The best city hikes and walks in Louth

Along the Rathmullan Road, St. Dominic’s Park is a 16-acre urban oasis that serves as a beautiful, tranquil escape right in the heart of Drogheda. Gateway to the Boyne Greenway: It serves as the perfect starting point for the 4.5km riverside walk/cycle to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge, complete with stunning views of the Mary McAleese Cable Bridge.

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Saint Dominic's Park is a popular area on the south bank of the River Boyne in Drogheda. There are children's play facilities, grass areas, trees and some planted flower beds. There is also a nice figure-of-eight shape path and access to the river trail.

This elegant cable-stayed bridge spans the River Boyne west of Drogheda, forming a striking landmark along the M1 motorway. Its slender pylons and fanning cables give the bridge a light, almost sculptural appearance above the river valley. From the surrounding routes, you have a clear view of the structure and the wide landscape of the Boyne Valley.

On the right bank lies Millmount, presumably an old Bronze Age burial mound, which successively served as a watchtower, feudal motte and finally as a fortress. From the top you have a panoramic view of the city. In the Millmount Museum & Tower, an interesting small museum about local history, you will discover a unique collection of company flags and memorabilia from the American War of Independence.

The riverside path is a multi-user, surfaced trail which runs from Saint Dominic's Park to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre in Oldbridge. It's only 4.5 km (3 miles) but it's a great trail to escape the city.

Saint Patrick and Saint Colman's Cathedral is the architectural jewel of Newry and one of Ireland's most impressive Neo-Gothic structures. Construction began in 1825, and upon its completion in 1829, the cathedral made history as the first Catholic cathedral to open in Ireland following the repeal of the penal laws (Catholic Emancipation). Built from local granite from the nearby Mourne Mountains, this edifice exudes a robust yet elegant power. The cathedral is world-renowned for its fabulous interior: the walls and ceiling are adorned with colourful mosaics, meticulously applied by hand by Italian master craftsmen in the early 20th century. For the cyclist, this is not only a visual highlight along the route but also a place of serene tranquility. Its detailed stained-glass windows and monumental tower make it one of the city's most photographed locations and a worthy endpoint (or starting point) for your tour along the Newry Canal Towpath.

As you enter Newry via the canal route, you are greeted by an impressive tribute to the fallen: the Newry War Memorial, marked by an authentic 25-pounder gun. This artillery piece, an icon of World War II, symbolizes the courage and sacrifice of the local people during global conflicts. The Gun: It is an Ordnance QF 25-pounder, the main British field gun of World War II, known for its versatility and mobility.