Dundalk
Clanbrassil Street in the heart of Dundalk Town.
Image courtesy of The Irish TimesDundalk
Image courtesy of The Irish Times
Image courtesy of The Irish Times
Dundalk
Clanbrassil Street in the heart of Dundalk Town.
Image courtesy of The Irish TimesDundalk is the county town of Louth and is located close to the border with Northern Ireland. According to the census of 2006, Dundalk including its suburbs has a population of 35,085, making it the second largest town in Ireland behind its County Louth neighbour Drogheda.
Dundalk takes its name from the irish Dún Dealgan which means Dalga's fort. This fort is closely linked with the famous mythical warrior Cúchulainn. Even the town crest of Dundalk reads "the place where brave Cúchulainn was born".
The town is based around the Castletown River and by the 12th century the town was developed further with the building of walls and other fortifications in the manner of a Norman fortress.
Dundalk Motorway
The Dundalk Motorway from the start of the new section, looking north.
Image courtesy of The Irish TimesDundalk Motorway
Image courtesy of The Irish Times
Image courtesy of The Irish Times
Dundalk Motorway
The Dundalk Motorway from the start of the new section, looking north.
Image courtesy of The Irish TimesDundalk's location is very interesting as it lies halfway between Belfast and Dublin. That is why lots of businesses have set up in Dundalk as the costs of transport to these 2 large markets aren't that high. The main products of Dundalk are beer, computers, clothing and processed foods.
In 2003, Dundalk was one of 9 towns/cities in Ireland that was given Gateway status in the government's National Spatial Strategy. This means it was chosen as a centre for development in industry, education, housing, transport and other social areas.