dundalk

DUNDALK, County Louth

NAME ON MAP: Dún Dealgan
SOURCE: Annals of Ulster as at 1318
FIRST RECORD: Sraidbaile
MODERN IRISH NAME: Dún Dealgan

TYPE: Continental religious foundation, also stone castle MEANING: "Dealga's dún `fort'", probably referring nearby Castletown, birthplace of the legendary Cú Chulainn. Legend has it that Dealga, chief of the Fir Bolg built the fort. The earlier name means "street town". reference

Dundalk has been an urban centre since the late 12^th century when it was granted a charter by the Norman Knight, Bertram de Verdon.

Dundalk had been originally developed as an unwalled "Straid Bhaile" or "StreetTown". The streets passed along a gravel ridge which runs from the present day Bridge Street on the North, through Church Street to Clanbrassil Street to Earl Street, and finally to Dublin Street.

In the 12^th century, the town fell into Norman hands under John De Courcey, who established his castle on Castletown Mount. Another Norman family, the De Verdons, settled in the Seatown are of Dundalk, the "Nova Villa de Dundalke". Both families assisted in the fortification of the town, building walls and other fortification in the style of a Norman fortress.

Much of the town’s present layout is the work of James Hamilton, Earl of Clanbrassil. In addition to the demolition of the old walls and castles, he had new roads laid out eastwards of the principal streets. The most important of these new roads connected a newly laid down Market Square, which still survives, with a Linen and Cambric factory at its eastern end, now Aiken Military Barracks. This was the beginning of Dundalk as an industrial town, which is now the largest town in the Republic of Ireland .

Dundalk, a busy manufacturing center at the head of Dundalk Bay, is the county town of Louth. Dundalk racecourse is 1 1/2 miles (2 km) to the north. There is greyhound racing twice weekly. Salmon and trout fishing is available on the River Fane and other streams, and there is golf (18) at Blackrock, horse-riding instruction and pony-trekking. Louth Foxhounds and Dundalk Harriers hunt the district. Tennis, squash, dancing, cinemas and other entertainment are available. An international theater festival takes place every year. The forest park at Ravensdale has walks and nature trails.

Dundalk Weather

Callan's who lived on Bridge Street

Callan's who live Seatown

Callan's buried at Castletown Cemetery

St. Brigid Cross. Although Saint Patrick is known worldwide, Ireland does have a female patron Saint. Known as Bridey, Mary of Gaels and even as Biddy, Saint Brigid was born in the mid 6th century near Dundalk to a pagan Gaelic chieftain named Dubtach (Duffy) and to a Christian slave mother named Brocessa, who was sold soon after Brigid's birth.

In her endeavor to explain the passion and death of Jesus to her dying pagan father, she wove a cross from the rushes (thatch) strewn on the floor.

The date of her death is now that of her feastday, February 1st. which is still celebrated with the traditional creation of the Saint Brigid Cross, made from reeds. She is buried next to Saint Patrick in Downpatrick.

The St. Bridget Cross is believed to protect homes from want and evil.