Dromiskin – situated five miles north of Drogheda
this was an important ecclesiastical site from early Christian
times. There are a number of religious ruins on offer, including
a round tower in which the monks used to seek refuge from marauding
Vikings and a Celtic ringed cross.
Hatch’s Castle – situated close to the village
of Ardee, the history of Hatch’s Castle is dominated by military
rather than religious considerations. It was here, along the River
Dee that the legendary Cú Chulainn is said to have single
handedly fought the armies of the south to defend Ulster in the
epic "Cattle Raid of Cooley".
Long Woman’s Grave – situated in the windy
gap of the Cooley peninsula, this is said to be the burial ground
of a Spanish princess who emigrated here to marry her Irish chieftain
lover but died when she saw the barren, cold landscape of his
kingdom.
Mellifont Abbey
Mellifont Abbey – this abbey was established in 1142
by the Cistercian order on land donated by the local chieftain.
It rapidly became a religious focal point for no less than 40
smaller monasteries. The partially restored cloisters date back
to 1200 and Mellifont displays a new progressive style of architecture
not in evidence anywhere else in Ireland.
Millmount Museum - located in Drogheda is a converted
army barracks that recounts the history of the town and its environs.
On display is a letter from William of Orange to the people after
the Battle of the Boyne.
Monasterboice – situated close to Mellifont Abbey,
this is one of the oldest monasteries in Ireland and was founded
in the 4th century. The ruins of the abbey contain two 13th century
churches, a fine round tower and three sculpted high crosses in
varying degrees of repair with Muiredach’s Cross representing
one of finest examples in the whole country.
St. Peter’s Church – located in Drogheda, this
church displays the head of Oliver Plunkett, the Catholic Archbishop
of Armagh. Plunkett was arrested for treason by the English authorities
in 1679 and tried in London. The authorities were determined to
find him guilty and Plunkett was executed in 1691. In 1975 he
was canonised and earned the title of Saint.
