Top Things to do in County Louth
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Things to do in County Louth, Province of Leinster: The Best Ancient Ruins
Discover the best top things to do in County Louth, Ireland including St Mochta's House, Kilwirra Church Ruins, Termonfeckin Castle, The Mullagh Graveyard, Monasterboice Monastic Site, Hill of Faughart, Mainistir Bhuithe, Kildemock 'The Jumping Church', Ardee Castle, King John's Castle.
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1. St Mochta's House
2. Kilwirra Church Ruins
3. Termonfeckin Castle
4. The Mullagh Graveyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By robg467 - Clogherhead, Ireland
Fantastic views of the village and as far as Skerries as well as the Sugar Loaf in the distance. Graves here include slates from the time of the famine. The Church ruins are said to date back to the 12th century. You will find a tomb belonging to a cousin of Countess Markievicz. It is rumoured that it was built on the site of a pre-existing 6th century Monastery built by St Nectan, the nephew of St. Patrick, its significance is also attested to in the Schools Collection also when Mullagh Church is described as ‘a branch church of Clonmacnoise’
5. Monasterboice Monastic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By Maxwkaren
There are many examples here of Celtic art on the gravestones and crosses here, including the Muiredach's High Cross and several smaller crosses. The docent at the main entry point was amazing!! full of history, stories and just in general a lovely man that we stayed to talk to for about a half hour about more than just the site. Such an unexpected delight.
6. Hill of Faughart
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By daviddJ3376XE
The Hill of Faughart is a low hill north of Dundalk and south of the Moyry Pass. It is said that St Bridget was born here and there is a holy well dedicated to her on this hill. The tree beside the well is decorated and the well is still in use for devotees. A number of legendary battles were said to have been fought on this hill, but in 1318 there was a very significant battle fought on the slopes nearby. In this battle, Edward Bruce, brother of King Robert the Bruce of Scotland, was killed. Edward Bruce had invaded Ireland three years previously with the support of some Irish chieftains in the north. He was a Scottish prince and had hoped to be crowned king of Ireland. If he could expel the English from Ireland and unite the island under his rule, Edward and his brother planned to form an alliance that could contain English power. Unfortunately for Edward, his invasion coincided with a famine that encompassed all Europe and even though he won victories, there land was barren and his armies could not be fed. After three terrible years of famine, war, and suffering, the war came down to a battle fought near Faughart, where Edward was slain and the Scots defeated. It is said that Edward’s body was quartered and sent to the four corners of Ireland, but it is also recorded that he was buried in the graveyard at the nearby Hill of Faughart. In the graveyard, near a yew tree by the ruins of the church can be seen a tomb purporting to be his grave. There is a car park beside the graveyard where one can easily park. If one walks down the road heading west for a hundred metres or so, you can find the remains of a Norman motte. This can be accessed by entering the field by the gate, but be careful not to leave gates open and wear appropriate footwear if entering.
7. Mainistir Bhuithe
8. Kildemock 'The Jumping Church'
9. Ardee Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
10. King John's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By annedS7568TR - Donegal Town, Ireland
This castle is now known as Carlingford Castle and has just reopened following extensive conservation work. I availed of one of the daily guided tours and had a choice of 11.00am or 3.00pm. The tour of the castle interior took approximately 50 mins to an hour. It was so well worth while as I got a real flavour of life in a medieval castle with Hugh De Lacy and his descendants and the history of this cute wee town called Carlingford. The tour cost E5 .00 per adult and incredibly for an extra euro a tour of the entire town is available. Well worth a visit.
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