On the northeast side of the Cooley Peninsula, northeast of Dundalk, lies the ancient little town of Carlingford, dominated by the massive King John's Castle (13th C: National Monument) on a crag above the harbor. Nearby can be seen the Tholsel, an old gatetower in which the elders of the community used to meet. In a little street off the Square
is the old Mint, a 15th C. fortified tower house with curious window carvings. Taaffe's Castle opposite the station has a large square keep (16th C.) with a fine spiral staircase.