Sonairte - the National Ecology Centre, Visitor Eco Centre and Gardens Sonairte Cafe, Ninch, Laytown, County Meath, Ireland +353 41 9827572 hello@sonairte.ie VISIT WEBSITE Sonairte is an interactive visitor centre promoting ecological awareness and sustainable living. It is situated in a farm complex of noteworthy historical interest on the banks of the River Nanny near Laytown (Co. Meath). The name Sonairte [pronounced SON-ART-A] is derived from a middle Irish word meaning “positive strength”. Sonairte was established as a charity in 1988 by members of the local community and concerned environmentalists to promote environmental awareness and education. Sonairte has been certified as an organic food producer with the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association since 1988 and subsequently by Irish Organic Trust, and has been teaching organic horticulture and providing courses in various aspects of environmental education ever since. Visitors can enjoy a walk in the walled Organic Garden and adjacent Nature Trail with spectacular views of the River Nanny, a browse in their Eco Shop, visit the Bee Museum, and try a delicious meal in the Café. The Garden supplies certified organic veg to the Café and sold through the Eco Shop. Sonairte has strong focus on organic, zero waste, plastic free, people and planet friendly, low carbon footprint living. Wherever possible their products are locally produced or are Fair Trade. They have the original Zero Waste Refill Station where you can refill a range of cleaning and body care products into any container thereby saving money and the environment. They believe that healthy sustainable food and healthy sustainable products should be accessible and affordable to all, and strive to keep prices as low as possible. They also hold a variety of seasonal events, walks and workshops throughout the year - keep an eye on their social media pages for details. How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Whiteriver Park Karting WhiteRiver Karting, Dunleer Road, Collon, County Louth, Ireland +353 41 9819100 info@whiteriver.ie VISIT WEBSITE Whiteriver Park is a state-of-the-art outdoor venue for Competition Kart Racing, Owner Driver Leisure Karting, plus Arrive & Drive Karting for Individuals, Groups, Corporate Events and more. Located just 3 minutes off the M1 Motorway at Exit 12, with access from North and South, they are 25 minutes from Dublin and 45 Minutes from Belfast (Sat Nav enter N53. 47.895 W006. 28.879) As Ireland's premier outdoor karting facility they provides thrills and excitement for both experienced and novice drivers in fast, high-spec karts. Their purpose built facilities include a Drivers Briefing Area and Upstairs Viewing Gallery with Lift Access. They also stock Spares, Race Suits & Equipment. Computerised Timing System with Lap time printouts allow you chart your progress on the circuit. Their BIREL KART fleet of rental karts are very close to Race Kart Specification and you can be assured of the thrills of wheel to wheel action that Karting at WhiterRiver Park provides. Visit Website to book a your adrenaline fuelled Go Karting experience! How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Boyne Valley Trails Various locations Louth & Meath hello@lovedrogheda.ie VISIT WEBSITE Boyne Valley Trails host a a series of bespoke walks, trails and adventures each month to share the beauty, heritage and culture of Ireland's ancient Boyne Valley and the surrounding counties of Louth and Meath. They offer a limited number of tickets for these great walking experiences. Visit Website for more information on their Schedule of Walks and to book your tickets. How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Red Mountain Open Farm Red Mountain Open Farm, Corballis, Donore, Drogheda, Co Meath, A92 TN59 +353 41 9823221 info@redmountainopenfarm.ie VISIT WEBSITE Located just five minutes from the Newgrange monument, Red Mountain Open Farm boasts the most extensive indoor facilities of all open farms in Ireland, so you can enjoy your visit whatever the weather. At Red Mountain Open Farm you can enjoy the following: Play Areas – Indoors and Outdoors Picnic Facilities – Indoors and Outdoors Animal Enclosures – Indoors and Outdoors Pedal Tractors & didi cars Country Farm Walks Refreshments - Teas, Coffees, Soft Drinks etc Rides - Horse & Carriage Ride | Blue Barrel Express (check website for ticket prices) Ample Parking for Cars and Coaches They also run events for Easter and Halloween and are open six days a week during the summer. Visit Website for more information, plus details of opening times and prices. How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Droichead Arts Centre Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell Street, Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland +353 41 9833946 info@droichead.com VISIT WEBSITE Established in 1989, Droichead Arts Centre is a multi-disciplinary centre in the heart of Drogheda Town that provides an extensive curated arts and cultural programme. The Centre is housed over two buildings: Stockwell Street, which hosts a modern 169-seater theatre and a bright contemporary visual arts gallery, and Barlow House, an 18th century Georgian style townhouse, which hosts artist’s spaces and print studios. Droichead actively supports artists and arts organisations, and particularly those in or from the North East region, through residencies, bursaries and other bespoke development support. Droichead is equally committed to its audiences, with people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and traditions encouraged and enabled to engage with the Centre through a wide variety of responsive and imaginative schemes and initiatives. Droichead is also proud to host and be a key resource for very many local community, voluntary and amateur groups. The work of Droichead is supported and amplified by its participation in key networks including NOMAD, the North East Network, Louth Creative Ireland, The Live Network and Drogheda Tourism Cluster by its affiliation with festivals such as Cruinniú na nÓg, and Drogheda Arts Festival and by its partnership with other cultural providers including Drogheda Classical Music and Drogheda Traditional Music and Singing Weekend Weekend. Droichead curates and produces a compelling programme of work that supports artists, and nurtures audiences. This is at the heart of who they are and what they do. It is why they exist. Visit Website for more information and to view their Programme of Events. How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Clogherhead Beach VISIT WEBSITE The charming fishing village of Clogherhead has one of County Louth's Blue Flag Beaches, known locally as 'The Little Strand'. This white sandy beach has stunning views and is a a popular destination to relax and unwind, especially during the summer months. The beach is Lifeguard patrolled during the bathing season, and Lifeguard times can be found on the information notice board. Download a County Louth Blue Flag Beach leaflet below for more information. Louth Blue Flag Beach leaflet 3 .pdf Download PDF • 3.02MB To the left of the beach is Clogherhead headland, the only high, rocky headland on the east coast between the Mournes in Northern Ireland and Howth in County Dublin. The headland is of significance for its geology and is listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty because it supports rare, coastal heathland vegetation. Amenities: Car park and toilets. Shops and restaurants within walking distance. How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Drogheda Walks Various Locations in Drogheda, County Louth +353 41 9872843 VISIT WEBSITE A team of Drogheda locals came together to map four walks which highlight the natural beauty, built heritage and historical wealth of our town. The walks range in length from the 1.5km Five Bridges walk, to the 6.5km Steps walk. The 4km historical Walls walk and pretty Spires and Towers walks traverse both sides of the river and reveal great views. The walks are aimed at locals as much as visitors to enjoy, and you can share your photos on #droghedawalks A copy of the Drogheda Walks map & guide can be picked up at local hotels, the Tourist Information Office, the Local Authority Offices in Fair Street, and many local businesses. It may also be downloaded below: Drogheda Walks Map .pdf Download PDF • 15.37MB How to find us Previous Item Next Item

St. Laurence's Gate & Drogheda Walls Laurence's Gate, East Drogheda, Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland +353 41 9872843 droghedatouristoffice@gmail.com VISIT WEBSITE Drogheda's name derives from the Irish Droichead Átha meaning 'bridge of the ford' which refers to the River Boyne on which it stands. Drogheda was granted its charter in 1194 by Hugh de Lacy (after whom the de Lacy bridge in Drogheda is named). The Anglo-Normans made Drogheda one of their primary strongholds, completing the town walls in 1334 ad. The walled area of the mediaeval Drogheda enclosed 113 acres, making it one of the largest walled towns of the time. St. Laurence's Gate, which led to the Friary of St Laurence, is widely regarded as one of the finest of its kind in Europe. It consists of two lofty circular towers, connected together by a wall, in which there is an archway. Visitors can appreciate the spectacular dimensions of the mediaeval walls south of the gate at Featherbed Lane. Twice the walls and gates of Drogheda held strong against invasion, firstly when Edward Bruce attacked the town in 1317 ad and again in 1642 ad when Sir Phelim O'Neill attempted to take Drogheda. In 1649 ad, Cromwell breached the walls and sacked the town, massacring 2,000 Royalist sympathisers and deporting captives as slaves to Barbados. Drogheda surrendered to King William after the Battle of the Boyne. How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Aura Leisure Centre Drogheda Aura Drogheda Leisure Centre, Marley's Lane, Rathmullan, Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland +353 41 9874478 VISIT WEBSITE Aura Leisure Centre is a complete gym and swimming pool facility operating in Drogheda, offering a wide range of facilities and services which include: 25M SWIMMING POOL LEARNER POOL KIDDIES POOL STEAM ROOM SAUNA JACUZZI FITNESS GYM FITNESS CLASS STUDIOS KID'S ACTIVITIES SPINNING CLASSES Visit Website for details of opening hours, pool times and more information. How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Boyne Valley Garden Trail Various locations in Louth & Meath boynevalleygardentrail@gmail.com VISIT WEBSITE The rich heritage of the Boyne Valley is reflected in gardens that date back to the C17th. Each garden member is open either by appointment, or for a set number of days per year. Many gardens host events, including walks, charity fetes, plant sales, outdoor theatre, music and much more. Gardens in County Louth include: Augustinian Garden of Remembrance | Shop Street, Drogheda Adjoining the Augustinian Church and drawing on it's monastic heritage the garden holds the names of loved ones to be remembered in a peaceful setting formed by pleached lime trees and standing stones surrounding a water memorial. Holly, Juniper, soft fruit trees, flowering herbaceous varieties and aromatic herbs fill the garden. Barmeath Castle | Dunleer Unique, C18th landscape designed by Tomas Wright includes fine specimen azaleas and rhododendrons. A recently restored walled garden restoration project is a joy to visit with opulent herbaceous borders and kitchen garden plots. Groups by appointment. Battle of the Boyne, Oldbridge House and Gardens | Oldbridge, Drogheda Walled garden with newly restored sunken octagonal garden, peach house, apple orchard, newly planted herbaceous borders and historic garden exhibition in the Bothy. Tea Pavilion overlooking the gardens. Killineer House and Gardens | Drogheda Early C19th gardens with formal paths descending from terraces and lawns to a woodland walk, beautiful lake, swans and a summerhouse. A visit to the 1.5 acre walled garden with fruit trees, herbaceous borders and vegetables is heavenly. Groups by appointment. Rokeby Hall | Grangebellew, Dunleer Built by architect Francis Johnston in the C18th, Rokeby won the An Taisce Ellison Award in 2013 for the restoration of its Turner designed conservatory. House and garden can be visited at times listed. Groups of 8 by appointment. Beaulieu House and Garden | Beaulieu, Drogheda C18th walled garden overlooking the river Boyne, planted with a vibrant double herbaceous border, fruit trees, knot garden, lawns and summer house. Tea and coffee by arrangement. Garden by appointment. Collon House | Collon Historic home built in 1740, with fine Georgian interiors and an enclosed, ornamental garden with period planting. Award winning period accommodation is offered. Tea/Coffee by arrangement. Please see website for more details. By appointment only. Download: Boyne Valley Garden Trail Map 2024-25 .pdf Download PDF • 1.50MB Visit Website for Opening Times, Fees, Contact Details and more information on each garden. How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Slane Castle Slane Castle, Slane, County Meath, Ireland +353 41 9884477 info@slanecastle.ie VISIT WEBSITE Overlooking the River Boyne, just a few kilometres upstream from Newgrange and the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne, Slane Castle in its existing form was constructed under the direction of William Burton Conyngham, together with his nephew the 1st Marquess Conyngham. The reconstruction dates back to 1785 and is principally the work of James Gandon, James Wyatt and Francis Johnston. Francis Johnston was also the architect responsible for the gothic gates on the Mill Hill, located to the east of the castle. One of the most exciting historic buildings on the island Slane Castle hosts many high profile events, from its famous Summer Concerts with a capacity of 80,000 people, to intimate events inside the Castle. With the backdrop of the River Boyne and the surrounding parkland of the Estate, it is the perfect venue to accommodate a wide range of events in unique surroundings. Castle Tours Public Guided Castle Tours are available on select dates and require booking. Visit Website to see available dates. Private guided tours of Slane Castle can be booked year round on request by emailing tours@slanecastle.ie . Slane Distillery Tours Slane Irish Whiskey is a world-class working Distillery and state of the art visitor centre. It is located opposite the Castle Courtyard, in a restored 18th century stable yard. Enjoy a signature private or group guided tour of Slane Distillery and delve into their story to learn how the trailblazing Slane Irish Whiskey came to be. For private and group bookings, please contact reservations@slanedistillery.com . Visit Website for more information, and details of Opening Times & Admission Fees. How to find us Previous Item Next Item

Bully's Acre Drogheda Bully’s Acre, Blackbush Lane, Lagavooren, Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland VISIT WEBSITE Bully's Acre is the name of a cemetery that originally formed part of the Drogheda Workhouse. The area served as a burial ground for paupers and is estimated to be 150 years old. This heritage site is located opposite St. Mary’s Calvary Cemetry on Blackbush Lane, and a large Celtic Cross stands at its centre. Background The poor law union act was introduced to Ireland in 1838 and each union had its own workhouse, which was built for the relief of the distressed. The Drogheda union workhouse was erected just off the Dublin road on land that was leased from a woman named Heaney, with the lease dating to April 1840. The Drogheda workhouse was similar in plan to many of the other institutions that were erected in Ireland at this time. It was designed by the architect, George Wilkinson and consisted of a reception to the front with the main workhouse situated some 130 metres to the rear of this building. An elected board of guardians were responsible for the well-being of the inmates, however such places were rife with diseases and sickness and when families were left destitute in their appalling mud cabins, they had no choice but to enter the workhouse, where they were then split up from each other. Often, the board of guardians provided relief work to the poor in a pitiful attempt to keep them out of the workhouse. This work consisted of constructing roads, bridges, etc; called new line roads, many of which were constructed during the famine years of the mid 19 century. The workhouse continued until 1924 and then became a district hospital, known locally as the 'Spike', it remained until the 1960s when it was demolished and replaced by Boyne View House. The foundation stone of the workhouse bearing the date, 1841, may be seen outside the entrance door to Millmount Museum. The Drogheda union workhouse had its own burial ground, known as Bully's Acre, and it is possible that the cemetery here pre-dated that of the workhouse. The origins of the name are unclear, however at Kilmainham in Dublin, there is also a place called Bully's Acre, which is believed to be Dublin's oldest cemetery. The order of St. John of Jerusalem, the Knights Hospitallers, may also have been associated with Bully's Acre at Kilmainham in the 13th century and it is worth noting that this same order were also at Drogheda during this period. The last known pauper to be buried here was in 1928. Recorded Monument R eference number: LH024-038 Category and Townland: Burial Ground, LAGAVOOREN Visit Website for more information. How to find us Previous Item Next Item