An easy place to arrive from the capital city, Drogheda is County Louth's most appealing yet overlooked town on the tourist trail. Perched along the River Boyne, it is an enchanting place to enjoy pure Irish craic before heading deeper into the Boyne Valley and the Cooley Peninsula.

One of the highlights of the town is the Millmount Museum and Martello Tower (041 983 3097, www.millmount.net), which is considered the city's oldest structure. The exhibits on hand include banners from the 1700s, looms, gramophones, a folk kitchen, and an archaeological section containing rocks from every European country. The impressively designed tower is easily seen from town and is thought to have once been a burial tomb before the Normans constructed a castle on the premise. Guided tours and escorted walks are available. Open Monday–Saturday, 9:30 A.M. –5:30 P.M.; Sunday, 2 P.M.–5 A.M. Closed during the Christmas holiday. Combined admission to museum and tower 3/4/5.50.

Another site worth attention is the Old Mellifont Cistercian Abbey (041 982 6459, www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/OldMellifontAbbey). A branch of the Benedictines designed what became the first of its kind in Ireland. Built in 1142 and sanctified in 1157, the monastery housed well over 350 monks practicing their strict faith. While the imagination is left to reconstruct the edifice in its full glory, the remains are still a big draw. Research conducted on the facility discovered an unusual burial vault under the abbey's west end. The lavabo washing room is the best remaining feature. Located off of the R168 in Tullyallen. Visitor Centre open daily from June–end of September, 10 A.M.–6 P.M. Admission 1/2/3.

Monasterboice, County Louth

An esteemed religious site in Ireland and north of Drogheda, Monasterboice is composed of two extraordinary high crosses known as Muiredach's Cross and the West Cross. Finely sculpted and featuring holy writ, Muiredach's Cross stands nearly 6 meters (20 feet) tall and fits together like a puzzle piece with a sandstone base and tenon capstone. Truly a phenomenal construction feat in the tenth century, the base illustrates Adam and Eve, while the capstone renders the meeting of Saint Anthony and Saint Paul. Throughout the center are other scenes depicting Moses and the Judgment Day. The West Cross is considered the largest of its kind in Ireland. A vast burial ground composed of two chapels and a round tower encircles these sites, along with a sixth-century monastery founded by Saint Buite. Open all year.

The Cooley Mountains and Peninsula,County Louth

Overlooking the Irish Sea, the Cooley Peninsula is a remarkable area to explore by car, bike, or foot. The best place to begin is to start out at the quaint town of Carlingford; just northwest of town are wonderful views afforded from the Slieve Foye Forest Park.

Leaving Carlingford, the environs of the Cooley Peninsula and Mountains give way to magnificent views of the Mourne Mountains, scattered dolmen remnants, and loughs. Drive the coast around the R173 through the Windy Gap forming a loop by continuing onward to Rathcor, Grange, and Ballagan point. Driving the whole area takes about four hours, so pack a lunch and enjoy the finest scenery north of Dublin.

A popular and well-marked circuitous walking route from Carlingford is the 40km (25-mile) Táin Way. Possible in one day, but more relaxing over two, the trail meanders up the south side of Slieve Foye and has panoramic wonders overlooking the River Cronn and Rockmarshall Forest. The trail is composed of notable forest paths, ancient green paths, plus a few back roads. Additionally, the Cooley Bird Watching Trail is also a popular diversion for birders; the tourist office in town has all the latest information.