Things to Do in Drogheda: Hidden Gems, History and Experiences

Drogheda straddles the River Boyne just 50km north of Dublin, making it an easy day trip, but there's enough here to warrant a longer stay. Unlike many Leinster towns that developed around Norman settlements, Drogheda began as two separate walled towns on opposite banks of the Boyne – one in Louth, one in Meath – which weren't officially united until 1412.

The town's strategic location made it a flashpoint throughout Irish history. Oliver Cromwell's infamous 1649 siege and subsequent massacre left scars that remain part of local consciousness today, while the nearby Battle of the Boyne in 1690 changed the course of Irish history forever.

Must-See Drogheda Attractions

St. Laurence's Gate

This imposing 13th-century barbican gate is one of the finest examples of medieval defensive architecture in Ireland – even more impressive than Kilkenny's surviving city gates. Originally part of Drogheda's defensive walls, it stands as a testament to the town's strategic importance.

Visitor info: Always accessible from outside, best photographed in morning light. Allow 15-20 minutes to examine the exterior and surrounding area. Free to view.

Highlanes Gallery

Housed in a former Franciscan church, Highlanes public art gallery showcases contemporary and historical works. The building is worth visiting, with beautiful exposed limestone walls and original architectural features.

Visitor info: Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-5pm. Closed Mondays. Allow 1-2 hours for a full viewing. Adult admission €5.

Millmount Museum & Martello Tower

Perched on a great mound overlooking the town (rumored to be a prehistoric burial site), this complex houses a military museum in the former military barracks and the distinctive cup-topped Martello Tower. The panoramic views of Drogheda and the Boyne Valley are unmatched.

Visitor info: Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-5pm. Allow 1-2 hours. Adult admission €5. Best visited on clear days for optimal views.

St. Peter's Church

This Gothic Revival church holds a macabre treasure – the preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett, the last Catholic martyr to die in England (executed in 1681). The head is displayed in an ornate glass case, drawing pilgrims and the curious alike.

Visitor info: Open daily 9am-6pm. Allow 30-45 minutes. Free admission, donations welcome. Mass times vary, so check ahead if you want to avoid service times.

Droichead Arts Centre

The cultural heartbeat of Drogheda, offering theater performances, music, exhibitions, and workshops. Droichead Arts Centre is spread across two buildings on Stockwell Street and provides a great introduction to the local arts scene.

Visitor info: Exhibition spaces open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Performance times vary. 

Magdalene Tower

All that remains of the once-grand Dominican friary, this 14th-century bell tower marks the spot where the Irish chieftains submitted to Richard II in 1395. While Kilkenny's Black Abbey offers a more complete Dominican structure, Drogheda's tower has a more significant historical story.

Visitor info: Exterior viewing only, always accessible. Allow 15 minutes. Free.

Drogheda's Hidden Treasures

Beaulieu House and Gardens

Just outside town, this stunning 17th-century mansion remains largely unchanged since its construction. Unlike Louth's better-known Townley Hall, Beaulieu is still a private family home with original furnishings and artwork. The gardens feature rare plants and mature trees.

Local insiders know to visit during the annual Drogheda Classical Music Series when the drawing room hosts intimate concerts – an experience you won't find in tourist brochures.

Visitor info: Gardens open daily April-September, house by guided tour only (call ahead). Adult admission €8.

Old Abbey Lane

This narrow medieval lane connects Shop Street to Magdalene Street and provides a glimpse of old Drogheda. Most tourists walk right past the entrance, but locals know it contains some of the oldest surviving structures in town. Look for the medieval stone arches and remaining portions of the town wall.

The lane was famously used by cattle thieves in the 18th century, who would drive stolen animals through to the quays for quick transport downriver.

Donor's Green

A quiet park with an intriguing history – it was gifted to the town in 1826 by the Donor family with the stipulation that it must remain "a green space for all citizens in perpetuity." Local lore claims a curse will befall any council that attempts to build on it.

Drogheda natives know to check out the unusual sundial monument, which was actually created from repurposed 18th-century grave markers following a churchyard clearance in the 1950s.

The Ramparts Walk

This riverside path follows the Boyne from the town center to the Mary McAleese Bridge. Few tourists venture here, but it offers beautiful views and connects with the Boyne Greenway.

The walk passes by Bronze Age cooking pits discovered during the pathway's construction – marked by interpretive signs that most visitors miss. Local fishermen still use the traditional weirs visible from certain points along the route.

Drogheda Event Calendar

Spring Events

Drogheda Traditional Music Weekend (February) A celebration of Irish traditional music with performances, workshops, and sessions throughout the town's pubs. Unlike larger festivals in Louth, this intimate event allows visitors to interact directly with musicians.

Drogheda Arts Festival (May) The town's largest cultural event transforms streets and buildings into performance spaces. Featuring theater, music, visual arts, and family events, it attracts artists from across Ireland and internationally.

Summer Events

Irish Maritime Festival (June) The quays come alive with tall ships, maritime displays, food markets, and music. The festival celebrates Drogheda's historic connection to the sea and riverways.

Boyne Music Festival (July) Held at Townley Hall, this classical music festival brings world-class performers to intimate venues. The chamber music performances in historic settings create a unique atmosphere.

Samba Festival (July) A vibrant weekend of Brazilian-inspired percussion and dance that fills the streets with color and rhythm. This unexpected festival began through a local school exchange program and has grown into one of the largest samba events in Ireland.

Autumn Events

Drogheda Performing Arts Festival (September) Focusing on theater and dance, this festival showcases both Irish and international performers in venues throughout town.

Boyne Valley Food Series (September-October) Not a single event but a series of food experiences highlighting local producers, restaurants, and food heritage across the Boyne Valley.

Winter Events

Drogheda Christmas Market (December) St. Dominick's Park transforms into a traditional Christmas market with craft stalls, food vendors, and entertainment.

Drogheda Traditional Singing Festival (December) An intimate gathering celebrating unaccompanied traditional singing, with workshops and performances in cozy pub settings.

Family Activities in Drogheda

Funtasia Waterpark

This indoor waterpark and entertainment center provides all-weather fun with water slides, play areas, bowling, and arcade games. Perfect for Irish rainy days, it's a reliable option to keep children entertained.

Visitor info: Open daily 10am-8pm, extended hours during school holidays. Family tickets available. Plan for at least half a day.

Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre (Oldbridge House)

Outside town, this beautifully restored Jacobean mansion offers interactive exhibitions about the famous 1690 battle. The extensive grounds feature picnic areas, battle site walks, formal gardens, and cannon displays that kids love.

Visitor info: Open daily March-October 10am-5pm, reduced hours November-February. Adult admission is €5, and family tickets are available. Allow 2-3 hours to explore grounds and exhibition.

Listoke Gardens & Maze

These restored Victorian gardens feature 8Ireland's largest hornbeam maze, perfect for family challenges. The gardens host seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and Halloween trails.

For families with older children, Listoke Distillery on the same site offers gin-making classes (adults only) while teens can enjoy mocktail masterclasses.

Visitor info: Gardens open weekends April-September. Adult admission €6, children €3. Allow 1-2 hours.

Stephenstown Pond Nature Park

This 23-acre park includes a large pond, woodland walks, and adventure playground. The wildlife – including swans, ducks, and occasional otters – keeps children entertained, while the on-site cafe serves kid-friendly meals and excellent homemade desserts.

Visitor info: Park open daily dawn to dusk, cafe open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Free admission to park, small parking fee applies.

Newgrange Farm

While the famous Newgrange monument gets all the attention, families should visit this working farm nearby. Children can bottle-feed lambs in spring, collect eggs, and meet rare breed animals. Indoor play areas make this another good all-weather option.

Visitor info: Open April-September, daily 10am-5pm. Adult admission €8, children €6. Allow half a day.

Local Drogheda Business Highlights

Eastern Seaboard Bar & Grill

This award-winning restaurant focuses on locally-sourced ingredients with a menu that changes seasonally. Their Boyne Valley beef burger is legendary among locals, featuring beef from cattle raised within 10 miles of town.

The restaurant's connection to local producers runs deep – they were among the first in the area to embrace farm-to-table dining, and their "Producer Wall" highlights the farms they work with.

Clarke's Bar

A traditional Irish pub with music sessions most weekends. Known locally for having the best pint of Guinness in town – a bold claim in Drogheda – and their house special hot whiskey with cloves and local honey is the perfect winter warmer.

The pub has been in the same family for four generations, and if you're lucky, the current owner might share stories of the famous musicians who've played impromptu sessions over the decades.

Ariosa Coffee

This local roastery and cafe serves exceptional coffee in relaxed surroundings. Their signature "Boyne Blend" combines beans from Ethiopia and Colombia for a distinctive flavor profile you'll only find in Drogheda.

The Crafty Fox

A unique gift shop specializing in locally-made crafts, including pottery from the nearby Knockbridge Pottery, hand-woven textiles, and artisan food products. The owner organizes craft workshops throughout the year, giving visitors the chance to learn traditional skills.

Visit Drogheda

Drogheda offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and local flavor for visitors willing to explore beyond the obvious attractions. While it makes an easy day trip from Dublin, staying longer rewards you with a deeper connection to one of Leinster's most historically significant towns.

Whether you're tracing the footsteps of ancient high kings, following the Cromwellian campaign trail, or simply enjoying the warm hospitality of modern Drogheda, this riverside town deserves more than a passing glance.

Check out our guide about things to do in Carlow.