Small but great

Louth may be Ireland’s smallest county but don’t let that put you off when booking your next staycation. Good things come in small packages and this is certainly true for the wee county. Louth boasts a colourful history and, according to Irish mythology, it’s is the home of hurling and the Salmon of Knowledge. The county was also a base for William of Orange during the Battle of the Boyne, stormed by the Vikings and occupied by the Normans, but it’s a more sedate place these days.

Ravensdale Lodge

If the idea of trekking through mountains on horseback seems quite glamorous to you – and it does to us – a visit to Ravensdale Lodge is highly recommended. Located in the Cooley Mountains, home to the previously mentioned Kearney brothers, Ravensdale Lodge Equestrian, Trekking and Event Centre offers a picturesque setting for leisure pursuits and promises an unforgettable horse-riding experience. The centre caters for everyone from beginners to advanced with trails in both forest and mountain terrain with breathtaking scenery. There are a variety of routes available from one hour to full day or overnight trail rides with gourmet picnic hampers. And who knows, you might even run into a Kearney on the way.

Tel: 042-9371034

www.ravensdale-equestrian-centre.com

Sky Park

Sky Park in Carlingford is just under half an hour away from Ravensale Lodge. It was officially opened in July and is Ireland’s biggest zip line and sky trekking adventure park, catering for adults and children. The park boasts zip lines, rock climbing towers, suspension bridges, Tarzan swings, tightropes, rope bridges, cargo nets, base jumps, suspended skate boards and tree houses. It has four courses to suit different age groups, from the Breeeze for ages five to eight to the Stratosphere for those aged over 15.

www.skypark.ie

History

Louth’s rich history is brought to life in a number of museums and centres. Drogheda Museum Millmount can be found in the fort that towers over Drogheda. The building itself has a story to tell as the oldest surviving centre of settlement in the town. Visit for exhibitions on everything to do with Louth’s history, from archaeology to industry. The centre also has a craft studio that houses local artists.

Also worth a visit is the Oriel Centre in Dundalk, which was formerly the town’s old gaol and is now regarded as one of the northeast’s best traditional music venues. Louth County Museum is home to artefacts such as Mell flake, the earliest artefact to have been found in Ireland. Other exhibits include gun money and Oliver Cromwell’s shaving mirror.

WhiteRiver Park, Kart Racing Circuit

Whiteriver Park is a new outdoor venue for kart racing providing thrills for novice and experienced drivers. It is located three minutes off the M1 motorway at Collon and caters for both adults and children.

Tel: 041-9819100

Event guide

Ardee Baroque Festival

14-16 November

Dundalk Festival of Lights & Music

28-29 November

Drogheda Traditional Music Weekend

28-30 November

Drogheda Bonanza Shopping Festival

28-30 November

Dunleer Wren Boys Festival

26 December

Foodie favourites

THE OYSTERCATCHER

Carlingford, Co Louth

As you walk the streets of Carlingford, you can’t but be reminded of Kinsale in Cork. The beautiful views of the water, the narrow streets and, of course, the food is quite spectacular. While there are plenty of lovely places to eat, one that really caught our eye is the Oystercatcher, where, unsurprisingly, the oyster is king. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg on what owners Harry and Marian Jordan are offering their customers. Using the best of Irish ingredients, they give their dishes a little twist with influences from north Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Cataplana, their signature dish, is a fantastic blend of north Africian spices, shellfish, ham shank and vegetables. And their pork fillet is marinated in Thai squid oil. However, if you like a more traditional meal, the Oystercatcher keeps it Irish in many ways and does it exceptionally well. Their black pudding and muesli mousse starter has been on the menu for 30 years and its texture is a lovely blend of smooth and crunchy.

And for fish lovers, their Carlingford cocktail is a combination of smoked and fresh fish including crab and lobster. The true flavours of the fish are complemented by some lightly flavoured mayonnaise. Prices are fair restaurant prices with starters ranging from €6.50 to €9, while most main courses are about €18.95. This little gem of a restaurant is well worth a visit when you’re wandering the streets of Carlingford.

THE EASTERN SEABOARD

Drogheda, Co Louth

At last week’s Bord Bia Foodservice conference, delegates were told that one of the key things in fashion in Irish cuisine at the moment is bite-size dishes – and the Eastern Seaboard in Drogheda is getting this just right. From their crispy fried baby tiger prawns cooked and served in their shell, to little pots of warm chocolate heaven, nibbles in this bar and grill are impressive. They also serve a butcher’s board that Irish Country Living loved. Picture yourself sipping on a cool beer while nibbling away at pork rillettes, black pudding and chorizo ballotine as well as prosciutto. This grill does meat pretty well and if you’re looking for something a little more substantial, you can’t beat the chargrilled flavour of their 10 oz dry-aged rib-eye steak.

Louth might not have the foodie fame of other counties but that hasn’t stopped these two restaurants offering flavours that will quickly bring you back to the eastern county.