Explore & Do

Dundalk

Where

Dundalk Tourist Office Dundalk Louth

Dundalk, County Louth, enjoys a great location, strategically located approximately midway between the two largest cities in the island of Ireland, Belfast and Dublin. It sits where the Castletown River flows into Dundalk Bay. The town is close to the border with Northern Ireland and equi-distant from Dublin and Belfast.

What's in a name?

The town's name, which was historically written as Dundalgan, has associations with the mythical warrior Cú Chulainn. The town's crest reads Mé do rug Cú Chulainn Cróga, meaning "I gave birth to brave Cú Chulainn". Dundalk is one of the most historical parts of Ireland with Louth known as the ‘land of legends’.  Rich in heritage, many of the famous Irish legends and epics were based in the wonderful landscape here.   Ancestors from years gone by, including Saint Patrick, Fionn MacCumhaill, the mythical Cúchulainn, the Vikings, the Normans and Cromwell have left indelible marks on the local landscape.  Medieval castles and ruined monasteries, high crosses, dolmens and cairns, are aplenty ensuring the past lives on to allow us to relive Louth’s turbulent and glorious history.  Dundalk is also home to the County Museum, located at Roden Place.

Social & Cultural Scene

In modern times, Dundalk is known for it's vibrant nightlife and great social scene, The Spirit Store being one of Ireland's top music venues and a walk around the town suggests a lively atmosphere.  

Dundalk Stadium is Irelands only all weather horse and greyhound track and a must see. 

An Táin Arts Centre, located in the Town Hall, houses a 350 seat main theatre, a 55 seat studio theatre, a visual arts gallery and two workshop spaces. Their programme is a diverse collection of local arts, national tours, workshops, exhibitions and in-house productions. 

Fashion fans, always on the look-out for something different and unique from what’s available in the high-street stores, will enjoy discovering the unique stores in the town. Enjoy the newly refurbished Market Square, a European style piazza with water fountain and coffee shops.

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