Drogheda is known as the gateway to the Boyne Valley region and Irelands largest town. Rich in heritage yet young at heart, Drogheda 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’. This is the perfect destination for your weekend break or a longer mid-week stay. Here are our top ten reasons to visit Drogheda!
The Boyne Greenway
Running from Dominic's Park on the south bank of the River Boyne near the Bridge of Peace in Drogheda, the Boyne Greenway takes you along the river under the Mary McAleese Cable Bridge and along the Boyne Canal to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge. This walk or cycle is approximately 4.5km long and presents some lovely views as you walk along the waterside.
Drogheda Museum, Millmount
Situated in its own quarter with fantastic views over the town, Drogheda Museum is a great place to visit for the afternoon. Millmount Cultural Quarter offers a wide-ranging experience including the museum, martello tower and an array of craft shops and artists' studios.
DRAWDA
DRAWDA is a curated multidisciplinary public arts programme culminating in an Urban Art Trail throughout Drogheda that focuses on key figures and moments from our mythological past. Spend a morning or afternoon visiting the 6 murals across the town. QR codes are placed at each site which link to audio stories about the artworks. A downloadable copy of the trail map is available here and visitors to the town can enjoy the artworks as they explore Drogheda.
The Historic Trail
Drogheda is steeped in history and has been the stage for many of the events that have shaped Ireland’s destiny. Take the 2.2km Drogheda Historic trail and visit sites like the iconic St Lawrences Gate, Millmount, St Peters Church, South Quay and more. Download the trail brochure here. If you prefer to take a guided tour then Historic Drogheda Walking tours are on hand for a walking tour of the town.
The Museums and Galleries
If immersing yourself in the Irish Culture through art and music is your idea of the perfect break then come to Drogheda. Droichead Arts Centre is a multi-disciplinary centre in the heart of Drogheda Town, providing an extensive curated arts and cultural programme of theatre, music, film, visual arts, opera, dance, comedy, literature, family/children, outreach.
Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery is one of Ireland's most important visual art spaces. Serving the Northeast region, it presents a programme of national and international temporary exhibitions, as well as exhibitions drawn from the Drogheda Municipal Art Collection, a fascinating collection dating from the mid-18th century.
The Barbican Centre in the town regularly hosts cultural classes, workshops, music events and more.
The Food
The Boyne Valley is famous for its local produce and no more so than in Drogheda. Visit the Cottage Market on the first Saturday of every month in the town, take a trip to the Gin school at Listoke Distillery or have a taste of the beautiful Whistler Whiskey from Boann Distillery. Drogheda is bursting with amazing restaurants cafes and bars that will make you want to visit the town more often!
Oldbridge House and Gardens
The historic Oldbridge House and their beautiful gardens are the perfect place to visit for a relaxing afternoon. Take a tour of the house and the the Battle of the Boyne Exhibition, enjoy coffee and a cake at Brambles Café and then meander your way through the walled gardens.
The Nightlife
Drogheda is known as a great town for its bustling night life. Enjoy a cocktail and yummy food at 79 West Street, take in some trad music and pull your own pint of Guinness at Clarkes Bar, experience craft beers and live music at Odd Mollies, or relax at the punt pub to name just a few!
The beaches nearby
As well as having a small city feel to it, Drogheda is also in very close proximity to all of the amazing Boyne Valley Beaches. Clogherhead, Seapoint/Baltray, Mornington, Bettystown and Laytown are all great beaches for a walk, swim, and picnic!
The festivals
There is always plenty of events happening in this bustling town to keep you entertained during your trip. Louth Culture Quest offers a futuristic treasure hunt exploring County Louth over the next few months. The great Vantastival is back in 2022 on the 16th and 17th of September and so much more. Keep an eye out on our What’s On page for upcoming events and festivals in the town.
There has never been a better time to visit this vibrant town and explore the gateway to the Boyne Valley. For a full list of accommodation options just visit our website here.
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