by the English called Tredab, a town of Ireland, in the province of Leinster and county of Louth, and situated on a bay of the same name, in W. Long. 6. 17. N. Lat. 53. 45. It was formerly very remarkable for its situation and strength. In consequence of this it was much distinguished by the old English monarchs. Edward II. granted it a market and fair; and to these were added other great privileges in succeeding ages, particularly the right of coinage. It was bravely defended against the rebels in 1641. After the cessation of arms it was taken by the duke of Ormond and the earl of Inchiquin; but was retaken by Cromwell in 1649. At this time it suffered so much, that for a long time after it remained almost in ruins. The buildings were exceedingly shattered; and the town being taken by storm, not only the garrison, but the inhabitants, men, women, and children, were mostly put to the sword. By degrees, however, it recovered, and is at present a large and populous place. It is a town and county; and as such sends two representatives to parliament. It has a great share of inland trade, and an advantageous commerce with England; and though the port is but indifferent, and narrow at its entrance, with a bar over which ships of burden cannot pass but at high water, yet a great deal of business is done; so that, from a low and declining port, it is now become rich and thriving.

Drogheda is perhaps one of the strongest instances that can be mentioned of the ineffable benefit of a river in any degree navigable: for though the Boyne is not capable of carrying vessels bigger than barges, or pretty large boats, yet the convenience that this affords of conveying coals by water-carriage through a great extent of country, introduced a correspondence between this place and Whitehaven in Cumberland, to which the revival of its commerce has been in a great measure owing.