Christmas comes to the sea louth scenic seafood trail! We round up some of the best festive things to do in Carlingford, Dundalk, Drogheda. Events all along the trail that will bring some much-needed sparkle and cheer to Christmas 2021.
Darren Rafferty, Dundalk Photos
1 The Christmas Craft Fair at Drogheda Museum Millmount takes place on Saturday 4th December. The perfect place to pick up a unique gift that’s made in Louth, the fair runs from 11am-5pm, and includes the opportunity to pick up a family ticket for the museum and tower for just €5.50 (normally €12). Don’t forget to pick up your sea louth Drogheda passport stamp at the Museum!
2 If you’re out along the seafood trail this Sunday (5th December) watch out for the colourful spectacle of the Mid Louth Festive Tractor Run. The run will assemble in the EliteForm yard at 3pm and will coincide with the switching on of the Christmas lights in Castlebellingham at 6pm. Tractors will be decorated for Christmas, with as much festivity as possible. The event is to raise funds for the Castlebellingham, Dromiskin and Dunleer Cardiac First Responders.
3 Plan your Christmas shopping in Carlingford for Tuesday 7th December, to avail of discounts and festive treats throughout the town on a special Carlingford Christmas Shopping Day. Browse boutiques and antiques and refuel at one of the seven participating sea louth restaurants in the village.
4 From hand-made decorations and thoughtfully, locally made gifts to freshly baked sweet treats and more, the Indoor Christmas Cottage Market at Scotchhall, Drogheda is an event not to be missed! The event, which takes place 11th and 12th December, features over 60 talented local makers. Shop ‘til you drop before heading to one of Drogheda’s sea louth restaurants.
5 Carlingford Heritage Centre hosts December Songs, a song cycle by multi-award winning American composer Maury Yeston (Titanic, Grand Hotel, Nine), presented by Roisin Toal and Brian Connor. Ten beautifully crafted songs range in mood from poetic to angered, nostalgic to hopeful. Special guest, Dundalk-based violinst. Bróna Cahill (co-leader RTÉ Concert Orchestra) will play some light favourites and additional Christmas songs. Doors open at 4pm on 12th December and tickets, purchased in advance from the Heritage Centre, are priced at €15 (€12 concessions).
6 Another one not to be missed, is a Christmas Castle Tour followed by mulled wine and mince pies at gorgeous Ghan House, again, organised by the Heritage Centre in Carlingford. This Christmas event combines two of the villages most iconic attractions, and runs 11th and 18th December. Tickets are limited in number and cost €18pp. Tours kick off at midday at the Station House, and early booking is strongly advised.
7 Among highlights of festive things to do in Dundalk, is a Family Double Bill at An Táin Arts Centre, on 18th December billed as a cosy afternoon of creativity and fun. A festive workshop with local artist Orlaith Cullinane precedes a special family screening of Home Alone. Tickets cost €10 per person, plus booking fee, or €30 for a family (4 tickets), and include festive drinks and snacks.
Please note: all events were scheduled to take place as detailed above at the time of writing. However, we recommend double checking with the respective organisers before making plans to attend.
Keywords: sea louth, scenic seafood trail, Christmas in Louth, Christmas events Louth, things to do in Louth, things to do in Carlingford, Christmas events Drogheda, things to do Dundalk