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My Ireland

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #Landscapes
  • #CultureandHeritage
  • #OutdoorActivities
  • #Landmarks

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    Monasterboice monastic site

    This 5th-century Early Christian settlement is home to a round tower and the finest high cross in Ireland
    • #ChristianHeritage
    • #IrelandsAncientEast
    • #Landmarks
    County Louth
    Historic landmarks
    45 mins from Dublin Airport

    Saints, vikings and the High King of Tara have all laid claim to this historic gem in County Louth through the millennia.

    Monasterboice was founded by St Buite some 1,500 years ago and has been enthralling visitors ever since. The ruins you can explore today date from the 10th-century and consist of a graveyard, two churches, three Celtic high crosses, a sundial and an imposing 35-metre-high round tower, an impressive sight against a backdrop of slanting stones. The real highlight at Monasterboice, however, is Muiredach’s High Cross. Mesmerising biblical engravings have been etched into this 5.5-metre-high monolith, including Adam and Eve and Cain slaying Abel. This is rightly considered the finest high cross on the island of Ireland, and to examine it up close is something special.

    The thriving religious hub of Monasterboice was captured by invading vikings in 968AD, who were then defeated by Donal, the Irish High King of Tara, and his forces. Such battles over the centuries resulted in fires which destroyed many valuable manuscripts stored in the round tower. Monasterboice’s importance wained when the Cistercian monks built nearby Mellifont Abbey in 1142. Yet, walking around the crumbling grave slabs on the historic grounds, it’s easy to get a sense of the monastic settlement back in its heyday – a centre of faith, learning and community. Put simply, it’s one of the top early Christian sites on the island, a hidden gem in Ireland’s Ancient East.

    Muiredach’s High Cross, Monasterboice, County Louth

    Need to know

    1

    Monasterboice is open all year long and it’s free to visit.

    2

    Guided tours can be arranged by contacting the Drogheda Tourist office. Phone: +353 41 9872843. Email: droghedatouristoffice@gmail.com.

    3

    Facilities include a free car park, toilets and there is wheelchair access to gravel-covered paths around the site.

    Things to see and do nearby

    County Louth Golf Club

    Louth

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    Beaulieu House Gardens

    Beaulieu House and Gardens near Drogheda in County Louth feature four acres of beautiful walled gardens and grassy terraces. A popular tourist attraction, the gardens blaze with colour in the summer months and offer guided tours.

    Louth

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    Skypark

    Skypark in Carlingford, County Louth, is Ireland’s biggest adventure park, with a wide range of adventure activities in the air and on the ground. From the longest aerial adventure course in Ireland, to zipline fun, footgolf, archery and aeroball, there is something for all ages and abilities.

    Louth

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    An Grianán

    An Grianán, situated in Termonfeckin, County Louth, is a centre which offers one day, midweek and weekend courses in art, crafts, cookery, leisure, personal development and self care for individuals or groups of adults at any age and skill level.

    Louth

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    Louth Adventures

    Louth

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    The Clermont

    The Clermont is a restaurant, bar and events destination in Blackrock, County Louth.

    Louth

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    County Museum Dundalk

    County Museum Dundalk is located in a beautifully restored late 18th century warehouse in the town of Dundalk, County Louth. The award-winning museum features permanent exhibitions, temporary displays, music recitals and film.

    Louth

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    Garrett Mallon Design House

    Set up in 2014, the Garrett Mallon Design House is a purpose built open to view workshop, retail gallery and jewellery school in Carlingford, County Louth.

    Louth

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