Dundalk enjoys a great location, strategically situated approximately midway between the two largest cities on 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 Cúchulainn. 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 around here. Dundalk is also home to the County Museum, located at Roden Place. 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.

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.

Enjoy discovering the unique stores and shopping centres in the town, relax at Market Square, a European style piazza with water fountain and coffee shops, explore the towns vibrant murals, and drop into the Tourist Office to find out more about all there is to see and do.