Carlingford goes back 800 years to the foundation of a stone castle on a rocky outcrop by the Norman Knight, Hugh De Lacy. From this fortress developed the town, with typical medieval patterns, burgage plots, defensive walls, narrow streets, friary, mint and urban town houses. Originally one of the main trading posts on the East Coast Carlingford's prosperity can still be witnessed today in the surviving town houses of a rich merchant class such as Taaffes' Castle and the Mint.
Today, you can roam the narrow streets, view the Tholsel, visit the Holy Trinity Heritage Centre and King John's Castle and marvel how little the village has changed in structure.
Today's visitor can eat in a selection of gourmet restaurants, walk the Cooley Mountains and historic Slieve Foy led by the fabulous Clodagh from
Anam Tours, sail on Carlingford Lough, hire a bike and cycle the Greenway, golf the championship Greenore Golf Course, have a bit of craic and some traditional music in one of the award winning pubs and stay in first class accommodation.
Corporate and golfing groups find it a popular destination. With a major Adventure Centre, Dundalk Sailing Club and an Equestrian Centre, Carlingford is rapidly becoming the Outdoor Pursuit and Water Sport Centre of the East Coast of Ireland. The championship Golf Links of Greenore are but 5 minutes away.
Two day Carlingford itinerary ideas;
Day one
Arrive in the village and maybe do a morning hike with
Anam Tours or hire a bike from
On Yer Bike and explore the stunning local area or ride
Carlingford Lough Greenway. Perhaps stop for lunch in
Greenore Railway/Maritime Museum & Victorian Tea Rooms and try dressing up in their Victorian clothes or perhaps treat yourself to a famous
Wildwood Street Food burrito. Come back to Carlingford and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Luxe Spa or test your problem solving skills in the escape rooms
Escapehq then come back to your room here with us at the Bay Tree and freshen up ready for your dinner in our Michelin recommended restaurant followed by live music in one of the many incredible pubs all within 2 minutes walk of our front door.
Day two
On day two, perhaps visit
Skypark or
Carlingford Adventure Centre before learning all about the local little residents from
Kevin Woods, Leprechaun Whisperer. Later in the day you could have a wander around the village and pop into the amazing shops Carlingford has to offer or hire a boat from
Float Your Boat down at Carlingford Marina before enjoying a plate of world famous
Carlingford Oysters with a glass of Guinness ❤️ We have a special offer available on Thursdays and Fridays up to the new year which includes 2 nights accommodation, breakfast each morning and a 2 course evening dinner on one night. Give us a call now on 0429383848 to book a room or table for dinner and have a chat with us about the many options available right on our doorstep
Things to do in Carlingford