The duck pond
A two-acre water feature created in the 1990s restoration sits below the hill, complete with fountains and resident ducks and gulls. Bring seed or brown bread rather than white, which has little nutritional value for them.
Ice House Hill Park
4.6 (464)
About
A quiet town park built around a rare 1780s stone ice house, with a duck pond, rolling lawns and wide gravel paths a few minutes from Dundalk's centre.
Things to Do
The historic ice house
Built around 1780 for the Dundalk House demesne, this disused double-vaulted stone ice house is cut into the hillside. Its barrel-vaulted chambers and flight of cut-limestone steps survive, and it gives the park its name.
Hilltop views over Dundalk
A short climb up the grassy hill gives the park's best outlook across town; local walkers say Cú Chulainn's castle is visible from the top.
Walk or run the loop
More than a mile of cobble-edged paths surfaced in golden gravel follows the old worn routes through the park. The wide, level stretches suit buggies and wheelchairs as well as joggers.
Picnics and play
Open lawns, gentle slopes and benches make this a favourite picnic spot; children can cycle on the flat areas and roll down the hills. There is very little shelter, so pick a dry day.
Dogs and wildlife
The park is dog-friendly, with locals using the big open lawn for off-leash runs, and the mature trees shelter birds and squirrels.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open daily from 10am. Most listings give 10am-5pm, one shows a 4pm close, and historically the gates shut at 5pm in winter and up to 10pm in summer.
- Admission: Free admission; no tickets needed
- Parking: On-street parking on O'Hanlon Street, which borders the park; a gate at the end of the park gives quick access from there.
- Food: No cafe inside the park. The Longwalk Shopping Centre, a short walk towards the bus station, has two cafes and a Tesco; nearby restaurants include Windsor Bar and Restaurant (about 700m).
Watch More
See it on the map
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
