Drogheda: An Ancient Town in Ireland

Drogheda is one of Ireland's best preserved old towns, and perhaps the only one to have most of its old city walls - plus a 'barbican' (a large fortified gateway) intact.

The city's history stretches back to ancient times when it was said the Celtic goddess Boann created the River Boyne - which today flows through Drogheda - by approaching the magical Well of Segais. Boann challenged the power of the well by walking around it counter-clockwise, which was forbidden; this caused the waters to surge up violently and rush down to the sea, creating the Boyne River. Boann was swept along in the rushing waters, losing her life in the resulting flood. It is said that her grieving children then settled at the mouth of the Boyne, thus becoming the founders of the city of Drogheda. 

Drogheda's history in more recent times has been equally turbulent. From the story of Sir Arthur Aston, Catholic defender of Drogheda, who in 1649 was battered to death with his own wooden leg by Cromwell's forces, to the infamous Anne Hardman who in 1884 rose from her grave the night after her own funeral -  terrorising half the town - and living another twenty years, dying 'again' in 1904 - drama has always been part of Drogheda's historical narrative.

Join me as we stroll through the streets of this unique and ancient town in the smallest county in Ireland, the 'wee county' - County Louth.