by the English called Tredah, a town of Ireland, in the province of Leinster and county of Louth, and situated on the 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 place, with 15,000 inhabitants. It is a town and county; and sends one member to the imperial parliament. It has a great share of inland trade, and an advantageous commerce with England.

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