HERE IS A PLAN FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
Here’s a possible 4-hour walking itinerary in Dundalk, starting from the train station, focusing on your interests in built environments, street art, and cemeteries. This itinerary is designed to be manageable on foot and gives you a good taste of what Dundalk has to offer.
Dundalk 4-Hour Walking Itinerary (Focus: Built Environment, Street Art, Cemeteries)
Starting Point: Dundalk Clarke Train Station
Hour 1: Town Centre History and Architecture
(0-15 minutes) Walk from the Train Station to Market Square: As you exit the station, head towards the town centre. This will give you a feel for the more modern parts of Dundalk as you make your way to the historic core.
(15-45 minutes) Market Square: This is the heart of Dundalk.
Stop to photograph the Maid of Éireann monument, commemorating the 1798 Rising.
Observe the surrounding buildings, noting their architectural styles.
(45 minutes – 1 hour) Dundalk Town Hall (An Táin Arts Centre):
Walk a short distance to Crowe Street to see the Town Hall.
Capture its Italianate facade, columns, and architectural details.
Consider photographing the plaque commemorating the 1975 bombing, adding a layer of historical context.
Hour 2: Churches and Street Art
(1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes) St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
Walk towards the cathedral.
Photograph its impressive architecture, inspired by King’s College Chapel.
Focus on details like the granite work and the overall scale of the building.
(1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours) Street Art Exploration:
Begin your search for street art.
Dundalk is known for its murals, so keep your eyes peeled as you walk.
Check out Clanbrassil Street and the surrounding areas, as this is where many murals are located.
Use resources like the Dundalk Democrat website or Street Art Cities (on your phone) to help you locate specific pieces if you have time.
Photograph the murals, paying attention to the context of their location and how they interact with the built environment.
Hour 3: Historic Graveyard
(2 hours – 3 hours) Castletown Graveyard:
This will be your furthest walk of the itinerary, but it’s worth it for the historical significance.
Allow ample time to walk to Castletown.
Explore the graveyard, photographing the old headstones, the ruins of the church, and any interesting details you find.
Capture the atmosphere of this historic burial ground.
Hour 4: Return and Further Exploration
(3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes) Walk back towards the town centre:
Begin your return journey, allowing enough time to get back to the train station.
(3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours) Optional: Further Street Art/Town Centre Exploration:
If you have time and energy, you can use the remaining time to:
Find more street art you may have missed.
Revisit any of the buildings or areas in the town centre that you want to photograph in more detail.
Grab a quick coffee or snack before heading back to the station.
(4 hours) Return to Dundalk Clarke Train Station:
Important Notes:
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Check mural locations: Street art can change, so it’s a good idea to check online resources or ask locals for the current locations of murals you want to see.
Be mindful of time: Keep an eye on the time to ensure you can get back to the train station for your departure. The walk to Castletown Graveyard, in particular, will take a significant portion of your time.
Flexibility: This is just a suggested itinerary. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and how much time you want to spend at each location.
Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially when photographing in less crowded areas.
Local resources: Websites like VisitLouth.ie and the Dundalk Democrat can provide more information about the town and its attractions.
I hope this helps you plan your photography trip to Dundalk!