evidence: Carlingford (from Old Norse Kerlingfjǫrðr 'narrow sea-inlet of the hag';[2] Irish: Cairlinn) is a coastal town and civil parish in northern County Louth, Ireland. For the purposes of local government, the town is part of the Dundalk Municipal District. It is situated on the southern shore of Carlingford Lough with Slieve Foy mountain as a backdrop, sometimes known as Carlingford Mountain.[3] It is the main town on the Cooley Peninsula. Located on the R176/R173 roads between Greenore and Omeath village, Carlingford is approximately 27 km (17 mi) north east (by road) from Dundalk (15.6 km; 9¾ miles directly), 90 km (56 mi) north of Dublin and 11 km (7 mi) south of the border with Northern Ireland. Carlingford won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition in 1988. [...] History [edit]Foundation [edit]The Vikings invaded Ireland in the 9th Century and historical records tell that they occupied Carlingford Lough, a naturally secure bay. Carlingford was inhabited in the 12th century by Norman knight Hugh de Lacy after laying the foundation stone for a castle on a strategic outcrop of rock. A settlement sprang up close to this fortress.[citation needed] The castle is known by the name of King John's Castle following a visit in the year 1210. The castle is an extensive ruin seated on a solid rock - the sides of which are enclosed by the sea. Mountains rise on the inland side, at the foot of which is a narrow pass which was formerly commanded by the fortress.