For years I have resisted writing about Ireland because it’s where I go to tune out, turn off, and talk to the sheep. Â The thought of anyone else finding out about my secret corner of County Louth makes me shudder. Â So imagine my surprise a few weeks ago to find the New York Times travel section calling “my” little medieval town of Carlingford “one of the new Eden’s”! Â I guess the cat is now out of the bag; so I might as well share a few images taken by my good friend, the photographer Lyn Hughes, who was privileged not only to be allowed a visit this summer, but also to sample my plum crumble.
![Carlingford Loch Carlingford Loch with King John's Castle in the distance](https://i0.wp.com/www.michaelnassar.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Carlingford-Loch.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1)
![carlingford center The busy center of town.](https://i0.wp.com/www.michaelnassar.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/carlingford-center.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1)
![detail of the Old Mint Carved window details at the Old Mint.](https://i0.wp.com/www.michaelnassar.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/detail-of-the-Old-Mint.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1)
![the Kingfisher courtyard The courtyard of the Kingfisher Bistro.](https://i0.wp.com/www.michaelnassar.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/the-Kingfisher-courtyard.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1)
![looking north to the Mournes From the sheep field, looking north to the Mourne Mountains.](https://i0.wp.com/www.michaelnassar.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/looking-north-to-the-Mournes.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1)