Drogheda Visitor Guide

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

CuLtuRE

Kids

HERitAGE

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Highlanes Gallery

top ten

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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.

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Boyneside Life EnjoytheoutdoorlifebygoingforarunontheRampartsalongsidetheBoyne,takeabreezystrollononeofourBlueFlagbeaches,orgoexploringalongthebeautifulBoyneValleyGardenTrail.Afterwards,wanderthroughourmedievalstreetsandsamplethefinestoflocalproduce.

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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.

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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

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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

n M

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

17

MilitarybuffsvisitingDroghedacantracethefootstepsofkings.TheBattleoftheBoyne,apivotalbattleinhistory,wasfoughtjustthreemilesoutsideofthetown.Thesiteofthebattle,inthegroundsofOldbridgeHouse,isopentothepublic.LittlehaschangedsincetheforcesofKingJamesandKingWilliamfacedeachotheracrosstheBoyne.AccesstothesiteitselfisfreebutthereisasmallentrancefeeforOldbridgeHousewhichprovidesanaudiovisualshowanddisplaysoforiginalandreplicaweaponry.

MorematerialisavailableatDroghedaMuseumMillmountwhichalsodetailsthesackingofDroghedabyOliverCromwell.Themuseumalsohasaweaponryexhibitionwithitemsdatingfrom1642untilafterWorldWarII.

Military

MillmountTowerintheaftermath

oftheshellingofMillmountJuly4th1922

CannonFiringfromMillmount

Tower

© C

olin

Bel

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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

rans

www.drogheda.ie

TraditionalMusicinDroghedaMuseumMillmount

© Jenny Matthews

19

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

R132

PETER ST.

MAYORALTY ST.

JAMES ST.DUBLIN RD.

MAR

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DULE

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DONORE RD.

FAIR GREEN

TRINITY ST.

GEOR

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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

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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

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6

4

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

drogheda map

top Attractions

Legend

24

FuntasiaWaterpark

– 1km

TLT Theatre– 1km

R132

PETER ST.

MAYORALTY ST.

JAMES ST.DUBLIN RD.

MAR

Y ST

.

DULE

EK ST

.

DONORE RD.

FAIR GREEN

TRINITY ST.

GEOR

GE’S

ST.

STO

CKW

ELL S

T.

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

7

11

5

21

2

AbbeyShopping

Centre

Laurence Town Centre

Shopping

Scotch Hall Shopping Centre

Train Station– 500m

RIVER BOYNE

BoyneShopping

Centre

13

14

15

16

17

18

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

R132

6

4

St. Peter’s Church of Ireland

8

3

5 mins300m

7 mins

400m

10 mins

500m

3 mins200m

20

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

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seriouslygood golf

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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

Join us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

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

43

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

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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

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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

Drogheda Visitor Guide

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