Dundalk (/dʌnˈdɔːk/, Irish: Dún Dealgan, meaning "Dalgan's fort") is the county town of County Louth, Ireland. It is on the Castletown River, which flows into Dundalk Bay, and is near the border with Northern Ireland, halfway between Dublin and Belfast. It has associations with the mythical warrior hero Cú Chulainn.
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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.
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Significant ruins in the middle of nowhere! About 3km off the N53 a few minutes outside Dundalk. There’s signage off the main road but nothing when you actually arrive. Park on the side of the country lane and look for the pedestrian gate that gives you access to the farmland you need to cross. A five minute walk across a gently hilly paddock gets you to the castle. Great outlook from the castle and plenty to explore. Free. No facilities.
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