Overview
The Castletown River (Irish: Abhainn Bhaile an Chaisleáin) rises near Newtownhamilton in County Armagh, where it is known as the Creggan River, gathers the Kilcurry and Falmore, then cuts through Dundalk and empties into Dundalk Bay. It is a working trout fishery as well as a place to walk, and the reasons to come if you are not carrying a rod are the riverside paths and the estuary.
Angling
The river is managed by the Dundalk & District Brown Trout & Salmon Anglers Association, established in 1926 and one of Ireland’s older clubs. Inland Fisheries Ireland lists the Castletown as closed to salmon and sea trout over 40 cm in 2026. For trout fishing, check the local angling association and the current IFI rules for permission, tackle, season and licence requirements. Use only authorised access points.
Birdwatching and estuary walks
Louth County Council lists a public Castletown River Walkway and the Navvy Bank greenway, which follows the estuary from Mountain View towards Soldiers Point. Where the river meets the sea at Dundalk Harbour it opens into a wide tidal estuary, a good place for coastal and migratory birds such as curlew, oystercatcher, redshank and gulls.
Stay on the paths and keep off exposed mudflats. Check the Dundalk Bay tide tables before heading out, as the state of the tide changes what you can see from the path.
Toberona Bridge and riverside walks
The single-arch stone Toberona Bridge (also called St John’s Bridge) crosses the river in a quiet, wooded setting beside the old St John’s Well. It is reputedly 19th-century, though there is no firm date on record. Mature trees line the bank, and photographers tend to come at dawn or in autumn, when the low sun catches the arch.
Practical information
- Location: Dundalk, County Louth.
- Access: Use the public walkway and greenway named by the council, and stay on the paths.
- Fishing: Check the club and Inland Fisheries Ireland for permission, season, tackle and licence requirements before you travel.
- Facilities: Toilets and cafés are in Dundalk town centre.
Nearby
South in a wooded valley is Mellifont Abbey, Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery, and the Norman ruins of Castle Roche look out over the Cooley foothills. Dún Dealgan Motte (Cú Chulainn’s Castle) stands on a ridge over the river.