Carlingford Medieval (Viking) Festival

For a weekend in September, Carlingford’s Village Green is taken over by a Viking living-history camp - longboats, re-enactors in period dress, market stalls, and the particular atmosphere that comes from a medieval town playing host to the people who shaped it long before the Normans arrived. The Carlingford Medieval (Viking) Festival is organised by the Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust and runs across two afternoons, free of charge. It suits families with children well, but it is not a children’s event in the narrow sense - the re-enactment side is detailed and historically grounded.

What to expect

The centrepiece is the Ardglass Viking Longboat, an authentic replica that draws a crowd from the moment it appears. Re-enactors from the Fingal Living History group portray Viking life in accurate detail - clothing, tools, weapons, and the social structures of a society that was trading and raiding along this coast long before anyone built a castle here. There are street performances winding through the town’s medieval lanes, artisan food stalls, and market traders selling crafts and goods alongside the historical displays. The whole event has a relaxed pace - you can come and go, stop at a stall, watch a demonstration, and wander the streets without feeling rushed. Both Saturday and Sunday run noon to 5pm, so it fits easily into a half-day visit.

Getting there

Carlingford sits on the southern shore of Carlingford Lough, roughly an hour’s drive north of Dublin on the R173, or a short drive from Newry across the border. The town itself is compact and walkable. Parking in Carlingford fills up quickly on festival weekends - arriving before noon gives you a much better chance of finding a space near the Village Green. Bus Éireann runs services from Dundalk to Carlingford; check times on the Bus Éireann website before travelling, as services are limited and the timetable changes seasonally.

While you’re in Carlingford

The festival gives you a natural excuse to explore the rest of the town - the remains of King John’s Castle above the harbour, the narrow medieval lanes, and the lough itself stretching north into the Mournes. There is more to see in Carlingford and across Co. Louth.

Good to know

• Dates: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2026
• Times: 12:00 - 17:00 both days
• Price: Free entry
• Check for updates: carlingfordheritagecentre.com/our-events/
• Held outdoors on the Village Green - wear layers, the lough breeze picks up in September