The Tholsel and the Medieval Streets
About 1.5 km · Gentle slope from the harbour up into the village elevation
About
The Tholsel is the only one of Carlingford's medieval town gates still standing, a squat stone arch spanning the street with a chamber above it. It was once three storeys, served as the town's gate and its administrative building, and it has been the focus of conservation work supported by the Heritage Council and the Irish Walled Towns Network. Walk through it and you are in the old town: Tholsel Street, Market Street and Newry Street still follow the medieval plan, with narrow alleys and entries running between them down to Old Quay Lane and the water. This is the best thing to do in Carlingford that costs nothing, takes as long as you want, and works in any weather that is not horizontal. Allow an hour to take in the Tholsel, the Mint, Taaffe's Castle, the Holy Trinity church and the alleys, and add another twenty minutes to walk south to the Dominican friary.
Highlights
- ✓The Tholsel, the last standing medieval town gate, still spanning the street
- ✓The medieval street plan of Tholsel Street, Market Street and Newry Street
- ✓Narrow alleys and entries running down to Old Quay Lane and the water
- ✓Free, self-guided, and open at any hour
Tips
- →The laneways are cobbled and setted and the village slopes; this is not a step-free walk.
- →Do it early on a summer morning or on any winter afternoon, when the streets belong to the village rather than to the weekend trade.
- →If you want the history explained rather than guessed at, take the Heritage Centre's town tour instead of doing it alone.
Best Season
More Walk Activities
Carlingford Lough Greenway
A flat, sealed off-road path along the lough shore from Carlingford Marina to Omeath pier, about 6.5 to 7km each way on the line of the old Greenore railway.
Slieve Foye Loop
A strenuous 9.8km waymarked loop from the harbour car park through forestry onto open mountain, with views up and down the coast and across the lough. Blue arrows, no dogs.