Holiday cottages in County Louth, Ireland

Affectionately known as the Wee County, this tiny Irish county, with a long coastline, packs a lot of history, outdoor activities and entertainment into a small area.

As in Ireland generally, local outdoor activities include salmon and trout fishing, golf, walking, cycling and horse riding.

• Holiday cottages in Ireland for a 'home for home' for your visit to Ireland

An adventure centre in Carlingford offers more pulse-racing activities like windsurfing, abseiling, canoeing and rock climbing. Carlingford itself is a pretty fishing village with white-washed houses and an Oyster festival every August. The village features some interesting buildings such as the 15th century tower house Carlingford Mint. Near the town are the Medieval ruins of King John's Castle.

South of Carlingford, there are the ruins of a Dominican priory built in 1305. The surrounding area, Carlingford Lough offers dramatic views of the Cooley Mountains. In the south of the county, the port town of Drogheda brings entertainment right up to date. The town is known for live music and also hosts an annual Samba festival. However, the town has a dark side. In 1649 it was the site of a massacre ordered by Oliver Cromwell. The county town, Dundalk is worth a visit to enjoy the greyhound racing or to visit the award winning County Museum. The museum also holds regular events such as concerts and lectures.  

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Cottages for self-catering holidays in County Louth, Ireland: