Boyne Valley Treasure Tour: St Laurence’s Gate

Tickets: €4 (€2 for children)

Drogheda’s name derives from the Irish ‘Droichead Átha’, meaning bridge of the ford which refers to the River Boyne on which it stands. Drogheda was granted its charter in 1194 by Hugh de Lacy. The Anglo-Normans made Drogheda one of their primary strongholds, completing the town walls in 1334. The walled area of medieval Drogheda enclosed one hundred and thirteen acres, making it one of the largest walled towns of the time. St Laurence’s Gate is widely regarded as one of the finest of its kind in Europe. It consists of two lofty circular towers, connected by a wall, in which there is an archway. Visitors can appreciate the spectacular dimensions of the mediaeval walls south of the gate at Featherbed Lane. County Louth Heritage Officer, Brendan McSherry, and Community Historian Brendan Matthews will share their knowledge before visitors enter the gate.