Aromatherapy Massage at Smarmore Castle
The Smarmore Sports Injury Clinic is run by Brian Keenan BSc BASRaT in the courtyard behind the castle. If you are interested in having a relaxing aromatherapy massage or want information on the various sport’s injury treatments that Brian has to offer you can get more information at 353 (0)41 6857255. Brian offers aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, sports massage and injury prevention treatments. Booking in advance is essential.

Clay Pigeon Shooting
Ardee Shooting Grounds located just outside the town offer clay pigeon shooting for beginners and professional shooters alike. The centre provides the guns and all the equipment needed for the sport and its trained staff ensure that everything takes place in a safe and enjoyable environment.

http://www.ardeeshootinggrounds.com/. Booking in advance is essential.

Golf
The Castle is in the midst of a number of attractive golf courses. Each course has its own distinct features. Whether it is parkland or links, 9 hole or 18 hole, modern or traditional there is something to cater for every level of golfing experience and preference. Booking is essential particularly if you wish to play at the weekends. Please note that some clubs have restrictions on the times that ladies can play. The individual club can advise you on this and their current fees at time of booking.

More Golf Information

Cycling
A large chunk of the 365km Táin Cycling trail passes through Louth and Meath. It follows the route that Queen Meave’s army took on its trek across Ireland from Roscommon to Cooley in search of the famous brown bull. One leg of the trail goes from Navan to Omeath while another winds its way back from there to Mullingar via Tallanstown, Ardee (the scene of the epic duel between Cúchulainn and Ferdia), Newtown and Kells.

Walking
There are numerous marked walks of different distance and difficulty to be found in our immediate area. They include canal and river walks, forest trails, coastal walks, heritage trails in a number of towns and even Slí na Sláinte healthy heart walks. The Táin trail in the Colley Mountains is one of the best known walking routes in the country. It offers 40km of marked trails to walkers of all types. There is a pleasant walk along the river Dee in Ardee which passes the point where Cúchulainn and Ferdia had their epic duel in the Táin. There are a number of walks along the Boyne. One starts in Drogheda heading for Slane along the Boyne towpath running parallel with the old canal. Another starts in Navan and also follows the river towards Slane. The beaches along the coastline of Louth and Meath also make interesting places to walk. The nearest forest trails to Smarmore Castle are at Rathescar Lake (en route to Dunleer) and the Townley Hall Woods between Drogheda and Slane. There are also forest parks at Dun an Rí near Kingscourt and Ravensdale north of Dundalk.

Angling
The area surrounding Smarmore castle has a number of activities that are of interest to anglers. Coarse and game angling is available on some of the rivers and lakes in the area while sea angling can also be arranged. For details on angling options and permits contact the Eastern Region Fisheries Board. http://www.fishingireland.net/.

Ice Skating
Dundalk Ice dome is the largest ice rink in Ireland. Public skating sessions are available every day. Full details can be found at http://www.dundalkicedome.com/

Horse racing
Some of the most famous racecourses in Ireland are located within one hours drive of Smarmore castle. The include Fairyhouse in Ratoath the home of the Irish Grand National, Laytown with its unique beach racing, Navan with its variety of themed and family orientated meetings, Bellewstown one of the smallest but most picturesque courses in the country and Dundalk Stadium the home of Ireland’s only all weather track. Details on dates of meetings, admission prices etc can be found at http://www.goracing.ie

Bowling
On rainy days Dundalk sports dome offers an option for families with its ten pin bowling lanes, snooker and pool tables, kiddies play area and restaurant.

Ardee Baroque Festival
Ardee Baroque is an annual celebration of Baroque music that takes places in some of Ardee and Collon’s most celebrated buildings. The festival takes place over a weekend in mid-November. Since staring in 2004 it has featured performances of this distinctive music of the 17th and 18th centuries by the Irish Baroque Orchestra and other leading performers. The festival has also included “meet the instrument” workshops and films in the past. Venues used include Ardee Castle, St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Ardee and Collon Church.