Across Carlingford Lough, the cliffs of the Mountains of Morne overlook the headland of the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth.
That’s where President Joe Biden will go today in honor of his Irish ancestors, the Finnegans, and with a big Gaelic nod to voters back home as he dropped his likely bid for a second term.
Lily Finnegan’s Pub is just three miles from the town of Carlingford and overlooks the ever choppy Irish Sea. The President may well be standing in front of this cozy whitewashed building looking out at the gaunt ruggedness of Slieve Foye, the highest peak in the Cooley Mountains.
He probably won’t have time to hike the hills, but if he does, they’re easy to get to. The main street in Carlingford leads straight up a mountain path used by many – hunters, shepherds, rebels, soldiers, smugglers. They all walked up the path through curtains and stalls, past wild horses grazing on the sparse grass.
On the other hand, Carlingford is ideal for relaxing. It is just six miles south-west of the Northern Ireland border, a short drive from Belfast (80km north) or Dublin (70km south). Take a few days to enjoy cuisine, culture, music and Guinness.
Joe Biden visits the town of Carlingford, County Louth as part of a trip to honor his Irish ancestors. Mal Rogers travels to the city and discovers it’s “perfect for relaxing.”
Biden’s tour of Ireland will be a ‘big Gaelic nod to voters at home’ Pictured: The President with First Lady Jill Biden
The ingrained nature of Irish history has left this medieval town with two castles, a monastery and a handful of fine Georgian buildings – not bad for a place where two people meeting on a pavement can cause a traffic jam.
The ground floor of the 16th century Taaffes Castle is a pub and the best place to see Gaelic games. Joe Biden might even catch a game of the local Gaelic football team Cooley Kickhams. Former British and Irish Lions player Rob Kearney still plays for the Kickhams – he is a distant cousin of President Biden.
The 12th-century King John’s Castle on the edge of Carlingford Lough was the northern outpost of The Pale, the area controlled by the English Crown. There is a kill hole at the main gates just above the welcome mat. It seems you were not so welcome, boiling water, tar and stones rained down on you.
The medieval town of Carlingford has two castles, a monastery and fine Georgian buildings
The Cooley Peninsula is also home to the Tain Way, a 40km walk that starts in Carlingford and is a spectacular inland route.
Both the McKevitts Hotel and the Carlingford Arms host traditional Irish music sessions most nights, while the Heritage Center offers everything from rock to baroque.
As the harbor comes into view, you can see the high stone walls of Ghan House – perfect accommodation in an elegant Georgian stack against the ruins of a medieval monastery. The dining room on the first floor offers an unbeatable combination of views and fine dining.
Peek over the salted rim of your margarita and you have a choice of two mountain ranges: the Cooleys behind you and the mountains of Morne stretching across the lake to the sea. They look like they came straight out of a fairy tale.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
