Termonfeckin: Tower House, River and Sea

Termonfeckin combines a long monastic history with striking buildings, the Ballywater River and views of the Irish Sea. This means you can shape your stay around different interests: discover historic traces in the village, walk along the nearby beach, or include golf and cultural activities in your trip.

Tower House and early local history

Termonfeckin Tower House is a National Monument under state care. It has three storeys and features a parapet, a lookout tower and a platform on the coastal side. The elaborately projecting roof on the third storey is particularly striking. It is considered unique among buildings of its period and recalls the corbelled burial chamber of the prehistoric passage tomb at Newgrange in neighbouring County Meath.

The history of the village also stretches far back: Termonfeckin, formerly also known as Torfeckan, was an important monastic site from an early date. It is recorded that St. Fechin, from Fore in County Westmeath, founded the site in 665. Ecclesiastical remains include two early churches, a surviving high cross, the base of a second cross and an inscribed cross-slab. St Fechin’s Church & High Cross is also listed among Termonfeckin’s protected structures.

Another high cross stands in the cemetery of St Fechins COI. At about 9 feet tall, it is unusually small for its type. Those interested in history and architecture can find different forms of religious heritage here: from the Tower House and the remains of the early churches to the crosses and the cross-slab. The central area of Termonfeckin is designated a Zone of Archaeological Potential (ZAP) and is protected under the National Monuments Act.

River, beach and views

The bridge in the centre spans the Ballywater River, which flows into the Irish Sea. The river and vegetation within Termonfeckin connect the village with the surrounding landscape. From the Tower House, views extend east towards the sea, north and south across the countryside, and west towards the village. The finely stepped, crenellated wall walks shape the view of the building; the views from there are a distinctive part of its described architecture.

Termonfeckin Beach is close to the village centre. The long sandy and shingle beach is suitable for walks that can stretch for miles. A nearby car park, sea views and occasional wildlife sightings are also among the beach’s noted features. This offers a different way to experience the area from visiting the historic buildings: here, the focus is on the coastal landscape, walking and the possibility of spotting wildlife.

Golf, courses and harp music

Seapoint Golf Links is located in Termonfeckin. The golf course has hosted the Irish PGA Championship and offers views of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea. If golf is one of your travel interests, you can take this into account when choosing a holiday apartment in the village. The views of the mountains and sea also give the course a landscape setting that differs from the historic impressions around the Tower House.

Another offering is An Grianán, which has a wide selection of courses for adults. There is also the annual international harp festival, An Chúirt Chruitireachta. If your travel group has varied interests, these provide opportunities to explore courses, golf and music, as well as local history and the beach. You can give each of these themes a different priority when planning, without limiting your stay to just one type of experience.

Getting here and choosing where to stay

Termonfeckin is on the R166. The road connects the village to Drogheda in the southwest and Clogherhead in the north. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether you want to focus your stay mainly on the sights and activities in Termonfeckin or also include these two places in your travel plans.

Discover more places

More local pages: Stabannan, Ardee, Bettystown, Collon, Dunleer, Lower Jenkinstown, Drogheda and Tallanstown.

For the broader travel overview: County Louth.