Essential Ireland > County Louth
Louth is a county steeped in myth and legend, with a history stretching back millennia. While it is the smallest county in Ireland, known affectionately as “the Wee County”, it has played host to some of the most influential and decisive moments in the country’s entire history, a fact illustrated by its wealth of archaeological, architectural and historical monuments.
In the early 14th century Edward Bruce, brother of Robert the Bruce King of Scotland, was defeated at the Battle of Faughart near Dundalk in County Louth. Not only did Edward lose his claim to his claim to the High Kingship of Ireland, but was also killed during the battle.
In later times Couth Louth was once more a battleground, between English and Irish forces, most notably during the siege of Drogheda in 1649, when the majority of the town’s inhabitants were massacred by Oliver Cromwell. But perhaps the most decisive moment in County Louth’s history was the Battle of the Boyne, which took place on the border with County Meath. The forces of the Protestant King William III defeated the French and Irish Catholic army of James II, determining Ireland’s political and religious landscape for centuries.
However, County Louth’s long and fascinating heritage is far from its only attraction for visitors. The scenery running from the River Boyne to Carlingford Lough is some of the most dramatic in all of Ireland, from the heather clad slopes of the Cooley Peninsula, to the rugged beauty of the Clogherhead coast. This natural beauty has made it a favourite destination for outdoor activities, from boating to sea angling. There are also ten superb golf courses and three Blue Flag beaches located within County Louth, making it a great place to soak up some culture, or simply relax amidst the county’s stunning vistas.
In the early 14th century Edward Bruce, brother of Robert the Bruce King of Scotland, was defeated at the Battle of Faughart near Dundalk in County Louth. Not only did Edward lose his claim to his claim to the High Kingship of Ireland, but was also killed during the battle.
In later times Couth Louth was once more a battleground, between English and Irish forces, most notably during the siege of Drogheda in 1649, when the majority of the town’s inhabitants were massacred by Oliver Cromwell. But perhaps the most decisive moment in County Louth’s history was the Battle of the Boyne, which took place on the border with County Meath. The forces of the Protestant King William III defeated the French and Irish Catholic army of James II, determining Ireland’s political and religious landscape for centuries.
However, County Louth’s long and fascinating heritage is far from its only attraction for visitors. The scenery running from the River Boyne to Carlingford Lough is some of the most dramatic in all of Ireland, from the heather clad slopes of the Cooley Peninsula, to the rugged beauty of the Clogherhead coast. This natural beauty has made it a favourite destination for outdoor activities, from boating to sea angling. There are also ten superb golf courses and three Blue Flag beaches located within County Louth, making it a great place to soak up some culture, or simply relax amidst the county’s stunning vistas.