Louth and proud Ireland’s smallest county packs more than a Wee punch with its tourist offerings

The fabulous Louth coastline

Grab some fish and chips along the way

The fabulous Louth coastline

Jill Kennon

April 24 2022 12:00 AM

THERE is a lot to love about Louth, not least the new ‘sea louth’ scenic seafood trail which shows the ‘Wee County’ and its 70km-plus coastline off to spectacular effect.

The sea louth trail runs from Drogheda up to Omeath- and vice versa - and features 14 scenic viewpoints, nine seafood producers and over 40 participating restaurants. Here are seven things not to be missed along Louth’s beautiful coast.

1. Carlingford

Be sure to check out Carlingford, with its medieval cobbled streets and fabulous restaurants serving world-class local seafood, including Carlingford Oysters and Cooley Oysters sourced fresh from the Lough. Work up an appetite on the Carlingford Lough Greenway, which kicks off at Caringford Marina and runs along the coast up to Omeath. Bike hire is available from On Yer Bike and Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire.

2. Beaches

Choose from three Blue Flag Beaches: Clogherhead, Port Beach and Templetown. Tucked away down a winding road on the Cooley Peninsula, Templetown is a real hidden gem, ideal for families as it is sandy, sheltered and south-facing.

3. Culture quest

Download the Louth Culture Quest app and embark on a futuristic treasure hunt exploring County Louth, from the Cooley Peninsula to the coastal town of Baltray, treat the towns of Dundalk and Drogheda on foot. For further information, see antain.ie

Grab some fish and chips along the way

4. Promenade

Walk the promenade at Blackrock, a beautiful seaside village which overlooks Dundalk Bay and the Cooley Peninsula. The village has a relaxed atmosphere with gorgeous artisan shops, bars, cafés and award-winning restaurants – three of which are participating in the sea louth trail and serve as restaurant stamp collection points.

5. Catch of the day

See where the daily catch is landed at Port Oriel in Clogherhead, a Special Area of Conservation and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with A-Grade waters and views to die for. Fisherman’s Catch not only own the boat but fry the catch right there overlooking the harbour.

6. Landmarks

Explore historic Drogheda on a guided walking tour in the company of the expert guides from Drogheda Museum Millmount. Tours resume from the May bank holiday, and cover landmarks such as the Tholsel — originally a wooden structure in medieval times and now home to the Drogheda Tourist Office, St. Peter’s Catholic Church - now famous as the shrine to the martyred Saint Oliver Plunkett. Check out millmount.net.

7. Virtual Vikings

Annagassan was the capital of Ireland in Viking Times, and a new virtual reality experience at The Glyde Inn takes you back there through the eyes of ‘Bjorn the Bear’. Afterwards, enjoy a seafood banquet. Check out theglydeinn.ie