Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort

Located on the grounds of the Ballymascanlon Hotel. The 4000-year-old Proleek Stone. This historical figure never fails to amaze visitors. Scholars and scientist alike are still puzzled as to how the ancient inhabitants manage to raise a forty-six-ton capstone on such seemly fragile supports.

An Táin Arts Centre is an independent arts space in Dundalk, Co. Louth based in the former Táin Theatre, Town Hall, Crowe Street. A market town situated along Ireland’s Ancient East, Dundalk has a rich cultural heritage that dates to at least 3500 BC. An Táin Arts Centre derives its name from the Táin Bó Cúailnge or the Cattle raid of Cooley, a legendary story from early Irish literature, which is said to have taken place in the nearby Cooley Penninsula. An epic tale of war, it tells the story of Queen Medbh of Connacht who declares war on Ulster and tries to steal the famous stud bull Donn Cúailnge, but is opposed by the super-human warrior Cúchulainn who defends Ulster at all costs.

The World Heritage Site of Newgrange or Bru na Boinne. Also close to the Newgrange Monument is the Historic Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre. Both Newgrange and the site of the Battle of the Boyne are approx. 25 minutes drive from Ballymascanlon Hotel. Brú na Bóinne Brú na Bóinne, which means the ‘palace’ or the ‘mansion’ of the Boyne, refers to the area within the bend of the River Boyne which contains one of the world’s most important prehistoric landscapes. It is located close to the east coast of Ireland approximately 40 km north of Dublin city, about 8km west of the medieval town of Drogheda and about 5km east of the village of Slane. The archaeological landscape within Brú na Bóinne is dominated by the three well-known large passage tombs, Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built some 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic or Late Stone Age. An additional ninety monuments have been recorded in the area giving rise to one of the most significant archaeological complexes in terms of scale and density of monuments and the material evidence that accompanies them. The Brú na Bóinne tombs, in particular Knowth, contain the largest assemblage of megalithic art in Western Europe. The natural heritage of Brú na Bóinne is also of importance and it encompasses several Natural Heritage Areas. The Boyne River Islands are one of the country’s few examples of alluvial wet woodland which is a priority habitat under the EU Habitat Directive. Brú na Bóinne was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in December 1993 in recognition of its outstanding universal value. The scale of passage tomb construction, the important concentration of megalithic art as well as the range of sites and the long continuity of activity were cited as reasons for the site’s inscription.

Less than an hour’s drive from Ireland’s two major cities, Dublin and Belfast, Carlingford Town on the Cooley Peninsula nestles between Slieve Foy, Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. A unique blend of natural beauty, spectacular panoramas, myths and legends combine to make Carlingford a very special place. It is Ireland’s most well preserved medieval town lending it a unique feel and atmosphere. Carlingford is also the Oyster capital of the country and every August the Oyster Festival draws huge crowds into this pretty village of whitewashed cottages and ancient clustered buildings. ‘An táin Bó Cuailigne’ the national epic of Ireland is centralised on the Cooley Peninsula. here Cuchulainn, Queen Maebh and the renowned Brown Bull of Cooley met their fate. Their route can be followed across Ireland to the Cooley mountains. This national waymarked way is known as the táin trail.

Facilities: Visitor Centre, Audio Visual Show, original and replica 17th Century weaponry displays, laser battlefield model, Tea Pavillion, Gift Shop, Toilets, walled garden. Self-guiding walks through parkland and battlesite

The fantastic “Carlingford Adventure Centre” is only 15 minutes drive from Ballymascanlon House Hotel hotel. Set against the natural beauty of a true medieval Irish coastal town, you can take advantage of the Centre's facilities, providing visitors with the perfect mix of character and modern comforts. With a huge array of LAND SEA & SKY outdoor activities designed to challenge and reward all ages and abilities. Also includes the new SKYPARK, the ultimate Sky Trekking Zip Line Adventure.

The County Museum, Dundalk is located in a beautifully restored late 18th-century warehouse in the Carroll Centre at Roden Place in Jocelyn Street. Funded by Dundalk Town Council the museum opened in 1994 and offers an extensive programme of permanent exhibitions, temporary displays, drama presentations, music recitals, lecture and film.