Once one of the most important trading ports in Ireland

Taaffe’s Castle was built around 1520 as a fortified townhouse and trading depot for the Taaffe family. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Carlingford was once one of the most prosperous trading towns on the east coast due to the herring shoals in Carlingford Lough. It even received 5 Royal trading charters and had its own mint. Carlingford’s luck ran out during the 17th century after the Cromwellian and Williamite Wars. By 1744, the town was described as ‘in a state of ruin’ and in the following century, the prosperous herring shoals disappeared in the lough. Carlingford has recently ‘bounced back’ as a top tourist destination due to its spectacular setting, wonderful pubs, and medieval architecture.