Drogheda | Discover Boyne Valley Meath, Ireland

Drogheda

Drogheda, on the Boyne is a medieval town just 20 minutes from Dublin Airport. Drogheda is the gateway to the world famous Boyne Valley region and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Newgrange. Rich in heritage yet young at heart, the largest town in Ireland still has a village feel and a wealth of unique attractions within walking distance of each other. Drogheda derives its name from the Irish Droichead Átha meaning ‘Bridge of the Ford’. It is the largest town in Co. Louth – Ireland’s smallest county – which is named after Lugh, the great God of the Celts.

Quiet lanes reminiscent of times gone by feed into bustling thoroughfares and shopping areas, with an abundance of restaurants, cafés and nightlife. Take the heritage trail around some of the ancient sites within the town’s old walls. The mighty River Boyne – source of myth and legend slices through the town, yet unites this ancient ground. Throughout its history Drogheda has been a site of military civil and ecclesiastical importance.

St. Laurence’s Gate, which led to the Friary of St. Laurence, is widely regarded as one of the finest of its kind in Europe. It consists of two lofty circular towers, connected together by a wall, in which there is an archway. It was originally known as the east gate but it was renamed in the 14th century because the street led to the Hospital of St. Laurence.


The story of Drogheda is told at Drogheda Museum, which is located high above the town within a Napoleonic-era Martello Tower, which itself was built on a Norman motte (and perhaps an even earlier prehistoric burial mound).


Down in the town centre, St. Peter’s Church, housing the shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett, a Catholic martyr executed in London in 1681.

At the east end of the town, near St. Laurence’s Gate, is the Protestant St. Peter’s Church. This 19th century church occupies the original location of probably Drogheda's earliest religious site. In the graveyard can be seen the 16th century cadaver tomb of Sir Edward Goldyng and his wife Elizabeth Fleming. These macabre tombs, depicting the body in a skeletal or decaying state, were made in the 16th-17th century to remind people of mortality and the briefness of life.

Drogheda Third Image


Drogheda is the ideal centre from which to visit the nearby treasures of Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Monasterboice, Oldbridge (Battle of the Boyne) and Mellifont. Close to the town is Beaulieu House, a fine 17th century house with beautiful gardens to explore (by appointment to pre-booked groups).

There is no end of fun to be had at Funtasia Waterpark, Drogheda, and Funtasia Amusement Park, Bettystown. Funtasia Water Park has a huge range of activities for every age group. For the younger ones we have a wonderful multi-level play area, while the young and the young at heart can enjoy our wall-climbing, zip-lining, crazy golf and bowling. There is also a state of the art casino on the site. More family fun awaits at Funtasia Bettystown including bowling, fairground rides, games arcade and Jungle Zone Play Area.

For more information on what Drogheda has to offer see or drop by the Drogheda Tourist Information Office, located in the historic Tholsel building on West Street. For historic walking tours see Millmount Museum or explore your own way on the Drogheda Walks or Boyne Valley Camino

On the topic of walking, Boyne Valley Trails are a Drogheda based voluntary group which aims to share the beauty, heritage and culture of Ireland's Ancient Boyne Valley, through a series of bespoke walks, trails and adventures. Boyne Valley Trails host a fabulous selection of walks each month in Drogheda and the Boyne Valley. 

Arts, Music and Culture

Witness the vibrant culture celebrated in the towns’ many festivals and venues. In 2018 and 2019 Drogheda hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the largest traditional Irish music festival in the world. The town continues to showcase the best of talen from Ireland and further afield.


The Drogheda Arts Festival is another popular annual event. Set against the backdrop of the Boyne Valley’s cultural capital, Drogheda will be filled with artists both local and international, each daring to display, perform, exhibit and lay bare their work in an attempt to amuse, provoke, entertain and inspire you, their audience. Drogheda is home to many excellent venues for cultural events and exhibitions, including the Droichead Arts Centre, the Tommy Leddy Theatre and the Highlanes Gallery.

 

Heritage Categories
Town
Telephone
+353 41 9872843
Email Address
droghedatouristoffice@gmail.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/lovedrogheda
Region
Images
Facebook

In this Area

WhiteRiver Karting
Region: Drogheda

Adventure Activities & Family Fun

View

The Barbican Centre
Region: Drogheda

Music, Arts & Irish Culture

View

Skylight Gallery
Region: Drogheda

Crafts & Retail

View

Laytown Races
Region: Drogheda

Horseracing and Equestrian

View

Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery
Region: Drogheda

Cultural Tourism Attractions | Music, Arts & Irish Culture

View

Funtasia Theme Park
Region: Drogheda

Adventure Activities & Family Fun

View

Balrath Wood - Forest Walk
Region: Drogheda | Navan | Slane

Walking

View

Droichead Arts Centre
Region: Drogheda

Music, Arts & Irish Culture

View

Drogheda Museum
Region: Drogheda

Adventure Activities & Family Fun | Cultural Tourism Attractions | Tour Guides

View

Boyne Valley Wools
Region: Drogheda | Slane

Crafts & Retail

View

Boyne Greenway
Region: Drogheda

Blueways & Greenways | Walking

View

Boann Distillery
Region: Drogheda

Boyne Valley Brewing, Cider Making & Distilling Tours

View

Bellewstown Races
Region: Drogheda

Horseracing and Equestrian

View

Sage and Stone
Region: Drogheda | Slane

Crafts & Retail

View

Red Mountain Open Farm
Region: Drogheda

Adventure Activities & Family Fun

View

Tara Lounge at CityNorth Hotel
Region: Drogheda | South East Meath

Hotel Dining

View

Sage & Stone
Region: Drogheda | Slane

Restaurants

View

Odd Mollies
Region: Drogheda

Pubs

View

Monasterboice Inn
Region: Drogheda | Slane

Gastro Pubs

View

The Glyde Inn
Region: Drogheda

Gastro Pubs

View

Donegan's Pub
Region: Drogheda | Slane

Pubs

View

Dan Kelly's Cider
Region: Drogheda

Boyne Valley Brewing, Cider Making & Distilling Tours

View

Boann Distillery
Region: Drogheda

Boyne Valley Brewing, Cider Making & Distilling Tours

View

Five Good Things
Region: Drogheda

Cafes

View

Listoke Distillery & Gin School
Region: Drogheda

Boyne Valley Brewing, Cider Making & Distilling Tours

View

79 West Street
Region: Drogheda

Gastro Pubs

View

Sonairte Cafe
Region: Drogheda

Cafes

View

The Punt Pub
Region: Drogheda

Pubs

View

TRIBE Restaurant
Region: Drogheda

Restaurants

View

Il Forno
Region: Drogheda

Restaurants

View