Things To Do
Monasterboice High Cross and Monastic Site
Beautiful remains of an early Christian monastic settlement that offer an incredible up-close view of carved high crosses. Just outside of Carl's hometown.
Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne)
Newgrange is a stunning Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in the Boyne Valley. It was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.), making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Old Mellifont Abbey
Ruins & gardens of the old Cistercian abbey located close to Drogheda in County Louth, Ireland. Carl's grandfather worked on excavating the site of one of the burial tombs of the monastery ruins!
Carlingford Lough
Carlingford is a lovely medieval village overlooking the Mourne Mountains. It’s about halfway between Belfast and Dublin and boasts a wonderful mix of heritage and folklore.
The Clermont (Restaurant)
The Clermont is a lovely restaurant in Blackrock, a small coastal village just outside of Dundalk. Great food and decor which can be followed with a nice stroll along the beach to work off the calories!
Mo Chara (Pub)
Mo Chara is a cool pub in Dundalk that pours their own brews and cocktails in addition to standards like Guinness and Beamish. They also have great pizza, sambos, and live music.
The Glyde Inn (Restaurant - Pub)
Traditional Irish Pub and Sea View Restaurant. The Glyde Inn was awarded National Pub of The Year and Irish Food Pub of the Year 2018 at the Irish Pub Awards in RDS.
Clogherhead Cliff Walk
Really nice walk (can get quite muddy) that follows the coast. Recommended route in the link above. Stop by Fishermans Catch in the harbor for the best fish & chips around. Full loop takes the guts of 1.5 hours. Wear good walking shoes
Scholars Townhouse Hotel (Restaurant - Bar)
In the heart of Drogheda town, award-winning restaurant and bar. Book or call ahead for dining
The Railway Tavern (Pub)
Hannah’s favorite pub in Drogheda! - Great Guinness and sometimes live music, worth a stop if you’re passing through town.
Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse offers a fantastic and immersive dive through the history of Ireland’s most famous beer. The view from the rooftop bar is spectacular and well worth the trip into Dublin.
Trinity College and Book of Kells
Trinity is Ireland's oldest university in the center of Dublin. The grounds are free to explore, but we highly recommend paying to tour its famed library and the immersive Book of Kells exhibits.
National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish and European art. It is located in the centre of Dublin with one entrance on Merrion Square, beside Leinster House, and another on Clare Street.
National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland
The Leprechaun Museum offers a fun trip through Irish legends and fairytales. Less about Leprechauns and more about Irish folklore and mythology, through the oral tradition of storytelling. Book your tickets ahead of time!
Giants Causeway
If you’re planning to stay an extra few days, a trip to Giants Causeway is worth the trek into Northern Ireland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning coastal region with incredible volcanic rock formations and breathtaking views.
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Must see on the way to Giants Causeway. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. It spans 20 metres and is 30 metres above the rocks below.
Travel Agent Services
Specialized Travel Services is a family-run company that offers extensive support for planning accommodations, transportation, activities and other vacation details in Ireland. Reach out to Brian Fitzgerald at Brian.Fitzgerald@special-ireland.com if you'd like help planning your stay.