Article
Louth County
Irish Gaelic: Contae Lú, Lugmad, Lughbhadh, Lughbhaidh, Lughmhadh
Motto: Lugh sáimh-ioldánach (Lugh equally skilled in many arts)
Louth is part of the Border Region of the province of Leinster. Its name in Irish ‘Lú is derived from Lughbhaidh – the Celtic pagan god Lugh, whose festival is celebrated at Lughnasadh ((Lúnasa). Louth is said to be part of the ancient tribe of the Voluntii in the time of Ptolemy (circa 125 AD). In later times it was part of the larger territory of Airghialla (Oriel) when the O'Carrolls were chiefs up to the 13th century. As a subordinate territory in Oriel, Louth formed a district called Conal Muithemne (or Conaille Muirtheimhne), called also Hy Conal and Machuire-Conal.
The Normans occupied the Louth area in the 1180s and it became known as English Oriel, to distinguish it from the remainder which remained in Irish hands. In the 14th Century the Scottish army of Edward Bruce (brother of Robert) was defeated at the Battle of Faughart near Dundalk; Edward losing his claim to the High Kingship of Ireland and his life. Until the Late 16th century Louth was part of Ulster.
Oliver Cromwell attacked Drogheda in 1649 slaughtering the royal garrison and hundreds of citizens. It also is the scene of the Battle of the Boyne at the end of the 17th century.
Choose from one of the Louth County tartans listed below:
