Dundrum

Dundrum translates from the Irish Dun Droma as fort of the ridge.  It is located 5 miles north of Newcastle.  Dundrum’s medieval castle, with its circular keep and massive walls, is set high on a hill overlooking the sea.  It was built shortly before 1210 on an earlier fortified earthwork.  The building was begun by John de Courcy and used to guard the land routes from Drogheda via Greencastle to Downpatrick.  Murlough nature reserve is situated between Dundrum and Newcastle and is owned by the National Trust.  The ever popular TV presenter and comedian, Patrick Kielty, was born and raised in Dundrum.