A medieval town, with a heritage centre, 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, the visitor 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.

Yet today's visitor can eat in a selection of gourmet restaurants, hill walk the Cooley Mountains and the historic Slieve Foy, Do any watersport on Carlingford Lough from sking to fishing, 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 our first class accommodation.

Carlingford is ideally situated. Just 30 minutes from historic Drogheda and the Neolithic tombs of Newgrange ; one hours drive from the 2 major airports of Belfast and Dublin and 2 hours drive from the Giant's Causeway. Shopping breaks in Dublin are made easy. A 10 minute drive to Dundalk and a fast 50 minute train ride puts you in Dublin or Belfast for a stress free shopping trip.

Corporate and golfing groups find it a popular destination. With 2 major Adventure Centres, Carlingford is rapidly becoming the Outdoor Pursuit and Water Sport Centre of the East Coast of Ireland.

Getting here:
The major roads that service the county are the M1 ( N1) - the main Dublin-Belfast route, and the N2 - the main Dublin-Derry route.

Directions from Dublin :
Take the M1 for Belfast. Follow the M1 right to the very end of it where you will come onto the Ballymac Roundabout. Take the exit for Carlingord/Greenore (R173). Continue on this road for 14km until you come to a sign for Carlingford. Turn left to Carlingford. As you enter Carlingford turn left into the village. At the T junction, take a right. Drive up the hill for 100 metres, the castle ruins are on your right and Stella Maris is 10 yards beyond on your left. Take a right into the car park directly across from the apartment complex.

Directions from Newry town centre:
Turn left at the the Quays Shopping Centre with the canal on your left, continue on this road and drive through Omeath to Carlingford. Turn right into the village. At the T junction, take a right. Drive up the hill for 100 metres, the castle ruins are on your right and Stella Maris is on your left. Take a right into the car park directly across from the apartment complex.

Other good sources of Info on how get to carlingford can be found Here.
BY air, car, train
AA Ireland Route Planner