# Dundalk > county town and administrative capital of County Louth, Ireland **Wikidata**: [Q204956](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q204956) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dundalk) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dundalk ## Summary Dundalk is the county town and administrative capital of County Louth, Ireland, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is a historic settlement with a population of 39,004, known for its cultural, educational, and sporting institutions, including Dundalk F.C. and the Dundalk Institute of Technology. ## Key Facts - **Location:** Dundalk is situated in County Louth, Ireland, with geographic coordinates approximately 54.0044°N, 6.4003°W. - **Population:** As of the latest data, Dundalk has a population of 39,004. - **Inception:** The town has ancient origins, with evidence of settlement dating back to around 3500 BCE. - **Administrative Role:** Dundalk serves as the administrative capital of County Louth. - **Transport:** Dundalk Clarke railway station is the only operational railway station in the town. - **Education:** Dundalk Institute of Technology, founded in 1970, is a major educational institution in the town, employing between 700 and 900 people. - **Sports:** Dundalk F.C., an association football club founded in 1903, is based in the town and plays at Oriel Park, a stadium established in 1919. - **Culture:** Dundalk is home to the Irish band Just Mustard, formed in 2016. - **Aliases:** The town is also known by its Irish name, Dún Dealgan. - **Website:** The official website for Dundalk is [dundalk.ie](https://dundalk.ie/). ## FAQs **What is the significance of Dundalk in County Louth?** Dundalk is the county town and administrative capital of County Louth, making it a central hub for governance, education, and culture in the region. **What are the major educational institutions in Dundalk?** Dundalk Institute of Technology, founded in 1970, is the primary educational institution in the town, offering a range of academic and vocational programs. **What sports teams are based in Dundalk?** Dundalk F.C., founded in 1903, is the town's prominent association football club. The team plays its home matches at Oriel Park, which was established in 1919. **What cultural contributions has Dundalk made?** Dundalk is home to the Irish band Just Mustard, which was formed in 2016. The town also has a rich historical and cultural heritage, reflected in its Irish name, Dún Dealgan. **What transportation options are available in Dundalk?** Dundalk Clarke railway station is the only operational railway station in the town, providing essential transport links to other parts of Ireland. ## Why It Matters Dundalk plays a crucial role as the administrative and cultural heart of County Louth. Its educational institutions, such as Dundalk Institute of Technology, contribute to the region's intellectual and economic development. The town's sporting heritage, exemplified by Dundalk F.C., fosters community spirit and regional pride. Additionally, Dundalk's cultural scene, including its music and historical significance, enriches Ireland's broader cultural landscape. ## Notable For - **Administrative Capital:** Dundalk is the administrative capital of County Louth, making it a key center for local governance. - **Educational Hub:** Dundalk Institute of Technology, founded in 1970, is a significant educational institution in the town. - **Sporting Heritage:** Dundalk F.C., founded in 1903, is a notable association football club with a long-standing history. - **Cultural Contributions:** Dundalk is home to the Irish band Just Mustard, formed in 2016, contributing to the town's cultural scene. - **Historical Significance:** The town has ancient origins, with evidence of settlement dating back to around 3500 BCE. - **Transportation:** Dundalk Clarke railway station is the only operational railway station in the town, providing essential transport links. ## Body ### History and Origins Dundalk has a rich historical background, with evidence of settlement dating back to around 3500 BCE. The town's Irish name, Dún Dealgan, reflects its deep-rooted cultural heritage. Over the centuries, Dundalk has evolved into a significant urban center in County Louth. ### Administrative Role Dundalk serves as the county town and administrative capital of County Louth. This role makes it a central hub for local governance, with various administrative offices and services located in the town. The town's administrative functions are crucial for the management and development of the county. ### Education Dundalk Institute of Technology, founded in 1970, is a major educational institution in the town. The institute offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs, contributing to the intellectual and economic development of the region. The institute employs between 700 and 900 people, making it a significant employer in the area. ### Sports Dundalk F.C., founded in 1903, is the town's prominent association football club. The team plays its home matches at Oriel Park, which was established in 1919. Dundalk F.C. has a long-standing history and is a source of regional pride and community spirit. ### Culture Dundalk is home to the Irish band Just Mustard, which was formed in 2016. The town's cultural scene is enriched by its musical contributions and historical significance. The Irish name, Dún Dealgan, reflects the town's deep-rooted cultural heritage. ### Transportation Dundalk Clarke railway station is the only operational railway station in the town. The station provides essential transport links to other parts of Ireland, facilitating travel and commerce. The railway station is a vital component of the town's infrastructure. ### Notable Entities - **Dundalk Institute of Technology:** Founded in 1970, this educational institution is a significant employer and contributor to the region's intellectual and economic development. - **Dundalk F.C.:** Founded in 1903, this association football club is a notable sporting entity in the town, with a long-standing history and regional pride. - **Oriel Park:** Established in 1919, this football stadium is the home ground for Dundalk F.C. - **Just Mustard:** Formed in 2016, this Irish band contributes to the town's cultural scene. - **Dundalk Clarke railway station:** The only operational railway station in the town, providing essential transport links. ### Related Entities - **County Louth:** Dundalk is the county town and administrative capital of County Louth, making it a key center for local governance. - **The Corrs:** An Irish musical group formed in 1990, contributing to the cultural scene of Ireland. ### Website and Online Presence The official website for Dundalk is [dundalk.ie](https://dundalk.ie/), providing information and resources for residents and visitors. The town's online presence is an essential tool for communication and engagement with the community. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. MusicBrainz 4. [Source](http://citypopulation.de/php/ireland.php) 5. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0 6. GeoNames 7. BBC Things 8. Placenames Database of Ireland 9. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)