Ardee is a small town in Ireland with a long history, and so while it might not be able to offer the hustle and bustle of Dublin, it’s nonetheless full of interesting attractions that are worth visiting today. We’re going to look at a few of these attractions and their history, opening up this wonderful but lesser known part of the country and all it has to offer.
Let’s get started.
- Ardee Castle
Doubtless the most impressive sight and attraction in Ardee itself is Ardee Castle. The castle is believed to have been built around the 13th Century and was used as a prison during the 17th and 18th Centuries. It remains the largest fortified medieval tower house in Ireland, and until 2006 it was used as the district courthouse. This is a great example of medieval Irish architecture and one of the best things to see in Ardee.
- Long Acre Alpacas
If you’re looking for something a bit different, just a stone’s throw away in the County Louth countryside is Long Acre Alpaca farm. There are also sheep, goats, donkeys and poultry and lots to keep the kids and the adults entertained over the day. You can interact with the animals and it makes a great day out if you’re around Ardee.
- Louth County Museum
The Louth County Museum can be found in Dundalk not far from Ardee, and is a storehouse of many of the documents of the history of County Louth more generally. It is housed in a restored 18th Century storehouse which was originally part of the distillery. There are collections in the museum from the Stone Age to the present day in three separate galleries, and it makes a great thing to see while you’re in Ardee.
- Carlingford Adventure Centre
For something a bit more heart-pounding, take a short trip over to Carlingford for the adventure centre. Here you can find all sorts of activities like laser combat, canoeing, target sports and survivor. This one will keep the kids active and make sure they’re tired enough for bed at the end of the day. The centre has a reputation as Ireland’s best adventure centre.
- Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern
For something as Irish as it gets, you can try out the Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern, also not far from Ardee in Carlingford. Here you will be taken on a short, 15 minute storytelling adventure to learn about the conservation of the leprechaun in Ireland and this is another one that the kids and the parents will both love. It won’t take up the whole day meaning you can fit this in easily somewhere around your trip.
There’s loads to do around Ardee, then, whether you’re staying in Ardee itself or you’re looking to get out about in County Louth more generally. Whether it’s something for the kids or for the adults, Ardee may seem quiet and sleepy from the outside, but there’s plenty on offer for anything you might want to do!