Brought to you by DiscoverIreland.
From seafood fans, adrenaline-seekers, culture-lovers and history heads, there's something for everyone in Co. Louth this Summer
If the past few years have taught us one thing about travel, it's that there is so much to explore on this island we're privileged to call home. With Summer upon us, the longer evenings in full swing, there's never been a better time to get plotting your next staycation adventure.
Venture along
Ireland's Ancient East, and you'll find County Louth, which boasts a rake of exciting activities, quaint country towns and unmissable experiences that you'll want to add to your itinerary.
Indeed, with breathtaking hikes, water adventures, and cultural gems, Louth has so much to offer, and if you were wondering where to start, we've got you covered. Here are eight unmissable experiences to try out along Ireland's Ancient East this summer.
Carlingford is home to Ireland's largest adventure park, and, for the thrill-seekers among us, it's unmissable. Take to the skies with your choice of Skypark's Aerial Courses, which are graded based on difficulty. Once harnessed up, you'll ascend to the treetops, where 30 challenges await, including skateboards, giant log swings, monkey bars and zip lines.
As well as the aerial courses, you'll have your pick of a number of other activities on solid ground, including axe-throwing, archery and frisbee golf.
Get up close and personal with Drogheda's flourishing art scene with a self-guided tour of the town's best street art. Six iconic murals are dotted across the town, and DRAWDA will guide you through the inspiration and treatment used for each piece. Use your phone to guide the way, and scan the QR codes to hear the mythological stories that inspired the art.
Lose yourself in the magic of the street art's subject matter, which features the legendary warrior/hunter Fionn Mac Cumhail and the Salmon of Knowledge, The Goddess of the Boyne and the shape-shifting powers of the Triple Goddess, The Morrígan. Indeed, the past, the present and the mythical combine seamlessly in this trail.
With over 70km of coastline, it's no wonder that County Louth is home to both stunning seaside scenery, and delicious fresh seafood, and with the Sea Louth Seafood Trail, you'll get the best of both worlds.
Download the Sea Louth Passport and you'll be guided to 14 coastal scenic viewpoints while learning all about Louth's incredible seafood scene – and the producers that make it happen. Then, take your pick from a wide range of local seafood restaurants, and tuck into oysters, cockles, razor clams, lobster prawns and fresh fish.
Explore the 'Lough of Legends', and the Cooley Peninsula with an unforgettable lake cruise. On the Sunset Cruise, for instance, you and your crew will venture into the lake for a two-hour journey, culminating in a beautiful sunset. During the cruise, you'll pass the medieval town of Carlingford and its marina, the Cooley Mountains as well as Carlingford Castle where you can follow in President Biden's footsteps and take a tour. While on board, you'll also be treated to live entertainment as well as food and drinks.
And, for the music lovers among us, you can customise your adventure to suit your taste with a music cruise. Take in the sights while on board the Blues on the Bay Cruise, or enjoy an evening on the Summer Jazz Cruise.
Located in Tinure, Co. Louth, the Listoke Distillery and Gin School allows gin lovers to make their very brew. On arrival, you'll be greeted with a gin and tonic, before a guided tour of the distillery begins. Once you've familiarised yourself with the history of Listoke 1777 Gin, you'll be given the opportunity to make some for yourself, flavouring the tipple to your taste using citrus, floral and spice notes.
While you wait for your gin to distil, you'll be offered another round of gin and tonics, as well as a spread of local meats and cheeses. Ideal.
The Battle of the Boyne was arguably one of Ireland's most seismic historic events, so why not take a stroll from the centre of Drogheda along the footpath of the River Boyne to the visitor centre and get to grips with the fascinating history that surrounds it.
Situated in the recently restored 18th-century Oldbridge House, visitors can awaken the past through models of the battle that have been illuminated with lasers and narration.
As well as being home to a wealth of Irish history, the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre invites guests to stroll through the house's gardens and the nearby Townley Hall Forest. There is also an opportunity to recharge and refresh at the centre's quaint coffee shop.
Get moving this summer with a walk or cycle along the Carlingford Lough Greenway. Take your pick of any of the five access points alongside this custom-built route, and decide exactly how long you want to spend taking in the sites and sounds that wait for you along the shore of the Carlingford Lough.
During your trek, you'll feast your eyes on some of the most picturesque views Ireland's Ancient East has to offer. Vistas of Carlingford Lough, the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Foy are just some of the visual treasures along this 7km route. On top of that, it's a birdwatcher's paradise, with a wide range of indigenous and migratory birds settling nearby during the Summer months.
Annagassan, a village that sits on the River Glyde in Co. Louth, was considered the capital of Ireland during the Viking Times, and today, a state-of -the-art experience at The Glyde Inn now gives visitors a glimpse into that past. Live like a Viking for the day, through the power of virtual reality, guests are transported back in time, witnessing their surroundings through the eyes of 'Bjorn the Bear'.
You can even eat like a Viking, by tucking into a seafood banquet of fresh, local produce at the award-winning restaurant. Enjoy some of the best seafood Ireland has to offer by sampling Annagassan-caught razor clams, whole Clogherhead Langoustines, Carlingford mussels, and Carlingford oysters at the Viking Boat Table, and cheers to a successful day with a pint of Viking Beer at The Glyde Inn.
Brought to you by DiscoverIreland.
Book a break this summer
From land-based activities to underground adventures, and wildlife encounters to creative centres, there are many wonderful ways to experience the unique landscape and communities of this remarkable region.
So, what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to book an adventurous break in the Co. Louth this summer.
The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this summer and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.
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