The historic town of Drogheda is one of the scenic viewpoints on the sea louth scenic seafood trail. From dynamic dining to fine art and fascinating historical sites, Drogheda is a great base for a getaway in Louth, within easy reach of both Dublin and Belfast.
1. Get your cultural fix at Highlanes Gallery. Located in the former Drogheda Franciscan Church and Friary, a striking historic building on St. Laurence Street, this impressive public art space houses an eclectic permanent exhibition, in addition to approximately five temporary exhibitions each year. Admission is free, however, prebooking is required. Highlanes is also a Drogheda #sealouth passport stamp collection point.
2. Walk the Boyne Valley Camino. This self-guided 25km looped walk from Drogheda forms part of the Celtic Camino series, travelling along the Boyne through beautiful Townley Hall Woods, via two unmissable OPW sites, Mellifont Abbey and Oldbridge House.
3. Marvel at Drogheda’s numerous historical landmarks, including the 13th century St. Laurence’s Gate, considered one of the finest of its kind in Europe; Fiddle Case Pier; the iconic Drogheda Viaduct; and the fascinating cadaver stones at St. Peter’s Church of Ireland graveyard.
4. Visit Drogheda Museum and Craft Quarter. Millmount is another #sealouth passport stamp collection point for Drogheda. The mound here is reputed to be 3,000 years old, and Amegin, the Celtic poet is buried here, according to local folklore. Millmount Museum is an impressive community-run attraction, with a wealth of artefacts, including the finest collection of guild banners in Ireland, whilst the Craft Quarter is the perfect place to pick up unique, locally made gifts.
5. The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is another of the best things to do in the area, and it gives a fascinating insight into the battle between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II in 1690. The centre is located in the restored 18th century Oldbridge House, which is also the setting for an annual Christmas Fair; this year’s event takes place on Sunday 28th November. Why not walk or cycle from town via the Boyne Greenway, a scenic 1.9km-long riverside route.
6. Have a fantastic time at Funtasia Themepark, where you can chose from over 15 different activities from climbing, bowling or soft play areas to all the fun of the fairground. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
7. A visit to St. Peter’s Church and the shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett is a must. The saint spent a lot of time in Drogheda and is credited with bringing the Jesuits to town and opening a number of schools. His preserved head forms the centrepiece of the shrine.
8. Drogheda has a thriving cultural and arts scene with something happening all year round to suit all tastes. The town was pleased to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2018 & 2019 and the legacy continues with Traditional Irish Music sessions to be found in many of the local bars (covid regulations permitting). The annual Drogheda Arts Festival brings an exclusive programme of events to the town each summer. Droichead Arts Centre and the TLT Concert Hall and Theatre host a year round calendar of performing arts events. While the Drogheda Classical Music Series brings the best of national and international musicians to a local stage. Don’t miss the Autumn Series taking place at St. Peter’s Church of Ireland until 8th December 2021.
9. Drogheda’s dynamic dining scene includes a number of top-notch restaurants, including the award-winning Scholar’s Townhouse; the Black Bull Inn; Weavers Bar & Venue; D’Vine Bistro and Tapas Bar; Goodwin’s Steakhouse & Grill Bar at the D Hotel; and The Bare Food Company Café, all of which are restaurants participating in the #sealouth #scenicseafoodtrail, and serve as restaurant stamp collection points!
10. Hungry for more? Now that you have discovered the Top 10 Things to Do in Drogheda, drop into the Tourist Office in the Tholsel – a sea louth passport and Drogheda stamp collection point – and check out the excellent Gateway to the Boyne Valley Exhibition. Here, you will learn even more things to do on Drogheda’s doorstep, including Monasterboice Round Tower & High Crosses and Old Mellifont Abbey, to name but two!
There are four sea louth Drogheda passport stamp collection points: Drogheda Tourist Office, Drogheda Library, Highlanes Gallery and Drogheda Museum Millmount. Find out more about how the sea louth scenic seafood trail works here.
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