Discover Drogheda
Make the most of your visit to one of Ireland’s most historic and vibrant towns
Welcome to Drogheda
Just a short drive from the fairways of Baltray, the historic town of Drogheda is well worth exploring during your visit. Sitting on the banks of the River Boyne in the heart of the ancient east, Drogheda is a town that wears its history proudly, from its medieval streets and landmarks to the famous battlefield that helped shape the course of Irish history. But Drogheda is far from a town living in the past. A thriving food scene, a lively arts and culture calendar, and some of the finest walking routes in the region make it a destination that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal after your round, a cultural afternoon, or a scenic walk along the river, Drogheda will not disappoint. We hope you enjoy exploring it as much as we do.
Explore Things to Do
Newgrange Day Tours
If you are looking to make the most of your time in Ireland beyond the golf course, Newgrange Day Tours offers a wonderful way to explore the country in style. This private tour company specialises in bespoke, tailor made experiences, travelling in premium vehicles with pick ups available across counties Louth, Meath and Dublin.
From the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange and the Hill of Tara to the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway and the Titanic Museum in Belfast, their expertly guided tours take in some of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes and landmarks. Every tour is crafted around your interests, combining history, natural beauty and the famous warmth of an Irish welcome.
Beaulieu House and Gardens
Just a short drive from Baltray, Beaulieu House and Gardens is one of County Louth’s most treasured hidden gems. Set on the banks of the River Boyne, this rare example of 17th century Irish domestic architecture has been home to just two families for over 800 years. A guided tour takes you through stunning interiors, intricate wood carvings and works by notable Irish artists, before leading you out into beautifully maintained gardens and a walled garden that is at its very best in summer. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon during your visit.
St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Drogheda
No visit to Drogheda is complete without stepping inside St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church on West Street. Built in 1884 using local limestone and boasting an impressive Gothic facade, the church is a striking landmark in the heart of the town. Inside, visitors will find fine sculptures, over 40 stained glass windows and a spectacular marble High Altar.
St Peter’s is perhaps best known as the home of the shrine of St Oliver Plunkett, one of Ireland’s most venerated saints. Hanged for treason in 1681 and canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1973, his preserved head forms the remarkable centrepiece of the shrine and draws visitors from across Ireland and beyond. A deeply moving and historically significant stop on any visit to Drogheda.
Drogheda Theatre Company- The Tommy Leddy Theatre (TLT)
For a night of world class entertainment during your stay, look no further than The Tommy Leddy Theatre in the heart of Drogheda. One of the largest theatre stages in Ireland, this modern venue seats up to 900 and can accommodate up to 1,200 for stand up performances, all while maintaining the intimacy that makes a great night out.
From comedy and musicals to drama and live music, the TLT attracts some of the best known performers on the Irish and international circuit. With a state of the art lighting and sound system, full bar facilities and ample free parking, it is a venue that ticks every box. Well worth checking what is on during your visit to Baltray.
St Laurence’s Gate – Drogheda Walls
One of the most striking landmarks in Drogheda, St Laurence’s Gate is widely regarded as one of the finest medieval town gates in Europe. Consisting of two imposing circular towers connected by a walled archway, it stands as a remarkable reminder of the town’s medieval past and is a must see for any visitor.
Drogheda’s history is written into every stone of this gate. The town, whose name derives from the Irish Droichead Átha meaning bridge of the ford, was granted its charter in 1194 and became one of the Anglo Normans’ most important strongholds. The town walls, completed in 1334, enclosed over 113 acres, making Drogheda one of the largest walled towns of its era. Twice the walls held firm against invasion, but in 1649 Cromwell breached them and sacked the town in one of the most notorious episodes in Irish history.
Standing beneath St Laurence’s Gate today, it is hard not to feel the weight of all that history. A short walk to nearby Featherbed Lane will give you a real sense of the scale of the original medieval walls.
Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery
Housed in a beautifully converted former Franciscan Church, Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery is one of the most distinctive art spaces in the north east of Ireland. The gallery presents a dynamic and ever changing programme of exhibitions drawn from the Drogheda Municipal Art Collection, making it a rewarding visit whether you are a seasoned art lover or simply curious to explore.
The building itself is worth the visit, with the historic fabric of the old High Lane Church providing a striking backdrop for contemporary and traditional works alike. Groups are welcome and advised to book in advance.
Old Mellifont Abbey
Just a ten minute drive from Drogheda, Old Mellifont Abbey is one of Ireland’s most significant monastic sites. Founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Armagh, it holds the distinction of being the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland and remains a fascinating and atmospheric place to explore.
Among the highlights is the unusual octagonal lavabo dating from around 1200, where the monks once washed their hands, as well as the remains of the chapter house, the abbey gate and its church. The on site visitor centre houses an engaging exhibition on the work of medieval masons, with impressive examples of their craft on display.
Please note that access to the site is via a stone stairway, so sturdy footwear is recommended for the gravel pathways. The visitor centre is fully accessible for guests with disabilities.
St Peter’s is perhaps best known as the home of the shrine of St Oliver Plunkett, one of Ireland’s most venerated saints. Hanged for treason in 1681 and canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1973, his preserved head forms the remarkable centrepiece of the shrine and draws visitors from across Ireland and beyond. A deeply moving and historically significant stop on any visit to Drogheda.
Drogheda Museum Millmount
Towering over Drogheda and visible from every corner of the town, Millmount is one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks and home to one of the finest town museums in the country. The fort has witnessed everything from Norman settlement to Cromwell’s invasion and the Civil War of 1922, and the museum brings all of that history vividly to life.
Highlights include a unique collection of Guild and Trade Banners, recognised by the National Museum of Ireland as the only remaining examples in the country, alongside an authentic 18th century folk kitchen, dairy and laundry. The wider fort has been designated Drogheda’s Cultural Quarter, with craft shops, galleries, a café and an artisan food centre all on site. The views over the Boyne Valley from the top are not to be missed.
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