About Drogheda
The medieval town of Drogheda is built on a cluster of hills bordering the infamous river Boyne. Drogheda is located in the fastest growing region in Ireland.
One of Ireland's oldest and most historical towns, the town of Drogheda is situated only 28 miles (45K) from Dublin. It is very accessible from Dublin and Belfast, Air and Seaports. Chartered in 1194 AD by the Norman King John, the history of the town-land extends further back into the folklore of arrival of the Celts in Ireland.
Known as the "Gateway to the Boyne Valley" Drogheda is associated with an extraordinary number of significant events in the history of Ireland - The Battle of the Boyne, St Oliver Plunkett, Poynings Law, Cromwell's Siege and the surrender of the Irish Chieftains to the English King.
A busy, bustling town with a delightful mix of old and new buildings, wide streets and narrow lane-ways. A shoppers paradise with modern indoor shopping facilities ensure you can browse in the most unpredictable of Irish weather.
We invite you to explore our wonderful town, and witness first-hand just how much the town of Drogheda and its friendly people have to offer.
Discover Ireland's rich heritage in the Boyne Valley...
The lively and historic town of Drogheda is chock full of monuments and buildings which tell the story of its rich history, like Millmount Museum and Martello Tower, Magdalene Tower, the old Abbey, Laurence Gate, the 19th century engineering wonder that is the Boyne Viaduct, Highlanes Gallery - the old Franciscan church converted into an amazing modern gallery, and many more.
Drogheda is also the ideal base from which to explore and learn more about the nearby attractions of Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange), the Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge, Beaulieu House, Mellifont Abbey, monastic settlement at Monasterboice, Slane Castle, Ledwidge House and Museum. Further into the Boyne Valley are the ancient Hill of Tara, Loughcrew Cairns, Trim Castle and the bustling towns of Navan, Trim and Kells.
Drogheda Statistics (as per 2006 census)
- Population of Drogheda: 35,090 (which is 0.8% of the country)
- Percentage in Work: 58.15%
- Unemployed : 7.67%
- Local Authority rented properties make up 8.53 % of dwellings in Drogheda
- Rented Homes are 25.28% of all homes
- 22% are under 24 years of age
- 35% are married
- 56% in full time employment
- 41% live in detached houses
- 14% ethnic population
- 12% in full time education
Living and working in Drogheda
- The cost of living in Drogheda is much lower than Dublin
- In recent years Drogheda has been diversifying its economy away from its traditional industrial image, as an increasing number of people employed in the retail, services and technology sectors have been looking to the local economy instead of Dublin for employment.
- With the expansion of the Irish economy in the 1990s, during the "Celtic Tiger" years, Drogheda has become one of the primary locations for people who work in Dublin to buy a house.
- The downtown area of Drogheda has been transformed in recent years, two large shopping centers (Scotch Hall and The Laurences Town Centre) have opened, and large numbers of national and international retail firms have opened stores.
Other recent additions to the local economy in Drogheda include:
The IDA Business & Technology Park: a 25 hectare (63 acre) park created for the needs of both the IT, financial and internationally traded service sectors. IFS (International Fund Services) a leading provider of fund accounting and administration services to the hedge fund industry globally, have established a hedge fund administration operation in Drogheda, Co. Louth with the creation of up to 235 jobs.
Eight enterprise incubation units for high tech startup companies are provided in the Milmount complex.
The opening of the Drogheda bypass has led to the development of 2 large retail parks on either side of the Boyne cable bridge. These retail parks open late and at weekends, so there are ample opportunities for students who wish to work while they study.
For more information on the town of Drogheda, please visit:here