If you’ve never been to Carlingford you might be wondering what all the fuss is about! Well we love providing useful information so here are 17 reasons to visit Carlingford sometime soon.
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The Scenery
– It really is one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland. Its has Carlingford Lough on its doorstep, the backdrop of the Cooley Mountains and the majestic Mourne Mountains in the foreground. Carlingford is nestled between mountain, shore and park with King Johns Castle keeping watch over it.
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The History
– One of Ireland’s prime remaining examples of medieval architecture, Carlingford was very prosperous during the 12th and 16th centuries. Its inability to attract large industry for centuries thereafter meant that many of its medieval buildings and structures remained intact. That era’s misfortune has directly led to the quaint charm, historic beauty and much of the current success of the town.
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The Location
– As well as being beside the sea and amidst an area of outstanding natural beauty Carlingford is also very accessible. Its within easy reach of 2 large towns – Dundalk & Newry and just over an hour from both Belfast and Dublin.
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The Size
– Who said bigger was better?! With a population of just over 1,000 Carlingford is a nice size with all the necessary amenities. Its town centre however is very compact within the old town walls and can be walked within a matter of a few minutes.
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The Craic
– With such a small town centre and the wide variety of people that come to visit Carlingford there is normally a great atmosphere on its main streets. On weekends and holidays particularly it is bursting at the seams with a vibrant and cosmopolitan feel.
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The Bars & the Nightlife
Carlingford is famed for its pubs and is a top location for Hen and Stag parties. However they mix easily with tourists, locals and families. Large beer gardens, live music and drinks promotions all add to the friendly and convivial atmosphere.
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The Activities –
– Often labelled as the Adventure Capital of Ireland, activities are another reason to visit Carlingford. With Ireland’s biggest Activity Centre and SKYPARK there is something for everyone, whether you want to get wet, get high or get wired.
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The Accommodation
– there are a wide variety of places to stay to suit every budget and taste. If you want to rent a house in Carlingford we have 4* Holiday Homes and private dorm style rooms right in the centre. There are also plenty of other providers offering a wide variety of quality and cost.
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The Food
– Carlingford is well famed for its oysters and seafood! But there are now a variety of eateries supplying everything that the heart and stomach desire. Many of the pubs and hotels also serve a high standard of food. In the summer season a BBQ is never far away!
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The Greenway
– Opened in 2014 from Omeath to Carlingford the Greenway is perfect for walkers, runners, cyclists and nature lovers. At 12km it’s a great workout and is already planned to extend the route as far as Newry.
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The Mountains & the Lough
– Nature at its finest and whether you are a nature lover, hiker, climber, swimmer, watersports etc, there is something for everyone. We have the most beautiful natural elements and love sharing them!
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The Visitors
– Carlingford gets a wide variety of visitors and travellers from around Ireland and further afield. Famous for its Hen & Stags, the area also attracts adventure lovers, families, day trippers, tourists, English Language students and sports teams.
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The Locals
– You’ll meet a wide range of local characters if you visit the town and it’s a proud fact that all of the businesses established are owned by local families. Staff are recruited from worldwide and you’ll hear lots of different accents and languages.
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The Shops
– For a small town Carlingford has plenty of craft stores and boutique clothes shops to keep even the most demanding shopaholic happy for a few hours at least.
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The Festivals
– Famed for its international Oyster Festival the town is also known for its Leprechaun Hunt, Irish Dance Festival, Summer School and Discount Shopping Night. For sports lovers it has the Poc Fada mountain hurling event, the Carlingford Triathlon and numerous running and endurance races.
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The Attractions
– For a small town it is packed with attractions. In addition to the aforementioned historic and adventure attractions it also has a brewery, distillery, scenic ferry and seasonal attractions such as fun fairs and markets.
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The Weather?!
– Well it’s Ireland so we cant promise too much! The town is naturally sheltered by the Cooley Mountains so avoids many of the extreme conditions that other parts of Ireland may endure. There is no better place to be on a beautiful day which is yet another reason to rent a house in Carlingford!
There you go, 17 reasons to visit Carlingford as if you needed them. An amazing location for whatever you are looking for. Anything we have missed – let us know!