Carlingford Castle — Attraction in The Municipal District of Dundalk

Update two weeks later:

OPW & Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust: Thank you for addressing my concerns regarding the ticket charge and clarifying the Heritage Card coverage for Carlingford Castle. While I was initially disappointed by the confusion on my visit, I appreciate the goodwill shown by Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust and their offer of a refund and complimentary Town Tour. I look forward to visiting again once I am fully recovered. We were really disappointed with our visit to Carlingford Castle last Bank Holiday Monday. According to the OPW website, the Family Heritage Card is valid at all OPW sites – and Carlingford Castle is clearly listed. However, when we arrived, we were told the card was not accepted and we had to pay for tickets. What’s worse, the website says a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) costs €20, and adult tickets are €8.50 each. We were charged €30 for a “family ticket” for 2 adults and one student (age 16) – no explanation, no student rate, and no acknowledgement of the pricing discrepancy. We also didn’t even get a receipt for the purchase.

The tour itself was actually very enjoyable. The tour guide was local, friendly, and knowledgeable. She explained that they are volunteers and need to cover things like insurance hence the charge, but don't all OPW sites work that way? The castle is beautiful, full of fascinating history – including a mention of the “Biden Corner.” My son even rescued a juvenile bird that was trapped in one of the rooms, which made the visit especially memorable.

That said, the whole experience around ticketing left a sour taste. You can’t buy tickets at the castle itself – you have to go to the town centre, to the tourist information office, and there’s only one tour a day, at 2pm. Ann, who was in the office, simply told us “it’s €30 for a family” and that was that – no breakdown or discussion.

It’s an amazing place and well worth visiting for the tour, but the confusing and inconsistent pricing (especially when it contradicts the OPW website) left me feeling like I’d been scammed. At the very least, the OPW site needs to be updated to reflect how things are...

Carlingford Castle, located on the picturesque shores of Carlingford Bay in County Louth, Ireland, is a stunning and evocative ruin steeped in history. The castle, dating back to the 12th century, was built by the Anglo-Normans, who established it as a fortress to control the strategic Carlingford Lough. Its commanding position on a hill provides breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding mountains, making it a remarkable landmark in the region.

Although the castle has fallen into ruin over the centuries, much of its original structure remains, offering a glimpse into its once-grand past. The decapitated, weathered walls, towering archways, and battlements are a testament to the castle's resilience and its important role in medieval Ireland. It is believed that the castle was partially destroyed during the Cromwellian invasions in the 17th century, which contributed to its dilapidation.

Today, Carlingford Castle is a popular attraction for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors are drawn not only by the ruins themselves but by the stunning landscape that surrounds them. The castle's scenic location, perched on the edge of the bay, allows for a serene and reflective experience, where the beauty of the past meets the tranquility of...

Great guided tour of the castle. Currently only open for one hour a day from 2pm and tours only. You can buy tickets at the tourist office in town. Very informative guide talking about the history of the castle which is now a ruin. Great views of the harbour. If you don’t book a tour you can still look around the outskirts of the ruin where there are some information boards. Lovely little village to explore too with a handful of cafes and traditional pubs. Note that if you’re travelling from the north you will need euros to pay in the town as most places ask for cash. There are two ATMs we found. The tourist office accept card payments for the...