Best Reasons to Have Your Walking Tour in Carlingford
Carlingford is a beautiful part of County Louth, Ireland; it’s a medieval town with a long history, and it has some of the best mountain views you will ever see. If you enjoy walking tours then this is the place to have your next one! The walking tour is on every day at 11.00 in the morning, and again at three in the afternoon. You will hear about Carlingford and the changes in the town and the local area, from the time of the Vikings to the present day. It is believed that the town was actually founded by the Vikings, and Carlingford is thought to be a Viking name as it gave shelter to their ships.
Beautiful Views
The views of the mountains and sea around Carlingford are breathtaking. This area is regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, and you will see those views for yourself on this memorable walking tour. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will tell you about the history of the area, and show you the most beautiful views around.
The Vikings
The Vikings were seafaring warriors who inhabited the area in and around Carlingford in the eighth and ninth centuries. It is believed that they used Carlingford Bay, which is a sheltered harbour, as a place to moor their boats, if only on a temporary basis. As you walk around the area, your guide will tell you all the magical tales that are part of Carlingford’s history.
The Town
The town still has its medieval layout of streets and lanes that wind around the area. The lanes lead out to Carlingford’s harbour and its beautiful marina.
King John’s Castle
King John’s Castle is situated on the Carlingford Lough shores. Hugh de Lacy is reputed to have built the castle in which King John stayed as long ago as 1210. In the early years, there was an enclosed courtyard around the castle with towers at the entrance. The castle was modified in 1261 when the eastern half of the castle was built.
Medieval Church
At the Church of the Holy Trinity, which dates back to the 13th Century, great renovations were undertaken at the start of the 19th Century. The church has been donated by the Church of Ireland as a heritage centre for Carlingford.
The Dominican Friary
The friary in Castleford was first established in the town in 1305, and the building itself was dedicated to St. Malachy. The chancel and knave, which are divided by a tower, are all that remains of the original friary building. To the south east of the friary itself, there is a mill and a pond. In 1548, Henry VIII dissolved the friary, as he was doing with most of the religious houses. The Dominicans eventually left the building and moved on.
There is more than enough to see on a guided walk through Castleford, and the guides are extremely knowledgeable about the area and its history, so it is worth going if you visit the area.