If art, literature or historical artefacts are your thing, Dundalk is a good place to find them!

Patrick Kavanagh Centre
Patrick Kavanagh was one of Ireland’s foremost literary figures and The Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Iniskeen, County Monaghan, approximately 8 km from Dundalk, is dedicated to the famous poet.  The centre features exhibitions on local history and on Kavanagh, an audio-visual theatre and a research library.  Also on view are specially commissioned paintings illustrating Kavanagh’s epic poem ‘The Great Hunger’, a miniature model depicting his classic ‘A Christmas Childhood’, Kavanagh’s death mask and other memorabilia associated with the poet. Visitors can also take a unique tour of Kavanagh Country which takes in many local sites immortalised by Kavanagh with anecdotes, historical facts, wild rumours and the odd poem along the way.

County Museum
Located in a beautifully restored 18th century warehouse, the award-winning County Museum traces the history of Dundalk and County Louth from the Mesolithic era to the modern day through a variety of interactive displays.  With three floors of permanent exhibitions and a changing and extensive programme of temporary displays covering drama, music recitals, storytelling festivals, lecture and film, the museum has something of interest for everyone and is well worth a visit. Kids love the 1966 Heinkel bubble car exhibit!

Holy Trinity Heritage Centre
Situated in Carlingford, just over 20km from Dundalk, the Holy Trinity Heritage Centre is located in a beautifully restored medieval church and recounts the history of Carlingford from Norman times to modern day.  The centre hosts a permanent exhibition and interpretation on the medieval town and also hosts special events throughout the year.  Details of upcoming events are available from the website. Open Mon-Fri, 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm.


Louth County Archives Service
Situated in Dundalk’s Old Gaol, the County Archives Service is a repository for the public and private archives of County Louth. It hosts exhibitions over the year. It is open Monday –Friday, 9am -5pm and prior appointment is preferred..  Visit www.louthcoco.ie or contact the service for more information.

Beaulieu House, Gardens & Museum
This Dutch style residence dates from 1628 and boasts a beautiful garden designed by Dutch artist Van der Hagan from which there are wonderful views of the Boyne Estuary.  Guided tours of the house tracing the family history are available and the house also features four acres of walled gardens and a museum containing a collection of classic race and road cars and memorabilia. Open 1st May- mid September, Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm, Weekends 1pm-5pm (July and August only)

Millmount Museum & Martello Tower
The oldest surviving man-made structure in Drogheda, the museum houses material on the town’s history including a unique collection of Guild and Trade Banners, geological and folk collections, a military room and the famous Boyne Coracle.  The museum and tower offer spectacular panoramic views of medieval Drogheda and the Boyne Valley and there is also a design studio and craft shop.  Guided tours are available. Open all year, Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-5.30pm, Sundays & Bank Holidays, 2pm-5pm.

Bridge Street Studios
This 18th Century building is a workspace for at least ten local, individual professional artists from a variety of disciplines including ceramics, painting, textiles and jewellery.  A permanent gallery, The Gateway Gallery, on the first floor, exhibits a permanent exhibition of the artists, where a wide range of high quality art and craftwork is available for purchase.  A commissioning service for individuals and corporate clients who wish to purchase original artworks is also available.