Carlingford Introduction
Tucked away in County Louth's northeast pocket, Carlingford is ideal for both a relaxing getaway and an adventure-filled holiday. History buffs will have a field day checking out the ruins of castles and monasteries that call to mind the town's medieval history, while nature lovers will revel in scenic loop walks where the spectacular surroundings are on full display. The calm blue waters of Carlingford Lough are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, or simply for taking a cool dip on a warm summer day.
Hotels in Carlingford
The number of hotels in Carlingford and its neighbouring villages might be small, but these accommodations do offer all the basics and more to make for a comfortable and memorable stay. Luxury hotels in Carlingford include 4-star B&Bs where you'll find spacious guestrooms with en suite bathrooms, complimentary full Irish breakfast to start the day, and patios and terraces furnished for al fresco meals. Three-star inns and hotels feature modern guestrooms, some with separate sitting areas. A few have additional amenities like indoor swimming pools, full-service spas, on-site restaurants and bars, and even playgrounds to keep the little ones occupied.
Where to stay in Carlingford
Hotels in Carlingford are mainly in the town centre, an ideal location which means several of the area's most notable landmarks are just a few minutes' walk away. The main road and surrounding lanes and streets are lined with restaurants set in charming cottages and lively pubs where you can have tapas-style oyster starters with your Guinness. Hip fashion and furniture shops and a village pharmacy or two are located here too. The Belmont area south of the town centre is a scenic, tranquil place where lodging options offer pleasant views of the surrounding farmlands, while the nearby village of Rostrevor features accommodations close to Carlingford Lough's coastline.
Things to see in Carlingford
Evidence of Carlingford's medieval past can be seen all around the town. One fine example is
King John's Castle, where the monarch after whom it was named was said to have slept for a brief period in 1210. Overlooking the harbour and Carlingford Lough, it's the town's first stone building, whose formidable stone walls – more than 3 metres thick – have survived the Irish Confederate Wars and the Williamite War. Delve even deeper into the past at
Proleek Dolmen, a neolithic-era portal tomb dating back to about 3,000 BC. Legend has it that a Scottish giant brought the dolmen to Ireland, and that anyone who lands 3 pebbles on the 35-tonne capstone will be granted a wish. To learn even more about the town's history and culture, drop by the
Carlingford Heritage Centre. Housed within the beautifully restored medieval-era Church of the Holy Trinity, it's also a popular venue for musical recitals and weddings.
How to get to Carlingford
Carlingford sits right in the middle between Dublin and Belfast, just over an hour's drive from either city's international airport. If you're travelling to Carlingford by road, you can take the M1 route between Dublin and Belfast, or the N2 route between Dublin and Derry. If you're coming in from the south or the north using public transportation, you can take Irish Rail's train services that stop in the towns of Newry and Dundalk, and from there take a bus to Carlingford. Bus Éireann also operates a return service from Dublin to Carlingford on Sundays.
