Discover Collon

If you are looking for a hotel in Collon, you can plan your trip around very different interests: historic architecture, the history of a house or karting. Collon Church and Collon House offer specific points of interest for a cultural and historical stay; Whiteriver Park adds motorsport to the mix. You can also include destinations in the wider County Louth area in your plans.

Architecture and history in Collon

Collon Church is an elegant building of cut limestone in the historic English architectural style. Its floor plan was modelled on the chapel of King's College, Cambridge. The present-day church was ready for its first service in September 1815 and is classified as a building of national importance. Its materials, architecture and history each offer a different way to appreciate the church: you can admire its design or place it in its historical context.

Collon House was built in 1740 by Anthony Foster in the style of an Irish long house. Its reception rooms are furnished with historic antiques and paintings; the gardens have been restored with historically appropriate planting. The family history is also connected to the house: Anthony Foster was the father of John “Speaker” Foster, the last Speaker of the Irish House of Commons before it was dissolved by the Act of Union of 1800.

Tours and karting

A tour of Collon House is followed by tea, coffee and homemade cake. If you are planning a group tour, groups of six or more guests can visit by prior appointment only. Confirm the details of the tour and refreshments when booking; also check the appointment arrangements before travelling.

Whiteriver Park offers a 1,200-metre outdoor karting track licensed by Motorsport Ireland and compliant with international FIA standards. The stated age range is from eight to 80 years. The park provides karts, helmets, race suits and gloves for karting. Its offerings include arrive-and-drive karting, Grand Prix events, kart racing competitions and driving instruction for individuals and groups. Check the operator’s current information before travelling.

The two themes offer different ways to shape your stay: in Collon, you can explore the history of a building and a house, or include karting in your travel plans. You should confirm specific details in advance, such as a tour you would like to take or the right offering at Whiteriver Park.

Getting to Collon and day trips

The nearest Irish Rail station to Collon House is in Drogheda, 9 miles away. Buses run between Collon and Dublin city centre. Check the timetables for your travel dates. Old Mellifont Abbey is on the R168 between Drogheda and Collon.

Several destinations are less than 20 minutes by car from Collon House: the prehistoric megalithic sites of Brú na Bóinne, including Newgrange; the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge; the high crosses of Monasterboice; and Slane Castle. Alongside Collon’s own buildings, these offer further distinct destinations for cultural and historical day trips.

More destinations in County Louth

County Louth offers additional destinations with a range of points of interest. Old Mellifont Cistercian Abbey in Tullyallen near Drogheda was Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery; the site includes a two-storey octagonal lavabo. Monasterboice, with its round tower and high crosses, is one of the outstanding examples of an early Christian, or “Celtic,” monastery. The Tall Cross, also known as the West Cross, is 6.5 metres high and Ireland’s tallest high cross. Muiredach’s Cross, also known as the South Cross, is 5.5 metres high and completely intact. In addition to depictions from the Old and New Testaments, two playful cats appear at the bottom of its shaft.

If you would like to include nature and outdoor activities alongside historic sites, Stephenstown Pond Nature Park is near Dundalk in County Louth. The nature park has lakeside walking trails, woodland and a wide variety of wildlife. Another option is the Carlingford Lough Greenway: the 20-kilometre route runs from the village of Carlingford in County Louth to Newry City in County Down. It follows the south shore of Carlingford Lough for most of its length, away from road traffic, and offers a route for walking and cycling.

Discover more destinations: Ardee, Termonfeckin, Drogheda, Lower Jenkinstown, Tallanstown, Dundalk, Bettystown, Stabannan

For the wider travel guide: County Louth.