Leaving Drogheda
County Louth is the smallest county in Ireland. Its proximity to Dublin makes it an area where commuters live. It is a quiet region. Drogheda is located less than 50km from Dublin, via the freeway. Originally, it is a stronghold, surrounded by the River Boyne. It has an imposing cathedral, many pubs and restaurants and is a good place for bicycle tourists.
Annagassan
We continue our coastal road by crossing the villages of Baltray, Termonfeckin, Clogherhead. At the crossing with the R166, follow the old yellow sign to reach the village of Annagassan. The road is really pretty.
Inniskeen
A few more kilometers before turning inland to the picturesque village of Castlebellingham. We follow the road to Louth, then we change county to reach Inniskeen. Here we are in the county of Monaghan, whose chief town is our point of fall for this second stage. A good idea to stop for a snack break in Inniskeen.
It is the village of the poet Patrick Kavanagh (1904-1967). He composed many texts and songs of the Irish tradition. There is a museum in his name, but I have not visited it.
Gathering the bits of road that were not gravel to the traveler but eternal lanes of joy on which no man who walks can die.
Castleblayney
After a pretty maxim of the poet, we take again the road on a good twenty km separating us from the next village of Casleblayney and its splendid white castle.
Monaghan
Another twenty kilometers or so and we will arrive in Monaghan, a pretty little town from the 18th century, spared by mass tourism. A very pleasant place to stop and as usual, finish the day at the pub.
