For many years, Carlingford has had a special attraction and charm- especially for the antiquarian. This is because of its many castellated ruins which have thankfully survived an industrial age which destroyed the heart of many other ancient towns such as our neighbours, Dundalk and Newry, whose medieval buildings and defences had all been removed by the end of the 18th century. The perennial interest in Carlingford’s ruins is reflected in the numerous articles on its archaeology and history which have already appeared, ranging from Lewis’ Topographical Dictionary to the numerous miscellanea in the pages of the Journal of the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society.

In 1992 the Trust produced the very popular “Medieval Town Trail of Carlingford” followed later that year by “Carlingford Town – An Antiquarian’s Guide” by Paul Gosling which is the essential guide to Carlingford’s historical past intended to complement the “Medieval Town Trail of Carlingford”.

2011 sees the publication of the Irish Historic Towns Atlas Edition No. 23 “Carlingford” produced by the Royal Irish Academy and part funded by the Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust.

Available at the Heritage Centre and Post Office in Carlingford.