Dundalk has been inhabited since the Neolithic era, and one of its more popular local legends is that of Cú Chulainn. It suffered economic decline in the 1900s due to the gradual loss of its manufacturing industry, but it has since bounced back with a vivacity that's garnering national attention.
I live in the center of town, about two blocks from the grand steeples of St. Patrick's Church, and have a wealth of parks, independent shops, and pubs at my fingertips. For a relaxing walk in the evening, my husband and I stroll along Castletown River, a charming waterway that leads out into the Dundalk Harbour. The Fair Green park, fit for a picnic, offers an accessible and pleasant view.
For pubs, I have every type I could want. When I crave craft beer, fresh-made pizza, and a hip atmosphere, I visit Mo Chara (the Irish term for "my friend"). Operated by young staff who regularly arrange events—bustling markets, live music, and more—the bar has gained increasing popularity among locals and out-of-towners alike.
For a quieter, more traditional evening, I visit The Wee House. An easily missed, squat building with white walls and dark shutters, its interior is familiar and cozy, the type of place you visit for a more relaxed mood and a good pint of Guinness (€5.70/$6.60). Between it and Mo Chara are many more pubs, as well, boasting their own mixture of aesthetics, drink lists, and clientele, ones well-worth visiting for yourself to see which suits you best.
A short walk from my home is the Square, the town center, around which are various spots to eat. (Dundalk organizations like the Food and Drink Society regularly organize gatherings and excursions to try the local cuisines and get to know fellow foodies.)
My favorite stop for coffee is easily Coyles Bakehouse, which offers a delicious array of regular and vegan-baked goods. Coffee runs the average €4-5 ($6) depending on what you get (I'm an oat latte sort), and €3-4 for a baked good. I can reliably pay under €8 ($10) for my coffee and a bun.
Meanwhile, the aptly named Square Restaurant is located here, and it's a must-visit eatery for any occasion.
The Square features the quality of fine dining but none of the pretension. You can watch your food be prepared in the small kitchen, nestled just beside the dining area, and rest assured that your meal will include fresh, local ingredients. My husband Kyle and I usually split two starters, a side, and a main dish for about €70 ($81), and we can add a nice bottle of wine for another €30. I think €100 ($115) for a proper date night meal with high-quality food is quite reasonable.
The menu is seasonal, but always on the starters menu are their fan-favorite fried corn ribs, quartered pieces of corn on the cob coated in a fermented sriracha sauce. Even for the meat-eaters among you, these are an essential try.
For those more interested in nature, there's beautiful destinations all around you. The Cooley Mountains are visible from Dundalk, replete with hikes of all difficulty levels.
You can try Long Woman's Grave, of course named for a local Irish legend, or walk up Foyles Way Trail, a gentle climb mostly along a small river.
The latter's starting point is next to a popular village pub, The Lumpers, which is filled with good pints, a friendly atmosphere, and relaxing fires on a cold night.
Also in the heart of the Cooley Peninsula is the Annaloughan Loop Walk, which is accessible by bus from Dundalk and a small walk (but may be easier by car).
Starting and finishing at Fitzpatrick's Bar & Restaurant, this hike peaks at an intriguing location wherein you can find a few remnants of a WWII airplane that crashed here. It's an unexpected piece of history among sweeping scenery.
For farther travel, Dublin and Belfast are easily accessible by bus or train (making it simple if you're only looking to visit). Regardless, Dundalk has what you're looking for, whether it's a fun town-center community or peaceful rural villages to settle down in nearby.
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