Clogherhead

Clogherhead is a fishing village in County Louth on Ireland's east coast. Local fishermen unload their daily catch at Port Oriel harbor, while families swim and surf at the Blue Flag-certified Little Strand Beach. You'll find steep cliffs with walking paths, rock pools teeming with marine life, and clear views of the Mourne Mountains and Lambay Island from the headland's highest points.

Swimming and Beach Activities

Little Strand Beach has clean, protected waters with lifeguard service from June through August. The beach extends along natural sand dunes to the Boyne Estuary. At Neptune Watersports Centre, you can join kitesurfing lessons, rent sailing equipment, or explore rock pools with marine biologists. Celtic Adventures runs group water sports training sessions and archery classes throughout summer.

Port Oriel Harbor

Local fishing boats dock at Port Oriel harbor, built in 1885, to unload catches of cod, haddock, and shellfish. Walk along the harbor walls to watch grey seals, porpoises, and black guillemots swimming near the boats. Many locals fish from the harbor walls, particularly during mackerel season from July to September.

Geological Significance

The headland contains the only visible section of the Iapetus Suture on Ireland's east coast. Look for vertical muddy sandstones in the cliff faces, formed 400 million years ago during the collision of two ancient continents. These rocks were so valuable that Neolithic builders transported three-ton stones from Clogherhead's quarries to construct Newgrange passage tomb.

Walking Trails and Views

Follow the marked coastal path from the village center to Port Oriel, passing dramatic cliff edges. At low tide, walk the beach route to the Boyne Estuary. The headland trail rewards you with panoramic views - look north to the Mourne and Cooley Mountains, and south to Lambay Island. Visit the 12th-century church ruins at Mullagh Cemetery for views over the village and coastline.

Getting There

Take Bus Éireann route 189 from Drogheda to Clogherhead. The bus travels either through Termonfeckin and Baltray or via Grangebellew. If driving from Dublin, take the M1 motorway north to Drogheda, then follow signs to Termonfeckin and Clogherhead. The journey from Dublin takes about one hour, covering 70 kilometers.