protected]: www.drogheda.ie
MapRef:I4
The�Barbican�or�outer�defence�gate�located�at�the�junction�of�Laurence�Street�and�Chord�Road�is��St�Laurence�Gate.�Widely�regarded�as�one�of�the�finest�of�its�type�in�Europe�it�dates�back�to�the�14th�century.�The�gate�led�to�the��Friary�of�St�Laurence�which�was�located�to�the�East.�Part�of�the�old�town�wall�is�located�to�the�south�of�the�gate�at�Featherbed�Lane�and�visitors�can�see�the�height�and�width�of�the��medieval�walls.
Twice�the�walls�and�gates�of�Drogheda�held�face�against�invasion,�firstly�when�Edward�Bruce,�brother�of�Scotland’s�King�Robert�Bruce�attacked�the�town�in�1317�and�again�in�1642�when�Sir�Phelim�O’Neill�tried�to�take�Drogheda�from�the��garrison�commander�Tichbourne.�
MapRef:G5the tholselThe�Tholsel�which�stands�at�the�junction�of�West�Street�and�Shop�Street�is�a�fine�building�of�local�limestone,�surmounted�by�a�tower,�which�houses�a�large�four-faced�clock.�Erected�in�1770�on�the�site�of�the�old�mediaeval�wooden�Tholsel,�it�was�for�almost�130�years�the�centre�of�municipal�authority,�until�the�Corporation�moved�its�offices�and�Council�Chambers�to�the�then�newly-erected�Courthouse�in�Fair�Street�in�1889.�It�is�now�the�Drogheda�Tourist�Office�and�a�must�see�for�all�visitors.
The�Tholsel�has�been�for�countless�generations�a�local�trysting�place,�and�before�the�advent�of�radio�and�television,�with�their�constant�time�checks,�Drogheda’s�clocks�and�watches�were�set�by�its�dependable�old�time-piece.�Barnaby�Gooche’s�“Map�of�Drogheda�1574”�shows�a�market�cross�standing�in�the�open�space�before�the�Tholsel.
West Street, Drogheda.Email: [email protected]: www.drogheda.ie
st Peter’s R.C. Church
West Street, DroghedaEmail: [email protected]: www.drogheda.ie
MapRef:F4
St�Peter’s�R.C.�Church�on�West�Street�is�world�famous�for�housing�the�shrine�of�St�Oliver�Plunkett.�The�first�church�on�the�site�was�built�in�1791�to�a�design�by�Francis�Johnston.�The�present�church�incorporates�part�of�that�building�and�it�was�opened�in�1884.��The�facade�is�an�imposing�structure�in�the�Gothic�style,�built�of�local�limestone.
St�Oliver�Plunkett,�was�born�at�Loughcrew�near�Oldcastle,�Co.�Meath�and�trained�for�the�priesthood�abroad,�being�ordained�in�1654�and�becoming�Archbishop�Of�Armagh�in�1669.�He�spent�a�lot�of�time�in�Drogheda�and�is�credited�with�bringing�the�Jesuits�to�town�and�opening�a�number�of�schools.�Because�of�the�Penal�Laws,�Catholics�were�not�allowed�practice�their�religion�openly�but�Plunkett�managed�to�defy�them�for�a�period�before�going�into�hiding,�travelling�only�in�disguise.�He�was�arrested�in�Dublin�in�1679�and�found�guilty�of�high�treason.��On�11th�July�1681,�having�spent�some�time�in�Newgate�Prison,�he�was�taken�to�Tyburn�(now�Marble�Arch)�and�hanged,�drawn�and�quartered.
the Boyne Viaduct
River Boyne, Drogheda Email: [email protected]: www.drogheda.ie
MapRef:J5
A�great�feat�of�19th�century�engineering,�the�viaduct�spans�the�mouth�of�the�River�Boyne�and�carries�the�railway�line�into�Drogheda.��The�viaduct�was�completed�in�1855,�1,400�feet�long�and�comprises�of�18�arches,�each�of�which�have�a�60-foot�span.��Designed�by�a�native�Louth�man,�John�Mac�Neill,�the�viaduct�facilitated�the�Great�Northern�Main�Line�between�Dublin�and�Drogheda�–�the�third�rail�line�in�Ireland.
Until�the�viaduct�was�built,�passengers�had�to�disembark�in�Drogheda�and�make�their�own�way�across�the�Boyne�and�meet�up�with�the�train�again�at�Ballymakenny,�some�six�miles�outside�the�town.�
William�Evans�was�given�the�contract�to�build�the�viaduct�and�was�also�contracted�to�build�the�Newfoundwell�Bridge�and�an�embankment,�which�he�completed.��In�1853,�the�bridge�was�almost�complete�except�for�two�piers,�which�were�to�support�the�iron�lattice�portion.��The�foundations�for�these�piers�bankrupted�Evans�as�the�muddy�bed�of�the�river�proved�to�be�quite�deep,�and�the�excavations�went�over�budget�costs.��James�Baton�later�completed�the�viaduct�under�a�new�contract.
attractions
33www.drogheda.ie
the Whitworth Leisure Centre
Laurence Street, DroghedaTel. 041 9833246 Web: www.funtasia.ie
MapRef:I4
Fancy�a�flutter?�Visit�Whitworth�Leisure�Centre�and�try�your�hand�at�Roulette,�Slots,�Poker�Machines�and�Texas�Hold�Em�in�the�comfort�of�the�luxurious��casino�with�complimentary�refreshments.�Open�24�hours�a�day,�seven�days�a�week�–�this�centre�is�located�in�the�historic�old�quarter�of�Drogheda�adjacent�to�St�Laurence�Gate.
WhitworthLeisure Centre
Poker MachinesSlots
RoulettesLive Poker - Texas Hold ‘em
Free Refreshments
Whitworth Leisure Centre, Laurence Street,
Drogheda, 041 983 3246
Open 7 days a week. 24 hours a day.
droichead Arts Centre
Stockwell Street, DroghedaTel. 041 9838563 Email: [email protected]: www.droichead.com
MapRef:E5
This�little�gem�houses�a�beautiful�exhibition�and�gallery�space�as�well�as�a�theatre,�where�the�best�of�local,�national�and�international�drama�groups,�musicians�and�comedians�have�showcased�their�talents.�Home�of�the�annual�Drogheda�Arts�Festival,�it�is�a�great�spot�to�see�acts�up�close�and�personal�in�this�intimate�setting,�almost�hidden�away�in�Stockwell�Street.�Pick�up�a�brochure�and�see�what’s�in�store�over�the�coming�months.
Funtasia Waterpark MapRef:D10
One�million�visitors�in�one�year�can’t�be�wrong,�and�this�Drogheda�attraction�is�pulling�in�the�fun-lovers�from�every�corner�of�the�country.�A�great�day�out�for�the�young�and�the�young�at�heart,�enjoy�an�incredible�indoor�waterpark�experience,�roller-skating,�10-pin�bowling,�sky-climbing�and�so�much�more.�
Donore Business Park, Drogheda.Tel. 041 9898000 Web: www.funtasia.ie
MapRef:F1Magdalene towerMagdalene�Tower�is�all�that�now�remains��of�the�once�important�Dominican�Friary.��It�is�the�belfry�tower�of�the�friary�which�Lucas�de�Netterville,�then�Archbishop�of�Armagh,�founded��in�about�1224.
The�tower�itself�is�of�14th-century�construction.�It�was�here�that�O’Neill�and�the�other�Ulster�chiefs�acknowledged�their�submission�to�Richard�II,�King�of�England�in�1367�.�In�1412�its�Abbot,�Father�Bennett,�was�the�peacemaker�in�the�conflict�between�the�people�on�either�side�of�the�river�Boyne�leading�to�the�uniting�of�the�town.
The�tower�was�located�near�to�the�now�demolished�Sunday’s�Gate�and�was�located�just�inside�the�northern�walls�of�the�town.
Magdalene Street, Drogheda. Email: [email protected]: www.drogheda.ie
Battle of the Boyne/oldbridge House
Oldbridge, Drogheda, Co. MeathTel. 041 9809950 E-mail: [email protected]: www.battleoftheboyne.ie
MapRef:A5The�Battle�of�the�Boyne,�a�pivotal�battle�in�European�history,�was�fought�just�three�miles�outside�of�the�town�and�is�open�to�the�public�on�the�grounds�of�the�newly�refurbished�Oldbridge�House.�Little�has�changed�since�the�forces�of�King�James�and�King�William�faced�each�other�across�the�Boyne.�Access�to�the�site�itself�is�free�but�there�is�a�small�entrance�fee�for�Oldbridge�House�which�provides�an�audio�visual�show�and�displays�of�original�and�replica�weaponry.�
st Peter’s Church of ireland
Peter Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth.Email: [email protected]: www.stpetersdrogheda.ie
MapRef:G3
During�the�early�13th-century�this�church�was�a�substantial�ecclesiastical�site�with�seven�chapels�and�was�the�venue�of�a�synod�during�1230�which�was�convened�by�Private�Donal�O’Fidabra.�The�present�church�was�built�in�1753�with�later�additions�to�the�porch�and�spire�designed�by�renowned�architect�Francis�Johnson.
The�interior�of�the�church�has�beautifully�carved�memorial�tablets�of�the�18th�and�19th�century�and�an�octagonal�baptismal�font�dating�from�the�late�medieval�period.
In�the�northeast�corner�of�the�adjoining�graveyard�is�a�large�cadaver�tombstone�slab.�This�is�one�of�the�few�examples�of�funeral�sculpture�which�was�fashionable�during�the�15th�and�16th�centuries.�The�tomb�is�that�of�Sir�Edmond�Golding�and�his�wife�Elizabeth�Fleming,�daughter�of�the�Baron�of�Slane.
the tLt (tommy Leddy theatre)
The TLT Concert Hall, East Coast Business ParkMatthews Lane, Drogheda, Co LouthTel. 041 9878560 Email: [email protected]: www.thetlt.ie
MapRef:D10
The�TLT�is�a�purpose�built�state�of�the�art�theatre�and�concert�hall.�The�annual�programme�features�a�diverse�range�of�shows.�From�live�music,�ballet,�dance�and�musicals�to�traditional�pantomimes�and�youth�theatre�there�really�is�something�for�everyone.�Traditionally,�groups�and�performers�visiting�Ireland�performed�exclusively�in�Dublin�but�this�900-capacity�theatre�has�succeeded�in�attracting�international�artists�to�perform�in�Drogheda�and�they�love�gigging�at�the�TLT.��Watch�out�for�the�legendary�Tommy�Leddy�–�maybe�he’ll�be�there�in�person�to�greet�you!�
33
John Philip Holland Monument
The�gardens�of�Scholars�Townhouse�Hotel�on�King�Street�host�the�town’s�newest�monument,�commemorating�the�extraordinary�contributions�of�John�Philip�Holland�to�naval�and�maritime�engineering�worldwide.
The�son�of�a�lighthouse�keeper,�John�Philip�Holland�was�born�in�Co.�Clare�in�1841.�As�an�adult�he�joined�the�Christian�Brothers�in�Cork,�and�in�1865�he�took�up�the�post�of�mathematics�and�music�teacher�in�the�Christian�Brothers�Convent,�Drogheda�[now�Scholars�Townhouse�Hotel].
It�was�during�his�residence�at�the�Drogheda�Convent�that�he�designed�the�submersible�mechanical�duck�(which�could�walk�around�the�garden�and�swim,�dive�and�resurface�when�put�in�water).�He�then�designed�what�was�to�become�the�world’s�first�workable�submarine,�the�Fenian�Ram.�In�1873,�Holland�moved�to�America�where�he�later�supplied�the�first�ever�submarines�to�both�the�US�Navy�and�The�Royal�Navy.�
Scholars Townhouse Hotel, King Street, DroghedaTel: 041-9835410Web: www.scholarsthotel.com
MapRef:H2
www.drogheda.ie34
Battle of the BoyneVisitor Centre , Tea Pavilion
Parkland Walks & Walled Garden
Open All Year Round
Battle of the Boyne Visitor CentreOldbridge, Drogheda, Co. Meath.
(Exit 9 on M1 or via Donore Village)
Tel: 041 9809950 www.battleo� heboyne.ie
battleoftheboyne
the irish Military War Museum
Starinagh, Collon, Co. MeathTel: 086 3952180Web: www.imwm.ie
History�buffs�can�rejoice!�The�Irish�Military�War�Museum�offers�a�fascinating�insight�into�Irish�participants’�involvement�in�both�World�War�I�and�World�War�II,�as�well�as�other�military�conflicts�in�world�history.�Covering�5,000�square�feet�of�floor�space,�the�living�history�museum�represents�a�distinctly�non-political�but�‘must�see’�educational�and�historical�resource�for�people�of�all�ages,�with�military�vehicles,�uniforms�and�artifacts�all�on�display.�The�five-year�plan�envisages�the�building�of�WWI�trenches,�an�obstacle�course�as�well�as�tearooms�and�a�playground.
Mellifont Abbey
Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. LouthTel. 041 9826459E-mail: [email protected]: www.heritageireland.ie
Don’t�miss�a�trip�to�Mellifont,�founded�in�1142�by�order�of�St�Malachy,�Archbishop�of�Armagh.�Tucked�in�beside�the�River�Mattock,�by�1170�it�had�100�monks�and�300�lay�brothers,�and�became�the�model�for�Cistercian�monasteries�in�Ireland.�It�was�the�main�Abbey�in�the�country�until�it�was�closed�in�1152.�Little�of�the�Abbey�remains�except�for�a�13th-century�lavabo,�some�arches�and�a�14th-century�chapter�house.�The�visitor�centre�has�an�interesting�exhibition�of�the�work�of�masons�in�the�Middle�Ages.�An�ideal�spot�for�a�summer’s�picnic.
Newgrange & Brú na Bóinne Centre
Drogheda�is�set�in��the�rich�lands�of�the��stunning�Boyne�Valley,�and�nestling�within�a�few�minutes�drive�from�the�town�centre�is�the�UNESCO�World�Heritage�site�Newgrange.
This�Neolithic�burial�ground�was�constructed�over�5,000�years�ago,�making�it�older�than�Stonehenge�in�England�and�the�Great�Pyramid�of�Giza�in�Egypt.�It�forms�part�of�a�complex�of�monuments�built�along�a�bend�of�the�River�Boyne�known�collectively�as�Brú�na�Bóinne�–�the�other�two�principal�monuments�are�Knowth�(the�largest)�and�Dowth.
Newgrange�is�best�known�for�the�illumination�of�its�passage�and�chamber�by�the�winter�solstice�sun.��Year�round�visitor�access�is�by�guided�tour�from�the�Brú�na�Bóinne�Visitor�Centre�on�the�south�side�of�the�river.
Donore, Drogheda, Co. MeathTel. 041 9880300E-mail: [email protected]: www.heritageireland.ie
townley Hall
Up�to�60�acres�of�rolling�parklands�surround�the�magnificent�Georgian�mansion�of�Townley�Hall.�Built�in�1799,�the�house�is�not�open�to�the�public;�however,�Townley�Hall�Woods�feature�a�pleasant�walking�trail�which�ushers�visitors�through�an�area�steeped�in�history,�while�providing�lovely�views�of�the�River�Boyne.�The�forest�is�close�to�the�site�of�the�Battle�of�the�Boyne,�and�the�trail�takes�visitors�through�‘King�William’s�Glen’,�where�the�ultimately�victorious�Williamite�troops,�all�36,000�of�them,�set�up�camp�and�from�where�King�William�launched�his�surprise�attack�on�the�troops�of�his�father-in-law,�King�James�II.�The�woodlands�were�planted�around�150�to�200�years�ago.
Townley Hall (main house), Slane Road, DroghedaTel: 041 9838218Email: [email protected]: www.townleyhall.ie
Bellewstown & Laytown. Tel. 041 9842111 E-mail: [email protected]: www.bellewstownraces.ie
Bellewstown & Laytown Races
Bellewstown�and�Laytown�Races�are�two�very�special,�local�racing�festivals.�High�on�the�beautiful�hill�of�Crockafotha,�Bellewstown�race�meetings�are�in�July�and�August�and�offer�superb�racing,�full�bar�and�dining�area,�tote�and�betting�facilities,�ample�car�parking�and�fun�for�all�the�family.��Laytown�Races,�usually�in�early�September,�is�one�of�the�only�remaining�beach�races�in�the�world.�Don’t�miss�your�chance�to�experience�something�truly�unique.�
surrounding attractions
www.drogheda.ie
surrounding attractions
Ledwidge House
The�Francis�Ledwidge�Museum�&�War�Memorial�Centre�is�located�just�outside�Drogheda�on�the�main�road�to�Slane.�It�commemorates�the�life�of�Francis�Ledwidge,�one�of�the�most�famous�of�“The�Great�War�Poets”.�The�museum,�a�19th-century�labourer’s�cottage,�is�the�actual�birthplace�of�Ledwidge.�Visitors�can�see�excerpts�from�the�poet’s�works�plus�memorabilia�and�artefacts�from�the�period.�Run�by�a�dedicated�band�of�volunteers�the�museum�is�open�seven�days�a�week.�Guided�tours�can�be�arranged�in�advance.�
400�years�of�history,�breathtaking�scenery,�and�a�natural�amphitheatre�that�has�played�host�to�the�biggest�acts�in�music�including�The�Rolling�Stones,�Bob�Dylan,�U2,�Bruce�Springsteen�and�Madonna�–�what’s�not�to�like�about�Slane�Castle?��It�is�home�to�Lord�Mount�Charles�and�his�family�who�have�owned�the�estate�since�1701.�The�castle�is�open�for�tours�during�the�summer�months�from�Sunday�to�Thursday.�Off-season�tours�can�be�arranged�by�appointment.�The�castle�also�blends�its�own�whiskey,�Slane�Castle�Whiskey�and�whiskey�tasting�tours�are�available.�Construction�on�Slane�Castle�Whiskey�Distillery�–�which�will�be�situated�adjacent�to�the�iconic�castle�–�has�commenced�and�is�expected�to�be�complete�in�early�2016.
Slane, Co. MeathTel. 041 9820643E-mail: [email protected]: www.slanecastle.ie
united Park
Windmill Road, DroghedaTel. 041 9830190Email: [email protected]: www.droghedaunited.ie
Make�your�way�up�to�Windmill�Road�some�Friday�night�to�catch�a�spot�of�League�of�Ireland�football�in�United�Park.�Since�being�promoted�to�the�premier�division�more�than�10�years�ago,�Drogheda�United�have�gone�from�strength�to�strength,�winning�the�FAI�Cup,�and�then�the�Setanta�Cup,�two�years�in�a�row.�The�cream�of�Irish�teams�travel�to�tackle�the�Drogs,�so�don�your�claret�and�blue�and�kickstart�a�great�weekend�with�a�match.
35
Beaulieu House & Gardens
Beaulieu, DroghedaTel. 041 9838557Email: [email protected]: www.beaulieu.ie
Situated�a�short�drive�from�Drogheda�on�the�road�to�Baltray,�Beaulieu�House�is�built�in�a�‘Dutch’�style,�unique�to�Ireland,�and�believed�to�be�the�first�unfortified�house�built�in�Ireland.�A�guided�tour�is�available,�encompassing�a�story�of�living�history,�spanning�over�930�years,�through�the�family�of�St�Oliver�Plunkett�to�Sir�Henry�Tichbourne,�who�as�Governor�of�Drogheda�defended�the�town�in�the�1641�/�1642�siege.�No�visit�is�complete�without�exploring�the�four�acres�of�walled�garden�situated�overlooking�the�River�Boyne.�Entering�the�garden,�the�breathtaking�herbaceous�border�draws�the�visitor�deeper�into�a�haven�of�floral�and�horticultural�beauty�further�enhanced�by�the�Victorian�Knot�garden.
Killineer House
Killineer, Drogheda. Tel. 041 9838563Email: [email protected] Web: www.killineerhouse.ie
The�very�attractive�16-acre�woodland�gardens�feature�large�areas�of�cut�laurel,�lawns�and�terraces.�These�include�the��Walled�Vegetable�Garden�with�apricot,�nectarine�and�peach�trees�together�with�an�extensive�herbaceous�border;�the�Wild�Garden�with�many�varieties�of�candelabra�primulas�and�other�damp-loving,�plants�and�the�Lake,�an�attractive�man-made�lake�that�is�surrounded�with�wild�life,�including�mallard�ducks,�herons,�kingfishers,�ravens,�sparrow�hawks�and�long�eared�owls.
Listoke Gardens
Ballmakenny, Drogheda Tel. 041 9832265
The�setting�for�an�international�movie,�at�the�heart�of�the�beautiful�Edwardian�vista�is�an�acre-and-a-half�walled�garden�with�a�traditional�grass�tennis�court,�overlooked�by�a�garden�room�half�hidden�behind�clouds�of�Japanese�anemone�blooms�in�late�summer,�and�with�mixed�borders�around�its�walls.�Past�a�restored�greenhouse�and�under�overarching�clouds�of�white�roses�is�a�new�arboretum�with�paths�mown�in�the�grass.�The�estate�still�has�its�woodland�walks,�through�beech�woods�carpeted�with�bluebells�and�anemones.
Slane, Co. MeathTel: 041 9824544Email: [email protected]: www.francisledwidge.com
slane Castle
Monasterboice/High Crosses
MonasterboiceEmail: [email protected]: www.drogheda.ie
Monasterboice�boasts�one�of�the�tallest�round�towers�(30m)�and�two�of�the�tallest�and�best�high�crosses�in�Ireland.�The�crosses�(highest�is�5.5m)�contain�carved�murals�depicting�biblical�scenes,�fine�examples�of�Celtic�art.�The�monastery�was�founded�in�the�late�5th�century�by�St�Buith,�a�follower�of�St�Patrick,�from�whom�the�River�Boyne�gets�its�name.�The�site�includes�the�ruins�of�two�churches�and�a�cemetary.�Its�importance�as�a�spiritual�and�scholastic�centre�declined�when�the�Cisterian�monks�arrived�nearby.
www.drogheda.ie36
stay over
the d hotelTotalRooms:104
Theaward-winning4stardhotelDroghedaislocatedonthebanksofthehistoricRiverBoyne.ThisimpressivewaterfrontlocationincludestheScotchHallshoppingcomplexandapurposebuiltpedestrianbridgetothehistorictowncentreofDrogheda.Thedhotel’s104bedroomsarecontemporary,extremelycomfortableandmodernandareequippedwithteaandcoffeemakingfacilities,complimentarybroadband,flatscreentv,hairdryersandminifridges.
Thehotelhasahostofextensivefacilitiesincluding7meetingandeventsuiteshostingupto150guests,DeLacy’sSteak&SeafoodRestaurant,aMiniGym&GamesRoom.
WmCairnes&SonGastropubishousedinanoriginalbrewerybuildingbuiltin1825.
ThedhotelisnotonlyaglamorousdestinationforvisitorstoDroghedabutitisalsothepremierlocationforparties,celebrations,weddingsandmeetings.ThedhotelisattheheartofallthatgoesoninDrogheda!
Scotch Hall, Marsh Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel:041 9877700Email:[email protected] GPS+53°42’53”N,6°20’43”W
TheWestcourtHotelhasbeentransformedintothehippestandliveliestluxurydesignerhotelintheregion.AfteramajorrefurbishmentinApril2011,theWestcourtHotelnowattainsthestatusasthemostpopularhotelinDroghedaandthesurroundingarea.Just20minutesfromDublinAirportalongtheM1Dubin-Belfastroute,theWestcourtHotelislocatedintheheartofDroghedaandthehistoricBoyneValleyregion,makingitclosetoshoppingcentres,topgolfcourses,Newgrangeandotherhistoricalsites.Thecentrallocationmakesitperfectforweekendgetaways,midweekheritagebreaks,family,andbusinesstravel.Wellconnectedbyroadandrail,andfeaturing27modernroomswithhighspeedinternetaccess,theteamattheWestcourtHotelaredelightedtoaccommodateyoureventrequirementsincludingweddings,henparties,banquetsandmeetings.
Westcourt HotelTotalRooms:27
West Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel:041 9830965/8Email:[email protected] GPS+53°42’54”N,6°20’54.96”W
Thisaward-winninghotelandrestauranthasbeendescribedas‘anoasisofrelaxation’intheheartofthevibranttownofDrogheda.ScholarsTownhousehasgonefromstrengthtostrengthandhaswonbestpublichouse/restaurant2008intheDroghedaBeautyonTheBoyneAwards,andBestnewBusiness2008/2009intheChamberofCommerceBusinessExcellenceAwards.PauloTullio,GeorginaCampbellandTheMichelinGuidealsorecommendScholarsforboth2008and2009.
TheMcGowanfamily(Martin,Patricia,Mark&Glenn)whoownandmanagethehotelhavefullymodernisedthebuildingandcreatedtherich,classicandcomfortableinteriorwhichyouexperiencetoday.BoththefamilyandstaffareproudtogiveeachandeveryvisitorahomelyandfriendlyyetprofessionalserviceinwhathasbecomeknownlocallyasDrogheda’sPremierHotelandRestaurant.
scholars townhouse Hotel TotalRooms:16
King Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel:041 9835410Email:[email protected]
GPS:+53°42’4.08”N,6°20’54.96”W
TheBoyneValleyHotel&CountryClubisabeautiful19th-centurycountryhouseHotelsetattheendofatreelinedavenueandfeaturing16acresoflandscapedgardensandwoodland.Locatedjust20minutesfromDublinAirport,thishotelhassomuchtooffer.With52beautifullyappointedensuiteroomstheBoyneValleyHoteliseverythingyouarelookingforwhetherit’sforaquietbreakaway,meeting,weddingorfamilycelebration.
Thehotelhasanaward-winningLeisureClubwithswimmingpool,Jacuzzi,steamroom&sauna,gymandtenniscourts.
WeinviteyoutoenjoyourhospitalitywhileyouexploreallthereistoofferintheheritageregionofDrogheda.
Boyne Valley Hotel & Country Club
Stameen, Dublin Rd, Drogheda Co Louth.Tel:041 9837737Email:[email protected]
TotalRooms:52
GPS+53°42’30”N,6°18’50”W
accommodation
LuxuRY
Waking up in the heart of the Boyne Valley has never been easier – or comfier
www.drogheda.ie 37
Killowen House
Woodgrange, Dublin Rd, DroghedaTel:041 9833547 [email protected]
TotalRooms:4
This4-starBórdFáilteapprovedB&BissituatedsouthofDroghedainaquietexclusiveresidentialarea,justofftheR132nearSouthgateShoppingCentreontheDublinRd.Theroomsarebrightandspaciousandallhavehighqualityen-suites,kingsizebedswithflatscreenTVandtea/coffeefacilities.Dublinairportisonlya20minutedrive,andalltheattractionsoftheBoyneValleysuchasNewgrange,MonasterboiceandBattleoftheBoynearealljust15minutesawayaswellasanabundanceofbeaches,golfcoursesandrestaurants.GuestsareassuredofaverywelcomingandcomfortablestayinKillowenHouse!
GPS53°41’723”N,6°18’588”W
Thisisahomeawayfromhomewithcomfybedsalldressedinluxuriouslinensandduvets.There’splentyofnooksandcranniestochilloutin,fromourlargehammockandtwilightcavetoourbeautifulfully-equippedkitchenorcosysittingroomwithsatelliteTV.Wealsoofferfreecontinentalbreakfastandwifi.Spoonon!
spoon and the stars
13 Saint Mary’s Terrace, Dublin Rd, Drogheda, Co. Louth.Tel: 086 4058465/087 9709767Email: www.spoonandthestars.com
TotalRooms:5privateand2dorm
GPS53°42’48.19”N,6°20’26.34”W
ForacompletelistofallaccommodationinDroghedaandsurroundingareas,pleaseseepages46&47ofthisguideoronwww.drogheda.ie.
BudGEt
Don’t forget FREE parking after 5pm everyday and all day Sunday
Shop localat Scotch Hall
see www.scotchhall.ie for more details
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Whether its fashion, food or beauty, Scotch Hall Shopping Centre has it all.
87x124 Drog United Ad.indd 1 15/05/2014 17:08
13 St Mary’s Terrace, Dublin Road Drogheda, Co. Louth
FREE
A Visitors´ Favourite for over 200 Years
Donegan’s of MonasterboiceM1 Southbound Exit 11 and Northbound Exit 10,
follow signs for Monasterboice.
www.monasterboice-inn.ie
Newtown, Monasterboice, Co. LouthTel: 041 983 7383
4 Course Steak Dinner €25All Day Breakfast €8.65
follow us on Or Tel: 041 9842111
Get all information on dates, times and purchasing tickets from:
www.bellewstownraces.ie
Visit us for our two Annual Racing Festivals:
July Festival (3 Days)August Festival (2 Days)
Bellewstown Racecourse, on the Hill of Crockafotha in Co. Meath, is beautifully situated with magnificent views of the Mountains of Mourne to the north and the Irish Sea to the east. The tradition of summer racing at
Bellewstown dates back centuries and the first record of racing here appears in the August edition of the Dublin Gazette and the Weekly Courier in 1726.
This superb one mile and one furlong left handed course, in a truly unique location, features both flat and hurdle racing. Bellewstown Races are synonymous with top class racing and glorious summer evenings. Bring a picnic to have on the hill or there are plenty of food outletsand bar facilities located aroundthe enclosure.
www.drogheda.ie 41
The Boyne Valley boasts a wide range of restaurants and cafés which offer great food at competitive prices
YouwillfindanarrayofbothinternationalandtraditionalIrishfoodfromlocallysourcedproducersintheBoyneValleyanditsenvirons.Whetheryouenjoyfinedining,laid-backbistros,brasseries,winebars,tapasbars,artisancafesortraditionalpubgrub,itcanallbefoundinDroghedaontheBoynethroughouttheyear.
Whynottakeoneofthe‘FoodTrails’intownandvisitthenumerousartisanproducersonDrogheda’sdoorstep,orenjoytheBoyneValleydrivewhereagourmettourwilltakeyoutoartisanfoodstores,cookeryschools,toprestaurantsandhigh-qualityfarmproducers.ThedriveispartoftheBoyneValleyFoodSerieswhichhasanexcitingline-upofmorethan40foodieeventstakingplaceincountiesLouthandMeathfromMayuntilSeptember.Gourmetcycles,foodsafaris,pop-uprestaurantsandseafoodfestivalsarejustsomeofthedelightsfoodloverscanenjoy.Forfulldetailsofeventsseewww.boynevalleyfoodseries.ie.
Manyofourrestaurantsspecialiseinlocalproduce.LookoutonthemenusforsumptuousBoynesalmon,localbeef,porkandbacon,BellinghamBlueCheesandhomemadebread,cakesandconfectionary.
ThebeautifulLouthcoastlineproducesanabundanceofseafood,salmon,lobster,oysters,musselsandcrabfreshfromthesea.Organicandartisanproduceisgaininginpopularity–onethingisforsure,youwilldinelikeakinginDrogheda,whateveryourbudget!
food
taste it
FoodTastingTours
Jimmy WeldonPhotographerThepeoplearewhatmakeourtownsowonderful.It’slovelytowalkoverWestStandenjoyfriendlychatsalongontheway.ButnovisittoDroghedawouldbecompletewithoutatourofStOliverPlunkett’sShrineinStPeter’sChurch,orastrolluptoBoltonSquarefortheSaturdaymorningmarketfollowedbylunchinSimonaCaféortheEasternSeaboard.
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Restaurants, Cafés & Bars
WestSt,Drogheda.T:041 98 30966E:[email protected]:www.west29.ieOurRestoLoungeisatrendyubercomfortablespacewhereyoucanchillout,relax,enjoyameal,shareatastingplateorauthentictapas.Chooseabottleofwine,orindulgeyourselfwithaperfectlymixedcocktail,pickfromourinternationalbeerselectionhandpickedbyourin-housebrewmasterorjusttakefivewithabaristacoffeeandindulgeyourselffromour“treatery”ofdeliciousdessertsallcreatedin-housebyourWest29culinaryteam.Allofferingsarewaiterservedtoyourtablebyourfriendly,efficient“29ers”.Youwantit,wegetit!Ourmissionissimple:locallysourcedfreshingredientspreparedwithpassion,savvyservicewithasmileatreallyaffordableprices...WelcometoWest29!Open:Thursday-Sunday:5pm-Late
WEst29 REstoLouNGE
DublinRd,Drogheda.T:0419837139E:[email protected]:www.blackbullinn.ieFancyabitetoeat,justapint,ormaybeevenanightoutwithsomeentertainmentandsomeofoursignaturecocktails.Thisgemhasitall.PopularwiththelocalsTheBlackBullInnhasthreebars,arestaurantandmultipleTVScreensshowingallmajorsportingevents.Withlivemusicattheweekends,excellentfoodandarelaxedatmosphere,thisfamily-runpubcancaterforallyourneeds.Opensevendaysaweek:10.00am-11.30pmMonday-Thursday&Sunday,10.00am-12.30amFridayandSaturday
BLACK BuLL iNN
ChurchLane,Duleek,Co.Meath.T:041 9880697E:[email protected]:www.thespirerestaurant.ie
Thisfamily-runMeathrestaurantislocatedinOldStCianan’schurchofDuleek.Theuniqueatmosphereofthisrestaurantreflectsitsancientlocale,illuminatedbynature,andenhancedbythebeautifullystonemason-craftedchurchspire.TheSpireRestaurantisopenfromWednesdaytoSaturdayfordinner,andalldaySundayforlunchanddinner.ServingahighendBistroStylemenu,weprideourselvesingoodqualityfoodatgreatprices.
tHE sPiRE REstAuRANt
ScotchHall,Drogheda.T:041 9877700E:[email protected]:www.delacys.ieOpenedin2014,DeLacy’ssteakandseafoodrestaurantoverlooksthehistoricalRiverBoyne,andoffersabright,airyriversidespacetoenjoythefinestoflocalproduce.Dinealfrescoontheriversideterraceorenjoytheluxuryinterior,modelledonParisianchic.Withsetmenusandalacarte,fishandsteakloverswillbespoiltforchoice.FishissourceddirectlyfromClogherheadproducers,onlyafewkilometresaway.Open:Thursday-SundayOpendailyinpeakandholidayseasons
dE LACY’s stEAK & sEAFood REstAuRANt
TownleyHallRoad,Tullyallen,Co.Louth.T:041 9836925E:[email protected]/brasserietullyallen
TheCorkscrewBrasserieislocatedinTullyallenvillage,justfiveminutesfromDrogheda.ThepassagetombsofNewgrange,Knowth&Dowth,theruinsofMonasterboice,andMellifontAbbeyarealllocatedamere5-10minutesfromtherestaurant.LunchisservedTuesday-Sunday.ALaCarte&EarlyBirdisservedThursday,Friday&Saturdayfrom6pm.
tHE CoRKsCREW BRAssERiE
KingSt,Drogheda.T:0419835410W:www.scholarsthotel.comUndoubtedlyDrogheda’smostoutstandingrestaurantintermsoffood,décorandservice,asanall-indiningexperienceitissecondtonone.CeilingfrescoesandmuralsdepictingtheBattleoftheBoynesetthetoneofthislargeroom,whichissetupwithlinentableclothsandgleamingglasses.
sCHoLARs toWNHousE
ForacompletelistofallRestaurants&Barspleaseseethelistingsonpages46&47ofthisguideoronwww.drogheda.ie
Haymarket,WellingtonQuay,Drogheda.T:041 9872784E:[email protected]:www.bru.ieBrúBarBistroisperchedonthebanksoftheRiverBoyneintheheartofDrogheda.FloortoceilingwindowsofferguestsaviewoflifeinDroghedaandthefriendlystaffextendawarmwelcometoguests.Famedfortraditionalfavouritesandseasonalspecials,Brúoffersawidechoicewithgreatvalueonthebrú24/7menuthatisdesignedtosatisfyeverypalate;fromthoselookingforacoeliacfriendlyoptionorluscioushomemadedesserts.Brú,wheregoodfoodandgoodtimesmeet.Lunch:12.00pm-5.00pmdailyDinner:5.00pm-lateSundayLunch:12.30pm-5.00pmCocktailBar:Friday&Saturday6.00pm-12.30am
BRú BAR BistRo
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listings
Newtown,Monasterboice,Drogheda.T:041 9837383E:[email protected]:www.monasterboice-inn.ieTheMonasterboiceInn,ideallysituatedjustofftheM1motorwayatJunction10,ishighlyregardedastheplacetogoforarelaxinganddeliciousmeal.TheMonasterboiceInnisagreatvenueforbreakfast,lunchoraneveningmealwhilstenjoyingtherichheritagetrailoftheBoyneValleyDrive.
LaurenceTownCentre,Drogheda.T: 041 9837631E:[email protected]:www.thebagelbars.comAnyonelookingforagreatbagel,yoursearchisover!Afavouritewithlocals,thisisacaféservingarangeofhealthyoptionsincludingfreshlypreparedbagels,deliciouspaninis,toasties,home-madesoupsandhand-cutsandwichesaswellasBaristapreparedgourmetcoffeesandfreshly-bakedscones,pastriesandluxuriouscakes.
OpenMon-Thur:9am-6pmFri:9am-7pmSat:12pm-6pmSun:12pm-6pm
WestStreet,Drogheda.T:041 9833951E:themoorland@
mccloskeysbakery.ieW:www.mccloskeysbakery.ieTheyoungbakingteamattheMoorlandCaféwouldlovetomakeforyoufresh-cutsandwichesmadeonbreadwebakedtoday.TheMoorlandCaféislocatedintheheartofDroghedaandhasanextensiverangeofbreakfasts,lunches,snacksandconfectionery.Ourfresh-cutsandwichesandbagelsarefamous;whilethethepies,soup,fishcakesandquicheareallGrannyMcCloskey’srecipes.Forsomethingsweetwehaveadeliciousrangeofcakes,tarts,freshcreamslicesandmuchmore.AtanyonetimealargeselectionofdifferenttypesofartisanbreadareavailablesuchasRye,Spelt,CottageBrown&Pumpernickelfromourbreadcounter.OpenMondaytoSaturday:8am-6pmSunday:11am-4pm
MCHuGH’s1-3ChordRoad,Drogheda.T:041 9835995W:www.mchughsvenue.ieAgenuine,traditionalIrishfamily-runpub,McHugh’sisasrealasitgets.McHugh’sVenueisamodern,purposebuiltvenuethatisperfectforliveperformances.Wehostadiverserangeofacts,rangingfromoriginalmusicactsofallgenres,bandsandsoloartists.ManyacelebrityhasgracedourstageincludingTheCoronas,DamienDempsey,Aslan,comediansPJGallagher,JasonByrneandArdalO’Hanlon.Corporateeventsandprivateparties,functionscanalsobeaccommodatedinourfunctionroomupstairs.WecaterforalloccasionspleasecontactTPon086-8537966.
No.1StockwellStreet,Drogheda.T:041 9810892E:[email protected]:www.stockwellartisanfoods.ieThishomely40-seaterdeli-café,locatedintheheartofDrogheda,isameetingandeatingplacefordinerstofeastonourdelicioushomeandartisancuisine,andthebestcoffeeintown.Frommothersandtoddlerstobusinesslunchersorsimplyfriendshookingupforacatch-up,everybodyfeelsthesamewelcome.
MooRLANd CAFé
MoNAstERBoiCE iNN
tHE BAGEL BAR
stoCKWELL ARtisAN Foods
ScotchHall,Drogheda.T:041 9806464 E:[email protected]:www.wmcairnes.comWmCairnes&Sonbreweryopenedin1865andexportedIrishbrewsallovertheworld.In2012,WmCairnes&SonGastropubopenedonthesiteofthebreweryandcapturedtheessenceandatmosphereoftheformerdrinkhouse.Servingcraftbeers,worldwhiskiesandafantastic,wholesomemenu,WmCairnesisamust-seeinDrogheda.Thegastropubservesfooduntil10pmdaily,offerslivemusicThursdaytoSundayandalatebareveryFridayandSaturdayuntil2am.
Open:Daily11am-closeFoodserveduntil10pmdaily
WM CAiRNEs & soN
MCPHAiLs BAR LaurenceStreet,Drogheda.T:041 9837371FB:FindusonFacebook.AvisittoDroghedawouldnotbethesamewithoutavisittoMcPhails.AtraditionalIrishbar,Mcphailsisalatenightlivemusicvenue.SomeofIreland’stopmusicianshaveplayedhereandthebestoflocaltalentcanbefoundanynightoftheweektoo.Featuringalargebeergardenwithitsownbarandveryaccommodatingstaff,allsportingeventscanbeseenonthebigscreenalso.Isn’titabouttimeyousteppedinsideforadrink?
attractions
44 www.drogheda.ie
There’s more to Matthews
Check out www.matthews.ie for our timetables and details of our day and extended tours
Luxury coaches │ Free
The fastest and most frequent way to get from Drogheda to Dublin or Dundalk
We can arrange group tours for your party – contact us for details +353 42 937818 │ www.matthews.ie
18MW of
electricityto power 22,000homes
enough
Waste-to-EnergyRenewable energy source utilisingClean technology withLow carbon emissions providingLocal jobs and a Sustainable waste management solution.
Telephone + 353 (0) 1 280 4534Email [email protected] www.indaver.ie
Indaver, leading the field in sustainable waste management.
www.drogheda.ie
Belfast
DroghedaDublin
Dún Laoghaire
Rosslare
Shannon
Larne
45
Enjoying the benefits of excellent air, road and rail networks, Drogheda is undoubtedly Ireland’s most accessible town
Furtherinformationavailableatwww.aaireland.ieorwww.drogheda.ie
JouRNEY tiMEs BY RoAdDublinAirport: 20MinsDublin: 40MinsBelfast 1Hour30Mins
www.matthews.iewww.buseireann.ie
JouRNEYs BY RAiLDublin: 30MinsBelfast: 1Hour30Minswww.irishrail.iewww.translink.co.uk
JouRNEYs BY AiRDroghedaisonly20minutesfromDublinAirportmakingitthemostaccessiblelargetowninIreland.AlternativelyDroghedaisonly1hour30minutesfromBelfastAirport.www.aerlingus.comwww.ryanair.com
JouRNEYs BY sEAManyferrycompaniesoperatedailysailingsinandoutofDublinPort,drivestraightintothePortTunnelandDroghedaisonly40minutesaway.www.irishferries.comwww.stenaline.comwww.poirishsea.com
droghedagetting to
AnGriananICAMuseum 0419822119ArdgillanCastle 018492212BattleoftheBoyne 0419809950BeaulieuHouse 0419838557BellewstownRaces 0419842111BrúnaBóinneVisitorCentre 0419880300CarlingfordAdventureCentre 0429373100DroghedaTouristOffice 0419872843DroicheadArtsCentre 0419833946DroghedaCineplex 1520444000EcologyCentreLaytown 0419827572FuntasiaBettystown 0419828301FuntasiaWaterpark 0419898000HighlanesGallery 0419803311HillofSlane OpenSiteHillofTara 0419880300KillineerHouse&Gardens 0419838563KnockabbeyCastleGardens 016778816LaurenceTownCentre 0419810940LaytownRaces 0419842111LedwidgeMuseum 0419824544LinnduachaillArchaelogySite 0868180377ListokeGardens 0419832265LoughcrewCairns 0498541356LoughcrewHistoricGardens 0498541356MellifontAbbey 0419826459Millmount 0419833097MonasterboiceHighCross 0419837070Newgrange 0419880300NewgrangeFarm 0419824119PuddenHillAdventureCentre 01835444RedMountainOpenFarm 0419823221ScotchHallShoppingCentre 0419843319SlaneCastle 0419820643St.PetersChurchofIreland 0419870073St.PetersCatholicChurch 0419838239TaytoPark 018351999TheBarbican 0419807416TLTTheatre&SoundShop 0419878560TrimCastle 0469438619
AttRACtioNs
Graphic designersCaoimheMulroy www.onceupondesign.ieBridgetKerrigan www.bammedia.ieGillianGerrard [email protected] www.niallmatthewsdesign.comChristopherJennings www.designjoint.comSineadMcCormack www.projektscribble.netau.netAislingFoley [email protected]
CopywritersAlisonComyn www.alisoncomyn.comKarenDevine www.devine-hospitality.comRoryScott www.roryscott.comAlecMcAllisterBrianConynghamCelineWeldonNoelToolanStevenScullyEddiePhelanCarmelRiggs
AssistanceTheStaffofDroghedaTouristOfficeTheStaffofMillmountComplexFáilteIrelandLiamReillyAngloPrintersConO’DonoghueJulieanneLawlerDiarmuidÓ’MathúnaPadraicKieransSandraGoughMorSolutionsCoffee&CookiesatthedAoifeRuaneNicolaReynolds
TheDroghedaVisitorGuidehasbeenproducedbyateamofvolunteersaspartoftheRTELocalHeroesInitiative.Eachoftheteammembershavesharedtheirtime,theirskills,knowledgeandenergywithgreatgenerosity,resultinginthis48pageguide,whichwehopeyouenjoy.
Althoughcarehasbeentakentoensuretheaccuracy,completenessandreliabilityoftheinformationprovided,weacknowledgeandregretthattheremaybeerrorsoromissionswithintheguide.DroghedaVisitorGuide,RTELocalHeroesandourvolunteerscanhoweverassumenoresponsibilityorliabilityforanydirect,indirectorincidentaldamagearisingoutofinclusion,errorsorexclusionfromthisbrochure.Pleasenotethatinformationmaybesubjecttochangewithoutnotice.Pricesarequotedareaccurateattimeofpublication(May2014).
thank youto all our volunteers
PhotographyJimmyWeldonShaneCowleyTommyMcDermottColinBellStephenMcCaffreyEricO’NeillChristopherJenningsSandraGoughGlendaKevittParaicRodenPeterKieransAidanStewart
AgnedKacer-KilmkowskaMalcolmClarkeCaoimheMulroyBridgetKerriganJanineBraniganIanMcGuirkRoryScottVaidotasManeikisJennyMatthewsLarryMcQuillanMartinReillyMaryLawlessDavidSheildsEricO’Neill
illustrationsCoverillustrationsbyChristopherJenningsMapillustrationsbyGillianGerrard
©Copyright.Allrightsreserved.Unauthorisedcopying,printing,usageofphotography,imageryandcontenthereinisprohibited.
www.drogheda.ie46
DroghedaArtsFestivalCollage:ChristopherJennings.
www.drogheda.ie 47
listings
BARs Admirals ShopStreet 0419831350Barocco WestStreet 0419830965BlackBull DublinRoad 0419837139Brú TheHaymarket 0419872784Cagney’s DyerStreet 0419810744Clarkes PeterStreet 0419836724DarbyO’Gills LaurenceStreet 0419837406Donaghy’sBar TrinityStreet 0419800017Foley’s TrinityStreet 0419834891Gleesons Westgate 0419832662Grennans(TheWell) Newfoundwell 0419837224Garveys ScarletStreet 0419836927TheFishermans Mell 0419838804JB’sBar WestSt 0419833544MarketBar MagdaleneStreet 0419837166McDonnell’s ChordRoad 0419837358McHugh’s ChordRoad 0419835995McPhail’s LaurenceStreet 0419837371MillmountBar Millmount 0419836449Moores SundaysGate 0419847450MotherHughes NorthRoad 0419838059Murphys ThomasStreet 0419837152NewCentral PeterStreet 0419833321Nolans ChordRoad 0419833852O’Casey’s TrinityStreet 0419837399OlliesBar BullRing 0419831357RailwayTavern DublinRoad 0419838027MarshHouse MarshRoad 0419838007TheMariner NorthQuay 0419837401ThePheasant DuleekStreet 0419831421TheThatch DonoreRoad 0419837439TíChairbe NorthStrand 0419837409Sarsfields StLaurenceGate 0419838032WindmillHouse WindmillRoad 0419837145WMCairnes ScotchHall 0419806464
Earth 0419830969Storm 0419875108WMCairnes LateBartil2ameveryFri&Sat0419806464McPhail’s LateBareveryFri&Sat0419837371
NiGHtCLuBs/LAtE BARs
ThedhotelDrogheda 0419877700BoyneValleyHotel&CountryClub 0419837737WestcourtHotel 0419830965ScholarsTownhouseHotel 0419835410GlensideHotel 0419829185
dRoGHEdA HotELs
NEARBY ACCoMModAtioN
dRoGHEdA B&Bs/HostELs
ArdeeGolfClub 0416853227ArdeeShootingGrounds 0416853072AuraLeisure 0419874478BaltrayGolfClub(Co.Louth) 0419881530BellewstownGolfCourse 0419882757Laytown/BettystownGolfClub 0419827170KilleenCastleGolfCourse 016893000CarlingfordAdventureCentre 0429373100CastlehillEquestrianCentre 0419829430DroghedaAnglingCentre 0419845442DroghedaLeisurePark 0419877707DroghedaUnited 0419830190SeapointGolfClub 0419822333QuayCycleRental 0419834526WhiteriverGoKartPark 0419819100WhitworthLeisureCentre 0419833246TheArcCinema 0419833386
ACtiVitiEs
REstAuRANts AnticaToscana ShopStreet 0419844878BagelBar LaurenceTownCentre 0419837631BlackBullInn DublinRoad 0419844878Borzalinos Mell 0419845444BoyneBraserie Donore 0419823252BruBar&Bistro Haymarket 0419872784Carlito’s Dunleer 0416861366Chanco’sChinese Haymarket 0419873648CorkscrewBrasserie Tullyallen 0419836925D’Vine DyerStreet 0419800440DeLacy’s dHotel 0419877700EasternSeaboardBar&Grill Bryanstown 0419802570EddieRockets SouthQuay 0419803563ForgeGallery Collon 0419826272GatehouseGrill Termonfeckin 0419883772GlensideHotel DublinRoad 0419829185HarpersontheQuay NorthQuay 0419874942LaPizzeria Clogherhead 0419822223LittleStrand Clogherhead 0419881061MingGarden TrinityStreet 0419831061Maria’sSpanishRestaurant LaurenceSt 0877106805MonasterboiceInn Monasterboice 0419837383MoorlandCafe WestSt 0419833951NanoReid’s RathmullenRoad 0419877707Pizzeria JamesStreet 0419801007PunjabiHouse DublinRoad 0419804418RelishCafé&Foodhall HighlanesGalleryLaurenceSt 0419803295Relish Bettystown 0419813344Relish Southgate 0419816666RiversideRestaurant TheMall 0419803967SalthouseBrasserie NorthQuay 041-9834426ScholarsTownhouse KingStreet 0419835410SeasonsRestaurant BoyneValleyHotel 0419837737SimonaCafé SouthQuay 041-9873751Sorrentos ShopStreet 0419845734StockwellArtisanFoods StockwellStreet 0419810892Tango’s RathmullenRoad 0419835054TheKitchenRestaurant SouthQuay 0419834630TheSpireRestaurant ChurchLane,Duleek 0419880697TheTowerWineBar&Grill Millmount 0419873777West29 WestcourtHotel 0419835410WMCairnes dHotel,ScotchHall 0419806464
CityNorthHotel 016906666Daly’sInn,Donore 0419823252ConynghamArms,Slane 0419884444TheMillhouse,Slane 0419820723TankardstownHouse,Slane 0419824621NewgrangeLodge–Hostel/Guesthouse 0419882478SlaneFarmHostel(SelfCatering) 0419824390BeaulieuHouseHistoricHouse 0419838557RosnareeHouseHistoricHouse 0419820975TheCrossGardenB&B 0419822675RannochHouseB&B 0862555600TheCottagesLaytown(SelfCatering) 0419828104GarveystownLodge(SelfCatering) 0419881741Nancy’sCottage(SelfCatering) 012851829
KillowenHouse 0419833547WindsorLodge 0419841966OrleyHouse 0419836019HighfieldHouse 0419822172SpoonandtheStarsHostel 0879709767/0864058465
Hotel Facilities104 Luxurious Bedrooms
Wm Cairnes & Son GastropubDe Lacy’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant
Free Live Music Thursday - SundayDrogheda’s Premier Wedding Venue
7 Meeting & Event SuitesComplimentary Wi Fi & Car Parking
Think different, think the d the d hotelScotch Hall, Marsh Road,Drogheda.T: 041 [email protected]
the d hotel