The Tholsel (toll gate), located at the corner of West Street and Shop Street in Drogheda, County Louth, is a historic limestone building erected in 1770, designed by architect George Darley. Originally a municipal authority center where tolls and taxes were collected, it served as the heart of Drogheda’s civic life for over 130 years before transitioning into a bank and, since October 2010, the Drogheda Tourist Office. Here’s what visitors can expect when visiting this iconic attraction:
The Tholsel is a striking, tall, and narrow structure with a three-bay main façade and four bays on the side, topped by a distinctive three-stage tower and dome housing a large four-faced clock, a landmark feature of Drogheda since its construction.
Its robust, channeled ashlar and round-headed ground-floor windows give it a stern yet elegant appearance, reflecting its historical role as a civic hub.
Visitors can appreciate its Georgian architectural style and its historical role as a toll hall (from the Old English “Thol” meaning toll and “Salle” meaning hall), with stories of its past, including rare accounts of public hangings, such as that of Michael Boylan in 1798.
- Gateway to the Boyne Valley Exhibition: The Tholsel houses a permanent interactive exhibition titled “Gateway to the Boyne Valley,” installed in 2016, designed to introduce visitors to the history and attractions of Drogheda and the Boyne Valley.
- The exhibition focuses on five key themes: Ancient Secrets, Beating Hearts, Conflict and Power, Holy Ground, and Beauty and Romance. Each section uses state-of-the-art touch-screen displays to explore the region’s history, from Neolithic sites like Newgrange to medieval landmarks and modern cultural offerings.
- Interactive screens engage visitors of all ages, particularly children, with hidden digital “gems” to explore, making it family-friendly.
- The exhibition includes artifacts from the nearby Millmount Museum, showcasing local arts, crafts, literature, and music to highlight the cultural depth of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Tourist Office Services:
- As the Drogheda Tourist Office, the Tholsel provides essential visitor services, including accommodation bookings, maps, guidebooks, and information on historical, cultural, and leisure activities in Drogheda and the Boyne Valley.
- Staff offer guidance on nearby attractions, such as Saint Laurence’s Gate, Millmount Museum, Saint Peter’s Church (housing the shrine of Saint Oliver Plunkett), and the Boyne Valley Camino, a 25km looped walk.
- The office is a stamp collection point for the Sea Louth Scenic Seafood Trail, encouraging visitors to explore local dining and cultural experiences.
- The Tholsel’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Drogheda’s medieval heritage, including Saint Laurence’s Gate, Highlanes Gallery, and the Millmount Museum, all within walking distance.
- The building’s historical ambiance, combined with modern interactive displays, offers a blend of education and engagement, appealing to what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, families, and culturally curious travelers.
- Visitors can expect a welcoming environment with free admission to the exhibition, though pre-booking will be required for certain services or events.
Practical Information:
- Address: Tholsel, West Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
- April–September: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (including Bank Holidays); October–March: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Always confirm hours in advance, as they may vary.
- Contact: Phone: +353 41 9872843; Email: droghedatouristoffice@gmail.com; Website: www.drogheda.ie.
- The building is accessible, but visitors with mobility issues should confirm specific accommodations with the tourist office.
- The Tholsel underwent renovation work in 2023.
