Dundalk is a town in northeast Ireland near the border with Northern Ireland. It sits at the confluence between Castletown River and Dundalk Bay. Dundalk is about the halfway point between Dublin and Belfast. A 2016 census lists the population as just under 40,000 people. 

Ancient Dundalk

The area that is now Dundalk has been regularly inhabited by people since at least the Neolithic period. Some well-maintained archaeological sites date local inhabitants to about 6,000 years ago. Humans have lived in this area for thousands of years. Thus, Dundalk is a textbook example of what makes a good place for a city.

Modern Dundalk

The main rail line runs between Belfast and Dublin goes through Dundalk. Of course, this meant a steady flow of tourists throughout the route. Unfortunately, from the sixties through the nineties, factions in Ireland used terrorism to promote independence from Britain.

The Dundalk of Today

Visiting Dundalk, Ireland brings to life the battles between the British and Northern Irish as the latter fought for independence. There is lingering subdued energy in the city. Perhaps the energy stems from the actions of Irish Republican Army operatives that lived in Dundalk?

Northern Ireland is a distinct place from Ireland, and the region is now at peace. During the last part of the nineties, people stopped going to Dundalk as tourists. Today, thanks to all the rail line traffic between Belfast and Dublin, tourism is back. Hopefully, for a long stay this time.