Visit Carlingford.

Carlingford is a small medieval Irish village in County Louth, Ireland. Nestled against the mountains and facing the Irish Sea, it’s a little paradise for travellers in search of authenticity and wilderness. We love its narrow streets, ancient medieval fortifications, castle overlooking the sea… and the hospitality of its inhabitants!

Visit Carlingford

A historic fishing and tourist village

Carlingford is the largest village on the Cooley Peninsula. It lies on the R176 between Greenore and Omeath. Its main sources of income are tourism, oyster production and herring fishing.

Carlingford was occupied in the 12th century by the Anglo-Normans under the command of Hugh de Lacy.

It is to them that we owe King John Castle (not to be confused with Limerick Castle). It’s one of the village’s most popular tourist attractions. Now in ruins, it overlooks the Irish Sea and has a charm all of its own.

Other not-to-be-missed sights include a particularly ancient medieval gate in Tholsel Street in the town center. It is believed to be the last gate of the medieval fortified town. Not to be missed.

Finally, in the same street you’ll find “The Min”, a town hall dating back to the 16th century.

But the village has other attractions too. Carlingford is famous throughout Europe for the production of its green oysters (Carlingford Oysters). These oysters are appreciated for their subtle taste and character.

The Carlingford Oyster Festival takes place every summer, offering the opportunity to taste the best oysters in the village, while enjoying the beauty of the village, its traditional music and all kinds of entertainment!