Dundalk’s Ramparts river heritage to be celebrated

Dundalk Tidy Towns granted funding for Ramparts River study (Photo provided courtesy of LAWPRO)

placeholder image — Dundalk Tidy Towns granted funding for Ramparts River study (Photo provided courtesy of LAWPRO)

Friends of the Earth Dundalk will host a walk along the Ramparts River as part of National Heritage Week

Friends of the Earth Dundalk will host a walk along the Ramparts River as part of National Heritage Week 2026.

This year's theme, "Heritage at Risk," highlights the importance of recognising and protecting places that are under threat. The Ramparts River has been one the group’s projects since they set up in 2024, and they say they believe the river has significant potential to become a valued community amenity in the heart of Dundalk if restored and maintained.

Starting at Ladywell Shrine on the Dublin Road, the walk will offer an opportunity for people to reconnect with the Ramparts, share memories and stories, and reflect on its current condition and future. The group hope that local knowledge, experiences and ideas shared on the day will help build a better understanding of the river's heritage and inform future efforts to protect and celebrate it.

For generations, the Ramparts has been part of everyday life in Dundalk, with locals remembering children “fishing for pinikins” (small fish once found in the river), as well as walking, playing and spending time along its banks. Friends of the Earth want to hear the stories and memories that capture the river’s place in the town’s heritage.