Where
Various locations LouthContact
E: sealouth@louthcoco.iePick up a sea louth passport from Carlingford, Dundalk or Drogheda tourist offices (or download one online) and take off on an unforgettable journey along Louth’s scenic coastline.
Unlike a regular passport, the sea louth passport has no expiry date, so you are free to dip in and out of the trail all year long. Collect 10 of the 14 unique scenic viewpoint stamps, plus two restaurant stamps, from participating restaurants, and exchange your completed sea louth passport for an exclusive memento.
Let’s get going…
The tranquil coastal village of Omeath is the most northerly viewpoint on the trail and where we kick-off our journey. Take time out to enjoy stunning views across the lough before popping into much loved, local landmark, Mulligans Corner House for a browse and to collect your Omeath stamp.
Choose a nice day to walk or cycle along the beautiful loughside Greenway from Omeath to Carlingford (or vice-versa). Don't have your own bike? No worries...check out On Yer Bike or Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire and you’ll be on your way in no time! Enjoy soaking up the wonderful coastal views and if you’re lucky you might just catch a glimpse of one of the resident dolphins!
Carlingford is next up on the trail. Make the Tourist Office your first port of call to discover all there is to see and do in this medieval village. Perhaps book a guided walking tour of Carlingford Castle and the historic village. While you're here why not have a bite to eat in one of the many participating restaurants, you'll be spoilt for choice!
Nearby, the Victorian Railway Village of Greenore is reminiscent of a bye gone era. Hop on the Carlingford Lough Ferry to capture some of the most instagrammable views...or simply linger on the shore to watch the ships as they journey through the lough! Pop into Greenore Co-Op to say hello and stamp your passport.
If you're looking to take the road less travelled then pay a visit to Templetown Blue Flag beach, a real hidden gem on the Cooley Peninsula. Stop off for an ice cream and to stamp your passport at nearby Barrys Shop in Grange.
Just a short distance away, picturesque Gyles Quay is not to be missed. Nestled at the foot of the Cooley Mountains, this peaceful harbour is a haven for walkers and has panoramic views across Dundalk Bay. You can collect your passport stamp at Gyles Quay Caravan Park or Sheelans Shop close by.
Our next scenic viewpoint is Dundalk Bay, a Special Area of Conservation, it’s renowned as a must visit location for Bird Watchers. A series of pathways & boardwalks allow you explore the riverside estuary, stretching from the Newry Road along the Navvy Bank to Soldier’s Point. The vibrant town of Dundalk has plenty to offer; from a thriving shopping scene and excellent restaurants, to a wealth of historic and cultural sites. Be sure to call into the Tourist Office at Market Square for all the local info and to stamp your passport.
Up next on the trail is the scenic village of Blackrock with its charming seafront promenade. Enjoy the relaxed vibe and lovely artisan shops, bars, cafés and award winning restaurants. Remember to pop into The Crafty Rock to stamp your passport.
Further along the coast you’ll find Annagassan, a hidden gem with a quaint harbour where the river Glyde meets the sea. Once an important Viking Settlement, this charming scenic viewpoint is midway on the sea louth trail. If you're looking for a bite to eat check out The Glyde Inn. This family run traditional pub & restaurant has fantastic local seafood and beachfront views. This is your chance to sample lesser-known seafood delicacies such as cockles and razor clams – don’t miss out! Call into O'Neills Newsagents across the road to stamp your passport before you leave.
Located a few short miles south of Annagassan is Port Blue Flag beach. This sweeping stretch of strand draws visitors from far and wide! Stroll along the golden sands or simply sit and soak up breath-taking views as far as Dunany Point to the north and Clogherhead to the south. The salty sea air is sure to work up an appetite, so don't forget to pack a picnic!
You won't want to miss this next stop on the trail. A visit to Port Oriel harbour is a must, with uninterrupted mountain views to the north and Lambay Island to the south, it’s a real gem! A number of the sea louth producers are based here at Port Oriel. Check out the Fisherman's Catch Fish Shop for their fresh catch of the day and to stamp your passport. Top tips if you're feeling hungry...the Fisherman's Catch fish & chips are to die for, so why not try it for yourself! (Check their website for current opening times). Or head back towards the village to the Smugglers Rest and treat yourself to one of their many famous Dublin Bay Prawn or Dunany Crab dishes. All locally landed at Clogherhead! Clogherhead also boasts a beautiful sandy blue flag beach that stretches for miles, known locally as the 'Little Strand'. Perfect for some summer seaside fun!
Next up is Termonfeckin. The beach there is prized for its natural, unspoiled environment, and was awarded a 2023 Green Coast Award by An Taisce - a symbol of environmental excellence! It's the ideal spot for an invigorating beach walk with sand stretching as far as the eyes can see! Remember to call into Maddens Centra & Maxol Station or The Forge Field Farm Shop to stamp your passport.
Along the coast road, between Termonfeckin and Drogheda, discover the tranquil village of Baltray. Nestled on banks of the River Boyne estuary, this unspoiled setting has great views across shallow lagoons from the village green. Enjoy a round of golf and savour the panoramic views over the sand dunes at County Louth Golf Club. Their restaurant is part of the sea louth trail and is regarded for fresh seafood dishes sourced locally from the fishing boats in nearby Clogherhead. The beach (which is easiest accessed via Termonfeckin) is known for the remains of the ‘Irish Trader’ shipwreck.
Drogheda is the most southerly scenic viewpoint, and the perfect place to finish up (or kick off) your scenic seafood trail. Rich in heritage, this busting port town was founded and flourished at the narrowest point of the Boyne River and is also gateway to the most sacred and mythological landscape of the Boyne Valley region. The town itself has plenty to offer; from a thriving shopping scene and excellent seafood restaurants, to a wealth of historic and cultural sites. Top tip... a trip to Drogheda would not be complete without a visit to the Shrine of Saint Oliver Plunkett located in the French Gothic styled Saint Peter’s Church in the town centre! Be sure to call into the nearby Tourist Office in the Tholsel to stamp your passport and find out all there is to see and do.
Louth may be Ireland's smallest county but when it comes to seafood we've got plenty to shout about! If you'd like to discover more about the people behind Louth's delicious seafood...why not check out sealouth.ie or pick up a sea louth producers brochure from Carlingford, Dundalk or Drogheda Tourist Office. While you explore the sea louth trail watch out for this amazing seafood on the menus of participating restaurants, they're located along the entire stretch of coast, with some inland gems too.
There’s so much to see, eat and admire on a trip to Louth…you’ll be coming back for more!
For details of the 14 Scenic Viewpoints, stamp collection points, participating restaurants, maps, blogs and more visit sealouth.ie.
Keep Discovering
Why not explore more of County Louth, there is so much to see and do. 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 list 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.
Cover image: Port Oriel Harbour, Clogherhead courtesy of sea louth