Dun-Dealgan
The Town Of Dundalk
|
|
Dun-Dealgan The Town Of Dundalk |
| The town of Dundalk traces its origins back more than 1,200
years. Its name comes from "Dun-Dealgan,'' which means "the fort
of Dealga,'' referring to a Celtic stronghold carved from a large mound. Dealga, according to tradition, was the home of the mythic warrior Cuchulainn.
Dundalk has been attacked and burned several times over the centuries by the likes of the Normans and Cromwell. It always managed to bounce back, though; its population increased from 600 in 1660 to about 30,000 today. The 6,100-acre town is in Northeast Ireland, about midway between Dublin and Belfast, and is the administrative headquarters for Ireland's smallest county, Louth. Along its northern border is the Castletown River, which flows into Dundalk Bay. The modern town is a lively, bustling area with a choice of cafes, bars, hotels and shops to suit all tastes and pockets, all within walking distance. Night Life in Dundalk is second to none with lots of great pubs, night clubs and restaurants combining to make an atmosphere which makes it very popular at the weekends. The last week in May brings international drama to Dundalk for the annual
May Time Festival. Drama clubs from various countries spend a week in
Dundalk to compete in the International Drama Competition. St Patrick's Day in Dundalk is now a great family day, with the parade, street entertainment for the children, with bouncy castles, ball pools etc, Irish Music and ceili dancing, and of course plenty of ceol agus craic in the pubs. A short bus journey brings the visitor to the Cooley Peninsula and the
medieval village of Carlingford with its ancient castles and churches.
The village also boasts a small marina along with craft shops, bistros,
B&B's, hotels and of course several excellent pubs to relax in.
Some of Dundalk's most famous exports in recent years are
footballer Stephen Staunton of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Ireland and
pop group 'The Corrs' who are currently enjoying worldwide success.
|
