If you’re looking for something a little bit different when exploring Ireland’s Ancient East, we’ve got you covered with our list of unusual visitor attractions unique to county Louth!
1. Saint Oliver Plunkett’s Shrine
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in the heart of Drogheda has beautiful stained-glass windows and highly decorative interiors attracting thousands of visitors each year. However, it’s not only it’s beauty that attracts so many; the church is also world famous for the relics of Saint Oliver Plunkett, whose preserved head is housed there in a specially made shrine for veneration.
2. The Jumping Church
Next up, Kildemock Church ruin, more famously known as the “Jumping Church”, is located in mid-Louth only a few kilometres south of Ardee. The ruin dates to the 14th century, though the site also contains carved stones from the 13th century. Its west gable wall has jumped inward to a few feet from its foundations and is believed to have happened in February 1715 during a storm. However, according to local legend, the gable of the building jumped inside the wall of the original foundation to exclude an excommunicated church member who had been buried in the church. We think that sounds much more interesting!
(Image Courtesy of Tourism Ireland)
3. The Magic Hill
Located at Jenkinstown, just a few kilometres outside Dundalk, we have what is known as the “Magic Hill”. If you put your car into neutral at the bottom of the hill, it will go back up the hill by itself! What causes it to roll back? Well!, there are some who say that it’s a powerful magnetic force emanating from the depths of the earth that causes it. Others believe that it’s just magic, and still others believe that it’s caused by unseen Leprechaun’s who pull the cars from below for sheer devilment!
4. Ireland’s Last Leprechaun Whisperer
Pay a visit to ‘McCoillte’, Whisperer to the last remaining Leprechauns in Ireland! He hails from the village of Carlingford set at the foot of the majestic Slieve Foye mountain on the breathtaking Cooley Peninsula. You’re sure to be entertained as he regales their stories and the fascinating folklore that surrounds Carlingford Lough. A magical, mythical experience for the young (and young at heart)!
5. The Long Woman’s Grave
As you drive through the scenic Cooley mountains above the village of Omeath, you’ll come across an unusual local landmark known as “The Long Woman's Grave” or “The Cairn of Cauthleen”. The story goes… that here sleeps a Spanish noblewoman who was tricked into marriage by the son of a local Chieftain, only to die of disappointment! Why not make a pit stop to read all about this quirky legend.
Keep Discovering
Once you’ve ticked these off the list, why not keep discovering… There’s lots of other amazing things to experience here in beautiful county Louth!
Plan your visit here, download a Visit Louth Map & Guide here or check out other Visit Louth itineraries here.
Accommodation: County Louth offers a great range of first-rate accommodation for visitors to choose from, ranging from Four Star hotels to cosy B&Bs and guest houses, as well as self-catering and glamping options. For a listing of accommodation in Louth click here (and filter by town).
Restaurants: For a list of restaurants in Louth, click here (and filter by town).
Note: Opening hours and booking requirements should be confirmed with individual attractions and restaurants in advance of visiting.